Fi Fie Foe Banana

Bananas are super. Not only because monkeys like them, but because they are packed full of potassium and other good things. I personally never eat a banana unless it is cooked into something, or mixed into a smoothie. If you do have "really ripe" bananas sitting on your counter...STOP...do not throw them away! Instead put them in a Ziploc bag and toss them in the freezer. Next time you want a smoothie they are good to go. Or, let them defrost and bake them into something. Add them to you basic pancake batter with a handful of nuts, or...go crazy and add some to your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.

I did a little research and found out 15 Fun Facts about Bananas:

1. Bananas originate from Asia.

2. Some people are allergic to bananas.

3. You can make paper out of the fibers on the banana plant...I wonder if there are post its that are made from bananas and smell like bananas...hum...maybe I should pitch that one to Mr. Post it.

4. When a person slips on a banana peel it is common courtesy to laugh, and then buy a hot dog.

5. Which came first? Banana Republic or bananas? FYI Banana Republic first became famous for their bright yellow raincoats that didn't button or zip, they were peeled off...not a true story.

6. They are part of the family Musaceae. I hear that is one crazy tribe to be part of.

7. Bananas are 75% water

8. If you feel like doing a full body flush eat the peels of bananas - they have proven to help cleanse the body of nasty little toxins...they also help you lose friends, because if someone sees you eating a banana peel they will think you are crazy.

9. Shake things up a bit...peel the banana from the bottom...studies have shown that it tastes the same!

10. You can get high from banana peels. After a lengthy process bananas can produce bananadine...you can smoke it...FYI they also help cure hangovers.

11. The banana plant is not a tree. It is actually the world's largest herb!

12. Banana power helps fight the following: Depression, Constipation, blood pressure, heartburn, morning sickness, stress, strokes, and ulcers.

13. Bananas can help remove warts. Tape a banana peel to you skin...the wart should miraculously fall to the floor...it also helps to click your heels twice and wear ruby shoes.

14. "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana" - Groucho Marx

15. Plain Bananas give me headaches.

Monkey so love Banana Nut Bread:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature (or grape seed oil)
1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
1/2 cup sour cream (or yogurt...plain or vanilla)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Preheat l'oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan or a 12 count muffin tin.

Cream butter.

Add sugar, and cream until smooth.

Beat in eggs one at a time until incorporated.

Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Stir dry into the wet.

Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla. Stir.

Add nuts.

Pour into pan. Bake for 1 hour in loaf pan, or 20-25 minutes in muffin tin until golden brown and top springs back when touched.

p.s. I also like to add a handful of chocolate chips if the Spirit so moves me.