I’m not really sure how it happened but it’s officially been THREE (.5) WEEKS since I last posted.
Wow.
And shame on me!
Long story short, exactly three weeks ago this Monday, I started my new job (promotion in only 4 months!). Not knowing I would be *this* busy with the new role, blogging kind of got left on the curbside.
Week one of me being the newest Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Assistant to the Vice President of Social Media Marketing for a large software/hardware company in Silicon Valley was a rude awakening to the time I used to spend on blogging and baking. None of that free time at my disposal anymore. The first week was spent trying to keep up with the incoming MOUNDS of emails and preparation for EMC World in Las Vegas, one of the largest Tech company industry events. Week two was spent with 6 nights in Las Vegas, working hard, playing hard(er), sleeping little, drinking lots (hehe), and running around all day in heels with blisters the size and quantity of ants at a picnic (I know, super bad analogy…).
I can honestly say that I cannot remember the last time my body was so exhausted, my mind so needing sleep, and I had that much fun with a huge group of new friends. And I can honestly say that I have never loved a job more than the one I am now blessed to own.
So, that’s my little summary of why I haven’t blogged in oh-so-long. But I promise you, I’ll be making a slightly more valiant effort to post!
Starting with a recipe for Orange Goji Banana Bread!
I guess the only way to get through a busy day is to start the morning out with a large green smoothie and a giant piece of healthy banana bread, crumbled on top of the smoothie, of course.
This is a slightly sweet, definitely tangy, healthy banana bread, slightly augmented by me, from the Whole Foods, Delicious Living Magazine (May 2012 edition). It’s a great alternative to regular, sugar-loaded, fat-swimming, banana bread.
Orange Goji Banana Bread
Makes about 16 servings.
- 3/4 cup spelt flour +4 tbsp coconut flour (or +6 tbsp spelt flour)
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2-4 tbsp orange juice
- 1 cup mashed, ripe banana (about 2-3 bananas)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup canola, olive oil, or melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup *buttermilk* = almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice (mixed together to create buttermilk)
- 1/2 cup goji berries (or raspberries, blackberries, cherries, or strawberries)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat a loaf pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper (to make sure nothing sticks!).
In a small bowl, combine flours, baking powder, soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the coconut sugar, honey, orange zest and juice, and banana until most of the banana chunks are broken down. Whisk in eggs and oil. Add half of the flour mixture and buttermilk to the banana mixture, combining. Then whisk in the remaining flour and buttermilk.
Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Bake until firm to the touch in the center. Cool before removing from loaf pan.
Serve and enjoy.
By the way, did I mention these were healthy??
Nutritional stats, PER SERVING: 124 calories, 5 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 1 gram fiber
That’s my story of a busy girl’s Banana Bread!
I’m working on the story of a busy girl working… I know some of you are interested as to what the heck I’m even doing and where the heck this job came from.
Happy Sunday/Monday, past 3 weeks!
I’ve missed you!
<3 Lori