late night gluten-free banana bread

I'm guilty. I'll admit it. I ate past 7 pm today--something I told myself NEVER to do. I will hold myself accountable for that tomorrow, but I can honestly say I felt more peaceful than guilty.

Late night eating warms the soul somewhat. Late at night, the duties of the day are over with, the worries forgotten in those moments of indulgence, our nerves are finally at ease and our five senses can slowly work its magic and appreciate the food from its every aspect. It's relaxing and blissful, and maybe that tad hint of guilt from late night eating challenges the inner rebel, daring to take just one more bite...I personally must stay away from this habit but otherwise, it truly is a calming experience. The chilly autumn weather is just a bonus :)


And so,
I went to Trader Joe's today and bought a pack of "Just Almond Meal" to use for my gluten-free baking (I get too lazy to use the blender sometimes...). AND I bought another POUND PLUS CHOCOLATE BAR :) 72% cacao, can't wait to use it!

Like I wrote above I caved to late night eating today...and ate the bottom of this gluten-free banana bread that refused to smoothly slide out of the loaf pan. Dense and nutty, I'm pretty sure this bread would taste GREAT with peanut butter because what better combination is there than bananas and peanut butter? Uh yeah, NONE (just kidding). I'm extremely pleased with myself as I'm experimenting more and more everyday to find and make food that is not only healthy but yummy as well :) I'm happy about my recent drive towards fitness and well being. I feel more pumped up and positive day to day and it makes me even more excited to experiment more savory and sweet--and of course healthy--recipes!

I'll be eating a slice (or two) of my banana bread tomorrow morning, maybe top it with some blueberries or honey or Greek yogurt. I'll post a picture too but until then, good night!

Update 10/12/12

A slice of my gluten-free banana bread served with a drizzle of honey, blueberries, and a dollop of Greek yogurt :)

Gluten-Free Banana Bread

adapted from The Healthy Chef
yields 1 loaf

Ingredients:

1 cup mashed banana
3 eggs
3 tbs honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 cups almond meal
1/4 cup ground flaxseed

Directions: 

- Preheat oven to 350° F and fill a baking sheet with a little bit of water.
- In a small bowl, mix together the almond meal and ground flaxseed and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the mashed banana and the 3 eggs, honey, vanilla extract, olive oil, ground cinnamon, and baking soda. Then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated.
- Spray a loaf pan with PAM and dust it a little bit with the almond flour to ensure easy removal. Make sure the batter is evenly spread in the loaf pan, and set onto the baking sheet that has a bit of water poured onto it. 
- Bake for about 40 minutes so that when you insert a toothpick it comes out dry. Serve (with honey, fruit, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, whatever you like :))!