Berry Spinach Smoothie

We make smoothies a lot in the evenings to fill up our little toddler who won't eat during the day.  This is by far my favorite, and possibly the kids' favorite too.  I don't have measurements as I just dump it in, so you'll have to experiment a little.

Ingredients:

large handful of spinach (Pack it in!  Be sure you put it in the bottom so it will blend well.)

frozen mixed berries (Maybe about 1 cup.  I use the bag from Costco.)

banana

1/2 container of lemon yogurt (If you don't have lemon, use another kind but add some lemon juice.  It goes great with the blueberries)

water (just enough to get it blended)

Blend and serve!

Whole Wheat Honey Banana Muffins

I found this recipe on food.com while searching for a healthy banana muffin recipe.  The kids loved them!    I put a little dab of cream cheese icing on one for Maddie, but Ellie loved them just plain.  I was scared to do solely whole wheat, so added a little white flour.

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (I did 2 1/2 cups wheat and 1 cup white)
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp wheat germ (optional)
2/3 cup canola oil
1 cup honey
4 eggs (I only used to by accident and they turned out great)
2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 large bananas)
1/2 cup hot water

Instructions:
1) Stir together dry ingredients
2) Beat oil and honey together; add eggs and beat well
3) Add bananas and beat to combine
4) Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with hot water;  mix well after each addition
5) Spoon batter in greased muffin cups (I did half regular muffins and half mini-muffins)
6) Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes (it took more like 18 minutes for me and I ended up increased temperature to 350 for the second batch) or until muffins are golden brown
7) Remove from oven and cool on rack

Banana Pop

This is so healthy you could serve it for dessert with no guilt.  Be sure to let them freeze for long enough (mine were still a little mushy).  I served these at a "tea party" for one of Maddie's playdates.

Ingredients:
Bananas
yogurt
rice krispies cereal
sprinkles
popsicle sticks

Instructions:
Peel bananas and cut in half.  Put a popsicle stick into the cut side.  Put yogurt in a shallow bowl or plate.  Put cereals and sprinkles in another shallow bowl or plate.  Dip bananas in yogurt (I had to use a spoon to smear it on in places).  Then dip in cereal and sprinkles.  Freeze.

Banana Protein Shake

This shake was created by Sam and Leah.  I added the word 'protein' to the shake name because it is an extremely high source of protein.  Thanks Leah, as Ellie won't eat meat so I'm always looking for ways to supplement.  I've tried versions of this shake before, but never with tofu or flax seed.  I usually just make shakes for the kids, but with chocolate I'll probably have to save a cup for me!

2 cups ice
2 cups milk
2 bananas
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup extra firm tofu
2 Tbsp flax seed

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.