4 Holiday Starters!
and 1 amazing family
Calling this a recipe is kind of a crime, given how simple it is! As some of my longer time readers may know, last year I would often eat a warm banana mashed with cocoa powder for dessert. I thought-why stop at cocoa? These could be so much more! These little holiday bites come in chocolate peppermint, gingerbread, original cocoa, and pumpkin spice. Why starters? While delicious on their own, these would be amazing in so many things-stirred into oatmeal or yogurt, in smoothies, as a dip for graham crackers or cookies, on toast, made into a pie-when chilled, the peppermint cocoa and cocoa thicken into an almost fudgey texture-the possibilities are endless! The best thing is, with so little sugar (the gingerbread has molasses, but otherwise there is no sugar), these sweet treats could be enjoyed any time of day.
To make them, microwave a banana for about 30 seconds, or until hot and soft. Then, mash up with the additional ingredients. For a smoother texture, throw them in the blender! Since these have no eggs, the spices can be added to your taste.
Original
1-1.5 T cocoa powder (or dark chocolate cocoa powder, which is what I used)
That’s it!
Gingerbread
This is a bit spicy, so add a little less of the spice if you prefer a milder flavor.
1 t molasses
1/4 t ground ginger
1/4 t cloves
pinch of all spice (or nutmeg+cinnamon)
Peppermint Chocolate
Although this is banana based, I promise all the only flavors that come across are cocoa and mint! This would also be delicious made with fresh mint blended in, instead of extract.
1.5 T cocoa powder-or more to taste
1/4 t peppermint extract, or to taste
Pumpkin Spice
3 T pumpkin
1/4 t vanilla
1/2 pumpkin pie spice
1/2 t cinnamon
Enjoy!