Category: Bread and Pizza Crust

Maple Pecan Banana Bread (Paleo • Gluten-Free)

Banana nut bread is one of my favorite indulgences. The flavor and aroma of sweet baked banana in every bite is irresistible. I knew I had to turn this classic into a healthy, guilt-free version. The traditional quick bread gets a makeover using gluten-free and grain-free blanched almond flour. This is a great bread option for anyone who suffers from gluten allergies or if you happen to be following a Paleo diet lifestyle.

To curb the amount of fat and oil used, mashed ripe bananas step in without sacrificing any moisture. Because the bananas are naturally very sweet, there’s no need to add heaps of sugar. I opted to use pure maple syrup for its deep signature flavor that pairs oh-so-perfectly with bananas. You can also use high-quality honey if you prefer. The result is a chewy dessert or breakfast bread that can stand on its own or be topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a smear of grass-fed butter. Save this recipe, because it will be one you use again and again–I know I will!

Maple Pecan Banana Bread (Paleo • Gluten-Free)

15 minutes

65 minutes

1 hour, 20 minutes

Yield: 10-12 slices

Maple Pecan Banana Bread (Paleo • Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 medium very ripe bananas, mashed (plus 1 extra banana sliced lengthwise for decorating)
  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee, melted
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a loaf pan with parchment paper overlapping sides. In a medium mixing bowl whisk together eggs, mashed banana, melted ghee, maple syrup and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder, sea salt and pecans.
  2. Gradually stir wet ingredients into dry. Pour into pan. Decorate the top with additional sliced bananas if desired. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out mostly clean. Allow bread to cook in pan 10 minutes. Lift parchment paper and place bread on a cooling rack. Cool 20 minutes longer before slicing.
http://freshandfit.org/maple-pecan-banana-bread-paleo-%e2%80%a2-gluten-free/

Herbed Chickpea Pizza with Brussels Sprouts, Caramelized Onion, and Walnuts

herbed chickpea pizza 2

If you follow Fresh and Fit, you know I love taking traditionally not so healthy recipes and making them very nutritious. This herbed chickpea pizza with caramelized onion, brussels sprouts and walnuts is one of those recipes. The high protein and fiber content in the chickpea flour make this a recipe that will fuel your workout instead of ruin your efforts. The recipe makes a personal size pizza, but the density of the crust make it very filling and ideal for sharing.

Herbed Chickpea Pizza with Brussels Sprouts, Caramelized Onion, and Walnuts

Herbed Chickpea Pizza with Brussels Sprouts, Caramelized Onion, and Walnuts

Ingredients

  • FOR THE DOUGH
  • 2 c chickpea flour ( I used bob's red mill)
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 c water
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried Rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • FOR TOPPING
  • 1 c shaved Brussels sprouts
  • 1/2 c sliced white onion
  • 1 c grated Asiago cheese
  • 1/3 c chopped walnuts
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl combine chickpea flour, garlic powder, oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and sea salt. Add egg and mix well.
  3. Add water and mix once more. Form into a ball.
  4. Press dough out onto a parchment lined baking sheet forming a circle, leaving edges higher.
  5. Bake dough 10 minutes.
  6. In the meantime, sauté onions in olive oil for 7 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts and sauté 5 minutes longer.
  7. Carefully remove dough from oven. Top with Asiago, onions, shaved Brussels sprouts.
  8. Bake for 10 minutes longer. Top with walnuts. Bake 5 minutes longer.
  9. Top with chili flakes if desired.
http://freshandfit.org/herbed-chickpea-pizza-with-brussels-sprouts-caramelized-onion-and-walnuts/

Herbed Chickpea Pizza freshandfit.org

Zucchini, Goat Cheese and Corn Pita Pizzas

zucchini corn and goat cheese pitzas

Today’s recipe is for zucchini, goat cheese and corn pita pizzas made on the grill. Sweet corn, zucchini and herbed goat cheese are piled onto pitas for tons of flavor and built in portion control. They are really quick to throw together and cook just as fast. This is a fun recipe for summertime parties and makes an awesome meatless monday recipe as well!

 

Zucchini, Goat Cheese and Corn Pita Pizzas

Yield: 2 pita pizzas

Zucchini, Goat Cheese and Corn Pita Pizzas

Ingredients

  • 2 pita breads
  • 1/2 c corn kernels, thawed if using frozen
  • 1 c zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 c soft herbed goat cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper
  • 3 large basil leaves, chiffonade
  • Hard Parmesan cheese ribbons

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to 400
  2. Smear goat cheese on each pita.
  3. Toss zucchini slices in olive oil. Grill zucchini for 5 minutes on grill.
  4. Assemble zucchini slices and corn on top of each pita. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Place on grill for 5-7 minutes.
  6. Using a peeler, thinly peel ribbons of Parmesan to top pizza with.
  7. Carefully remove pita a from grill. Top with basil and Parmesan ribbons.
http://freshandfit.org/zucchini-goat-cheese-and-corn-pita-pizzas/

 

 

Grilled Peach Chick-Pizza

Grilled Peach ChickPizza Recipe

 

This doughy grilled peach chick-pizza reminds me of a cross between falafel, pizza and a peach tart.  Quite a meal packed into one. It is not super crispy in the center but is sturdy and can easily be picked up. I should also mention that it happens to be high in plant based protein, due to the chickpea flour used in the dough. This is an awesome pizza option for anyone avoiding wheat or suffering from gluten allergies; or if you’re like me, anyone who likes experimenting with different textures and flavors. The size of this pizza is small, but it is deceptively filling. Two people could be very satisfied splitting one. But if you are really hungry, make two and save the leftovers for later.

Grilled Peach Chick-Pizza

Serving Size: 1 small pizza, 6 slices

Grilled Peach Chick-Pizza

Ingredients

  • For the dough
  • 1 and 1/4 c chickpea flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 c water
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • For topping
  • 1 peach, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
  • 1/2 c soft herb goat cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 a small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 small bell pepper, julienned
  • 2 c greens of choice - I used a mixture of baby kale and spinach.
  • 5-6 basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to 400. Set peach slices on grill cut side down for 5 minutes. Remove.
  2. Sauté onions and bell pepper in 2 tbsp olive oil until tender.
  3. In a large bowl combine chickpea flour, garlic, oregano, sea salt and flaxseed. Add egg and mix well.
  4. Add water and mix once more. Form into a ball.
  5. Press dough out onto a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving edges higher.
  6. Grill dough 5 minutes.
  7. Spread goat cheese over dough, top with onion, bell peppers, and greens and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. grill another 15-20 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil.
http://freshandfit.org/grilled-peach-chick-pizza/