A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from DOLE Bananas asking if I would like some coupons for free bananas. After the shock that DOLE Bananas (OMG!) emailed me, of course I immediately replied with a very enthusiastic YES! DOLE Bananas was sweet enough to send me a huge stack of coupons for bananas, and let me say, they were instantly put to good use! I have been going bananas in the kitchen, literally! I picked up tons of bananas and threw a bunch (no pun intended) in the freezer (peeled) for future smoothie use, and started crafting away on some new nana recipes for you guys!

Bananas have so many health benefits, they might as well be called “Nature’s Original Energy Bar!” DOLE sent me some awesome banana facts to show that they aren’t just delicious, but nutritious too!

  • Bananas are a good source of vitamins and nutrients – especially vitamins B6 and C, potassium, manganese and dietary fiber.
  • Bananas replenish necessary carbohydrates, glycogen and body fluids burned during exercise; contain electrolytes; and are the perfect alternative to processed sports drinks and bars packed with sodium and sugar.

Since I am a huge fan of bananas and breakfast, I wanted to try making a banana bread type of oatmeal… without the oats! I love quinoa for it’s amazing health benefits, so I decided to use it as a breakfast bowl/porridge type of meal. It turned out AWESOME, and I will be making this more often, especially when I need a break from oatmeal!



Banana Bread Breakfast Quinoa
Serves 1

1 very ripe banana – mashed
¼ cup dry quinoa
¼ cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
2 Tbsp walnuts
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp cinnamon

Cook the quinoa on the stove to package instructions. After the quinoa has finished cooking (while over low heat), stir in the almond milk, mashed banana, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix the walnuts into the quinoa or add on top. Transfer to a bowl and enjoy warm.
Note: You could add additional milk until desired texture is reached.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana
Whole Grain: quinoa
Protein: milk
Plant Based Fat: walnuts

In collaboration with DOLE Bananas, I am hosting a giveaway of  “$1 off DOLE Bananas” coupons for 5 lucky winners! Each winner will receive 5 coupons! 

For your chance to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post “Banana Bread Breakfast Quinoa + DOLE Bananas Giveaway” with your favorite way to eat bananas!
  • All entries must use a valid email address.
  • Open to U.S. residents only.
  • All comments must be posted by Sunday, July 1st at 11:59pm (PST).
  • 5 winners will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, July 2.

Go Bananas Every Day™ and receive daily recipes, serving suggestions and tips by following DOLE Bananas on Twitter and Facebook!

I have complied a list of some RFFMBT recipes that include bananas:
Healthy Vegan Banana Bread
Banana Nicecream
Peanut Butter & Banana Toast
Banana Hazelnut Toast With Ricotta
Protein Pancakes
Chocolate Cake Batter Overnight Oats
Ch Ch Ch Chia Pudding
Carrot Cake Smoothie
Gargantuan Green Giant
It’s Easy Being Green Smoothie

* The giveaway has ended, and the winners will be announced on Monday, July 2.
** Congratulations to the winners: Killian from PA, Jessica from IL, Sara from VA, Elizabeth from TX, and Leanne from CA.

173 Comments on Banana Bread Breakfast Quinoa + DOLE Bananas Giveaway

  1. Emmy
    June 27, 2012 at 11:47 am (12 years ago)

    I like to freeze bananas and then put them in the blender and turn them into banana ice cream!

    Reply
  2. Melissa Mekdeci
    June 27, 2012 at 11:49 am (12 years ago)

    I love eating bananas after a race. Especially a 5K, they really have enough carbs and minerals to revive my body after those 3.1 miles!
    Love your blog!

    Reply
  3. Darbi
    June 27, 2012 at 11:50 am (12 years ago)

    I love mashing up my banana into a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon for breakfast!

    Reply
  4. Mandy
    June 27, 2012 at 11:52 am (12 years ago)

    My fave is to split a banana in half length wise and wrap it up in a whole wheat tortilla with a smidge (technical term :p) of natural peanut butter…YUM!

    Reply
  5. Lea
    June 27, 2012 at 11:53 am (12 years ago)

    I love bananas with peanut butter, an unbeatable combo!

    Reply
  6. Alicia Cushing
    June 27, 2012 at 11:54 am (12 years ago)

    I love eating cut up bananas with strawberries over some Greek yogurt. Tangy and sweet all in a bite.

    Reply
  7. Amanda
    June 27, 2012 at 11:56 am (12 years ago)

    I love eating fresh bananas with almond butter. Such a tasty snack!

    Reply
  8. Kelly D.
    June 27, 2012 at 11:57 am (12 years ago)

    Slice a banana in half long ways and putting Natural chunky peanut butter on both halves. MmM. so good

    Reply
  9. Amanda
    June 27, 2012 at 11:57 am (12 years ago)

    Oh man where do I begin…I like ‘banana sushi’ – banana wrapped in bread with almond butter & honey, cut up like sushi, or a ripe banana mashed in with oatmeal, almond butter, ground flax, and a touch of cocoa for ‘chocolate banana oatmeal’, or cut up on top of my waffles, bananas are awesome, and so versatile. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Leah
    June 27, 2012 at 11:58 am (12 years ago)

    I just stumbled upon your blog, and I am go glad! I have to try the carrot cake smoothie, because my favorite way to eat bananas would have to be in smoothies!

    Reply
  11. Michelle
    June 27, 2012 at 11:59 am (12 years ago)

    I love eating it with peanut butter and bread!

    Reply
  12. Alicia
    June 27, 2012 at 12:00 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to freeze them as well. My hubby and I throw them into our post workout chocolate & peanut butter protein shakes. YUM

    Reply
  13. Dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt
    June 27, 2012 at 12:00 pm (12 years ago)

    Yummy recipe. I love bananas in my morning smoothie, cannot remember a day that I did not eat a banana, I keep them frozen, fresh and always on hand. Great giveaway

    Reply
  14. Kiki
    June 27, 2012 at 12:02 pm (12 years ago)

    Oh my dazzy whoopsy! I am locking this one down!!! Did you say BANANA?! QUINOA?! Yes!

    Reply
  15. Lilly
    June 27, 2012 at 12:08 pm (12 years ago)

    I buy homemade aztec chocolate peanut butter in my local farmer’s market and use bananas to dip in it! It’s my healthy treat! yum!

    Reply
  16. Amanda Boggs
    June 27, 2012 at 12:13 pm (12 years ago)

    I have two favorite banana recipes. I like to freeze & blend them to make banana ice cream. Just add peanut butter & done 🙂 Also, I like to grill them in their skin, once done add ice cream & toppings! YUM!

    Reply
  17. Sara Hand
    June 27, 2012 at 12:13 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to eat bananas with a little bit of peanut butter before or after a hard workout!

    Reply
  18. Amber
    June 27, 2012 at 12:13 pm (12 years ago)

    I love taking bananas and dipping them in greek yogurt and then freezing them! perfect for a summer snack!

    Reply
  19. Jessica Reynolds
    June 27, 2012 at 12:18 pm (12 years ago)

    I love them on ice cream, ripe in bread, plain!

    Reply
  20. Margo
    June 27, 2012 at 12:18 pm (12 years ago)

    melt peanut butter and dark chocolate chips in the microwave and pour it on sliced bananas placed on wax paper and freeze for an hour. enjoy bite sized yumminess!

    Reply
  21. Hilary
    June 27, 2012 at 12:22 pm (12 years ago)

    Best way to eat bananers/easy go-to breakfast staple/freakin deliciousness: Take 1 multi-grain with flax flatout, spread 1 tbsp almond butter, sprinkle cinnamon and chia seeds, drizzle honey, put 1 banana at the end of the flatout, and rolllll it all up. Badaboom…badabing…..banana heaven 🙂

    Reply
  22. Kelli
    June 27, 2012 at 12:26 pm (12 years ago)

    Trader Joe’s Peanut butter (my favorite)+ banana+ homemade whole wheat bread= perfection. : )

    Reply
  23. Rachel
    June 27, 2012 at 12:31 pm (12 years ago)

    I love making smoothies out of them and we also put them in the dehydrator! So good!!

    Reply
  24. monique galvan
    June 27, 2012 at 12:32 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas in a smoothie or in a nice warm bowl of oatmeal!!!

    Reply
  25. Emily
    June 27, 2012 at 12:33 pm (12 years ago)

    My favorite way to eat bananas is drizzling with a little bit of nutella. Make a dessert that will definitely hit the spot!

    Reply
  26. Brandy
    June 27, 2012 at 12:38 pm (12 years ago)

    I mainly eat my bananas plain as a pre-workout meal, but i do enjoy them in oatmeal and smoothies!

    Reply
  27. Carla
    June 27, 2012 at 12:45 pm (12 years ago)

    THIS LOOKS SO AMAZING! I really want to try it! Bananas are a staple at my house; we usually go through three bunches a week. I usually bake a whole-wheat banana bread every other week, with the bananas that are over ripe. We eat them through out the day, because they are so filling and have that sweet taste… so it’s almost like a treat! Yum!!

    Reply
  28. Alex
    June 27, 2012 at 12:56 pm (12 years ago)

    Love to peel them…then munch away! It doesn’t get any better than that 🙂

    Reply
  29. Ehedwards
    June 27, 2012 at 1:16 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to eat blended frozen bananas with just a little bit of milk. Its a great healthy alternative to ice cream for when you get that sweet tooth! Plus its only 2 ingredients and completely without all those chemicals and artificial flavoring that most of the low fat ice cream has.

    Hmmmmmm think I will go blend some right now!

    Reply
  30. Jenny
    June 27, 2012 at 1:18 pm (12 years ago)

    I love banana, peanut butter, and honey toast!

    Reply
  31. check my site
    June 27, 2012 at 1:28 pm (12 years ago)

    What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help other customers like its helped me. Great job.

    Reply
  32. Jennie George
    June 27, 2012 at 1:33 pm (12 years ago)

    I love eating frozen banana slices on my back patio in the summer at night. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Towanda
    June 27, 2012 at 1:35 pm (12 years ago)

    I luv making banana “ice cream”… with blueberries, or strawberries and dark chocolate, or cherries and pineapple (aka banana split). I need my evening sweet tooth fix and this does it with out doin in my diet! And this kids luv it too!:)

    Reply
  34. KT
    June 27, 2012 at 1:44 pm (12 years ago)

    My favorite way to easy bananas would have to be with peanut butter on toast! My boyfriend and I made dark chocolate covered frozen bananas for the first time this weekend; definitely a tasty treat!!

    Reply
  35. KT
    June 27, 2012 at 1:45 pm (12 years ago)

    And by easy, I mean EAT! Auto-correct fail! Lol

    Reply
  36. Grace T.
    June 27, 2012 at 1:45 pm (12 years ago)

    slices of banana with slices of avacado, drizzled in honey. MMMMMMMMmmmmm

    Reply
  37. Christin
    June 27, 2012 at 1:47 pm (12 years ago)

    I like bananas cut up in rice krispies or added to a soy milk smoothie or with peanut butter

    Reply
  38. Danielle
    June 27, 2012 at 1:50 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to split my banana length wise, put peanut butter with a few marshmallows and some chocolate chips inside, and wrap up the whole thing in foil and throw it on the grill or in the oven.
    Perfect for an outdoor cookout :]

    Reply
  39. Melissa
    June 27, 2012 at 2:25 pm (12 years ago)

    Banana Bread with Chocolate chips!

    Reply
  40. Melissa
    June 27, 2012 at 2:31 pm (12 years ago)

    I love putting banana and peanut butter on a piece of whole wheat toast! It’s filling and sweet, which helps with a sweet tooth craving 🙂

    Reply
  41. Tessa
    June 27, 2012 at 2:53 pm (12 years ago)

    Bananas are always my base for smoothies. I love the flavor and texture it gives my favorite frozen beverage! 🙂

    Reply
  42. Rebecca
    June 27, 2012 at 3:08 pm (12 years ago)

    Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies

    Reply
  43. Theresa B
    June 27, 2012 at 3:13 pm (12 years ago)

    Hi Catherine! Just found your blog today, and I LOVE it! I’ve been paging through all of your recipes and your awesome pictures are making me crave healthy food so badly. (Crazy, because I have the biggest sweet tooth!) I was just wondering, do you happen to have a list anywhere of your pantry essentials/your typical grocery list? I am looking to revamp my pantry and try some of your recipes but I’ve never bought chia seeds/tempeh/etc. If you could help me out that would be great!

    Reply
    • Theresa B
      June 27, 2012 at 3:17 pm (12 years ago)

      Aww, I feel pretty silly – just found it under your Rabbit Food Pyramid tab. Thanks!

      Reply
    • Catherine
      June 27, 2012 at 4:14 pm (12 years ago)

      Glad you found the Rabbit Food Pyramid info! I have been getting a lot of questions about grocery shopping so I am thinking about doing a post specifically about that soon 🙂 xo

      Reply
  44. Sharon
    June 27, 2012 at 3:42 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to eat banana sandwiches w/ peanut butter!

    Reply
  45. charlotte
    June 27, 2012 at 4:05 pm (12 years ago)

    I don<t now if its personnal or anything but why do you need a break of oat … isnt good !?

    Reply
  46. Sam M.
    June 27, 2012 at 4:09 pm (12 years ago)

    This might sound a little gross…but I love to mash up refrigerated bananas & mix them with a little maple syrup. Delicious!

    Reply
  47. Killian
    June 27, 2012 at 4:19 pm (12 years ago)

    Bananas topped with a little bit of Nutella makes the perfect dessert!

    Reply
  48. Jessica G
    June 27, 2012 at 6:01 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas!! They are great fresh, frozen, blended into a smoothie, or food processed into a sweet treat that is like ice cream, mashed into anything, and I love that I can use them to bake with instead of certain unhealthy ingredients!!

    Reply
  49. Samantha B.
    June 27, 2012 at 6:03 pm (12 years ago)

    I eat a banana before every morning run! It gives me energy without making me feel too full to run. I also love making banana bread with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and honey. Delicious!

    Reply
  50. Erika
    June 27, 2012 at 6:08 pm (12 years ago)

    I LOVE bananas, my favorite banana combinations are either in my favorite morning green smoothie, or the ultimate fast breakfast indulgence: almond butter, banana, and honey on toast! YUMMY!!!!

    Reply
  51. JoAnne
    June 27, 2012 at 6:38 pm (12 years ago)

    I love eating bananas with peanut butter while having my morning coffee. It is a great combination 🙂

    Reply
  52. christy
    June 27, 2012 at 6:50 pm (12 years ago)

    Coupons!! I love coupons. Bananas! I love bananas. Perfect post

    Reply
  53. Mimi
    June 27, 2012 at 7:03 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to eat bananas on top of pretzels

    Reply
  54. Darian
    June 27, 2012 at 7:15 pm (12 years ago)

    Bananas are my favorite fruit! I have such a sweet tooth so I love making banana pudding! Absolutely delicious!

    Reply
  55. Gail
    June 27, 2012 at 7:30 pm (12 years ago)

    I love eating sliced bananas on multi-grain toast with a tbsp of peanut butter!

    Reply
  56. Jennifer
    June 27, 2012 at 7:38 pm (12 years ago)

    This recipe sounds amazing!!! I love bananas and one of my favorite ways to eat them is blended up with tropical fruit, water, and spinach for a tasty green smoothie.

    Reply
  57. Shelby N.
    June 27, 2012 at 7:50 pm (12 years ago)

    Fave way is sliced on top of on toast! And the pb has to be chunky!! Yum!

    Reply
  58. Larissa
    June 27, 2012 at 8:08 pm (12 years ago)

    This looks yummy! My favorite way to eat bananas are in a peanut butter and banana sandwich with whole grain bread and chunky pb. I never get tired of it.

    Reply
  59. erika
    June 27, 2012 at 8:38 pm (12 years ago)

    I love love love this recepie!!! I’m ALWAYS ON THE GO from the office to school this is a perfect quick breakfast 🙂 or dinner 😉
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  60. Jaimi
    June 27, 2012 at 8:39 pm (12 years ago)

    My favorite way to eat bananas are in this yummy post workout shake I call “Banana Bread Protein Shake”

    1/4c Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
    1-2 Scoops of Vanilla Protein Powder
    1/2c Quick Oats
    1/2 Banana- frozen sliced (you must cut them up first and freeze them)
    2 tbs Ground Flaxseed
    1 tbs Cinnamon
    1 tbs Crunchy Almond Butter
    Ice—add enough to thicken to your preference

    ENJOY! 🙂

    Reply
  61. Kate
    June 27, 2012 at 8:54 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas but my favorite way to eat them is in a protein cookie with banana, oats, cocoa powder and almond butter. Delicious!

    Reply
  62. Kristin
    June 27, 2012 at 9:03 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to freeze and blend then add peanut butter, cinnamon and walnuts for banana bread ice cream

    Reply
  63. Lacey
    June 27, 2012 at 10:05 pm (12 years ago)

    I blend them with plain yogurt and spinach to make an awesome smoothie for breakfast.

    Reply
  64. Tay
    June 27, 2012 at 10:41 pm (12 years ago)

    DEFINITELY Banana nicecream. It’s the best, especially with a little vanilla extract mixed in!

    Reply
  65. Kristina R
    June 27, 2012 at 11:16 pm (12 years ago)

    I love eating bananas in banana bread or banana pudding! I would love to try this recipe or that 2 ingredient banana ice cream people have posted about! Yum!

    Reply
  66. Noreen
    June 27, 2012 at 11:51 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas with peanut butter!

    Reply
  67. Teal
    June 28, 2012 at 1:05 am (12 years ago)

    Tried the Banana Bread Breakfast Quinoa… new morning staple! BUT I’m a morning news anchor so I’m usually running out the door at 3 a.m. — I freeze bananas and throw them into my morning smoothie for the drive to work… bananas, berries, spinach, milk, a little flaxseed and I’m good to go!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      June 28, 2012 at 1:16 am (12 years ago)

      So glad you loved the Banana Bread Quinoa, Teal! You could try preparing it the night before and refrigerating it overnight! I haven’t tried it as a cold breakfast, but it’s worth a try if you’re in a hurry 🙂

      Reply
  68. Krystal C.
    June 28, 2012 at 4:04 am (12 years ago)

    I have a banana every morning with my oatmeal, but I love freezing them and making banana soft serve with them too!

    Reply
  69. kristle
    June 28, 2012 at 4:27 am (12 years ago)

    i can never pass up the browning bananas on the reduced produce section at the grocery store. i bring em home, slice em up and give them a nice home in my freezer to make a future smoothie very happy!

    Reply
  70. Gabrielle
    June 28, 2012 at 4:28 am (12 years ago)

    I love bananas in my Reese’s shakes! I blend vanilla soymilk, bananas, crushed ice, and PB2 Chocolate Peanut Powder for a delicious (and healthy!) alternative to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

    Reply
  71. Betsy
    June 28, 2012 at 6:00 am (12 years ago)

    I found your website from Pinterest, and I love this first recipe I’ve read! I love to slice banana’s on peanut butter toast. So yummy!!

    Reply
  72. Lindsay @ Conscious Cravings
    June 28, 2012 at 6:02 am (12 years ago)

    I looove eating bananas in my oatmeal. I like to microwave them so they are super soft then I mix them in with the oats.

    Reply
  73. Kat
    June 28, 2012 at 6:26 am (12 years ago)

    My favorite two ways to eat bananas are the following:

    1. Chocolate cake batter overnight oats (RFFMBT)….I just discovered this and have eaten it EVERY morning for the past week!!! I love it!!!

    2. Any way FROZEN – I will blend it in smoothies or blend it itself (with cinnamon) for banana ice cream!

    Reply
  74. Angela
    June 28, 2012 at 6:44 am (12 years ago)

    I love eating bananas in homemade banana pudding or banana nut bread. Also, we get co-op baskets every week and I have to dig through the baskets to make sure I grab one with AT LEAST 7 bananas in it–if my 2-year-old doesn’t get her banana EVERY MORNING there’s hell to pay. A 2-year-old without a banana is like a computer programmer without his morning does of caffeine. Not pretty.

    Reply
  75. Shahana
    June 28, 2012 at 6:50 am (12 years ago)

    I love to eat them sliced on hot toast with peanut butter. Or just slather with a tablespoon of peanut butter and slice…my kids love that!!!

    Reply
  76. Leanne
    June 28, 2012 at 7:07 am (12 years ago)

    I mostly love to eat them all by their yummy little selves, they are perfect for morning workout fuel, but I also love them in a good smoothie or banana bread!

    Reply
  77. Lauren R
    June 28, 2012 at 7:27 am (12 years ago)

    Bananas are great for leg cramps. My favorite way to eat bananas:

    Banana Cereal
    Cut up a banana in slices and put in cereal bowl
    Pour skim milk on top and sprinkle with sugar

    Banana Bread Batter Smoothie
    1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
    1 banana
    Splash vanilla
    1 tsp cinnamon
    1/2 tsp nutmeg
    1/2 tsp all spice
    1 cup skim milk
    8 ice cubes
    Add to blender(put ice in last) and blend till you can’t hear the ice bouncing around!

    Reply
  78. Emily
    June 28, 2012 at 7:51 am (12 years ago)

    I love eating bananas in my oatmeal. Just sliced and thrown right in. Mmmmmm….

    Reply
  79. Angela DiBeneditto
    June 28, 2012 at 8:52 am (12 years ago)

    I like to eat bananas while in a tree and hanging upside down like a monkey. 🙂

    Reply
  80. naima
    June 28, 2012 at 9:15 am (12 years ago)

    First time on your site, what a great find! I actually had a dole banana with my breakfast this morning. I love making steel cut oats & mashing a banana into them to add sweetness & a creamy texture and then topping it off with frozen berries & some brown sugar. Yum! It’s a healthy breakfast that leaves you feel like you just indulged.

    Reply
  81. Holly
    June 28, 2012 at 9:25 am (12 years ago)

    I love banana – bread, dipped in chocolate, and just plain o’l plain. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe!

    Reply
  82. Julie
    June 28, 2012 at 9:33 am (12 years ago)

    I am boring lol I like them plain 🙂
    thanks

    Reply
  83. Amanda
    June 28, 2012 at 10:03 am (12 years ago)

    Bananas make everything better! Love this as a great, simple alternative for when oatmeal gets boring.

    Reply
  84. Janna Ball
    June 28, 2012 at 11:05 am (12 years ago)

    I actually use bananas as my “base” for my EVERY DAY smoothies. I just use the fresh banana + fresh or frozen fruit (strawberries, pineapple, mango, blueberry – whatever I have around) + water. It makes the smoothie really creamy, adds a nice sweetness, and I can easily knock out two fruits w/o making it too heavy. Since I don’t use yogurt (too heavy to me), I can sneak in some chia seeds or bee pollen for extra nutrients. It’s pure healthful bliss – no extra fillers! 🙂

    Reply
  85. Haley
    June 28, 2012 at 11:49 am (12 years ago)

    Two Ingredients: bananas & peanut butter. my fave!

    Reply
  86. Leiah
    June 28, 2012 at 11:59 am (12 years ago)

    I love toasting whole wheat waffles, spreading peanut butter on them, & then topping them off with sliced bananas. LOVE bananas!

    Reply
  87. Andrea
    June 28, 2012 at 12:37 pm (12 years ago)

    Love anything banana!! My favorite is to put crunchy PB, banana and maybe a smidge of honey on a piece of wheat bread and cook in my panini maker! (modified grilled PB & banana!)

    Reply
  88. Meredith
    June 28, 2012 at 12:46 pm (12 years ago)

    Self-proclaimed “Smoothie Queen of the Midwest,” I can make smoothies that will knock your socks off! My new favorite is a blend of bananas, cooked oatmeal, cinnamon, milk, ice, and honey! It’s to DIE FOR and it keeps you nice and full!

    Reply
  89. Angela Hensley
    June 28, 2012 at 1:04 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas with peanut butter or frozen covered in chocolate and they’re great cut up into a bowl of Cheerios with slim milk!

    Reply
  90. ashley
    June 28, 2012 at 1:19 pm (12 years ago)

    banana bread all the way!

    Reply
  91. Lillie
    June 28, 2012 at 1:27 pm (12 years ago)

    I love banana and peanut butter sandwiches!

    Reply
  92. lorissa
    June 28, 2012 at 3:36 pm (12 years ago)

    part of my meal plan includes a bunch of ensures, so recently i’ve been freezing bananas and making a smoothie out of the two!

    and i’ve also been obsessed with cutting up a banana in a bowl and eating it with honey and half a crumbled graham cracker! noms<3

    Reply
  93. Alexa
    June 28, 2012 at 4:38 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to fry little disk-like slices of them with a little bit of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter on a pan until they caramelize a bit and eat them hot.

    Reply
  94. Courtney Briscoe
    June 28, 2012 at 4:58 pm (12 years ago)

    My Fave way to eat bananas is with Naturally More Peanut Butter!! Crunchy and Tasty!!

    Reply
  95. Morgan
    June 28, 2012 at 5:20 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas in my breakfast cereal!

    Reply
  96. rachel
    June 28, 2012 at 6:51 pm (12 years ago)

    i like topping toasted whole wheat bread or an english muffin with mashed banana and cinnamon!

    Reply
  97. Melanie b
    June 28, 2012 at 9:35 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to mash them and spread with peanut butter on a whole grain/ multi grain tortilla. Yum! Perfect for on the go!!!

    Reply
  98. Lindsay LaPaugh
    June 28, 2012 at 11:00 pm (12 years ago)

    So glad I found your blog. You have great stuff on here!!!

    Reply
  99. Lindsay LaPaugh
    June 28, 2012 at 11:01 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to spread almond butter on ezikel break, than top it with sliced banana!!!

    Reply
  100. Katherine
    June 29, 2012 at 6:46 am (12 years ago)

    I eat bananas just on their own, usually before big performances and auditions (I am a classical musician!) as they keep me calm.
    But, what makes the way I eat bananas interesting is this:
    I peel them very strangely. I use my thumbnail to cut down the inner curve of the banana, and then I slide the banana out. The peel I’m left with looks like it was just “zipped” open, and I can often then hold the peel and trick people that there is still a banana in there.
    I “discovered” this way of peeling early on in high school, and now it is just a habit that’s pretty funny!

    Reply
  101. Lauren
    June 29, 2012 at 7:38 am (12 years ago)

    I love to eat them with a little chocolate syrup and peanut butter. Tasty!

    Reply
  102. Chelly May
    June 29, 2012 at 7:58 am (12 years ago)

    I love the velvety texture that bananas add to smoothies. I love me a tasty strawberry and banana smoothie. mmm.

    Reply
  103. Chelsea
    June 29, 2012 at 8:11 am (12 years ago)

    I love eating bananas with almond butter!

    Reply
  104. Stacey
    June 29, 2012 at 9:09 am (12 years ago)

    I love bananas in all forms: frozen, raw or in almost anything. My favorite way to eat bananas is in dessert form. Cut the banana up in a microwave safe dish, add honey, heat, then top with granola. This turns into a lovely, sweet banana mush with just a little granola crunch that is ohhhh so gooey, good.

    Reply
  105. ashlie
    June 29, 2012 at 9:50 am (12 years ago)

    definitely sliced on peanut butter toast! sometimes with a sprinkle of cinnamon:)

    Reply
  106. Suzannah
    June 29, 2012 at 10:23 am (12 years ago)

    My favorite way to eat bananas is honestly by themselves and once in awhile in milk with cereal.

    Reply
  107. Nilam M.
    June 29, 2012 at 10:54 am (12 years ago)

    My mom used to cut up bananas and microwave them with heaping spoons of sugar and butter on top. Eeesh! I prefer mine plain 🙂

    Reply
  108. Gayle
    June 29, 2012 at 11:37 am (12 years ago)

    I love bananas on a rice cake with some peanut butter.

    Reply
  109. Valerie
    June 29, 2012 at 11:42 am (12 years ago)

    I either like a plain old banana or else to eat it cut up on my cold cereal.

    Reply
  110. Cristy Y
    June 29, 2012 at 12:25 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to blend up super ripe bananas with cocoa powder and some almond milk, and freeze that in popsicle molds for a healthy dessert! My son and I love them =) Also, my mom used to split the banana into thirds (did you know it does that naturally, no cutting necessary?), put peanut butter inside, and put it back together for a yummy snack. It’s better for some reason when you put the peanut butter inside the banana like that =)

    Reply
  111. Caroline
    June 29, 2012 at 1:44 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas and I like eating them many ways, but one of my favorites is to put them in my green smoothies!

    Reply
  112. amy
    June 29, 2012 at 2:16 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas! can’t wait to try this recipe out! found your blog through pinterest and love it!!

    Reply
  113. marie
    June 29, 2012 at 3:34 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to cut an unpeeled banana open lengthways, stuff it with chocolate chips, smoosh the 2 halves together, wrap the whole thing in foil, put it in the toaster over for a bit to melt the chips, and then drizzle pb over the melted chocolate.

    mmmmm

    Reply
  114. bobbie carrigan
    June 29, 2012 at 4:35 pm (12 years ago)

    We love them straight out of the peel or mixed with peanut butter egg to make peanut butter banana cookies

    Reply
  115. Valerie
    June 29, 2012 at 5:50 pm (12 years ago)

    I love eating frozen bananas blended with peanut butter! It’s a great substitute for ice cream.

    Reply
  116. KeriAnne
    June 29, 2012 at 7:20 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to make banana bread!

    Reply
  117. karina
    June 29, 2012 at 7:24 pm (12 years ago)

    i love bananas just sliced up or on the go! if i have time though banana soft serve and grilled bananas are amazing!

    Reply
  118. Ashley
    June 30, 2012 at 4:55 am (12 years ago)

    I love banana “ice cream”. It’s a quick and simple snack. Slice one banana and freeze slices on a cookie sheet. After the bananas freeze, puree them in a food processor. Take 5-6 whole almonds and give them a spin in the food processor to chop them. Sprinkle the almonds on top and you have a delicious treat!

    Reply
  119. Edie
    June 30, 2012 at 4:56 am (12 years ago)

    Mashed banana – Sam’s first “real” food. I remember how much he LOVED them!

    Reply
  120. Crystal
    June 30, 2012 at 6:29 am (12 years ago)

    I love bananas in my green smoothies!

    Reply
  121. Marla
    June 30, 2012 at 8:47 am (12 years ago)

    i love slicing bananas and putting them on wheat toast with cinnamon! <3

    Reply
  122. Kayla
    June 30, 2012 at 10:46 am (12 years ago)

    Bananas with almond or crunchy peanut butter is amazing!I also have enjoyed making a peanut butter/banana smoothie! It is delicious!!!

    Reply
  123. Melissa
    June 30, 2012 at 11:55 am (12 years ago)

    I love to make banana milkshakes!

    Reply
  124. katherine d
    June 30, 2012 at 12:34 pm (12 years ago)

    i love using frozen bananas to make “ice cream” – so delicious!

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  125. Jenna Buchholz
    June 30, 2012 at 12:40 pm (12 years ago)

    bananas and sunflower seed butter! fav snack

    Reply
  126. Kristin
    June 30, 2012 at 2:25 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to melt bananas in the microwave before adding them to oatmeal. It makes them so much sweeter that no extra sweeteners are necessary!

    Reply
  127. Missy K
    June 30, 2012 at 2:27 pm (12 years ago)

    I love getting my yogurt out of those crazy little cups and putting it in a bowl with a sliced banana on top. Getting the yogurt out of the container makes it feel more like a meal instead of just a small side and topping with a sliced banana obviously adds so many benefits…not to mention it is delicious! Thanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway. 🙂

    Reply
  128. Katie @wishandwhimsy
    June 30, 2012 at 2:28 pm (12 years ago)

    I love making banana “ice cream” with peanut butter or chocolate, of course!

    Reply
  129. Amy
    June 30, 2012 at 2:48 pm (12 years ago)

    Frozen and dipped in chocolate on a stick!

    Reply
  130. Katy Woods
    June 30, 2012 at 3:13 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to make banana milkshakes… Frozen bananas, almond milk, and ice… Blend and top with 2 banana rounds and a sprinkle of crushed pecans! Simple but delicious! Yum yum yum for me and my two year old bun bun!

    Reply
  131. Markki
    June 30, 2012 at 3:13 pm (12 years ago)

    One of my favtastic ways to use a banana in my diet is adding organic almond butter on frozen banana slices. It is super refreshing after running or even when its super hot out. I want to add that I am so thankful to find your blog 🙂

    Reply
  132. Lauren Anderson
    June 30, 2012 at 3:29 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to eat bananas by themselves for a quick breakfast on the go; or with peanut butter if I want protein; or with Nutella if I want chocolate!

    Reply
  133. Jaime
    June 30, 2012 at 3:31 pm (12 years ago)

    My ultimate fave for brekkie (or anytime of day, honestly) is Greek yogurt with some PB2 and honey mixed in, and a sliced banana on top. OMG it is soooooooo GOOD.

    Reply
  134. Donna F.
    June 30, 2012 at 3:55 pm (12 years ago)

    Baked in banana nut muffins!

    Reply
  135. Adele
    June 30, 2012 at 3:56 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to eat bananas exactly as they are — just peel and eat! I also buy dark chocolate covered banana pieces for a treat!

    Reply
  136. Christina
    June 30, 2012 at 4:52 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to eat bananas in my smoothie after putting them in the freezer!

    Reply
  137. Marley Tribble
    June 30, 2012 at 5:50 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas in smoothies! I also love your site you are so inspiring!

    Reply
  138. Brandy
    June 30, 2012 at 6:52 pm (12 years ago)

    I actually have a whole wheat honey bananna bread in the oven now! But my favorite thing is my morning smoothies with bananna! I have never tried quinoa but your recipe could be a good way to try it out!

    Reply
  139. Linda J
    June 30, 2012 at 7:43 pm (12 years ago)

    I think bananas are great on their own, but also love them in a protein shake with other fruits, almond milk, and a little OJ.

    Reply
  140. Jessica
    June 30, 2012 at 8:05 pm (12 years ago)

    I cut bananas into little nuggets, freeze them, dip them in some melted dark chocolate, then freeze them again. Roll in some crushed nuts and BAM! Mini chocolate-banana bites! 🙂

    Reply
  141. Samantha Burdan
    June 30, 2012 at 9:02 pm (12 years ago)

    I can’t wait to try this. Looks super yummy!!

    Reply
  142. ann
    June 30, 2012 at 9:03 pm (12 years ago)

    I’m a classic girl. I eat bananas raw…if I’m feeling crazy, I put some unsweetened peanut butter on them!

    Reply
  143. Ashleigh
    June 30, 2012 at 9:40 pm (12 years ago)

    Banana Pancakes are my favorite!!! I like to add blueberries and strawberries into the batter too!

    Reply
  144. Andrea
    July 1, 2012 at 7:15 am (12 years ago)

    I eat bananas before a run for a quick pick me up or use them in a protein shake after a workout. I’m off to make this recipe right now.

    Reply
  145. Felicia Jackson
    July 1, 2012 at 7:42 am (12 years ago)

    I love bananas any way. In a shake. In oatmeal. By themselves! I loved your recipe. I changed it up and added unsweetened cocoa powder and stevia instead of the cinnamon and vanilla. It was like a chocolate covered banana!

    Reply
  146. Kelly
    July 1, 2012 at 10:41 am (12 years ago)

    Bananas are wonderful! My daughter and I love them. We are excited about trying this recipe. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  147. Liz L
    July 1, 2012 at 2:30 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to spread peanut butter on multigrain bread and top with sliced bananas!

    Reply
  148. Melpo
    July 1, 2012 at 2:59 pm (12 years ago)

    My faves are banana bread (of course!) and bananas with corn flakes and almond milk…yummy!

    I wonder if this quinoa recipe works if made ahead and reheated??

    Reply
  149. Angela
    July 1, 2012 at 3:49 pm (12 years ago)

    I like eating ripe bananas with oatmeal, brown sugar, and milk for breakfast.

    Reply
  150. Jocelynn Carreras
    July 1, 2012 at 3:57 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to eat bananas cut up with ice cold milk or vanilla Greek yogurt

    Reply
  151. nova c.
    July 1, 2012 at 4:50 pm (12 years ago)

    i have to eat bananas pretty often because of low blood potassium. i love to eat them without anything on them. just peel and go!

    Reply
  152. Gabby
    July 1, 2012 at 6:37 pm (12 years ago)

    I love bananas!!!! Especially in banana nut protien pancakes!

    Reply
  153. Audrey Knickerbocker
    July 1, 2012 at 7:04 pm (12 years ago)

    Banana sliced into kashi cereal in the morning. Nothing better!!!

    Reply
  154. Tannille
    July 1, 2012 at 8:04 pm (12 years ago)

    I like to melt dark chocolate and dip frozen bananas in it then freeze again for chocolate banana pops.

    Reply
  155. Nicole
    July 1, 2012 at 8:27 pm (12 years ago)

    “Banana” Dogs…my kids love them…

    I grill the bananas, slightly under-ripe, so they don’t get too soft. Then I set up a condiment bar: honey, yogurt, shredded coconut, diced strawberries, melted dark chocolate, warm peanut butter and sometimes sugar-free jelly from the farmers market near my home. I get whole wheat or multi-grain buns and the kids go to town. If I don’t have bread I put them on kabob sticks and then they roll the banana or dip as they go, in the toppings.

    They think I am the greatest mom ever, all-the-while, getting them to eat a healthy snack that they help create!

    Reply
  156. Sky
    July 1, 2012 at 8:44 pm (12 years ago)

    I love mashing up a banana into a bowl of oatmeal with some honey and cinnamon! I also love the convenience of a banana as a grab-and-go option for breakfast!

    Reply
  157. Amber
    July 1, 2012 at 10:24 pm (12 years ago)

    I love to eat them sliced up in a bowl covered in milk. It’s my alternative to cereal.

    Reply
  158. Brittany
    July 3, 2012 at 6:39 am (12 years ago)

    Oh my gosh this was so tasty! I couldn’t wait to have leftover quinoa so that I could try this for a quick breakfast. I just heated the cooked quinoa with the banana, almond milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until hot and then topped it with walnuts. My kitchen smelled absolutely divine!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      July 3, 2012 at 11:21 am (12 years ago)

      So glad you loved it Brittany! You are such a smarty, I love the way you prepared it! Super quick and easy for somebunny who is on the go and short on time 🙂 xo

      Reply
  159. lee
    July 5, 2012 at 6:31 am (12 years ago)

    i like to eat them in a peanut butter and banana sandwich

    Reply
  160. Brianne
    July 8, 2012 at 5:10 pm (12 years ago)

    Can I use quinoa I already have cooked and waiting in the fridge and throw it in a pot with these ingredients, or do I have to make it fresh? And if I can use the pre-cooked quinoa, how much would I use? Thanks! Love your blog!

    Reply
  161. Kerri
    July 8, 2012 at 10:39 pm (12 years ago)

    I found this blog through pinterest last week and was impressed with how simple and healthy your recipes are! I have tried several of them now and love all of them. This recipe is so yummy! I made some for my friend and she loved it too! I just want to say thanks for sharing these recipes. So many healthy recipes are bland or take too long to make. I love that your recipes are made from simple ingredients that I can easily keep on hand. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Catherine
      July 8, 2012 at 11:32 pm (12 years ago)

      Thank you so much for the compliments, Kerri! I am so happy that you are loving my recipes 🙂 Health & Happiness xo

      Reply
  162. Cathy
    July 19, 2012 at 10:13 am (12 years ago)

    I eat a banana morning before I go on my runs. Helps fuel my run! Can’t wait to try this recipe i am going to go get some Quinoa this afternoon.

    Reply
  163. Clare
    August 28, 2012 at 5:36 pm (12 years ago)

    Hi Catherine!
    Where can I find quinoa? I went to my local Sprout’s, but all I could find was boxed quinoa, but with spices. What kind is the best to use for your recipes?

    Reply
    • Catherine
      August 28, 2012 at 9:58 pm (12 years ago)

      Hi Clare! Sprout’s should definitely have regular quinoa without seasonings! It depends on the location, but sometimes they put quinoa in the gluten free aisles, and sometimes they offer it in the big bins next to oats and all of those goodies! I have purchased all different brands before and don’t really have a preference. The different colors of quinoa don’t vary too much in nutritional stats, so any color is perfectly fine! I hope this helps xo

      Reply
  164. Jordan @ The Hungry Austinite
    January 30, 2013 at 4:41 pm (11 years ago)

    I love my breakfast oatmeal, but I’m going to make this for lunch with a side salad! 🙂 Looks so fresh and delicious!

    Reply
  165. Jaime Maragni
    May 19, 2013 at 5:57 pm (11 years ago)

    I love slicing bananas in 1/2 in pieces and baking them with a little cinnamon and honey. Mmmm so good!!

    Reply
  166. superfitbabe
    March 22, 2015 at 2:04 pm (9 years ago)

    How cute! This looks so tasty!

    Reply

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