Taste the Dream: Banana Dream Pie

Banana Dream Pie

1  vegan pie crust

1/2 cup  sugar or other sweetener

5 Tablespoons  cornstarch

2 cups  RICE DREAM® Original or SOY DREAM® Classic Original

1/2 teaspoon  salt

1 teaspoon  vanilla extract

1/2 pound  firm tofu

2  ripe bananas

2 tablespoons  coarsely chopped almonds

1. Prepare the pie crust according to directions on package and let cool.
2. Mix the sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan, then stir in the milk and salt and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until very thick.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
4. Drain the tofu and blend it in a food processor until smooth, then add the pudding and blend until smooth.
5. Slice the bananas into thin rounds over the cooled crust.
6. Spread the tofu mixture on top of the bananas.
7. Toast the chopped almonds in a 375° F oven until lightly browned, about 10 minutes, then sprinkle evenly over the pie.
8. Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 2 hours

Source:  Tastethedream.com

Enjoy!

Heart Healthy Wildly Nutritious—Fruit Snacks

By Anthony J Sepe

http://fromadietitiansperspective.blogspot.com

(*This post is dedicated to the person that asked me the question and to my friend Kim)

 

I was asked recently about fruit, and how I am able to meet my fruit requirements.  Fruit happens to be somewhat easier than other things, but not that the other things such as grains, vegetables, cheese etc are not important.  Let’s see.

 

Next time your sweet tooth acts up and you are craving a real sweet snack, reach for a nutritious and health fruit snack.  Fruits are bursting with flavor and loaded with lots of nutrients like Vitamin A, or Vitamin C or both—along with potassium and fiber.

• Freeze your favorite juice.  Take and ice cube tray and fill with your favorite 100% juice. 
• Cut up mango, papaya, apricots and freeze them, too.
• Freeze some grapes

 

Here are 3 of my very favorite ways to snack on fruit:

1.  Take a banana—peel it; slice it; sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon. Place on a cookie sheet and cover with waxed paper. Freeze.  Now you have slice banana swirls!

2.  Take a banana—peel it; place a stick in it.  Dip in fat-free yogurt and dip in caramel sauce and roll in crushed nuts.  Freeze.

3.  I absolutely love, and I mean, love—Dole Wildly Nutritious Signature Blends Mixed Fruit.  It also comes Frozen and is Sliced strawberries, pineapple peaches and mango.  These happy chunks of fruit are all natural fruit; all rich in vitamin C; help maintain a healthy heart and just as nutrition as Fresh Fruit, as it states on its label.  It’s great for smoothies and for snacking.  80% Vitamin C in just 3/4 cup fresh frozen cut-up fruit !!! Can’t beat it and, it comes in a 6 lb. bag too.  For $8 and change at your local Sam’s Club, BJ’s, Wegman’s or others,  it’s worth it with to package into smaller bags for handy-dandy snacks!!!  So, this is how I manage to get in some of my fruit requirements.

Have fun too! *

~Anthony

Follower Sunday: “Thank You Readership!” Guest-Chef Reyna Franco exudes and drizzles with NATURAL Sweetness; contributes family favorite Banana Challah French-Toast

by Anthony J Sepe

http://fromadietitiansperspective.blogspot.com

Each Sunday, I thank my readership for their loyalty and dedication to my blog, by providing a healthy recipe.  To those that know, this is a healthy repeat, but for those that are unaware and are new to the blog, this is my way of “giving back.”  It is also a way to “Pay it Forward.”  Each Sunday, not only will you have a healthy recipe, but you will have an expert in the field of dietetics, food and nutrition, provide the healthy recipe to you.  It is my pleasure to introduce this week, Reyna Franco, my colleague, along with her, Banana Challah French Toast . 

Reyna Franco, MS, RD, CDN, CPT

Reyna has expertise in both nutrition and fitness. She is a registered dietitian (RD) and a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer. Reyna has a private practice in New York City where she provides nutrition counseling and personal training to her clients. She combines a holistic approach with science-based nutrition and exercise research. Her clients range in age from young children to older adults. She has been very successful providing nutrition and fitness guidance to beginner exercisers and Olympic hopefuls. Additionally, she gives nutrition and wellness presentations to sports clubs, schools and community centers. Reyna is also the renal dietitian and the cardiac rehab nutrition educator for New York Downtown Hospital. She takes pride in her work and is an enthusiastic coach.

When Reyna is not counseling clients, performing workshops or writing articles, you may find her cycling, running, swimming, skiing, or rock–climbing.

To learn more about Reyna, visit her website: www.reynafranco.com.

Here is a favorite family breakfast recipe from Reyna:

          

 

©  Banana - Challah French Toast

Recipe reprinted with permission from “reynafranco.com” by Reyna Franco.

Ingredients:

2 slices of challah for each person

1 egg for 2 slices of challah

Sliced bananas

2 Tb Milk

Vanilla extract

Butter for the pan

 

PREPARATION METHOD:

Slice challah.  Two slices for each person.  Slice the banana into thin slices.  Beat 1 egg for every 2 slices of challah.  For example, if you are serving 4 people, you will need 4 eggs and 8 slices of challah.  Add 2 tablespoons of milk to the eggs.  Add a dash of vanilla extract.  Beat that up.  Warm up the frying pan on a low heat and add enough butter to grease the bottom.  Dip the challah in the egg. Coat both sides of the bread.  Place into pan.  Place banana slices over the bread while in the pan.  When the cooked side is light brown, gently flip it over.  Cook the other side until light brown.  Remove from pan.  The bananas make this breakfast dish naturally sweet, it doesn't need syrup.  Enjoy!

Reyna Franco, MS, RD, CDN, CPT

Nutrition and Exercise Consulting

PS: Remember to visit Reyna, and she can be contacted at the following:

www.reynafranco.com

reyna@reynafranco.com

212-580-5695