Well known for their potassium content, bananas also supply vitamin B6 and fibre. When bananas are ripe, store them in the refrigerator. Their peel will darken but the fruit inside will be ripe and fresh. Bananas can also be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Chocolate Banana Cupcakes

2 ripe bananas, mashed, about ¾ cup
175 mL buttermilk ¾ cup
175 mL packed brown sugar ¾ cup
60 mL Western Family honey ¼ cup
45 mL Western Family canola oil 3 tbsp
10 mL vanilla extract 2 tsp
250 mL Western Family all-purpose fl our 1 cup
175 mL Western Family whole wheat fl our ¾ cup
60 mL unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ cup
5 mL baking soda 1 tsp
2 mL salt ¼ tsp
60 mL Western Family semi-sweet ¼ cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Spray 12 muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine bananas, buttermilk, sugar, honey, oil and vanilla.

3. In another bowl, stir together flours, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add to banana mixture and stir until just moistened and combined.

4. Spoon muffi n batter into muffin cups and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in pan before removing.

Makes 12 muffins.

Nutritional analysis per serving
Calories 217 Protein 3.3 g Fat 5.3 g Carbohydrate 42 g Fibre 2 g