Banana Bites

Today, the sun is not the only thing that's beaming.

It always seems to happen this way.  Towards the end of winter, I find myself starting to feel somewhat despairing.

"Is this ever going to end?  Is there a chance that it will literally stay cold until like, August and we'll only have like, a maximum of five weeks with temperatures above 40?"

A tad melodramatic maybe?
                 Yes.  Definitely.  Yes.

In truth, I know that spring will come again.  But, sometimes it still seems like Old Man Winter is never going to release his bitterly cold choke hold on the frozen world around me.

Today though.  Oh today…

Today, it's as if the Sun has had it's fill of days dominated by "overcast" and "dreary."  Today, the sun is shining, illuminating blooms beginning to emerge from their months long, soil slumber.  It's brightening tiny green buds bespeckling long bare branches and inspiring songs from teeny bird lungs as they flit from tree to tree.

Yes.  Today feels like Spring.

Now, for all those southerners who, since the end of February, have been rockin' short sleeve shirts, golfing on Saturdays or, dare I say, even sun bathing on balconies, this may seem a tad bit strange to you.

But, for those of us in the sun-challenged states (who had sleet as recently as yesterday ---- yes, yesterday), seeing the temperature creep up to seventy two, is as beautiful a sight as any to see.


One of the things I love most about Spring and Summer is that it not only inspires me to get outdoors but it also influences the flavor of the foods I eat.

So, in honor of this spring-filled day, I whipped up a tasty little treat that's fast, easy, and picnic friendly (just in case you feel inspired to take your lunch on the lawn one upcoming day).

Banana Bites:

banana

1/4 c. crushed walnuts

agave nectar

Slice banana into about one-half inch thick pieces.  Sprinkle each piece with crushed walnuts and finish with a drizzling of agave nectar over each bite.

Agave nectar is sweet like honey but has more of a… toastier flavor.  These bites not only taste good, but they're good for you too:  the potassium of the banana; omega-3 from the nuts; vegan friendliness of agave nectar (if that's something you like to keep in mind).

So, whether you're looking for a snack that's a compliment to spring or just something sweet that won't jeopardize your summer, swimsuit clad plans, these bites have your name all over them.

Beaming,
Rachel