Two of my favorite things made into one!
When I’m out and about, I typically center my adventures around the cute coffee shop I want to try. I say coffee shop, but its really only ever the matcha that matters. I am a sucker for the pastry displays and never turn down a vegan, gluten-free banana bread. There is something about siping your matcha with a delicious baked good.
Sitting down, taking a pause and enjoying all the flavors, textures and smells is a novelty. It is not something most of us make time for on a daily basis. For me, this savoring really only happens when I am traveling or on the weekend when I have no agenda.
I wish I could make more time for a leisurely matcha and banana bread more often. I love it so much. During the week, life is busy. My work can be demanding and my schedule is not always something I can control. There are still ways to incorporate what I love and I am always playing around with what works with my time and my overall wellbeing. Matcha works. It always has. I recently discovered matcha.com for all types of matcha. Yes, there are different types and different uses. Th options really are endless.
I am not reliant on caffeine. I don't need 2-3 cups of coffee to function. In fact, I don't even need matcha. I drink matcha because I genuinely enjoy the ritual, I love the flavor and I notice the positive impacts. You can purchase high quality, organic, Japan-grown and harvested matcha from Matcha.com. Their matcha is grown on the hillsides of Uji, the ancient capital of Japan and the birthplace of matcha. I need to go there! Matcha.com is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things matcha. They are giving coffee-lovers a run for their money. I mean, how could you not love the benefits of matcha?
Matcha contains antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Coffee, just like too much sugar, makes me crash. Sustained energy is what we should be looking for and matcha provides that helpful boost.
Let's talk stress. I have always been a stressed person. Big or small stressors, they all add up. I am constantly working to keep my mind in a state of presence and be cognizant of stressors. The last thing I need is an unnecessary cortisol spike. The answer; L-theanine. Matcha contains high levels of the amino acid, L-theanine. When I consume matcha, I feel the energy boost but also a state of focus and relaxation. It is truly the best of both worlds.
Now back to the matcha banana bread. This is the best of both worlds too. I get my matcha fix in a moist, flavorful and nourishing slice of bread. I keep this in my fridge for a snack or little boost. This bread is vegan and gluten-free so I hope anyone can and will enjoy it. Check out Matcha.com's Instagram for more ways to incorporate matcha into your life.
Ingredients
2 flax eggs (2 Tbsp ground flaxseed, 5 Tbsp water)
3 ripe bananas (1 more for topping)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup oat milk
1/4 cup avocado or coconut oil
2 cups oat flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp matcha.com culinary matcha (Use code CACAOFC for 20% off at matcha.com)
handful of chocolate chips (I used 100% cacao chips)
Recipe
Make flax eggs by combining ground flaxseed and water. Whisk together and set aside for a few minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas. To the mashed bananas, add the flax eggs, maple syrup, oat milk and oil.
In another mixing bowl, combine oat flour, baking soda and salt.
Pour the wet mixture into the flour mix. Mix well, scraping edges as needed.
Add in the culinary matcha and stir until the powder is all absorbed. The batter will now be a beautiful green color.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Prepare a baking dish with parchment paper and/or oil. Transfer batter into baking dish and top with a sliced banana.
Bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before slicing.
Store in the refrigerator.