Thursday, March 1, 2012

Coconut Flour - a Grain-Free alternative

Recently I have been experimenting in my baking again, trying to make things healthier as always, and I'm addicted to using coconut flour. My GAPS-friendly colleagues at Integra Naturopathics in Calgary are always sharing Grain-free recipes, so last night I baked a Coconut Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread that is really amazing. It's Gluten Free because it contains no grains, and there is no added fat in this recipe (except from the eggs)and it is rich and moist. It's also low in sugar. I've adapted it slightly by adding extra coconut flakes. This recipe is very high in both protein and fiber, so it makes a perfect snack! Check out the fiber comparison of various flours:
Comparison of fibre content of various flours:
Coconut Flour 39%
Wheat Bran 27%
Oat Bran 16%
Rye Flour 15%
Soya Flour 14%
Wheat Flour 13%
Corn Meal 11%
Buckwheat Flour 8%
Enriched White Flour 3%

This morning I had a slice after my workout with a tablespoon of natural Peanut Butter and I feel SO satisfied!

Recipe Ingredients:
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 8 eggs
• 1/2 c. almond or rice milk
• 1/4 c. honey
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 1 c. coconut flour
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• 1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
• 1 1/2 oz. unsweetened baker's chocolate
• optional: 15 drops vanilla stevia
Recipe Instructions:
Whisk together eggs, banana, milk, honey and almond extract in a big bowl. Stir together dry ingredients in a smaller bowl, breaking up any lumps, and add to egg mixture, stirring well. Chop chocolate and stevia in a small food processor to desired size and add to batter until combined. Pour into a large, well-greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for about an hour, until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for about 10 minutes, then remove to rack to cool completely before slicing.

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND.
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center


Vitality for Life is an integrative health clinic in Barrie, Ontario. We offer the services of a Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor and massage therapists.
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Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
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