Banana Latkes (pancakes) Sugar Free

Any way you slice 'em, I love bananas! The banana is the world's most popular and most often eaten fruit. They are full of potassium and fiber, which we can't get enough of these days. Because they are easily transported, peeled, and consumed, the banana fits into our fast paced world.

Besides being delicious there are many health benefits to eating bananas. They provide our bodies with an immediate source of energy due to their sugar content. As an added benefit, because of their high fiber content, that energy boost lasts longer than most other fruits and/or sugary snacks.

Bananas are good for your blood and help prevent anemia. They are good for your normal bowel function especially when you have had a bout with diarrhea (Bananas have a firming quality). Also, research has shown that bananas benefit your bones, kidneys, eye sight (in the prevention of macular degeneration), ulcers, heartburn, morning sickness and more (health benefits of the banana).

My mom used to make these simple banana latkes (pancakes) for me as a quick energy snack or meal. It was also her way of using up ripe bananas! I've modified her method by substituting whole wheat flour for the white variety or matzo meal she used to use on Passover. I've also replaced the sugar with Splenda Sugar Substitute both in the batter and for the dusting on the finished product (as you can see in my photo).

This is a very child friendly recipe. Get your kids involved. They're going to love these latkes and even more so if you let them help prepare them. Even small children can mash the banana and mix the ingredients. Have fun!

Ingredients... (for 8 small pancakes)

• 2 tablespoons canola oil or healthy spread for frying.
• 1 banana, mashed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon fat free milk
• 1 cup whole wheat flour OR Matzo Meal if during Passover.
  
• 1-2 tablespoons Splenda Sugar Substitute (depending on your desired sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Splenda for dusting the latkes when they're done.

Here's how you do it...

1. Assemble your ingredients and heat a medium skillet to medium.
2. Mash the banana with a fork.
3. Add the egg and milk , mix until blended.
4. Add the whole wheat flour (or matzo meal), Splenda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Using the fork, mix until thoroughly blended.
5. Pour the oil into your skillet.
6. Drop batter by heaping tablespoon onto the heated oil in the skillet.
7. Flip them when you see the edges just barely starting to turn golden brown.
8. Lower the heat under your skillet slightly as not to burn the latkes.
9. Remove from pan onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
10. Dust with Splenda Sugar Substitute for a beautiful and sweet presentation.

This recipe can be doubled or tripled as needed.
Get creative... if you like chunks simple mash part of the banana and leaves some in bits.
Serve with slices of fresh banana and berries.
If you like chocolate in your latkes simply add a few of the mini chips to your batter.
There are a million ways to do it. Use your imagination.

Enjoy!