Cinnamon Banana Waffles AKA: I Have a Fridge Full of Duck Eggs

I have a fridge full of duck eggs from my marvelous CSA share.  So, I do what any well-respected CSA participant would do... I scour the internet in search of fun and delicious ways to prepare and serve them.

A word on duck eggs: Duck eggs are larger, richer, and more flavorful than chicken eggs, which is why bakers love them...They make baked goods that much more decadent!

I came across this recipe from paleOMG via the folks at Just Eat Real Food.  Both great resources for those that are on a paleo diet, gluten-free, or trying to cut out refined sugar.

Being on a anti-inflammatory diet for my RA, I have to be careful with eggs, but I find I am okay with them in moderation.  Given these waffles are also gluten free and refined sugar free, I was really excited to give them a try and I'm glad I did, because not only were they delicious, but I am able to share them with you right before the weekend!

I made a few small changes from the original recipe, by adding 2 TBSP of maple syrup instead of three and substituting duck eggs for the chicken eggs. If you're making this for 2 people, you can definitely cut the recipe in half and you will have more than enough, and if you are making these in a waffle maker remember: less is more.  This will help you avoid any waffle explosions like the one I experienced in the first batch-The waffle maker and I needed to re-familiarize ourselves with each other...It was awkward at first, but now we're cool.

Enjoy your weekend and most importantly...

Eat Healthy, Stay Happy!

Cinnamon Banana Waffles
Recipe from paleOMG

• 2 medium bananas, very ripe
• 2 eggs (I used duck eggs)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ¼ cup coconut or almond milk
• 1 cup almond flour (I use Bob's Red Mill)
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• pinch of salt

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. Mash the bananas and place them along with the, egg, maple syrup, coconut oil, and milk in a large bowl and mix either by hand with a wooden spoon, or with a hand mixer until smooth.
3. Add the almond meal, shredded coconut, arrowroot flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt and mix well to combine.
4. Pour mixture into waffle iron (if you don't have a non-stick waffle iron, make sure to grease yours before)
5. Top with fresh fruit, and real maple syrup. Serve warm

CSA Time: What's in the box?

Today I received my first CSA share of the season and I have to tell you, words can't describe the sheer anticipation that lead up to the moment I walked into the Co-Op to pick up my box of goodies. For those of you who are unfamiliar with CSA's, the acronym stands for Community Supported Agriculture and they are a fantastic way to buy local, organic, seasonal produce directly from a farmer in your area. Once or twice a month (depending on the type of share you purchase) you pick up your box of goodies at a designated drop location where you bring home the freshest organic produce available. Not only are CSA's a great way to ensure you are receiving the freshest organic produce, you are also supporting your local farmers who are doing things the right way-And that's good for everyone!

Another fun aspect of a CSA is the exposure you get to things you have never tried before...Like stinging nettles.  I received a big bunch of this questionable leafy green in my share today and I am extremely curious and somewhat excited to figure out a way to prepare this outcast...So stay tuned!


What else did you receive in your share you ask?

Parsley
Sorrel (I had no clue what this is.  Turns out it's a tart lemony green, delicious in pasta salads and it's lemony flavor also compliments lean meats such as fish)
Spring onions
Red radishes
A beautiful head of leafy green lettuce
Spring salad mix
Bundle of herbs-Sage, oregano, and thyme
Honey applesauce
3 dozen freshy laid duck eggs (I am now the envy of every serious baker imaginable)
Handmade goat milk soaps
                                     Seasonal wildflower bouquet

If you are at the point where you are totally jealous of all of the awesomeness I just listed, I completely understand.  The good news is, you too can sign up for a CSA!  Simply visit Local Harvest, a website dedicated towards the education of the importance of locally grown produce that happens to have a fantastic list of CSA's across the country.  You can also visit your local Co-Op or Natural Foods Store who will often have a list of participating farms in your area.

And for fun, check out the amazing farmers who provide my CSA share at L.T.D. (Living the Dream) Farms and follow them on Facebook!  They post impossibly cute videos of baby goats, geese, rabbits, piglets and show you what daily life is like on the farm.  I respect these two immensely in regard to the way they humanely raise their animals-If you are going to eat meat, these are the people you should be buying it from!

Stay tuned for fresh new recipes from my CSA share as well as monthly updates of "What's in the box?"

Eat Healthy, Stay Happy!