Agave Sweetened Low-Fat Bread

First a reminder that your entries on ways you use salsa need to be submitted by tomorrow (Saturday)! Click HERE for all the details and you could win 2 jars of Pace Specialty Salsa!

Today I made a trip to Trader Joe's to pick up some things that I can only find there. If only they would open one that is more convenient! It's not like the one I go to is far away, it's just not on my way anywhere, so I have to plan to go there. If Trader Joe's is listening, I know of a great location for you... there's a perfect sized space in a strip mall not too far from me that is just calling out to be turned into a Trader Joe's! Ok, enough of my begging and on to something new I bought today!

I picked up a bottle of Blue Agave Sweetener because I keep seeing recipes on-line that use it. I never see it at my local grocery store so I tossed it in my cart with my other items. Agave is a plant grown in Mexico and is harvested after it is about 7-10 years old. It's a really spikey looking plant and the nectar that it produces is similar to honey and can be used in place of artificial sweeteners without the aftertaste. The bonus to doing that is that it is all natural.

Once I got home and noticed I had some bananas begging to be made into bread, I knew the recipe I'd be making tonight: Agave Sweetened Low-Fat Banana Bread from my friend Recipegirl. Not only did the recipe have my newly aquired Agave in it, but it's also low-fat. I'm still trying to find recipes that will help me stick with a healthy eating plan, and this one looked like a great one to add to that list.

From Family, Friends and Food

This bread was moist and dense with a lot of banana bits throughout. I really enjoyed it fresh out of the oven, but could definitely see it being equally delicious toasted with just a touch of butter on it. It was not overly sweet, but rather had just the right amount of sweetness in it. I wasn't sure if the Agave would significantly alter the taste, but it really did not.

Since the Agave was a bit expensive for the amount I purchased, I am going to price it out at a couple of health food stores to see if I can find a better deal on it. It's something I think I need to keep in my pantry for baking and sweetening other dishes.

Thanks, to Lori of Recipegirl for yet ANOTHER fantastic recipe!