Category: Guest Post

  • Combat loneliness as you age

    Combat loneliness as you age


    Combat loneliness as you age

    How to stay social and connected

    Far too often society brushes aside loneliness and social isolation as inevitable parts of aging. In reality, they are perilous issues, thought to increase one’s risk of things such as dementia, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Here’s how to protect yourself against loneliness as you age.

    A common problem


    Lana Adams never really experienced loneliness until she hit her seventies; for 68-year-old Uli Novak, it was when he retired. “I suddenly had all these empty days to fill,” Novak recalls. “I missed the daily banter with colleagues—and feeling needed and productive.”

    Adams’ and Novak’s stories are all too common. Although having fewer social connections as one ages contributes to loneliness, it doesn’t paint the whole picture. Things including loss of touch and intimacy, illness or disability, and bereavement of loved ones can all play a role. Pervasive ageist attitudes also contribute, as many seniors feel pushed to the periphery of society.

    And existential questions—such as “how is my life important?”—can also crop up. “I want this chapter of my life to be about more than just keeping busy,” says 73-year-old Barbara Hylton, who knows she’s not alone in this sentiment.

    There are no quick fixes to eradicate loneliness and isolation, and addressing these issues needs to occur at a widespread, systemic level. At the same time, smaller-scale, meaningful solutions to prevent and treat loneliness do exist.

    Consider a pet


    Studies suggest that the human-animal bond is a powerful one; it can decrease things such as blood pressure and stress and protect against cognitive decline in older adults.

    Nurture a positive mindset


    One study found that keeping a daily list of three positive events decreased stress in adults aged 60 and over.

    Foster intergenerational connections


    Research shows that when kids get regular care and attention from older adults, they have fewer emotional and behavioral problems. Older individuals also reap the benefits; studies show that regularly involved grandparents experience decreased risk of depression, cognitive decline, and mortality.

    Build a support network


    Having more hobbies and increased contact with friends and family reduces loneliness across age, gender, and other lifestyle factors. Combining social interaction with physical activity may be especially effective.

    Of course, socializing can be taxing if one is suffering from illness or disability, which can severely limit daily activities. Virtual alternatives—such as online support groups or messaging programs—can combat some of the impacts of loneliness for those with limitations.

    Give back


    When Hylton started volunteering with a seniors’ support program a couple years ago, it gave her a sense of purpose. “I like connecting with people older than I am, playing cards together or helping them out, and just sharing our stories,” she says.

    The health benefits of volunteerism are well documented, including its positive impact on longevity.

    By Dr. Amy Green

    Content courtesy of Alive Magazine


  • Spiced Dill Shrimp

    Spiced Dill Shrimp

    Spiced Dill Shrimp


    This is the kind of recipe that you can pull together with minimal effort and maximum reward. From a quick marination in the fridge to finishing with pile of fresh herbs, each step is designed to add the most flavor for the least effort. Serve the shrimp warm with pasta or chilled with salad for a complete meal. 

    Spiced Dill Shrimp

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds peeled and deveined shrimp
    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • 3 large garlic cloves minced
    • 1 ½ tsp garam masala
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • ¾ tsp turmeric
    • ¾ tsp sea salt
    • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
    • ¼ cup chopped fresh dill

    Instructions

    • In a mixing bowl add shrimp, olive oil, garlic, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Toss to combine and place in the refrigerator to marinate for an hour.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook about 2–3 minutes per side or until opaque in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary.
    • Turn off heat and add fresh lemon juice and dill, toss, and serve promptly.

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Pumpkin Corn Soup

    Pumpkin Corn Soup

    Pumpkin Corn Soup


    Stock up on canned pumpkin so you can enjoy this cozy soup all season long. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy! Pumpkin adds fiber and nutrients to this simple soup. After chopping onion and garlic, it’s as simple as opening cans and stirring. Save your cooking energy for the big meal!

    Pumpkin Corn Soup

    Make it plant-based by replacing half and half with a plant-based creamer.
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 large yellow onion diced
    • 1 tbsp minced garlic
    • 2 4-oz cans diced green chilies
    • 1 quart vegetable stock
    • 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • ½ tsp dried thyme
    • ½ tsp dried savory optional
    • 2 cups frozen corn
    • 1 cup half and half (or alternative)
    • 1 large baking potato peeled and roughly mashed
    • 1 tbsp sriracha hot sauce
    • ½ cup cilantro chopped (optional)
    • 1 ½ tsp sea salt

    Instructions

    • Heat olive oil in a stock pot over medium-low heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
    • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds then add green chilies and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Stir in vegetable stock, pumpkin puree, cumin, thyme, and savory (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–10 minutes.
    • Stir in corn, half and half, potato, sriracha, cilantro (if using), and sea salt. Cook until corn is warmed through.
    • Serve hot with crusty bread.

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Apple and Endive Salad

    Apple and Endive Salad

    Apple and Endive Salad


    Still searching for a dish for Thanksgiving? While most item on the table are non-negotiable, the stuffing, the pie, mashed potatoes and gravy! The salad course is where you can really flex your creativity without upsetting anyone. The combination of apple and endive is crunchy and bright – a welcome contrast to the richness of so many traditional dishes.

    Apple and Endive Salad

    Servings 2

    Ingredients

    Dressing

    • 3 tbsp avocado oil
    • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup
    • 4 large basil leaves minced
    • ¼ tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

    Salad

    • 2 Belgium endive
    • 1 small head radicchio
    • 1 medium Granny Smith apple
    • cup pomegranate seeds

    Garnish

    • cup walnuts
    • ¼ cup pistachio shelled

    Instructions

    • Whisk together avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, basil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
    • Chop endive and radicchio into bite size pieces. Core and chop apple. Combine in a mixing bowl.
    • Toss salad with half of the dressing and place on serving plates. Garnish with walnuts and pistachios. Serve with remaining dressing.

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Recipes to Dream About

    Recipes to Dream About


    Recipes to dream about

    Science shows that what you eat can influence how much quality sleep you get. So, with some savvy cooking, there is hope for finally getting the ever-elusive shut-eye of your dreams and feeling like a champ. These recipes feature the foods you need to help bring on sweet dreams.

    Pumpkin Crusted Salmon with Sweet Potato Mash


    Good news for the reluctant or harried cook: this dish comes together quickly but presents itself as something truly fanciful. Rainbow trout and arctic char are good stand-ins for salmon with nearly the same sleep-inducing nutritional make-up.

    1/3 cup (80 mL) pumpkin seeds
    1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
    1/2 tsp (2 mL) garlic powder
    1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) cayenne
    1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt, divided
    1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper
    1 lb (450 g) salmon fillets
    2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
    2 Tbsp (30 mL) butter
    1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh thyme
    1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard

    Heat oven to 325 F (162 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In blender or mini food processor, pulse pumpkin seeds, olive oil, garlic powder, cayenne, 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt, and black pepper until mixture forms a semi-dry paste. Alternatively, in bowl, finely chop pumpkin seeds and mix with other ingredients.

    Coat salmon fillets with pumpkin mixture. Bake salmon for 18 minutes, or until just barely cooked through in the center.

    As salmon cooks, place sweet potatoes in large saucepan. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash with butter, thyme, mustard, and 1/4 tsp (2 mL) salt. Alternatively, steam sweet potato cubes until tender and then mash with the other ingredients.

    Spread sweet potato mash on serving plates and top with salmon.


    Yogurt Bowl with Tart Cherry Compote

    If you’re hungry for a nighttime snack, then spoon up this creamy, sweet-tart yogurt bowl. It’s also a great breakfast option with a little granola tossed on top.

    1 cup (250 mL) tart cherry juice
    1 Tbsp (15 mL) honey
    1 cup (250 mL) dried tart cherries
    1 Tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh ginger
    2 tsp (10 mL) grated orange zest
    Pinch of salt
    1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
    3 cups (750 mL) plain yogurt
    1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped walnuts

    In medium saucepan, place cherry juice, honey, dried cherries, ginger, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes.

    With slotted spoon, remove dried cherries from pan and set aside. Raise heat to high and boil, uncovered, for 3 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by about half and syrupy. Stir cherries back into liquid and add vanilla.

    Place yogurt in serving bowls and top with cherry compote and walnuts.


    Southwest Tofu Scramble Tacos

    Stuffing a highly seasoned tofu scramble into steamy tortillas proves that tacos can handle all sorts of whims and fancies. And it’s a speedy meatless meal that can help you snag more zzz’s.

    1 block (12 oz/350 g) extra-firm tofu
    2 tsp (10 mL) grapeseed oil or avocado oil
    1 cup (250 mL) chopped yellow onion
    2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
    1/2 tsp (2 mL) turmeric
    1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground coriander
    1/2 tsp (2 mL) ancho chili pepper or 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne
    1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
    1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper
    1 yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped
    3 Tbsp (45 mL) nutritional yeast
    1 cup (250 mL) cooked or canned black beans
    1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped cilantro
    8 corn tortillas, warmed
    1 avocado, cubed
    1/2 cup (125 mL) salsa of choice
    Lime wedges

    Using large holes of box grater, grate tofu into pebble-sized pieces, or finely chop with knife.

    In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in turmeric, coriander, ancho pepper or cayenne, salt, and pepper; heat for 30 seconds. Add tofu, bell pepper, and nutritional yeast to skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Stir in black beans, heat for 2 more minutes, and then add cilantro.

    Divide tofu mixture among tortillas and top with avocado and salsa. Squirt on lime juice.


    By Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD

    Content courtesy of Alive Magazine


  • Pumpkin Soup

    Pumpkin Soup


    Pumpkin Soup

    This Pumpkin Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly Thanksgiving day.

    It’s a simple yet flavorful addition to your holiday spread, and it’s a great way to embrace the flavors of the season.

    Enjoy the comfort and healthiness of this soup as you gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving.


    Elisa Franco

    Pumpkin Soup

    Warm up your Thanksgiving dinner with a cozy and nutritious Pumpkin Soup. This hearty soup is a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal flavors into your holiday menu while keeping it healthy.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cans pumpkin puree
    • 1 medium onion finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
    • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 cup heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option
    • 2 tblsp olive oil or butter
    • roasted pumpkin seeds for toppings
    • 1 bunch parsley chopped, for toppings
    • 1 dollop sour cream or yogurt for toppings

    Method
     

    1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or melt the butter over medium heat.
    2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
    3. Add the canned pumpkin to the pot and stir well.
    4. Season the mixture with the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
    5. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
    6. Reduce the heat to low, and then stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) to the soup. Let it heat through but avoid boiling.
    7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
    8. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings, such as roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

  • ’Til midlife do us part

    ’Til midlife do us part


    ’Til midlife do us part

    Create well-being during and after divorce

    When people decide to marry, it’s arguably with the intention of sharing a lifetime. And the ideal of lifelong partnership has historically been a social expectation. Although in recent years the upward trend of “grey divorce” (over age 50) has slowed, the highest percentage of marital splits in Canada and the US still happens at midlife. What’s happening?

    Changing perspectives

    Only in the last century has our lifespan increased by about 20 years and given us “middle years” between youth and old age. For many, these years are a time of reflection. We start to consider our mortality and realize we have less time ahead of us than behind. Not only have we learned a lot, but we still have the time, energy, health—and often freedom—to make changes.

    Updating your status

    Although the stigma of divorce has lost its sting, it can be a difficult conversation in some religious groups, or with parents and children. Experts agree that any children—no matter their ages—should hear the news before you make it public. Be honest with your offspring, but also have boundaries firmly in place about what they need to know.

    And while you think that your adult children will accept the news easily, be prepared to parent them through it, especially if they aren’t expecting it. Adult children may have a difficult time with the news and question the reality of their entire childhood. Be available to have some difficult conversations.

    Get support

    Consider working with a counselor, minister, therapist, or relationship life coach who can help you understand your role in the demise of your marriage. You are intimately aware of your previous partner’s role, and unless you acknowledge your own contributions, you will likely make the same mistakes in future relationships.

    Take time for yourself

    Particularly if the divorce was a long time coming, you might be tempted to rush into the dating pool, but experts suggest taking a pause before testing the waters. Whether you wanted the divorce or not, it’s a troubling experience. Give yourself time to heal. Get to know yourself as an individual after long-term coupledom.

    Healthy dating

    It can be tempting to let loneliness drive your desire to date. Instead, find ways to fill your social calendar through friendships, volunteering, hobbies, and support groups. Who knows? You might meet your next partner while you’re out doing something you enjoy!

    If you still have children living in your home, dating can be a tricky thing. Research on divorced mothers has shown that younger children become stressed when mom’s dating relationships end, so consider minimizing their exposure to a love interest until you are confident that the relationship has legs.

    Have fun

    Dating isn’t supposed to be a chore. It’s really about learning whether new people complement your life. Best of all? That decision is all yours.

    By Lisa Petty, PhD

    Content courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Your blueprint for pain-free aging

    Your blueprint for pain-free aging


    Your blueprint for pain-free aging

    Top tips to start today

    While it’s a blessing to live a long life, the aging process comes with its share of aches and pains. The healing process is slower in an aging body, so underestimating pain, delaying treatment, or avoiding care due to pain-related fear may contribute to the development of chronic pain and associated disability.

    Here’s the good news: treating acute pain appropriately may prevent its development into chronic pain, while managing existing chronic pain can improve quality of life and promote a healthy lifespan in the years to come.

    When pain overstays its welcome
    Acute pain is usually triggered by injury or trauma and serves as a protection mechanism to deter us from further insult.

    But when acute pain is poorly managed, a pathological process takes place in the central and peripheral nervous systems, known as sensitization. This mechanism is theorized to drive the development of chronic pain. Pain is considered chronic when it has persisted for three months or longer.

    Collaborative care
    Curate your multidisciplinary pain management team by seeking the care of diverse practitioners, such as a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and osteopathic manual therapist. These care providers can offer evidence-based pain management treatments.

    Evidence-based pain treatments
    Acupuncture
    relieves pain by encouraging the body’s own production of opiates, endorphins, and corticosteroids, and has been shown to reduce chronic low back pain.
    Mind-body approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction help reduce chronic low back pain.
    Hypnotherapy is effective in reducing chronic pain for some individuals.
    Osteopathy is shown to be helpful in some cases of low back pain.
    Music therapy is effective in lowering pain for palliative care patients.

    Fight inflammation with food
    An anti-inflammatory approach to eating is helpful for managing acute and chronic pain. Cut back on sugar, processed foods, and trans fats, and opt for a food plan based on whole foods including fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, fish and unprocessed meats, and whole grains.

    If your pain originates from the digestive tract or from an autoimmune condition, consider testing for sensitivities to gluten and other foods.

    Easing up is wise
    With acute pain, it’s particularly important to rest the painful area to reduce inflammation and allow for healing. Manage chronic pain by interspersing periods of rest throughout activities that aggravate your pain.

    Staying active is important
    On top of strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and promoting joint stability, research suggests that exercise also increases the body’s production of pain-relieving molecules known as endocannabinoids.

    Of course, when pain interferes with exercise, we have a problem! Consult with a physiotherapist or kinesiologist for an individualized exercise treatment program, which has been shown to reduce pain and promote function.

    Mind over matter works wonders
    We can tap into the mind-body connection and use it to our advantage! Optimism is protective against day-to-day pain-related disruptions and increases goal-directed activity in older adults.

    Dr. Cassie Irwin, ND

    Content courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Simple and stress-free Thanksgiving

    Simple and stress-free Thanksgiving


    Simple and stress-free Thanksgiving

    Traditional recipes with a twist

    We all hope for simple and stress-free holidays. Simplifying traditional dishes and choosing ones that can be prepped days ahead of time will eliminate that stress and ensure your Thanksgiving leaves you feeling, well, thankful. You might even spend more time at the table with family than you do in the kitchen!

    Turkey Meatballs

    Stay traditional and go with turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner, but simplify things with these bite-size meatballs. Though small, they pack a punch of big flavors to rival any main attraction.

    12 oz (340 g) extra-lean ground turkey thigh

    1 egg

    1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped

    1 cup (250 mL) chopped spinach

    1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

    2 tsp (10 mL) orange zest

    1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh sage

    1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh rosemary

    1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh thyme

    Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

    Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix. Using approximately 1 1/2 Tbsp (22 mL) mixture, form meatballs and place evenly spaced out on parchment-lined baking sheet. Makes 16 meatballs.

    Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, giving baking sheet a shake midway through cooking so they cook evenly and acquire color on all sides. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 160 F (70 C). Serve with cranberry sauce.

    Serves 4

    Each serving contains: 203 calories; 27 g protein; 11 g fat (2 g sat. fat); 3 g carbohydrates (1 g sugars, 1 g fiber); 119 mg sodium


    Barley Stuffing

    Here, we’re creating a traditional dish with a twist by ditching the boring old bread of typical stuffings and replacing it with the ancient grain barley. This next-level stuffing is plant based, but mushrooms and fennel add a delicious meatiness.

    2 cups (500 mL) cooked barley

    1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil

    9 oz (250 g) cremini mushrooms, finely chopped (mixed mushrooms would work as well)

    1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped carrots

    1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped celery

    1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

    1 Granny Smith apple, cut into 1/2 in (1 cm) cubes

    1/4 cup (60 mL) water chestnuts, roughly chopped

    1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh rosemary, chopped

    1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh sage, chopped

    1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh thyme, chopped

    1/2 tsp (2 mL) fennel seeds, ground in mortar and pestle or spice grinder

    Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

    In advance, prepare 2 cups (500 mL) cooked barley according to package instructions. Set aside or make it a day or two ahead of time and store, covered, in refrigerator.

    In large frying pan on medium-high heat, add olive oil and mushrooms and cook until browned and all moisture is gone, stirring frequently.

    To frying pan with mushrooms, add carrots, celery, and onion; saute until soft but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add apple cubes and water chestnuts along with herbs and spices, and saute until apples are soft, about 5 minutes. Add in cooked barley and stir to combine.

    Place mixture into oven-safe dish with cover. Bake, covered, at 350 F (180 F) for 30 minutes. If you want the top to be crispy, remove cover approximately 5 to 10 minutes earlier.

    To save time on Thanksgiving Day, make this up to 2 days ahead and store in fridge before roasting. On the day of your dinner, let stand for 30 minutes, before roasting until crispy and warmed through.

    Serves 6

    Each serving contains: 305 calories; 10 g protein; 4 g fat (1 g sat. fat); 61 g carbohydrates (8 g sugars, 15 g fiber); 46 mg sodium


    Vegetable Mash

    Move over potato; there are plenty of other vegetables vying for the title of comfort in a bowl! This combination is full of flavor and is silky smooth and creamy.

    1 whole celery root, peeled and diced

    1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped

    2 garlic cloves, peeled

    Vegetable broth or water to cover vegetables

    1/4 cup (60 mL) nutritional yeast

    1 Tbsp (15 mL) butter or butter substitute

    Salt and pepper, to taste

    Into large saucepan, place chopped vegetables and garlic and add water or vegetable broth until just covered. Bring to a boil and cook until vegetables fall off a fork, about 25 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup (60 mL) of cooking liquid and drain the remainder.

    Into blender, place cooked vegetables, nutritional yeast, and butter, and blend until smooth. If you prefer a thinner mixture, add reserved liquid to achieve your preferred consistency. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place in serving dish and enjoy. This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.

    Serves 6

    Each serving contains: 127 calories; 5 g protein; 3 g fat (1 g sat. fat); 24 g carbohydrates (4 g sugars, 5 g fiber); 101 mg sodium

    By Chelsea Gough

    Content courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Banana-Chocolate Crumb Cake

    Banana-Chocolate Crumb Cake

    Banana-Chocolate Crumb Cake


    Bananas and chocolate are a classic combination for good reason. They simply taste better together! Try this banana-chocolate crumb cake with fair trade ingredients for a dish that tastes as good as it is for people the people and the planet.

    Banana-Chocolate Crumb Cake

    Servings 6

    Ingredients

    Crumb Topping

    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • cup light brown sugar
    • ¼ cup cane sugar
    • 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened

    Batter

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tbsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp grated nutmeg
    • ½ tsp sea salt
    • 2 ripe bananas mashed
    • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
    • cup cane sugar
    • cup light brown sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • ¾ cup chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 by 9 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper. In a small bowl combine the crumb topping ingredients until well mixed. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl combine remaining flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together remaining brown sugar, and cane sugar until well blended. Beat in eggs, one at a time until incorporated. Stir in bananas, and vanilla.
    • Add half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently to combine. Add half the buttermilk and stir gently to combine. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk.
    • Fold chocolate chips into the batter. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and top with crumb mixture. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.

    Recipe Provided by INFRA