Monday, February 17, 2014

Banana "Nut" Scones

Banana "Nut" Scones


Did you know that February is American Heart Month?  Yes, I realize that many of us spent the weekend munching on Valentine's candy but let's move past that right now.  To help us eat heart healthy, the folks at Post cereals contacted me to let me know that they've partnered with Walgreens to offer some of their healthy cereals.  You'll be able to pick up a box of Post Honey Bunches of Oats, Fruity Pebbles, Great Grains or Grape Nuts so, that's just what I did.

Banana "Nut" Scones
So, now you're thinking dry cereal, huh?  Yawn.  You'd rather have a warm scone, fresh from the oven, wouldn't you?  Coming right up!  Scones are great.  They're quick and easy to make, low in sugar and can be sweetened up with fruit and interesting toppings.  And I decided to make them even greater by adding banana for moistness and Grape Nuts cereal for crunch and extra protein.

Banana "Nut" Scones
There was a wonderful aroma while they were baking and I was definitely ready for my treat.  Maybe danish and doughnuts aren't the best heart healthy choice for breakfast but you can still have your morning pastry with these scones.  Lots of healthy protein and fiber and less than 250 calories each sounds like a healthy breakfast I can look forward to.  Enjoy!











Ingredients
1 3/4 Cups all purpose flour
3 Tablespoons sugar
2 Teaspoons baking powder
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/4 Teaspoon baking soda
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1" pieces
1 Egg
1/2 Cup low fat buttermilk
1 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Banana, preferably over-ripe, and mashed
1/2 cup Post Grape Nuts cereal
1 Tablespoon buttermilk for topping
1 Tablespoon sugar for topping
1 Tablespoon cereal for topping

Banana "Nut" Scones
Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda and butter to a large bowl.  Using a pastry cutter or fork, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles course crumbs.

In a separate bowl, mix together the egg, buttermilk, vanilla and mashed banana.  Add the wet ingredients into the dry and mix.  Fold in the cereal and turn the dough out on a floured board.  You can either shape it into a disk (about 9") or place it into a shallow pie dish.  Brush the top with the tablespoon of buttermilk and sprinkle on the sugar and cereal. 

Banana "Nut" Scones
Bake in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for 20 - 25 minutes or until the scones are a light golden brown.  Slice and serve warm.  Makes 8 scones.

7 comments:

  1. What a creative way to utilize Grape Nuts. These scones look amazing.

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  2. This definitely looks heart healthy and delicious as well! Best of both worlds for me...thanks for sharing!

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  3. Oooh this was a great and super tasty idea for a heart healthy recipe! Love these scones!

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  4. This is a great idea - especially in our family where so many don't like the texture of nuts - but don't mind the taste. I'll be putting this on my list to try!

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  5. What a great use of the Grape Nuts cereal, Anita!

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  6. oh i love grape nuts! Just discovered your blog and am loving it, going through the posts now haha

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