My kitchen table is currently covered with baby gear. An ergobaby box (yay!), breast milk storage bags, a few children’s books, a sweater knitted by my second cousin…the list goes on and on. Cleary, Ryan and I have been blessed by generous friends and family. I’m happy to say there are very few things we need to complete the baby picture…namely the baby herself.
But in the flurry of these last few weeks, my time feels more stretched than ever. There are friends I want to see, restaurants I want to eat at, projects that still need work. If I allowed it, I could easily work from dawn till dusk! So I have to remind myself (constantly) that my most important job right now is rest.
When I developed a craving for something cold and sweet on Tuesday afternoon, I dreamed up these almond banana pops. I don’t own Popsicle molds, and I didn’t want to satisfy my cravings with heaps of frozen sugar. My husband loves Arrested Development, so I guess the idea of a frozen banana wasn’t buried too deep in my mind. I’ve also been devouring Greek yogurt lately. Not only do I need the probiotics and calcium, but pregnant mamas can always use more protein. So frozen bananas, Greek yogurt, and crushed almonds and animal crackers quickly became an easy and healthy frozen treat.
To make the greek yogurt taste more decadent, I added a teaspoon of McCormick Pure Almond Extract. It was exactly what my banana pops needed…an extra layer of flavor to match all the contrasting textures. It might also be fun to add food coloring to your Greek yogurt. I know my niece and nephew would love to eat a blue banana pop!
Almond Banana Pops
*Yields 4 banana pops
2 bananas, cut in half
2 cups honey Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Almond Extract
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1/2 cup finely crushed animal crackers
4 Wooden sticks (or 2 thick straws cut in half)
Insert wooden stick (or straw) into banana. Straws work in a pinch, but wooden sticks are more sturdy and will make your life much easier.
Place Greek yogurt in a wide and shallow bowl. Stir in McCormick Pure Almond Extract. Mix together chopped almonds and animal crackers in a separate wide bowl.
Roll bananas in Greek yogurt, using a knife or spoon to cover any holes. The thicker the better! Then, roll covered banana in chopped almonds and animal crackers. Set on a plate lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining three bananas. Place plate in freezer and allow to chill for several hours before eating.
So gorgeous you are! and these pops?! I think I will have to make these as soon as i get home! (adjusting some of them so they don’t have nuts for Patrick 😉 )
OMG these pops look SOOO yummy!!! I love frozen bananas and i love the twist you put on them!
(side note: if I look as good as you when I’m pregnant I will like…just say thank you all the time every day :P)
You are too sweet Kayle, and I have no doubt you will look just as gorgeous (if not more!)
These looks delicious.. These are perfect for summer!!!
You look gorgeous, and these pops looks gorgeous! Unfortunately I’m allergic to almonds, but I’m sure substituting peanuts or cashews would be delicious too.
Love seeing your photos…your due date must be so soon!
My husband is all about Arrested Development, too. I try really hard to find it funny.
These bananas sound so easy and delicious–not to mention obviously more healthy! I am also in love with that maxidress, although I’m not sure how well it would work on non-pregnant me. 🙂
I was stressed when I was about to have my first child, but I wish someone had told me how easy it is to travel with an infant. They travel great on planes as you can snuggle them and they sleep. If you’re nursing then their food supply is always handy with the help of a nursing apron. They are sleeping so much that as long as you time it right you can have a fairly long meal in peace and they don’t usually mind the background noise.
I made frozen banana pops about a month ago, but I added some mini chocolate chips. I like the idea of using animal crackers. I will have to try it.
Monet, your belly is looking amazing! love these frozen banana treats. They would make the perfect afternoon pick-me-up at the farm on these hot days!!!
Yummy looking pops!
Oh, this is so smart! I’ve been making frozen banana pops for years but have only jazzed them up occasionally with a dip in chocolate. A yogurt coating and crunchy nuts is a brilliant, healthy twist!
Perfect summertime treat! I love that you used animal crackers. 🙂
These look awesome! Definitely going to have to try this recipe.
These look like the perfect afternoon sweet treat!
How creative! These banana pops just look so good!
This is a great idea for a healthy delicious pops! Love it!
Take care, Monet!
These look delicious! I love these, I would definitely crave this all the time.
OMG I have been looking at those chocolate covered bananas for a while but have never made them. These look way more up my alley. Plus the fact I have everything in the house. I’ll probably be making these this weekend 😉
I have to say that you’ve been exceptionally creative with all of your pregnancy pictures! So nice of you to share your happy adventure. And nice of you to share this recipe, too! These look terrific. And we have everything we need to make these except for the animal crackers – and I’m sure I can figure out a substitute. 😉 Good stuff – thanks.
Sounds delicious – and much healthier than a popsicle!
Almonds and bananas make up such a perfect summery dessert pairing—and that dress is lovely.
I see you’re getting in the child-rearing spirit with these pops! They’d no doubt be a hit with your kid in the future 😉
Yum! What amazing little bites of deliciousness!
Monet, these treats look like they would my kids extremly happy – what a fun post – but I do hope that you are getting the rest that you need. I understand the certain kind of “panic” that sets in when we think that time is running out before the little one arrives…but amazingly, things will calm down after a while and there will be time to finish all that we thought we should have finished before the baby arrives! So, take it a bit easy, dear Monet!
Sorry, I am running so late with commenting but we had burst water pipes on the weekend and they are still trying to repair the damage as I write…
Have a wonderful and restful Monday!!!
‘There’s always money in the banana stand!’ your husband has great taste in TV. These look delicious! what a wonderful summer treat!
You are so right. The best thing you can do for your little girlie is rest. You’re the only one she’s got looking after her. 🙂
Your banana pops are perfect!
OMG – the due date! What an exciting time. But those last few days until the birth really do seem to drag on and on like time has come to a stand-still – especially if you go overdue! Good luck and I’ll be looking forward to hearing how it goes and meeting your baby daughter. In the meantime, these frozen pops look just delicious xx
Not sure what I love more, the banana pops or your dress.
Nah, the dress won this time 😉
I don’t have popsicle molds either but I never thought that bananas could be the perfect substitute for an icy treat! What a great way to satisfy your cravings!
These look so good right now, Monet! It’s a scorcher here in Austin, all day/every day, and I could definitely go for a snack like this. Great recipe, beautiful mama-to-be!
How gorgeous are you?? Love the dress! I can’t believe how fast time has passed – I’m sure it’s passed in the blink of an eye for you! Setting aside plenty of time for rest sounds like the perfect idea right now, while taking a little time to make these almond banana pops – perfect for this hot weather!
Btw, I loved the Arrested Development reference 😉 Enjoy and get plenty of rest during these last few weeks!
You are undoubtedly the most gorgeous mama-to-be out there!!
and I love this simple, healthy and delicious pops!
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