Banana Blueberry Coconut Cups ... or loaf!

Oven: 350 Makes: About 24 Cup Cakes

… or 1 loaf

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 beaten eggs
1 ½ cups mashed bananas (5 medium)
20-30 blueberries (frozen, dried, fresh)
1 cup sugar
½ cup cooking oil or melted butter
¼ cup chopped pecans
¾ cup shredded coconut

1 recipe Streusel-Nut Topping (optional)

1. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon salt. Make a well in center of flour mixture; set aside.
   

2. Combine eggs, bananas, blueberries, coconut, sugar and oil. Add egg mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in nuts. Spoon batter into cup cake tins or into loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle the Streusel-Nut Topping on top of the batter.
   

3. Bake in a 350 oven for 55 to 60 minutes for 9X5X3-inch pan, or 40 to 45 minutes for 7 ½X3 ½ X 2 inch pan or 30 to 35 minutes for cup cakes, OR until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
   

Streusel-Nut Topping: Combine ¼ cup packed brown sugar and 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Cut in 2 Tablespoons butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans.

Now comes the really fun part!

Love thy neighbor … When they come out of the oven, still piping hot, put half of the batch into a basket and go visit your neighbors. There’s no better way to anyone’s heart than through their stomachs! And there is nothing like giving and receiving neighborly love and support.

Another plus - gifting makes this a dietetic recipe. You will give up half the calories without having to give up any of the taste!!!

The "Blueberry Capital of the World" is ...

I bet you didn't know that the "Blueberry Capital of the World" is Cherryfield, Maine.

What other little known fact will I - or you! - come up with next?

Nutritional Benefits of Blueberries!

Benefits of Blueberries - Oh where do I begin?!

“just one serving of fresh or frozen blueberries provides as many antioxidants as five servings of carrots, apples, broccoli or squash.”

In fact, USDA studies rank blueberries number one in antioxidant activity compared with 40 other fruits and vegetables. Research led by Dr. James Joseph at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University demonstrates the potential for blueberries to improve motor skills and reverse the short-term memory loss that comes with aging. Another benefit of blueberries is that studies show blueberries, like cranberries, help maintain urinary tract health. Components in blueberries reduce the ability of E. coli, a bacterium responsible for urinary tract infections, to adhere to the lining of the bladder Research that shows ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in blueberries and other berries, may block the metabolic pathways that can promote cancer.

Now do you see why I eat blueberries everyday? It's easy - frozen, dried or fresh - I'm there!

Special Occasion Blueberry Coffeecake Recipe!

I made it the first time 20 years ago for my sister in law's bridal shower. I Loved it! Then I lost it! I am not the most organized ... it turned up a couple months ago just in time for a "Welcome Home from Iraq" brunch for a friend's son. That's why I call it the "Special Occasion" Blueberry Coffeecake!

Try it for yourself - then hold onto it - you'll want to bake it again and again and again vs. every 20 years!

Special Occasion Blueberry Coffeecake Recipe Extraordinaire!

2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

2/3 cup butter or margarine

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk

Sift flour and sugar and cut in the butter or margarine.

Remove 3/4 cup of this mixture and reserve.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and beat at low speed for 3 minutes.

Spread in a 12X8X2 pan.

Top with 1 1/2 cups fresh, frozen or canned blueberries.

Sprinkle with the mixture you reserved.

Bake at 350 F (moderate oven) for 40 to 50 minutes.

Note: Be sure to bake this with a pan/cookie sheet underneath it. Last time mine overflowed with goodness!

Why I Love Blueberries!

Believe it or not I was never really a fan of blueberries.

They were o.k. but not a part of my regular diet. Then one day while researching solutions for my fatigue and brain fog problems I stumbled upon their amazing health benefits.

Blueberries improve eyesight, reduce the risk of heart disease and urinary tract infections, energize and improve memory skills … Now I am hooked! I start everyday with my little blue friends and work them into as many recipes as I can.

Heck, I even married a berry!