Nateur Cooking: Collagen banana bread brownies by Brandi Chang

Nateur Cooking: Collagen banana bread brownies by Brandi Chang

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. It’s still possible to indulge in your favorite foods, while nourishing your body at the same time. Here we share clean versions of delicious recipes that will leave you feeling and looking incredible and not to mention, insanely satisfied!

Name: Brandi Chang

Instagram: @brandichang

Job description: Cookbook Author, TV Presenter

Favorite dish to serve at a dinner party: my gluten free, nearly-vegan chocolate chip cookie from the Family Style cookbook, served in a hot skillet and topped with coconut whipped cream - a total crowd pleaser.

Favorite skin food ingredient and why: As cliche as it sounds, water! My skin always looks and feels its best when I’m fully hydrated.

Top three Instagram accounts for inspiration: @deliciouslyella @eyeswoon @rosiehw

Must-have cookbook: can I say my own? ;) I do really love Gywneth Paltrow’s collection of cookbooks as well - they serve as major inspiration for my own recipes.

Three kitchen supplies you can’t live without: my Ninja blender, my coffee machine, and my Caraway saute pan.

Three things you always keep in your refrigerator: unsweetened almond milk, mixed berries, and dates (I throw them on top of morning oats, smoothie bowls, or snack on them when I’m craving something sweet - which is usually always).

Favorite online shop for kitchen supplies and / or specialty food items: I much prefer shopping in-person - I probably go to the grocery store four to five times a week. My favorite for healthy speciality is Erewhon, and Eatly for all my favorite Italian imports.

Go-to quick, healthy meal: a custom Sweetgreen salad (my favorite lunch on-the-go). Favorite healthy treat: Hu Kitchen Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate

Skincare mantra: it’s never too early or late to start taking care of your skin. My mom taught me very early on to keep a skincare routine, and to this day my skincare remains top priority for me.

Eat this recipe for: a decadent (yet healthy) treat that is loaded with good-for-you ingredients, like the Agent Nateur holi (mane).

Recipe: Collagen Banana Bread Brownies (gluten free + refined sugar free) Ingredients:

Makes 7-8 slices

Banana Bread Layer

1 ripe banana

2 tablespoons refined coconut oil, melted

1 egg

1⁄2 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1 cup almond flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda

1⁄2 cup high-quality dark chocolate chips (I use Hu Kitchen Baking Gems) 2 tablespoons marine collagen powder (I prefer Agent Nateur h o l i (m a n e) )

Brownie Layer

1 egg

3 tablespoons refined coconut oil, melted

1⁄3 cup coconut sugar

1⁄4 cup high-quality dark chocolate, melted

1 tablespoon cacao powder

1 1⁄2 tablespoons arrowroot starch

1⁄4 cup walnuts, chopped

Almond butter (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly oil the parchment paper with coconut oil. Set aside.

To make the banana bread layer: In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix together the banana, coconut oil, egg and maple syrup. In a separate medium bowl, add flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, collagen powder and chocolate.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir well to incorporate. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and set aside.

To make the brownie layer: In a clean, medium bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, coconut sugar and chocolate. Add the cacao powder, arrowroot starch and walnuts. Carefully pour the brownie batter on top of the banana bread layer and spread.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the banana bread brownies cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy plain or topped with almond butter.