Baking with whey powder isn’t just a substitution game. I learnt this the hard whey (groan, I know, I know). So, whey powder looks like flour, but it doesn’t act like flour, so you can’t just swap it like for like. The general rule is to never swap more than 50% of the flour in your recipe for whey powder, otherwise the results will be dense, dry and rubbery. Plus, you need to add an extra ingredient to add more moisture to the bake – this can be mashed banana, yogurt, cream cheese or stewed apples. (You can experiment with other moisture giving ingredients – let me know if anything else works well so I ca add it to my list). You might wonder why I am banging on about how to add whey powder to your baking? Well, it’s a great way to add extra protein to your diet, and protein is good stuff. It helps to grow and maintain muscles and bones. It makes you feel fuller for longer. It’s the stuff our bodies are made of. Many of you know that last year I went into temporary menopause and had to use HRT patches. Luckily I am currently not officially menopausal, but my brush with an early menopause made me obsessed with how my diet could help me, and ladies who are reading, as your oestrogen declines as you age, your need for protein and calcium increases, as lack of oestrogen is linked to losing muscle mass, bone density and an increased chance of bone fractures. Guess what’s packed with protein and calcium? Whey powder. www.wheyforliving.com
Protein banana brownies
Makes 12 good sized brownies
Ingredients:
- 210g unsalted butter
- 250g caster sugar
- 150g soft brown sugar
- 540g good quality, dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 5 large eggs
- 85g plain flour (or round almonds if you prefer)
- 80g chocolate whey powder
- 210g mashed banana (2 medium sized bananas)
Line a baking tray about 30 x 20cm with baking paper and preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a low heat, then add the sugars and chocolate, stir well until completely smooth. Remove from the heat and add the rest of the ingredients. Whisk until completely combined, pour into the prepared tray and bake for 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and cut into 12 good sized brownies.
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Holly Bell 