Forget about smothering toasted crumpets in butter; this low-fat topping is really yummy and much healthier. Lightly mashed bananas are mixed with creamy fromage frais and warm spices and piled onto crumpets, then finished by drizzling with honey and grilled until bubbling. It's the perfect quick sweet snack.
B2, B6, B12, C, niacin, calcium
*Use wholemeal crumpets for added fibre.
*Instead of cardamom seeds, use ¼–½ tsp ground cardamom or freshly grated nutmeg, to taste.
*For nectarine or peach brioche fingers, cut 4 thick slices, about 20 g (¾ oz) each, from a brioche loaf. Toast under a preheated grill for about 30 seconds on each side. Divide 115 g (4 oz) ricotta cheese among the toasts and spread over one side, right to the edges (any exposed bread will burn). Cut each slice of brioche in half. Scatter over 45 g (1½ oz) toasted flaked almonds. Thinly slice 1 large ripe nectarine or peach and arrange on top, covering the almonds to prevent them from getting too brown. Drizzle each brioche with 1 tsp maple syrup and grill for 3–4 minutes or until golden and sizzling. Leave the brioche fingers to cool slightly before serving.
*Bananas are a concentrated source of energy and one of the best fruit sources of the mineral potassium, which is vital for muscle and nerve functions. This is why bananas are very popular with sportsmen and women.
*Fromage frais, a soft cheese originating in France, is lower in fat than most other creamy cheeses. It is available in varying fat contents, from 8% down to 0%. Whichever version you choose, fromage frais can make a good contribution to calcium intake.