Banana bread. (courtesy of the fruit flies.)

 

We love bananas. Well, Ava and I love bananas. We seem to always have them in the house. This time of the year, however, it is so hard to keep them. It’s so warm, and they literally sit on the counter for a day until they are swamped with fruit flies. I HATE fruit flies. So, as they start to turn brown, and I get sick of the fruit flies, I toss the bananas into the freezer where they sit, until I’m good and ready for them.

That day came. Unfortunately, after I made my go to recipe for banana bread, I realized that it has way more calories than I care to eat lately. So, off to grandpas it went. He has enjoyed it thoroughly.

                

Banana Bread  ( recipe from BHG cook book 12th edition)

Prep: 25 Min.      Bake: 55 Min.       Oven: 350           Makes: 1 loaf

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

2 beaten eggs

1 1/2 cup mashed bananas (about 5)

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup cooking oil

Grease loaf pan. Combine dry ingredients. Make well in center, set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine eggs, sugar, banana and oil. Add to dry mixture. Mix well, batter will be lumpy.Bake @ 350 for 55-60 min. Last 15 min, tent with foil to prevent over browning.

               

A new Norm-al.

 

I’ve been away for a while. I haven’t been baking all that much. A new baby will do that to you! So now, I find myself a mother of two. It’s crazy hard, but totally awesome at the same time. All my spare time that used to be filled with recipes, baking and naps, are now consumed with bottles, spit up, and cries. It’s exhausting.

Ava is a fantastic big sister and I can already see the tremendous love that Nat has for her.

Naps is the best dad on the planet (and a pretty swell husband too)

I have plans to bake again. I have plans to lose weight (I’m down 8 lbs already!)

Hopefully I won’t be gone this long again……..

Norman

Wordless Wednesday

 

Almond-Coconut Macaroons.

 

 

I love coconut. These macaroons are easy to make, and don’t require a ton of ingredients. They are sweet, gooey and delicious!

Almond-Coconut Macaroons

recipe from Martha Stewart Living (April 2009)

1/3 cup sugar

1 large egg white

1 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup whole almonds chopped (I use sliced almonds)

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together sugar and egg white in a large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Scoop into a mound and place 2 inches apart. Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. * Important!! Let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to wire cooling rack. Let cool completely! There a little gooey at first, but if you let them cool completely, they’ll set up just fine!

I hope that you enjoy these as much as I do!! Let me know what you think!

Lauren

Wordless Wednesday

 

Broccoli Bacon Salad.

 

So good. Quick and easy too!!

With company coming for dinner tonight, I needed a side dish and I needed it quick! Fresh Broccoli, crispy bacon….. Yum. (I thought about adding some blue cheese to the mix…..???!!!!)

Broccoli Bacon Salad

3 or 4 heads Broccoli (florets)

1 pound of bacon

1 medium red onion

1 cup Mayonnaise

1/3 cup sugar

2 tbsp vinegar

Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble. Cut florets into bite side pieces. Dice red onion. Wisk mayo, sugar and vinegar until combined.Add to broccoli, bacon and onion, toss until coated. Enjoy!

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter M&M Bars

 

Recipe from ‘Not Rachel Ray’ find it Here.

So Easy, and so good! Chewy, peanut buttery, dense awesomeness.

 

3/4 cup peanut butter (I used creamy)
2 large eggs
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose baking mix (Bisquick, for example)
1 bag of M&Ms

1. Preheat oven to 325*F. Spray an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine peanut butter and eggs until well mixed and smooth.

3. Add in brown sugar and stir until combined.

4. Stir in baking mix until moistened
5. Fold in M&Ms.

  

6. Spread mixture in greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Potato Pancakes

 

 

Every weekend my grandfather will request a certain food from me. They usually tend to be something he hasn’t had in quite some time, or something my grandmother used to make. While I know that I will always fall short of the amazing cooking my grandmother was capable of, I still try to bring him what he wants.

For his birthday he requested potato pancakes. I was told tales of nostalgia related to eating these little potato fritters. Him and my grandmother would always  stop at the same little restaurant on their way home from a typical visit to Sayre or Elmira. They would always order potato pancakes and drown them in sweet, sweet maple syrup while enjoying a bond that only an awesome marriage can bring.

While they may not be the healthiest  food to indulge in… they are soooo delish! This recipe is mega easy too!

Potato Pancakes

recipe from myrecipes.com

2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and rinsed

1 onion (8 oz.), peeled and halved, or 1/4 cup sliced green onions

2 large eggs, beaten to blend 

3 tablespoons potato starch or all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

About 2 cups vegetable oil

with a  food processor, shred potatoes, Shred onion and add to bowl (if using green onion, reserve). Let stand for 30 minutes.

Drain potato mixture; wipe bowl clean. With your hands, squeeze excess water from a large handful of the potato mixture, then pile it on a clean kitchen towel. Enclose potatoes tightly in towel and twist it to wring out remaining moisture. Repeat to dry all potatoes, using fresh towels if need. Return potatoes to bowl.

Add eggs, potato and onion, salt, and pepper (and green onions, if using) to bowl and mix well.

 

Pour 1/2 inch oil into a deep frying pan (with sides at least 2 in. tall) over medium-high heat. When  oil get hot enough to fry, scoop 1/3 cup of the potato mixture into one hand, then turn it onto a wide spatula. Flatten mixture into a pancake about 1/2 inch thick. Gently slide each cake from spatula into hot oil, 3 to 4 pancakes per batch (do not crowd pan). Cook until edges of pancakes are crisp and well browned and undersides are golden brown (lift with spatula to check), about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until remaining sides are golden brown, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer to paper towels to drain briefly… serve hot!

While some may enjoy syrup with the pancakes, I love to smother mine in sour cream or applesauce!! Enjoy!

“That's when the chocolate hit the peanut butter.”

quote by Perry Kamel

 

A coworker of mine recently asked me to try this recipe. After seeing the link, and the fabulous pictures, I HAD to try it. It really looks like heaven. God bless It’s creator, and thank you for sharing this with the world!!!

 

Ultimate Pretzel Crusted Peanut Butter Cookie Candy Brownie Bars

Original recipe from blog.babygizmo.com created by Hollie Schultz.

Click here to visit her site!

 

2 ½ cups crushed butter pretzels

1 cup melted butter (2 sticks)

5 tbsp sugar

Peanut Butter Cookie Mix and  the ingredients the mix calls for

Brownie Mix (13×9 family size box)  and  the ingredients the mix calls for

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 12-16 or so of the snack size)

Crush the pretzels in a food processor . On the recommendation of this recipes creator, Hollie Schultz, I used “Synder Butter Pretzels”. Mix the melted butter, sugar and pretzel crumbs. Press into lightly greased 13×9 pan. Set aside.

 

Mix the peanut butter cookie dough according to package. Spread evenly over pretzel crust.

Layer peanut butter cups! (this was the most tedious part… unwrapping all the peanut butter cups!)

  

Prepare brownie batter according to package. Pour over peanut butter cups, spread evenly.

 

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Have a huge glass of milk on hand and prepare for the chocolate to hit the peanut butter!!!!

….. and me with no teeth.

 

Ah, my grandpa. He’s half deaf, miserable as hell, smokes too much and keeps the heat on 100 degrees. Man, I love him.

I am struggling to find the words that accurately describe how much this man means to me. He’s been there for me in times no one else was. Offering all he had to help. Frustration builds when I see someone so giving, receiving so little from others. I ‘m not referring to tangible things. Just love, attention, and a visit once in a while. After my grandma passed, the visits stopped. Why is it that when one half dies, the other half seems to be forgotten? I myself have neglected my him at times,  and am trying hard now to right that wrong. Even if it means spending each weekend in the kitchen trying to mimic my grandmothers amazing cooking, because he’s craving good food. (Today he’ll be receiving potato pancakes, lasagna, chicken cutlets, and some Ava sized hugs!)

Today we celebrate his 88th birthday. He hasn’t changed a bit. He doesn’t listen to the doctors. He eats badly, and complains too much. But you know what? I think it’s working for him, and I’m glad that he’s still here. I’ll love him anyway.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Lady Bugs and Spice Cake

 

A few years back I had made the decision to humor my sweet Ava in almost whatever she had an idea to do. One day she had informed me that it was her baby doll Max’s birthday and she would like to have a party for him. A few days later, the cake was baked, balloons were blown up, and party hats were on.

Today, I am told, is Lady Bugs birthday, she is 3 years old. As I had hoped that she wouldn’t remember Max’s party, she did. So, the cake is in the oven, the balloons are waiting for all of my hot air, and the party hats are on deck. Yay.

Applesauce Spice Cake

recipe adapted form Duncan Hines Spice cake mix package

1 pkg Duncan Hines Spice cake mix

3 eggs

1 1/4 cup applesauce (or one can apple pie filling)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour cake pan.

Combine mix, oli, eggs, and applesauce. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Pour into pan and bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean!

Happy Birthday Lady Bug!!!

                         

Blowing out her candles! (which were really matches because mom couldn’t find the candles! lol!)

                           

Don’t forget the guests!

Yeah, I know. Just go with it.

 

So I am the worlds crappiest blogger. I hardly ever blog,and when I do, It’s the random-est thing ever. It’s how I roll I guess.

On that note, I can catch you up some. The big thing going on now? Weight Watchers. I jumped back onto that wagon and have been riding it since January 3rd. I have lost a total of 7.8 pounds (I’m gonna go ahead and call it 8 lbs) I My first goal is to get to 170. I weighed 170 when I had gotten pregnant with A bird, and haven’t seen it since. Next, I’d like to get below 170, into the 160’s. Then, I’ll go on from there. It sucks most days. I’d love to just completely down a loaf of garlic bread, and wash it down with some Ben and Jerry’s. But, I can’t.

Ava has informed me that when she grows up she would like to open a restaurant. She will name it Briakka Rye (pronounced Bree-okka rye) and serve mac and cheese, noodles, “the square cookies with powdered sugar from the Princess and the Frog” (a.k.a. Beignets) and ice cream with a cherry on top. I told her she had an excellent idea, and will do anything to help her make it happen.

In the matter of cooking, I have a  few recipes I plan on trying out, such as, chicken spinach and noodle casserole. I’ve never been big on casseroles, but one can change,eh? Also found some cookie recipes that are teasing my senses a bit!

I have recently taken Beginner Knitting classes. I learned how to cast on, knit, pearl, bind off, and most importantly, fix my mistakes. My numerous, numerous mistakes. I’ve just begun scarf # 2 and will learn to knit a hat starting the 21st. My ultimate goal is to learn how to knit socks! Who doesn’t love a good pair of hand made socks? A crazy person, that’s who!! lol!

And I’m spent. I think that all covers it all. Thanks for listening!

Wordless Wednesday

 

 

Mixing up a new year.

Merry Christmas to my faithful readers! (all 12 of you!) It's been a while, so I thought I'd update you a bit on my life lately.
 After surviving hives, anaphylactic shock, and prednisone, I 'm here to see another day! Santa was very good to me, despite me not being so good this year. I awoke Christmas morning to unwrap a shiny new RED! Kitchen Aid mixer. So much delight flooded my heart. No more struggling to mix a triple batch of cookies! No more kneading my fave challah recipe for what seemed like 10 hours! No more numb hands from mixing a giant batch of meatloaf. Life is good, indeed.
 My Naps was joy stricken with his new Kindle, and sweet A Bird had gotten everything on her list. "Santa" searched long an hard for that damn Leapfrog leap pad, and finally found one! Let's not forget about Singing Tori, and the Karaoke machine!
 Headed into this new year I, of course, have the standard "I want to lose weight and get healthy" goal. Only, I think this year, it might actually happen. I start WW again next week. It will work, because I will stick to it.
 I also would like to learn to knit socks. I just love hand made socks. A Bird is starting swiming again (she's been promoted to an Eel!!) and has expressed interest in ballet lessons.
 Our efforts to conceive have not yet been fruitful. I will continue to pray, and trust that God will provied.
So that's it for now. I have lots of recipes that I plan on posting..... the anticipation is aweful isn't it?!
Happy New Year!!!!

A tough pill to swallow.

 

I know that God loves us equally.

While I know this fact, I struggle at times to believe this with all of my heart.  When is it the hardest for you? I’m reminded everyday that my God loves me. When my Ava smiles, I’m reminded that doctors told us we had a slim chance to conceive. When my husband hugs me, I’m reminded that God gave him to me. When I go to work, and come home to a roof over my head and food on our table, I’m reminded of God’s Grace. Yet, what is it that makes me struggle to believe that He loves us all equally? When I see so many women conceiving, and others that may never, I struggle. When I see so many suffering from cancer, and others abusing their bodies, and living without medical problems, I struggle. I used to think, Man! those people are lucky… But is it really luck? How can one person struggle, while the next suffers, and I’m supposed to believe that He loves us equally? I can only rationalize this by telling myself that those suffering, are suffering for a reason. It is through our suffering that God’s grace can shine through. I good friend once told me that He does give us more than we can handle, so that we learn to let him take the wheel.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Turkey for me, Turkey for you…

 

 

photo courtesy of http://www.flouronmyface.com

Today I am thankful for fresh baked bread, real salted butter, cheese, (the doctor’s that will someday perform my bypass surgery from eating to much cheese and butter) my family, my health, Ava’s sweet laugh, and  God’s endless grace. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Seeing Stars

 

Well, I think I’m going to do it. I’ve decided to make my own ornaments this year. This may prove to be quite daunting, and humiliating at the same time. I sat tonight and ran through a practice run. Here’s what came of it:

What do you think? It’s obviously a felt star, with a smaller…. let’s call it “abstract” star in the center. Okay, the smaller star needs some work. Overall not bad eh? I did hand sew with a whip stich… I may want to rethink that move. It took longer than I thought, and when the stuffing began, I saw some peeking through each stich. So, the stiches either need to be closer together, or done with a machine. We’ll see…..

Anyone have any ideas for me?? or, maybe a great website with free patterns and ideas?!

My Yummy Balls

I  love Balls. Nut Butter balls to be exact. My first memory of these crunchy, buttery cookies originated at my Grandmothers house. Growing up, she would bake cookies every year for Christmas. Her jam thumbprints and butter balls were my favorite. She would bake dozens and store them in containers on the front porch to keep them cold. I can remember whenever I was over, sneaking out to the front porch, lifting the lid of each container, pulling back the foil, and shoving and entire cookie after cookie into my mouth, hoping that she wouldn’t notice them missing! Oh man. They were so good. I didn’t even care if they were frozen. Down the hatch they went.

I have a standard recipe that I follow. It’s not my grandmother’s, but it’s close. It calls for walnuts, I usually use pecans. Rather than vanilla, this time I decided to use Almond Extract. They came out well, without an obvious change to the flavor. I also love this cookie because it doesn’t call for eggs! Which can be nice when you are out, as we are right now! (crazy chickens and their molting!)

Nut Butter Balls

adapted from The Fannie Farmer Baking Book

16 tablespoons (2 sticks or 1 cup) butter, softened (I always use salted butter)
About 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt (which I omit when using salted butter)
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine butter and 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla, beat well. Add flour and salt, mix completely. Stir in nuts. Roll dough into bite sized balls. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Don’t over bake! You want the bottoms to be slightly browned and the sides to be a pale yellow. Remove from oven and roll in remaining sugar. Set aside to cool completely. When cooled completely, roll again in remaining sugar.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Photo taken by Naps Schrader

Childhood Envy.

When I was younger, it was my sister’s job to make the cookies. Chocolate chip cookies to be exact. I was so jealous that she was the one who was always asked to perform this task. Was I not capable? Was I a lousy baker? Whatever, I was like 8. This drove me mad. I wanted so desperately to, just once, be asked to make the cookies. Yea, they weren’t anything special, just the standard from-the-back-of-the-bag cookies from Tollhouse. I guess it was just the point of it.
Well, guess what? Now, no one has to ask me to make the cookies! I can make them my damn self. And let me tell you, ever since I've found this fantabulous Nigella recipe, I’ve been making A LOT of cookies!





The best chocolate chip cookie recipe I have ever found. (and I’ve been searching for a while! lol!)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adapted from “Nigella Kitchen” by Nigella Lawson (LOVE HER!)

1 1/4 sticks (10 tablespoons) soft unsalted butter. (I use 1 1/2 sticks REAL salted butter)
2/3 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1/2 cup superfine sugar (regular sugar works too!)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 egg, refrigerator-cold
1 egg yolk, refrigerator-cold
2 cups All-Purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 x 11.5 ounce bag milk chocolate morsels or chips

* Preheat oven to 325 degrees

* Melt the butter and let it cool a bit.Put the brown and white sugars into a bowl, pour the slightly cooled, melted butter over them, and beat together.

* Beat in the vanilla, the cold egg, and the cold egg yolk, until mixture is light and creamy.

* Slowly mix in the flour and baking soda until just blended. fold in the chocolate chips.

* Scoop the cookie dough into a quarter cup measure or a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop and drop onto coolie sheet. (this makes HUGE cookies….. when making these for home, I use a regular cookie scoop!) Keep cookies about 3 inches apart on coolie sheet. You will need to make these in 2-3 batches refrigerating the dough between batches.

*  Bake for 15-17 minutes (I bake them for about 20 minutes, Your oven may vary!) Let cool on cookie sheet before transferring to cooling rack.