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Showing posts with label Snack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Snack. Show all posts

June 19, 2014

Classic Banana Bread

Banana bread!!!!!!









































We made this delicious banana bread for PJ's mom on mother's day. It turned out super delicious, though a bit dense. I think I may have over-stirred the batter. So the results were a flatter, heavier, more dense banana bread that was still so good. I approved, PJ approved, family approved, and mama-in-law approved! 


Classic Banana Bread  
from Inspired Taste

* Yields: 1 loaf
  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 medium bananas (overripe and brown)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped, optional (we didn't use)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.5-inch (or 9 x 5 inch) loaf pan. Place the loaf pan on an insulated baking sheet or on two regular baking sheets stacked on top of the other.

For the batter, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together, set aside.

Mash bananas in a medium bowl. Whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla into the bananas until blended. With a large rubber spatula, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, stirring gently until they disappear and the batter is smooth. Stir in nuts, if using.
  
Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake 55 to 75 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (if you use a 9x5 inch loaf pan, begin checking for doneness 5-10 minutes earlier). After 30 minutes in the oven, check the bread for color. If it looks like it is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil. 

When the bread is done, transfer it to a wire rack to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and place right side up on the rack. Cool completely.

For Storing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature overnight or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.



Printable Recipe




Pictures were taken on my camera phone, hence the blurriness in them. This banana bread was still the bomb.com (do people still say that? apparently I do). 

Morale of the story. Banana bread makes all things better. Dare I even venture to say it's good for you? It has bananas in it, I mean come on! Ok Ok I'm pushing it. It is, however, good for the soul. True story.

Linking up here.
Peace, and bacon grease!



May 19, 2014

Black Bean Salsa-Stuffed Avocados

Time for another month of Secret Recipe Club! One of my fave times of the month :)



































































I was assigned to Melissa's blog, Melissa's Cuisine. I wanted to try so many recipes (and plan to!), like her Sausage and Egg Breakfast Boat, Red Velvet Ice Cream, and Bacon Appetizers. I seriously must try all of those!! 























































But I decided on her Tomato, Corn, and Black Bean Salsa. Mmm you can't go wrong with a good salsa. Perfect for summertime!

I decided to serve it in avocados just for that extra umph. Really, I'll look for any reason to add avocado to a recipe! Avocado goes great in a salsa or paired with a salsa!

Bust out some tortilla chips (or Tostitos scoops like I love!) or just eat straight from the black bean salsa-topped-avocado half with a fork.





Black Bean Salsa-Stuffed Avocados
adapted from Melissa's Cuisine
  • 1/2 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
  • juice of 1/2 a lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped + more for garnish
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 avocado
In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, tomato and onion.
In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, and cilantro.
 

Pour the marinade over black bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate salsa at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cut the avocado in half. With the skin on, dice small squares within each half so it will be easy to scoop out avocado pieces with each bite of salsa.



Printable Recipe

































































This salsa was delicious, especially paired with the seasoned avocado. I didn't try it with tortilla chips but I know it would be amazing with that salty crispy touch from the chips too.

Or served atop some grilled chicken or fish. Basically, I see so many things for this black bean salsa!! It's got a bright future ahead of it  :)



Check out my past Secret Recipe Club posts!



 


Linking up here.

 

Peace, and bacon grease!




April 20, 2014

Easter White Chocolate Chex Mix

Haaaaaaaaappy Easter!

 
























































 
I'll keep this short, but I just wanted to wish you all a happy Easter. 

 

















Here's some White Chocolate Chex Mix using the Easter M&Ms (don't worry, they taste just like regular M&Ms). 

 
Easter White Chocolate Chex Mix
a SteakNPotatoesKindaGurl original
  • 2 cups Corn Chex cereal
  • 1 cup pretzel sticks, broken in half
  • 5 Golden Oreo cookies, broken into pieces
  • 1 cup white chocolate (I used Wilton's chips)
  • Easter M&Ms (I used 3 fun size packages, or about 1/4-1/2 cup)
Melt white chocolate in a microwavable bowl for 1 minute, stir, heat for another 30 seconds, stir, and continue to heat in 30 second increments until melted and smooth when stirred. 

Mix Corn Chex cereal, pretzels, and Golden Oreo cookies in a large bowl. Pour melted white chocolate into the bowl and mix together gently. Pour onto a baking sheet, pour in M&Ms, and let set in fridge until hardened and cooled. Break into pieces to serve.

Printable recipe




Hope you all had a great Easter with family, friends, maybe some good candy and Easter eggs. See you all tomorrow for another post... hint... potatoes  :)


Peace, and bacon grease!


March 17, 2014

St. Patty's Day Chex Mix

Happy St. Patty's Day, friends!















































I'm spending St. Patty's Day at work, counseling clients, and in class. I'm not even wearing green! 

But I've brought you some St. Patty's Day Chex Mix as a snack to go with all that green beer. 

Don't you just love simple "recipes" that require no cooking, only the microwave? This chex mix snack is the perfect sweet and salty crunchy mix. 







































St. Patty's Day Chex Mix
adapted from Betty Crocker

  • 2 cups Lucky Charms cereal
  • cup Corn Chex cereal
  • 3/4 cup broken mini-pretzel twists or sticks
  • 1/2 cup honey-roasted peanuts
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • tablespoon corn syrup
  • 1/8 cup green M&Ms

In a large microwavable bowl, place cereals, pretzels and peanuts; set aside.

In a bowl, microwave the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup uncovered on high for about 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until melted and smooth. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on high 1 to 2 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl every 30 seconds, just until cereal begins to brown. Cool 5 minutes; stir in green M&Ms. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Place in gold foil baking cups to make them Pot O' Gold Chex Mix cups, if desired. Store in airtight container.

Printable Recipe














































*Side note: Have you ever seen the Cap'N Crunch Oops! All Berries cereal? Can someone just make the Oops! All Lucky Charms Marshmallows cereal? Because let's be honest, no one cares about the healthy cheerio-like cereal bits in Lucky Charms. And by no one, I mean me. Sorry if you do. I assume everyone eats like a 5-year old, like me. Give me all the colored marshmallows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Linking up here.

Peace, and bacon grease!




February 17, 2014

Eggs Diablo

Secret Recipe Club time!

 





























































 
This month I was assigned to Jamie's blog, Our Eating Habits. It sure was hard to pick one recipe, as Jamie has a vast recipe archive chock full of alluring recipes from sweet to savory. How can I choose just one??!! Ultimately, I chose her Eggs Diablo recipe.

































































These are some jazzed-up deviled eggs! I was nervous about the salsa in the yolk mixture, but it, along with the green chiles, added a nice kick. And I love green onions in pretty much anything.

I'm so used to my deviled eggs having mustard, but these didn't even need it. With all those other flavors happening, you won't even miss the mustard.





Eggs Diablo
seen on Our Eating Habits, from Southern Living Homestyle Cookbook
  • 6 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons canned green chiles
  • 2 tablespoons mayo
  • 2 tablespoons chunky medium salsa
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • green chiles or salsa, for garnish
Slice eggs in half lengthwise and gently remove yolk to a bowl. Place egg whites on serving plate.

Mash egg yolks together with fork. Add remaining ingredients, except garnish, and stir until well combined.
Scoop yolk mixture into egg whites. Top with garnish of your choice.



Printable Recipe






Thanks for the great recipe, Jamie! I love trying different deviled egg recipes and this one did not disappoint :) 


Check out my past Secret Recipe Club posts!




Peace, and bacon grease!


October 27, 2013

Savory Baked Pumpkin Flautas #Cookbook Spotlight

I have a love-hate relationship with computers. 

Sure, they are amazing and give me the internet and email and the latest news but man, when they mess up I hate them. 

We've been having problems with our internet off and on for quite some time now. Today is another one of those days. 

I'm writing this post from my phone. Yep. It's brutal. Bear with me. 

But I just had to tell you all about these Savory Baked Pumpkin Flautas. Like, literally had to. The post is due today for The New Southwest Cookbook Spotlight  :) 

But seriously, I also couldn't wait to share these. They're savory and flavorful. I loved the caramelized onions and garlic with the pumpkin. We didn't miss the meat AT ALL! Meagan sure does know what she's doing. 

Ha, and PJ can no longer deny that he likes pumpkin. It's a done deal. We are both pumpkin fans.



Savory Baked Pumpkin Flautas
slightly adapted from The New Southwest cookbook by Meagan Micozzi of Scarletta Bakes

*Yields: 12 flautas
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3/4 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 and 1/2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (mozzarella cheese may be substituted)
  • 12 small (5-to 6-inch) flour tortillas
  • Olive oil, for brushing
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. 
Heat the butter in a large skillet over low-medium heat. Add the onion and saute slowly. The onion will go from translucent and lightly colored to deep golden brown, approximately 10 minutes. Once the onion is browned, add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more. Set aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, place the pumpkin, salt, cumin, black pepper, buttermilk, and shredded cheese in a large bowl and stir until well blended. Fold in the cooled onion mixture.

Warm the tortillas and place on a flat surface to assemble. Top each tortilla with 2-3 tablespoons of the pumpkin mixture, roll tightly into a cigar shape, and place, seam-side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush the top of each flauta lightly with oil and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the flautas are golden brown on top and the tortillas are crisped. Cool slightly before serving.

Printable Recipe

  

Oh, and you might wanna come back tomorrow for a chance to win this cookbook! Just sayin :)


This post is part of The New Southwest Cookbook Spotlight sponsored by Hippocrene and hosted at girlichef.

This post is part of The New Southwest Cookbook Spotlight sponsored by Hippocrene and hosted at girlichef. - See more at: http://www.girlichef.com/2013/10/MushroomLeekMigas.html#more

Also linking up here.

Peace, and bacon grease!

October 21, 2013

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Secret Recipe Club time!

This month I was assigned to Brittany's blog, We Heart Vegan. I was intrigued looking through her recipes since I'm not familiar with vegan foods. I was tempted by Spicy Sweet Potato Fries, Vegan Enchiladas with a Creamy Pumpkin Sauce, and Cookies 'n Cream Cupcakes, I chose this recipe

I am all about pumpkin everything during these fall days! I'll take any opportunity I can to eat something pumpkin flavored! 

Crazy thing is, I used to think I didn't love pumpkin. I'm not big on pumpkin pie actually, but I tend to like most other things pumpkin-flavored.

This dip was no exception. Creamy, a bit sweet, and that comforting pumpkin flavor. 




Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
adapted from We Heart Vegan

Yields: 1 cup (about 6-8 servings) 
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • Pinch of sea salt
In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well with a spoon until no lumps remain and all ingredients are incorporated.


Printable Recipe


Serve this delightful dip with crackers, cookies, fruit... whatever your little heart desires. 

Or you can eat it by the spoon. 

No judgment here.


Peace, and bacon grease!


July 3, 2013

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups

Hey friends.

It's time to get all patriotic up in here.

 







 





























I'm keeping it simple yet colorful and so pretty with these Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups. I love themed foods if you can't tell already.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tend to go a little overboard with the themed foodie props too. This time it's all in the name of independence!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What can I say? I love my country!

 

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Cups

slightly adapted from Rachael Ray

  • 1 pint fresh strawberries
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream

Slice strawberries and combine in a bowl with blueberries. Sprinkle berries with two teaspoons sugar.

Add heavy whipping cream and remaining sugar to mixer bowl. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Serve berries in small cups with generous spoonfuls of fresh whipped cream.


Printable Recipe

 

Aren't you proud to be free?!

 

Need some more patriotic inspiration? Check out these other patriotic recipes from my blog, though most don't have pictures because I still need to go back and update ones that were lost! But the recipes are still good :) 

 

Happy 4th of July everyone!

 

Peace, and bacon grease!