Confession Time. See that bag of chocolate chips down there. I could eat it in one sitting. I really could. I would feel a little less guilty about consuming straight up chocolate chips if they were in a trail mix. Enter the pantry challenge. I found half-full bags of dried cranberries, cashews, pecans, slivered almonds, and of course, chocolate chips in the … [Read more...]
Black Bean Soup
We had the pleasure of eating at Panera a few times in December and through the holidays with family and friends. I kept ordering their Black Bean Soup. Perhaps because it warmed my tummy. Perhaps because it went great with a salad. But something was amiss. I loved the consistency, the warmth, but it lacked ZEST. I *big puffy heart* Panera. I do. But I prefer a … [Read more...]
Ham and Cheese Frittata
Still looking for that perfect Christmas morning recipe...or the morning after Christmas recipe?!? If you've got some diced ham in the freezer, go get it out now to thaw! And use it on Christmas morning to make this for brunch! If you're having ham for your Christmas dinner and need a way to use up the leftovers, this would make a fabulous breakfast on the … [Read more...]
Ginger Maple Pancakes
I have been doing lots of experimenting with pancake batters, and these were just too good not to share :) These pancakes were D-E-L-I-S-H! And with no sugar in the batter!!! Enjoy these with some scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a meal that's surely under $5! Ginger Maple Pancakes A delicious batter, grilled to pancake perfection! 2 cups flour1 … [Read more...]
Pear Oven Pancake
I saw this Pear Oven Pancake in a magzine, and through it was worth a try! It took minutes to prepare, and of course filled the house with a fantastic aroma. It puffed up like a balloon, and then returned to a "pancake" look after it cooled down. Slice and serve. Yum! Steve and I both really enjoyed this...both for breakfast, and later as an afternoon … [Read more...]
Almond Vanilla French Toast
This was one of those dinners that, well, evolved, as I was working on it. I had all intentions of just making your basic french toast. But then I opened the baking cabinet to add a touch of vanilla to the eggs and milk. And the bag of almonds practically fell off the shelf. And nothing goes better with vanilla than almonds. So...I ground them up, added them to the eggs/milk … [Read more...]
Almond Pecan Pie
Looking for a new and different twist on your favorite traditional pecan pie??? Tossing in some sliced almonds will give your pie a new flavor and texture! Be on the lookout for sales on pecans, almonds and walnuts around the holidays...grab a few extra bags to carry you in to the new year!!! This is a must. try. pie! How to Make Almond Pecan Pie Preheat oven to … [Read more...]
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
I have really enjoyed experimenting with butternut squash recipes this year! This one is a keeper! A fantabulous side dish! How to Make Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Chop off the stem and bottom of the squash. Using a vegetable peeler, peel off remaining skin. Cut the squash in half crosswise just above where it gets larger, or where the seeds live. … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Pecan Bars
I just HAD to make these after seeing them on Heavenly Homemakers I made some modifications. Mainly made them dairy free, and didn't use oats (since my youngest seems to have an aversion!). A delightful autumn dessert! Pumpkin Pecan Bars These bars have a crumby crust, a pumpkin layer and a pecan streusel layer - they are a delightful autumn … [Read more...]
Cranberry Apple Muffins
A delicious fall after school snack! Cranberry Apple Muffins These make a great snack or treat! 4 eggs1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup applesauce4 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil1/4 cup milk1 cup white flour1 cup wheat flour2 tsp baking powder1 tsp baking soda2 tsp cinnamon1/2 tsp salt1 cup dried cranberries1 medium Jonathon or Macintosh apple, peeled, cored and finely … [Read more...]