Nanner Bread - AKA Banana Bread

My kids love banana bread. I've tried several recipes over the years, so far this is the one I like. I hope you do too!

What you will need: 2 cups flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 3 ripe bananas (mashed), 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 eggs, 6 tbsp butter (melted), 2 tsp vanilla





Start by spraying your loaf pan(s) with baking spray.  This recipe will fit a 9x5 inch loaf pan, but feel free to make it in small loaves and share with friends:)  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Melt the butter and let cool. Mix all your dry ingredients together and set aside.  Beat the eggs; add the bananas, vanilla, and sour cream.  Add in the cooled butter.  Mix with the dry ingredients until it comes together. Don't over mix.  Pour in the prepared pan and bake for an hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Right out of the oven!

Have you cleaned your refrigerator lately?

Have you cleaned your refrigerator lately?  Have you ever cleaned your fridge? Like really cleaned it?  I always thought my mother was crazy, but the inside of the fridge gets dirty.  I try to clean my four times a year.  I mean, taking everything out, wiping the shelves and walls, and putting everything back in. Not only does your fridge look nice and clean, but it gives you the opportunity to throw out all those old condiments.  I am one of those people who craves organization so it gives me a chance to make sure all my salad dressings are on the same shelf.

Here is a picture of my newly cleaned refrigerator.  Hmmm, looks like I need to go shopping for some fruits and veggies.
  Up next...the pantry;)

Spicy Pork Roast

A couple of people have turned me onto The Pioneer Woman.  She has  beautiful website that is a lot of fun to visit.  Ree takes beautiful pictures on the ranch where she lives and post great recipes as well. http://thepioneerwoman.com/  I came across a recipe called Dr. Pepper Spicy Pork.  It was intriguing so I decided to give it a try.  One thing I really like about The Pioneer Woman is that she takes TONS of photos during her cooking process.  She has a pretty awesome camera; I can tell by the quality of her photos.  One of my resolutions is to take more photos for my readers.  Unfortunately I forgot while make this recipe so you'll have to check out the website above.

Spicy Pork Roast-altered just a bit...of course
What you will need: 1 large onion, 5-7lb pork shoulder or butt, 8 oz can of Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 cans Dr. Pepper, salt and pepper, 1/4 cup brown sugar.

Cut the onion into quarter pieces and lay in the bottom of a dutch oven.  Pat the port dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.  Place the pork roast on top of the onions.  Pour the peppers on top of the roast.  I used the small 8 oz. can. If you really like spice, use the big can, if you don't like spice use half the little can or leave it out.  Next pour the Dr. Pepper all the around the roast and whisk in 1/4 cup brown sugar.  Cover and cook in the oven for six hours at 300 degrees.  The pork will fall apart when it is done.  Shred it with two forks and return to the cooking juice.  Taste it!  Add salt and pepper.

A few notes: Alternatively, you could probably do this in a Crock Pot.
 My husband thought the pork was too sweet.  The original recipe called for 2 tbsp brown sugar.  I added more because that is what my taste buds wanted.  Do whatever tastes good!
I made confetti corn to go with the pork.

Start by heating some olive oil.  Add `1/2 red onion and 1 green pepper.  Cook until tender.
Add 1/2 bag of frozen corn and heat through.  Aren't the colors beautiful!

Just Another Meatless Monday

I must give my husband credit.  I'm sure most men would run for the hills or rather, the bar when hearing they are being served White Bean and Spinach Pizza for dinner.  Not my man, he will try anything once and I love him for it!

What you will need: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato halves or strips, 1 can (15oz) great northern beans (also known as navy beans), 2 cloves garlic, 1 pizza crust (ready made or homemade), 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 cup firmly packed spinach leaves (cut into strips), 1/2 cup cheese of your choice.

Heat your oven to 425 degrees.  Pour boiling water over the tomatoes and let stand for 10 minutes.  Drain and set aside.  Drain and rinse the beans; place them in the food processor. Add the chopped garlic to the food processor and process until smooth.  Spread the bean mixture on the pizza crust. Sprinkle with the rest of the ingredients.
Bake for about 12 minutes.

My husband and I agreed that this pizza would be perfect served at a lady's luncheon.  It's not really a 'man' pizza if you know what I mean.  If you make it, just erase all memories of former pizzas.  There is no greasy cheese or pepperoni when you bite into this one. It's a fine pizza, just not what we're used to here in America.  I would suggest adding salt and pepper to the bean mixture.  Have a nice glass of wine and a side salad with it too.

Oh, and to sweeten the deal, I made Rice Krispy Treats for dessert.