When life gives you bananas.....

At my school, the children are given fresh fruit daily.  If there is fruit that can not be served to the children because of bruising or age, our kitchen queen, Mary, gives it to me because she knows I will make good use of it!  So Friday, right on schedule, Ms. Mary brings me a huge bag of soft, browning bananas.  16 to be exact!

My banana bread recipe is the perfect solution to the banana issue by using a whopping 7 bananas per loaf!  It is moist, dense and spicy.  So great in these winter months for breakfast or afternoon snack or dessert!!! Start mashing those bananas and prepare to be satisfied!


Bountiful Banana Bread
(makes 1 9x5 loaf)
1 cup white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas (6-7 medium bananas)

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees and grease 9x5 in loaf pan.

Combine flours, baking soda, and spices in a large bowl.  Set aside. 

Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, then bananas.

Pour banana mixture in dry mix bowl.  Fold together.  Do not over mix!!!

Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until toothpick put in center comes out clean.

Let cool in pan for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan and allow to cool on wire rack.

Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or toast and spread with cream cheese...Enjoy!

New Year's Revolution ~ 2012

I have taken some time off from my food blog. "I wish I had more time.  I wish I had more energy.  I wish I were a little more interesting when I blogged......."  This was the Me of the past.  This year I plan to make NO resolutions but have a whole life REVOLUTION!!!  I WILL complete one 5k per month...more if time and scheduling permit. I WILL complete my first cookbook and send it to a publisher.  I WILL complete and ace all assignments from my classes.  I WILL be up to date on all work duties.  I WILL continute to be the awesome-est mom EVER!  I WILL play more, sleep more, do more for me and others.  I WILL be conscious of what I do, what I say and with whom I associate.  I will be in the best shape of my life.  I WILL make every moment better than the next!  Why, you may ask? Because I CAN!!!  It doesn't get more simple than that.  Anything less will be letting myself down. So take my lead, or eat my dust....either way, I am moving above and beyond!

Now for a Garbanzo Extravaganza.....


Comfort Food Indian Style

1/2 large sweet onion, diced
1 T. oil
Spices to taste ~ Cumin, Corriander, Hot Mexican Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Curry Powder, Oregano
3 C Garbanzo Beans/Chickpeas
1 1/2 C Boiled Potatoes, cubed
3 Tomatoes, chopped
1 can (16 oz) Tomato Sauce

Heat oil in large pan.  Add onion.  Cook until translucent.  Add spices, cook for another minute until fragrant.  Add tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.  Add beans, tomatoes, and cooked potatoes. Simmer for 30 minutes on low.  Add water if sauce gets too thick.  Serve over rice, couscous, or pasta.