Banana Nut Muffin Cheat!

I love fresh banana nut muffins made from scratch, but as a busy mom of an active toddler I lack the time to make them. So here's where Nana's great fake-out tip comes into play. Easy, toddler-approved, and ready to eat in under 30 minutes!

You only need these two ingredients plus milk.

 

 

First, mash the ripe banana in a bowl. This is my son's favorite job! He loves cooking with me. Then add the muffin mix and the milk as directed on the back of the package. Stir to combine. Then pour into a muffin tin and bake in an oven that's been preheated to 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until risen and lightly golden. One pack of muffin mix usually yields 6 medium muffins.

 

 

Then just sit back and enjoy a nice cup of coffee while you watch as your muffins disappear. Seriously so good that you would never know that they were not completely homemade. I've sent these to school, work, and on fishing/hunting trips and the bag always comes back empty with rave reviews.

 



 



Simple Savory Roasted Potatoes

 

 

I've been making these since I was a little girl. It was always my job to toss the potatoes with the oil and spices after Momma cut them into wedges. So simple. So good.

 

Ingredients:

 

4 potatoes, cut into wedges

extra virgin olive oil-enough to coat potatoes

1 tsp. thyme

salt & pepper to taste

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a roasting pan mix potatoes, oil, & spices. Make sure the potatoes are in one even layer or they will not get crispy. Cook in oven for 45 minutes. This time could vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your potato wedges.

 

A wonderful side dish for chicken, beef, or pork. Mmmm...I can taste the crispy, caramelized, savory, potatoey goodness already!

Mouth-Watering Sausage, Cheese, And Onion Quiche

 

My mother created this recipe after trying many different quiche recipes over the years. She always uses six eggs and 1 1/2 cups of milk for her base. Usually she fills them with leftovers from the fridge. But my family's favorite is the sausage, cheese, and onion quiche she makes. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients: (Makes 2 quiches)

2 pie shells ( I use Pillsbury ready-made, but you can make your own crust too.)
1 lb. Jimmy Dean sausage
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. Kosher salt
1 tsp. cracked black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brown sausage and chopped onion in a pan on the stovetop at high heat. Place uncooked pie shells on a cookie sheet and divide sausage mixture between them. Then top each with 1 cup of shredded cheese. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then divide and pour the wet mixture evenly over top of each pie shell. Place in oven and cook for 45 minutes. Let sit a few minutes before cutting. I always serve mine with a salad.

This recipe is great for using up eggs that are getting old. I made these quiches all the time when we had pet chickens in North Carolina. I sure do miss all of those farm fresh eggs!

 



An Open Letter To My Mother

 

 

Dear Momma B,

 

I love you more than you know. You make me smile when no one else can. You offer wisdom, strength, and love unconditionally. You are a great mother and grandmother. I can still remember you rocking me in your recliner when I was upset as a little girl. Your snuggly hugs were always so comforting. I miss them greatly now that we are thousands of miles apart.

 

You are my confidant and my best friend. I can share my thoughts and feelings openly with you without any fear of recourse. You are my biggest fan and my cheerleader. I have so many heartfelt childhood memories of us huddled in the kitchen cooking together, picking and planting flowers in your garden, and going to the movies and eating monster cookies. And who can forget our mother/daughter road trips. Feeding alligators in Louisiana; strolling the beaches all around the Gulf; shopping in New Orleans; and visiting every zoo, museum, and aquarium in the South. We have had so many fun times!

 

And we have had to support each other through bad times too. Hardship, illness, death- life has kicked us in the teeth more than a few times. But we've always pulled through. You are my rock, my heart.

 

Now that I have a son of my own, I appreciate you even more. You put so much time and effort into raising us, making us happy, and keeping us healthy. I can only hope to be half as good a mother as you have been to me. Hugs!

 

Love you bunches,

 

Baby B



Adult Beverage Alert! Pink Panties Cocktail

It was sunny and beautiful here this weekend! Perfect weather for playing outdoors, grilling hamburgers, and enjoying a refreshing adult beverage. Our Pink Panties Cocktail is refreshing, easy to make, and the perfect blend of tart and sweet. And since it's light on alcohol, it's perfect for your upcoming Mother's Day brunch.

 

This is a variation on a classic Mimosa that I learned from a friend. Our version only contains two ingredients. But I've seen several versions online that add different simple syrups to change the taste and color.

 

Ingredients:

Moscato (I used Barefoot.)

Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice

 

Fill cocktail glass with ice. Add 3 parts Moscato and 1 part grapefruit juice. Stir and enjoy!

 

Simple and refreshing! If it's effervescence you desire, you could substitute Barefoot Bubbly or your favorite Champagne instead of Moscato.