The Irresistible Avocado

Visiting another area of our vast country and enjoying the variety of regional foods is always a special treat! In the past few days my DH & I traveled to Houston, TX for our niece’s beautiful wedding.

While staying in The Woodlands, we took a stroll down the pedestrian walkway along the Waterway Koi Pond. Click here for info.  Looking down into the Koi Pond, various sized Koi swam gracefully. Some were very large and in an area close by, little fish vigorously swam. An informative young boy and his mom were also admiring the peaceful scenery. He told us where to look for the baby fish.

While standing on a walking bridge overlooking the pond, beautiful colorful Water Lilies bloomed. Gazing down we could see the leaves and buds of the plant below the water’s surface. A gentle breeze caused ripples in the pond. How gorgeous and tranquil!



And it is a bit of info to share with school groups when I give my Japan Tours at the Quadrangle. Who knew I would bring back to MA some info for my tours?

Each day we ate delicious food! Avocados were part of a meal – sometimes mashed and at other times sliced or cut in chunks as part of a salad. Yummy, this is one tasty fruit! Yes, they are available to me in my grocery stores, but I never purchase them – just walk past the display in the Produce aisle. Well, that is to change. A couple of slices of Avocado on a Tuna Salad Sandwich would be so good!

Tomorrow, when I replenish the fridge guess what item will be on my grocery list!  Do you have recipes using Avocados?

They are yummy!
We really enjoyed them!

Awesome Oatmeal Pancakes Time!

We must have blinked our eyes, again! Brrrr! It is a bit chilly. The long sleeved shirts are very comfortable. When it is chilly outside, a breakfast of Awesome Oatmeal Pancakes tastes so good!

Oats are a staple in my kitchen. Who can resist an Oatmeal Cookie filled with Raisins and Craisins? Apple or Peach Crisp make for tasty desserts. Eating a bowl of Creamy Oatmeal in the winter while listening to the snowplows clearing our streets go hand in hand. However, it is now May. Light but filling, hearty, nutritious Oatmeal Pancakes are enjoyed any season of the year at my kitchen table.

These pancakes have a simple name, but taste delicious. A two-step easy process is used. The night before these scrumptious pancakes are made, Oats and Buttermilk are combined in a bowl and refrigerated. In the past couple of years I have been replacing Vegetable Oil and Butter/Margarine with Olive Oil (for sauteing & baking) whenever possible. On Saturday AM while getting the batter ready, the Olive Oil was added rather than the melted & cooled Butter/Margarine. My Hubby’s response? “Yum! The pancakes are lighter than usual.” Now, Olive Oil will always be used in this recipe!

The topping of choice on Saturday? Ah, Strawberries! I had defrosted a package in our fridge that was waiting to be used. Breakfast was hearty and light.  The strawberries added color!

Awesome Oatmeal Pancakes

Ingredients

2 Cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 Cups Fat Free Buttermilk
* * * *
1 Cup Fat Free Buttermilk – use the next morning
½ Cup Flour
2 TBS. Sugar
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
¼ tsp. Cinnamon
1 Egg + 2 Egg Whites, lightly beaten
4 TBS. Olive Oil ( sauteing & baking) I use Carapelli.

Method

1. Combine Oats and Buttermilk in a bowl, cover & refrigerate overnight.
2. Next morning – add additional 1 Cup Buttermilk to mixture so it can be combined easily.
3. Stir Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda & Cinnamon.
4. Add to Oats mixture.
5. Add Egg + Egg Whites and Olive Oil.
6. Stir all adding small amount of Buttermilk, if needed.
7. Pour ¼ cup portions on heated non-stick griddle.
8. When brown, flip over and cook other side.

Do you make pancakes on the weekend? What kind does your family like? Do you have any extras to place in the freezer? I did. We enjoyed them again this AM along with the Strawberry Topping!   :)

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Blueberry Banana Bread

The past few days have been a tad hot! In New England we know that the weather will change while we blink our eyes. And it sure has! On Friday I placed a package of frozen blueberries in the fridge to defrost, so Yummy Blueberry Muffins could be baked the next day. My Hubby and I had plans for Sunday - drive in and visit our son and his family. Well, we did drive in, had a great time, but brought no muffins.

This morning I opened the fridge door and lo and behold – defrosted Blueberries. Over the weekend while we were wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts, the three bananas that were sitting in the fruit bowl really ripened. Ohhh! Now, Bananas plus Blueberries!

It was the perfect opportunity to search for a new recipe. A Bread Recipe with the ingredients of Blueberries, Bananas and Vegetable Oil. I now replace Vegetable Oil with Olive Oil when baking dessert breads, so I set out to “Google”. The find is oh so yummy! Two loaves of Blueberry Banana Bread are sitting on my counter. Well, maybe one is a partial loaf now that it has been sliced. The other loaf is intact. :)

While googling, I located the recipe Kelly's Blueberry Banana Bread that Wildflour shared on recipezaar.com. It is below. 

Click here for the direct link: http://bit.ly/amOatr

Kelly’s Blueberry Banana Bread shared by Wildflour.

Bake in 350ºF for 55-60 minutes Yield: 2 Loaves

· 2 1/2 cups flour
· 1/2 cup reg. sugar
· 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
· 1 tablespoon baking powder, plus
· 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
· 1/4 cup coconut
· 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
· 1/3 cup milk
· 1 egg
· 2 teaspoons vanilla
· 3 medium mashed bananas
· 1 cup chopped pecans
· 2 cups frozen blueberries

1. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except blueberries for about 30 seconds.
2. Fold in frozen berries.
3. Pour into 2 greased 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 loaf pans that have been greased on the bottoms only.
4. Bake in 350º oven for 55-60 minutes, til toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Cool slightly, loosen sides with knife from sides of pan, turn out onto rack to cool.
6. When cool, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, keep refrigerated.
7. Best the next day!
8. *Ialways bake blueberries frozen in breads and muffins so they hold up perfectly, and you don't end up with a hollow blue hole, lol.

* * *
While preparing the batter I did make a few changes –

• I added 1/8 tsp. Nutmeg.
• Did not Use Coconut nor Pecans
• My Blueberries were already defrosted.
• I used Olive Oil - for sauteeing and baking - rather than Vegetable Oil. The batter is a bit dry, so I also added an additional one Tablespoon Olive Oil.
• My bread pans are 9-Inch Loaf Pans.

I was so pleased to locate a recipe containing both Blueberries and those three overripe Bananas that were sitting on my counter. This Bread is absolutely delicious! Have you ever combined these two fruits?

Sunday was full of surprises! Driving down the Mass Pike we learned that our younger son and his girlfriend were at the Riverside T station. After stopping there we all headed to our son’s and daughter-in-law’s home - I celebrated Mother’s Day a week early. Sweet!  What a beautiful day!

To all you Mom’s – Happy Mother’s Day!

Banana Crumb Muffins

Red, yellow, salmon & white tulips and the yellow daffodils are blooming in our front cut-outs. White Viburnum blossoms line our street. The Peonies have buds! What a great sight to behold as I look through our front bow window while munching on a Banana Crumb Muffin.

Two days ago there were 2 overripe Bananas on my counter and now there are none! :) Those 2 brown spotted Bananas beckoned to be used (or tossed), so I located my Banana Crumb Muffin recipe. All of the ingredients are staples in my kitchen, but I made a few changes.

In the past two years I have been substituting Olive Oil for Vegetable Oil when baking/cooking. This muffin recipe called for melted and cooled Butter/Margarine, so I decided to substitute Olive Oil. I also decided to use less Granulated and Brown Sugars than my original recipe calls for. The result - Yum! 12 very moisty Banana flavored muffins!

This is a great way to enjoy Bananas! :) My Hubby gave the muffins two thumbs up!

Banana Crumb Muffins

Oven: 375° F

18 – 20 Minutes

Yield: 12 Muffins

Ingredients

1½ Cups Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Baking Powder
½ tsp. Salt
½ Cup White Sugar
2 Large OVERRIPE Bananas, mashed
2 Egg Whites, lightly beaten
1/3 Cup Olive Oil (for sauteing & baking)

Topping Ingredients
¼ Cup or a little less Brown Sugar
2 TBS. Flour
1/8 tsp. Cinnamon
1 TBS. Softened Butter/Margarine

Method

1. Mix Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt & White Sugar in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl combine mashed Bananas, Egg Whites &
Olive Oil.
3. Stir Banana mixture into Flour mixture until moistened.
4. Spoon batter equally into paper lined muffin tin.

* * *
5. For Topping: In another small bowl mix together Brown Sugar, extra Flour, Cinnamon & softened Butter/Margarine. Sprinkle an equal amount over batter of each muffin. Press lightly.
6. Bake in a Preheated 375°F Oven, 18 – 20 Minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester that has been inserted in center of muffin comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool.

The warm weather brought out flowers, our outdoor grill and Banana Crumb Muffins! :) When I have 2 more overripe bananas, I will be baking these again!

12 muffins were too many for us to eat. Well, we really should have a little will power … so I placed a few cooled muffins in a Ziploc Freezer bag. You guessed it – into the freezer they went, to enjoy another week. :)

When you have overripe Bananas do you use them in baking or do you eat them?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

What’s for Breakfast?

This past week just zipped by. Each day was full of activities, so every evening before dinnertime I would open my freezer door to locate a previously prepared dinner. It was great finding labeled and dated Ziploc containers of previously prepared food that could be defrosted/reheated in my microwave. But that can only happen for so long. This morning’s breakfast needed some attention, because a visit to the grocery store was really necessary.

Well, two overripe Bananas were sitting in the fruit bowl, but you know my thoughts about eating Bananas first thing in the morn. That is, unless the Bananas are totally combined with other ingredients like in hot cereal. Today is Sunday – so no hot cereal today.

Looking on my counter and in the fridge, a partial loaf of Soft Oatmeal Bread, Soy Milk and Eggs were available. That could only mean one thing – soft tasty French Toast. By adding a little Cinnamon and a little Nutmeg to the Egg and Milk mixture Breakfast tasted yummy!

I was quickly able to take a photo – before my hubby devoured his. Almost missed that opportunity! :)

A trip to the grocery store came later in the day! Soy Milk, Eggs and Bread were on the list, too!
Now, the Bananas … I did use them while baking today. That is the next post. Stay tuned…

French Toast

Ingredients:
2 Whole Eggs
3 Egg Whites
1 Cup Milk (Soy or 1% Milk)
¼ tsp. Cinnamon + ¼ tsp. Nutmeg – as desired
Sliced Bread – whatever is available :)

Method:
1. Place Whole Eggs and Egg Whites in a rectangular container and beat with a fork. (I use a 1 & ½ Qt. CorningWare container.)
2. While beating mixture add in Milk and continue beating to combine.
3. Add Cinnamon + Nutmeg and beat with fork.
4. Heat non-stick griddle or skillet on medium heat.
5. Dunk each bread slice in mixture coating both sides and then place on the griddle/skillet. (Two or three browning at once.)
6. The underside will be golden brown when it is time to turn the bread slice over with a spatula.
7. Turn over and brown other side.
8. Enjoy with Maple Syrup!

Yummy!

Yes! Oaties in the Freezer!

The flowering trees in my neighborhood look so pretty! Today the outdoor temperature reads 88°F. No, this is not a day to bake. Somewhere in my freezer there must be one remaining Ziploc Freezer Bag containing cookies.

Tucked away in the back on the bottom shelf I located a dated and labelled Ziploc Freezer Bag containing Craisin Raisin Oaties. I remember baking them about a month ago. Today on this very warm day it is quite the find!

Whenever I bake a double batch of these chewy, colorful, delicious cookies, I package a dozen or two in Ziploc Freezer Bags after they have cooled. Into the freezer they go. These cookies taste so good after they have been defrosted. (Oh yes, a warm cookie also tastes really good about five minutes after the cookie sheet has been removed from my oven!) On a busy or a very warm day it’s a welcome find to locate a package to defrost. Sure, I know that my local Big Y sells “Gourmet Cookies” in plastic containers. However, locating homemade Craisin Raisin Oaties in my freezer can make my day.

Below is the recipe for one batch. Usually, I bake a double batch.

I now use 1 Whole Egg + 2 Egg Whites, rather than 2 Whole Eggs when preparing the batter. I also omit the Salt. Slowly add Flour into batter. :)

Craisin Raisin Oaties

Oven: 350°F Yield: About 3 Dozen Cookies

Ingredients:
1 Cup (2 sticks) Margarine/Butter, softened (I use Promise.)
1 Cup Brownulated Sugar
½ Cup Granulated Sugar
2 Eggs ( OR 1 Whole Egg + 2 Egg Whites)
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 + ½ Cups all purpose Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Salt (optional)
3 Cups Quaker Oats (Old Fashioned, uncooked)
½ Cup Dried Craisins
½ Cup Raisins

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat Sugars and Margarine/Butter together until creamy.
3. Add Eggs, (Whites) & Vanilla. Beat well.
4. Add Baking Soda, Cinnamon & Flour. (& Optional Salt, if desired) Mix well.
5. With large spoon or spatula stir in Oats.
6. Add Craisins & Raisins and stir well.
7. Place 12 rounded Tablespoons of batter onto ungreased cookie sheet.
8. Bake 10 – 12 Minutes, until golden brown.
9. Remove from pan onto wire rack.
10. Cool & Enjoy!
11. Place some in freezer to enjoy at a later date! ;-)

Craisins and Raisins make for one very tasty Oatmeal Cookie! Do you bake a double batch of cookies, and place some in your freezer?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Happy Easter!

The sun is shining brightly through our bay window. Spring and April have arrived and it is Easter weekend!

Yesterday, my oven was working overtime. The Irish Soda Bread is double wrapped and sitting on the kitchen counter for Breakfast tomorrow morning. My mom’s recipe for Polish Cheesecake was used, so our Easter Dinner dessert is in the fridge.

Mustard Coated Roasted Leg of Lamb, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Butternut Squash are on our menu for Easter Dinner. Will you also be celebrating this holiday at home?

Happy Easter to you and your family!

JG