Cranberry Pecan Muffins!

Warning: Muffins in these pictures are more delicious than they appear!

I got this recipe from a "cookbook for two" and doubled it because there's no way I could ever make muffins for just one meal! Extra muffins are always welcome in my home!!!

This recipe calls for a food processor, and pre-toasting some pecans--which means that it's a little bit of extra dish-washing and prep--but it's well worth it! 

They smell heavenly, are absolutely scrumptious, and have the best texture I've ever encountered in a muffin!!!

Click here for the recipe

The batter actually contains ground pecans! Need I say more???

The pecans in the topping toast during the baking process, adding to the delicious flavor of these muffins, as well as a bit of crunch!

They're even better on the inside!

Banana Bread!

I got this recipe from a friend, and have loved it so much that I keep a copy of it on my refrigerator! It tastes great, requires nothing more than basic ingredients, and can be whipped up in a jiffy! My husband has caught on that if 2-3 bananas turn brown I'll make bread with them, so he "accidentally" forgets to put them in his lunch whenever he wants me to make this recipe! Needless to say, with us both loving this recipe so much, we eat banana bread a lot!

Click here for recipe

TIP: Bake mini loaves. Keep one for yourself and give the other(s) away to friends, neighbors, or coworkers. 

Mash the bananas. TIP: For a stronger banana flavor, use three bananas.

After all the ingredients have been mixed together, stir in whatever mix-ins you prefer (walnuts, etc.)

TIP: Make mini-loaves when experimenting with different mix-ins.
(L-R: Chia seeds, Poppy seeds, Granola)

Finished loaves!

- Requests??? On the left side of my site you'll see a survey where you can vote for the types of recipes you'd like to see more of! I want to post what you want to read, so please take a moment to vote! 

Croissant Sausages!

The quick prep and versatility of croissant sausages makes them the perfect snack or appetizer! They can even be made into a meal when combined with a side! Kids and adults love them! They're the perfect quick fix when you're hungry for warm food, but don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. We've made them plain with a side of BBQ sauce, or with honey and pecans as a fancy appetizer! There is no limit to how these can be served! Yum!!! 

Below are two quick and easy recipes for these delicious little rolls!

I. This recipe for sweet sausage rolls is the ideal combo for anyone who likes sweet and salty. The texture is also awesome because it combines the bread of the croissant, the juiciness of the sausage links, and the crunchiness of the pecans. Click here for the recipe

II. Try this recipe for a more basic, yet still versatile version. These can be served simply with a side of sauce, or mac and cheese, and will bring just as many smiles to the table!

Ingredients:

- Package of mini smoked sausage links

- Package of refrigerated croissant dough

Instructions:

1. Roll out the dough on a cutting board. 

2. Cut the triangles in half, length-wise.

3. Roll the dough around the links, starting at the tip of the triangle.

It should look something like this.

4. Place rolled sausages on a greased baking sheet.

5. Bake according to croissant dough instructions (8-15 minutes). You might put them in for a little bit less time that the package calls for and then add time in increments of 1-2 minutes. The reason for this is that you can always add more time, but once they're over-cooked you can't uncook them.

6. Serve with BBQ sauce, or any other sauce of your choice.




- Requests??? On the left side of my site you'll see a survey where you can vote for the types of recipes you'd like to see more of! I want to post what you want to read, so please take a moment to vote! 

Chicken and Dumplings! (Or Veggies and Dumplings!)

This is my favorite Chicken and Dumplings recipe! It's a little more work than the Chicken Pot Pie recipe I previously posted, but it's worth the extra prep because it's delicious! It also makes great "Veggies and Dumplings" for those who don't eat meat (or for those who are in a hurry and don't have time to pre-cook chicken). My brother is a vegetarian and this is one of his favorite meals when he visits! It's also a favorite among my husband and friends--with or without the chicken!

Click here for the recipe

After adding the veggies and/or chicken

After adding the sour cream

After adding the dumplings **I have also made it where I sliced them in half the other way. Both ways work. It's all a matter of preference.

Finished product! Yum!

Serve with Tapatío for some spice!

Up and Coming:

- Favorite afternoon snacks!

- Requests??? On the left side of my site you'll see a survey where you can vote for the types of recipes you'd like to see more of! I want to post what you want to read, so please take a moment to vote! 

Meatloaf!

What food says "Americana" more than meatloaf? OK maybe hamburgers and hot dogs do. But meatloaf should be somewhere towards the top of that list! Everyone has their own way of preparing meatloaf. I got my recipe from a coworker years back, who had gotten it from her mom. Then I altered it according to my own preferences. That's what's amazing about meatloaf: You can add a variety of items to it and it'll always* taste fabulous!

Enough jibber-jabber. Click here for my recipe. It's simple, it's delicious, it's filling, and it makes great leftovers! (If you're thinking, "Ewe, leftovers!" try making a "meatloaf and mashed potato sandwich" on fresh bread with your leftovers. You might just change your mind!)

Ground Turkey Meat (You can use ground beef if you prefer)

Mix in the egg. The egg is what helps hold it together. This is why most casseroles call for egg.

Cook a box of Spanish Rice as directed on the box.

When the rice has cooled, mix it in with the meat/egg.

It should look something like this.

Put it in a well-greased loaf pan.

Cover generously with ketchup (this is the best part)

I made some mini-meatloaves this time too!

Finished product!

I also made some quick potatoes in the microwave to go with it. These are easy to make: 1. Rinse them 2. Poke holes in them 3. Cover in plastic wrap 4. Cook in the microwave for about 5 minutes 

6. Cut up or mash, and add butter or any other toppings of your preference

*Well, almost always. I'm sure there's a limit to what should be added to meatloaf, but I have yet to find mine.

Up and Coming:

- Favorite afternoon snacks!

- Requests??? On the left side of my site you'll see a survey where you can vote for the types of recipes you'd like to see more of! I want to post what you want to read, so please take a moment to vote!