Banana Crumb Muffins

Recipe:
4 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
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1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter, softened

Mash the Bananas in a medium size bowl. Add the Melted Butter and Mix well using a Rubber Spatula. Add in the Sugar and Stir well. Keep this Bowl aside.

Take another Bowl, preferably Large. Add the Flour. Mix in the Baking Powder and Baking Soda using a Whisk.

Make a well in the Center of the Flour and Pour in the Prepared Banana Mix in the Middle and Stir using the same Rubber Spatula. Do not over mix. The Flour must get moistened. Mix well only for a minute or two. Do not use any kind of Electric Hand Mixers.

Fill ¾ of the Muffin Cups. Use a Spoon to fill the Cups.

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.

Bake in 375 preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Recipe from http://www.paajaka.com/2006/12/eggless-banana-nut-muffins.html, topping from http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Banana-Crumb-Muffins/Detail.aspx.

Changes:
Added 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoon vanilla. Cooked at 360 for 21 minutes.

Review:
Rating 8 1/2. Very moist. Could not tell they had no egg. Delicious topping.

Next Time:
Great recipe!

Shepherd's Pie

Recipe:
1 1/2 lbs ground round beef
1 onion chopped
1-2 cups veggies, chopped (carrots, peas, green beans, corn etc)
1 1/2 - 2 lbs potatoes (3 large ones)
8 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt, pepper, other seasonings to taste

Peel and quarter potatoes, boil in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes)

While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 Tablespoons butter (1/2 a stick) in large frying pan. Sauté onions in butter until tender over medium heat (10 mins). If you are adding vegetables, add them according to cooking time. Put any carrots in with the onions. Add corn or peas either at the end of the cooking of the onions, or after the meat has initially cooked.

Add ground beef and sauté until no longer pink. Add salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce. Add half a cup of beef broth and cook, uncovered, over low heat for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth as necessary to keep moist.

Mash potatoes in bowl with remainder of butter, season to taste.

Place beef and onions in baking dish. Distribute mashed potatoes on top. Rough up with a fork so that there are peaks that will brown nicely. You can use the fork to make some designs in the potatoes as well.

Cook in 400 degree oven until bubbling and brown (about 30 minutes). Broil for last few minutes if necessary to brown.

Recipe from http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/000216easy_shepherds_pie.php

Changes:
Used carrots and corn for veggies. Used 2 t Worcestershire sauce.

Review:
Rating 9. Very tasty- everyone in the family liked it. Good hearty meal. New family favorite.

Next Time:
Get potatoes nice and browned on top- may need to make potatoes slightly milkier to spread on veggies easier.
*better with potatoes not browned, great with green beans included, use at least a T of Worcestershire sauce.

Oven Pork Chops

Recipe:
4 -3/4 in thick pork chops
2 tablespoons butter
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup herb stuffing, finely crushed

Trim visible fat from pork. Melt butter. Pour into 13 x 9 baking dish and tip so bottom is covered. Mix egg, milk and pepper in a shallow dish. Put stuffing in another shallow dish. Dip both sides of each pork chop in egg mixture, then in stuffing mixture. Place in prepared pan. Cook at 425 for 10 minutes, then flip and cook 10-15 minutes on other side.

Recipe from New Cook Book by Better Homes and Gardens.

Changes:
Didn't finely crush all of stuffing- Calon didn't have the patience. So some was crush, other was bigger chunks, both tasted good. Cooked 15 minutes on 2nd side.

Review:
Rating 7 1/2. Quick, easy recipe that tasted more complicated. Served with fried red herb potatoes. Good combo.

Next Time:
Cook less on 2nd side, got a little dry.

Donuts

Recipe:
1 cup milk, warm (110-115 degrees)
5 teaspoons yeast
pinch of sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
*1/2 cup warm mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons oil
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oil

Warm milk to 110-115 degrees. Mix in yeast and pinch of sugar. Let stand for about 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, sugar and potatoes. Add milk mixture to bowl and 2 tablespoons of oil. Mix well. Knead for a few minutes. Roll dough out to 1/2 in thick. Cut donuts- should get 12-15. Let donuts rise on floured pan for 10 minutes. In the meantime heat 1/2 in of oil in a thick pan on med to med-high heat (360 degrees). Cook donuts in oil until golden brown on each side. Put on wire rack or paper towel to drain of excess oil. Let donuts cool slightly. Can eat plain, sprinkle powdered sugar on them, coat them in cinnamon and sugar or make frosting to go on them.

*Mashed Potatoes: the potato is the most important part of the recipe, take one medium sized potato and poke some holes in it with a fork. Put it in the microwave for a few minutes until it is done (soft when you squeeze it). Scoop out a half a cup of potatoes for the recipe.

Recipe from http://www.secretdonutrecipe.com/recipe1.html. Link has step by step pictures and also has 2 frosting recipes.

Review:
Rating 9. Finally good donuts- can not get them anywhere in NM. No need to keep looking anymore! Great, easy recipe. We made both glazes from the link but preferred the donuts dipped in cinnamon sugar.

Next Time:
Look for new frosting recipe, maybe. Don't store in tupperware- gets too soggy.

French Bread

Recipe:
1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees)
4 cups warm water
4 tablespoons yeast
12 cups flour
1/2 cup oil
6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons salt
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1 egg

Dissolve yeast in 1 cup of water. Mix everything except 6 cups of flour. When well mixed add remaining flour. Let rise covered in a warm place for 10 minutes. Mix down. Do this 5 or 6 times. Divide dough into 6 loaves. Roll out dough on board covered with Pam or oil. Roll up like cinnamon rolls. Tuck ends under. Place on greased cookie sheet. Brush tops of loaves with slightly beaten egg. Rise loaves about 20 minutes in warm place. Put slits in bread cross ways with the back of a knife just before baking. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.

Recipe from Staci Curtis.

Changes:
Halved the recipe. Used butter instead of oil. Used 2 cups white flour and 4 1/2 cups white wheat bread flour.

Review:
Rating 9. Amazing bread!! A little crunch on the outside and soft as cloud on the inside. So good we ate it plain- not even with butter. Though later we ate with butter- and wow!

Next Time:
Brush more eggs on outside. Cook as says.

Peanut Butter Cups

Recipe:

1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided

4 1/2 teaspoons butter. softened

1/2 cup confectioner's (powdered) sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups (12 0z) semi sweet chocolate chips

4 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 oz each), coarsely chopped

colored sprinkles, optional

In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup peanut butter, butter, confectioner's sugar and salt until smooth: set aside.

In another bowl, microwave safe, melt the chocolate chips, candy bars and remaining peanut butter. Stir until smooth.

Drop teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture into paper lined miniature muffin cups. Top each with a scant teaspoonful of peanut butter mixture. Top each cup with another teaspoonful of chocolate. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Refridgerate until set. Store in air tight container, yield: 3 dozen.

Recipe from http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Homemade-Peanut-Butter-Cups

Changes:
Used 1 cup milk chocolate chocolate chips instead of candy bars. Made into regular cup cake size chocolates- made 18.
* Made a 2nd time this week with just milk chocolate- no semi sweet- was even better!*

Review:
Rating 8- *8 1/2 2nd time.* Great flavor. Easy to make. Set up quick. No fussy chocolate tempering- just the good ol' microwave!! Awesome activity to do with kids!

Next Time:
Maybe do 1 1/2 original PB mix.

Pork Loin with Veggies

Recipe:
2 lbs pork loin
3 medium potatoes, sliced 1 in thick
2 cups baby carrots
1 1/2 cups celery, chopped into 1 in pieces
1 medium onion, cut in wedges
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon basil
3-4 cloves garlic, crushed

Cut veggies and place in crock pot. Put loin on top of veggies. Mix water, salt, pepper, basil and garlic. Pour over meat. Cook on high 6-7 hours. Slice meat. Serve with veggies on the side. Scoop juices over meat.

Recipe by me.

Review:
Rating 7 3/4. Good meal- flavored, but still can taste original flavor of all the ingredients. I am not a huge fan of pork, I am a beef girl, but this was still good- especially with juices on meat- made it really moist.

Next Time:
Maybe a little more garlic.

Garlic Pepper Mashed Potatoes

Recipe:
5 medium potatoes
4-6 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wash potatoes. Cut into roughly 8 pieces each- leave skins on. Chop garlic. Boil potatoes, 1/4 teaspoon salt and garlic until potatoes are tender. Transfer to bowl. Add milk, pepper, remaining salt and butter. Mix with blender- leave slightly lumpy.

Recipe by me.

Review:
Rating 8 1/2. Good potatoes! All ingredients are a rough estimate- feel free to add more or less of anything- I didn't measure. Ate with Garlic Herb marinaded chicken (from Fresh and Easy) was delicious!

Next Time:
Measure next time for exact recipe!!

White Bread 2

Recipe:
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water (110-115 degrees)
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar (white or brown) or honey
1 tablespoon salt
5-6 cups flour

Mix yeast and warm water. Add other ingredients, except flour and mix well. Add flour gradually until it forms a dough that stops sticking to the sides of the bowl. Knead for 10 minutes. Cut in thirds and place in 3 well greased bread pans. Cover and let rise until doubled in size- 1 hour. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Recipe from my mom's neighbor, Shanon Gonzales- Herrera.

Changes:
I used white sugar and needed 6 cups flour. Made into 2 loaves.

Review:
Rating 7. Rose very well- did not like the taste that came from the oil.

Next Time:
Use butter instead of oil.

Apple Cider Syrup

Recipe:
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups Apple juice or cider
1 tablespoon fresh lemon
1/4 cup butter

Mix sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg well. Add apple juice and lemon. Bring mixture to a rapid boil for 1 minute- stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in butter.

Recipe from Ange's mom, Teresa Marziale.

Changes:
Used apple juice. Used orange juice instead of lemon.

Review:
Rating 9. One of my favorite things from my mom's cooking repertoire. Love it on all breakfast foods of the bready variety. Poured over french toast made of the honey wheat bread we had left and it was delicious!

Next Time:
Love it! Hope next time comes soon. Can use slightly less butter if desired.

Favorite Beef Pot Roast

Recipe:
2 to 2 1/2 lbs boneless beef check pot roast
1 tablespoon cooking oil
3 medium potatoes, quartered
8 carrots, chopped into 1 in chunks
3 small onions, cut into wedges
2 teaspoons instant beef bullion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon basil or oregano

Trim all visible fat from meat. In large skillet brown all sides of meat in hot oil. Put potatoes, carrots and onion in crock pot. Place browned meat on top. Mix beef bullion, Worcestershire sauce, basil and water. Pour over meat. Cook on low 10-12 hours or on high 5-6 hours.

Recipe from Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes by Better Homes and Gardens.

Changes:
Used 3 1/2 lbs beef. Used5 med potatoes and left skins on. Used baby carrots- left whole. Used 1 large onion. Used basil. Cut meat up when done cooking and served it stew style.

Review:
Rating 8 1/2 . Great hearty meal. No waste- delicious left overs!

Next Time:
Make again soon.

Honey Wheat Bread

Recipe:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast or 1 package
2 cups warm water (110-115 degrees)
1/3 cup honey or molasses
2 tablespoons soft shortening
2 teaspoons salt
5-6 cups whole wheat flour

Put yeast in a bowl, add warm water. Stir. Add in honey and softened shortening. Add salt. Add flour gradually until a stiff dough is formed. Knead on well floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and satiny. Place in greased bowl, covered, until doubled in size 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Divide in two pieces, form into balls, place under bowls for 15 minutes to rest. Shape into loaves and place in well greased bread pans. Let rise in warm place until doubled in size, 1 hour.

Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Recipe from Hungarian Stone Ground Style Whole Wheat Flour bag.

Changed:
Used 2 1/2 cups wheat and 2 1/2 cups white flour. Used honey. Cooked 350 for 30 minutes.

Review:
Rating 8. Made this recipe twice- the first time with a package of yeast and warm water, as instructed. Did not ever rise- had to throw it away. No directions given on yeast packs- finally looked on large yeast and it says: 110-115 when mixing right into water, 120 degrees if mixing with other dry ingredients first and 80 degrees if making bread in the bread machine. Made a huge difference! Water really needs to be the right temperature to make yeast rise properly. This bread gets a nice crust on it. Good as bread and toast. Heavy bread.

Next Time:
Maybe cook 25 minutes instead of 30.

Crock Pot Enchilada Casserole

Recipe:
1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts
1 jar (16 oz) salsa
1- 4 oz container green chilies
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
8 corn tortillas
1 lb cheddar cheese

Place chicken in crock pot. Mix salsa, green chilies and water/broth. Pour over chicken. Cook on low at least 5 hours. Take out chicken and shred. Put back in crock pot 1 hour. In a 8x8 in baking dish layer tortilla, crock pot mixture and cheese. Repeat layering. Cook at 350 for 20 minutes.

Recipe from Just Like Mama Made by MOMS Club of Rio Rancho South.

Changes:
Started with frozen chicken, so I cooked it on high the first hour. Used colby cheese.

Review:
Rating 7. Good meal- very good amount of food for the calories- you can eat 1/4 for 450ish. I liked it with sour cream.

Next Time:
Broil for a few minutes after baking for the 20 mins to slightly brown cheese. Could probably get away with 2 cans of green chilies if you wanted a little spicier meal.

Sour Cream Banana Bread

Recipe:
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
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3/4 cup butter
3 cups sugar
3 eggs
6 bananas
16 oz sour cream
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp baking soda
4 1/2 cups flour
1 cup walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grease 4 7x3 in loaf pans. In a small bowl mix 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon and dust pans with mix.

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix in salt, baking soda and flour. Stir in nuts. Divide into pans. Bake 1 hr or until toothpick comes out clean.

Recipe from http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Banana-Sour-Cream-Bread/Detail.aspx

Changes:
Made 2/3 recipe into 2 9x5 in bread pans. Used only about 8 oz sour cream. No nuts. Cooked for full 60 mins at 300. Covered with foil last 15 minutes. Dusted some of the cinnamon sugar mix on top of bread before cooking.

Review:
Rating 8 1/2. Delicious Bread!!!

Next Time:
Make 4 loaves, this bread is gonna go fast.

Dijon Pork Chops and Potatoes

Recipe:
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1/4 cup Dijon style mustard
1 teaspoon thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
5 medium potatoes, cut into 1/4 in slices
1 medium onion, sliced
4 pork loin chops, cut 3/4 in thick

In a large bowl combine soup, wine or broth, mustard, thyme, garlic and pepper. Add potatoes and onion, stirring to coat. Transfer to slow cooker/ crock pot. Place chops on top. Cover- cook on low 7-8 hrs or high 3 1/2 hrs.

Recipe from Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes by Better Homes and Gardens

Changes:
Used Garlic cream of Mushroom soup and omitted actual garlic. Left skins on potatoes. Used regular mustard instead of Dijon, but filled the 1/4 cup with 1/4 in of honey, 1/4 in apple cider vinegar and the rest of the cup with mustard. Used 8 chops instead of 4.

Review:
Rating 5. Too fancy for our tastes- we like a more basic taste. Great idea to do with the crock pot, just using other flavors.

Next Time:
Do potatoes and onions the same, add carrots and celery and more basic flavors.