Banana Bread/Muffins

O.K. so Becca found this amazing banana bread recipe and I like to make them as muffins. It's a great after school snack for the kids and also snacking on the go! I do omit the nuts, Justin is quasi allergic, and add a 1/3-2/3 c. of choco. chips and they bake up in just 30-35 min. Don't over fill or you wont be able to make a full 24!! Stolen goods from her blog:


1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
3 mashed bananas
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
dash baking soda
1 cup nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350. Combine oil, sugar, bananas, eggs, and buttermilk. Whisk in dry ingredients until combined. Divide batter into greased bread pans (I find this recipe makes about 1 regular loaf PLUS 4 mini-loaves, or I divide the mixture evenly between two loaf pans. It's just a little too much to fit in a single bread pan). Bake for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean (about 25 min for mini-loaves). Let cool for 5 minutes in pan, then remove loaves to cooling rack.

Mom's Spaghetti Sauce

1/2 c. olive oil
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, crushed
1-2 lbs Sweet Italian Sausage
2-3 (28oz) cans tomato puree
1-2 cans Italian tomatoes
1 t. basil
2 t. oregano
2-3 t. kosher salt
1/4 t. pepper
1-2 T. sugar (depending on acidity levels)

Remove sausage from casing, toss in hot pan with olive oil, onion, basil, oregano, salt and pepper breaking up the sausage into bite size chunks. Toss in garlic once sausage is almost cooked through. (You don't want the garlic to burn)Add the cans of tomatoes and some of the sugar. Simmer 1-2 hours tasting to adjust if needed.
This is a great to make a huge batch and freeze in quart freezer bags!!!!

And it begins...

Food plays a large role in my life, the life of my family and friends. Growing up I was blessed to have a mother who was an exceptional cook and passed on her many secrets and the love of a well made, healthy meal. Not to say everything she or I cook is always healthy, but a well balanced meal was always presented night after night and I aim to carry on that legacy. This blog is dedicated to yummy food and hopefully my family members will contribute as well as some dear friends who are also passionate about cooking so the legacy of yummy food will continue for generations to come!!!! Thanks Becca for the push to get this started!!