Banana Honey-Walnut Muffins

3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon honey, divided
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup mashed banana, from 1 large overripe banana
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup whole or low fat milk

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, then line with paper liners (it is necessary to do both so that the muffin tops don't stick to pan).
2. In a small bowl, toss the nuts with 1 tablespoon of the honey and cinnamon until the nuts are evenly coated (obviously, it will be very sticky). Set aside. (I used granulated sugar instead of honey to avoid the stickiness.)
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugar and the remaining 1/3 cup of honey until fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula if necessary. At medium speed, add the eggs one at a time and beat until fully incorporated between additions. Beat in the banana and vanilla until blended. (It will look grainy.) At low speed, beat in the dry ingredients in 2 batches, alternating with the milk.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin and sprinkle with the nut topping. Bake the muffins until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a rack and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Source: http://www.onceuponachef.com/2011/02/banana-honey-walnut-muffins.html

Try #1 - June 13, 2014

Abby wanted to make these for Father's Day, so we did!  They were yummy.  I used sugar instead of honey for the topping just to avoid the sticky mess.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup oats
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 Tbsp peanut butter

Mix all ingredients well.  Drop by spoonfuls on to an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Source: http://thehandmadereview.com/sinless-banana-oatmeal-cookies/

Try #1 - July 15, 2014
The kids pretty much made this all by themselves... healthy too!  Fun snack alternative.

Chicken Souvlaki Marinade

For 2 lbs of chicken:

1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp salt and pepper
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp sage
1/4 tsp savory
1/4 tsp thyme

Source: greek.food.com/recipe/chicken-souvlaki-56768

Try #1 - July 4, 2014
This was an excellent souvlaki recipe.  Nathan used chicken thighs and grilled it on skewers outside.  Very tender and delicious flavor.  Happy birthday, America!

BBQ Ribs in Crockpot

5 lbs ribs
Salt and Pepper
1 onion, diced
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups barbecue sauce (one bottle, or make your own)

1. Cut ribs into serving portions and lay on a broiler sheet in single layer.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Brown ribs at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
2. Put ribs in bottom of slow cooker.  Add onions and garlic.  Pour barbecue sauce over top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 4 to 6 hours.

Source: adapted from A Year of Slow Cooking

Try #1 - July 15, 2014
This was awesome.  Maybe the first time I've ever cooked ribs... but won't be the last.  Nathan and the kids (and me too) gobbled it up!  I made my own barbecue sauce.  I served it with egg noodles and topped it with some of the sauce from the crockpot.  Mmmmmm.

Homemade Barbecue Sauce

2 cups ketchup
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Add all ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan.  Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, and continue simmering for 15 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.  Place in an airtight container.  Keeps refrigerated for up to one week.

Source: adapted from http://www.kitchentreaty.com/our-very-favorite-homemade-barbecue-sauce/

Try #1 - July 15, 2014
I made this to pour over some ribs in the crockpot.  Because it was going to be slow cooking for several hours, I didn't bother to simmer it on the stove first, I just whisked it together in a small bowl.  This sauce was super easy, super yummy, and made with ingredients I normally have on hand.  A crowd pleaser for the whole family!