Banana Bread/Muffins and Crumb Topping

Mmmmm…one of my favorites! I am making these muffins tonight for our Sunday school class tomorrow.

• 3-4 over-ripe bananas
• 1/3 c. melted butter (this is approx. 1/2 stick, melted)
• 3/4 c. sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 c. flour

Get out your favorite mixing bowl and a good, old-fashioned wooden spoon. Mash the bananas in the bowl, add melted butter and stir. Then mix in sugar, then egg, then vanilla. Sprinkle mixture with salt, then baking soda. Slowly add flour, mixing while adding. Optional: once mixed, fold in walnuts (not black/English- too bitter).Oven should be pre-heated to 350* F. If making muffins, this will make 12 and should bake approximately 18-22 minutes. For the loaf, bake approx. 1 hour. Check with toothpick to see if they are done- should come out clean from center of muffin or loaf. Can also be topped with crumb topping (below):

Crumb Topping
Now you’ll need the mixer. Mix 1/2 stick of softened butter, 1/4 c. brown sugar (white will do fine too), and 1/2 c. flour. Mix until crumbly, sprinkle over muffins or loaf prior to baking.
If you try these, please let me know how they come out for you!

Bread and Milk Poultice for Tick Bites

Ticks are crazy here this season! Until now, my last bite was in 1999. Now I’ve had FOUR in just a couple of days-ugh! The latest left a large red lump on my hip that was painfully itchy and sore. When antibiotic ointment did not work, I tried a home remedy that a friend told me about…and it worked! Yes, it sounds insane, but I had almost instant pain/itch relief and now the swelling and redness have been reduced by at least 50%. I’m told this also draws out splinters.

Pour some milk (few Tbsps) into a saucer or cup and heat for 1 minute in microwave. Take piece of bread and soak in the hot milk. Remove, allow to cool more if needed. Place on bite and secure with large bandage. Allow to remain for 8-12 hours (best to do this at bedtime). I’m told this also works for skin infections.

Crab Dip

After a busy day (and not bothering with Weight Watchers), I was really in the mood for some good comfort food, and what better than a fresh French boule with a home-cooked crab dip?

• 2 Tbsp. butter


• 1 large shallot finely chopped


• 1 brick (8 oz) cream cheese


• 8 oz. picked backfin crab meat


• Approx. 1/3 c. white wine (not sweet)


• Approx. 1/2 c. mayo


• Optional: small amount of shredded cheese (cheddar)


• Optional: Old Bay seasoning

Saute butter and shallots over medium-high heat. Do not brown or scorch butter. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add wine, then mayo, continue to stir. Add 8oz fresh-picked backfin crab meat. Stir constantly, allow to bubble, then reduce to low heat. If desired, add cheese and allow to melt, sprinkle with Old Bay. Serve with French boule or another fresh artisan bread.

Note: I added sharp cheddar and the flavor was too much (or I added too much). Recommend no cheese or a small amount of a white cheese, such as Swiss or Gruyere.

Quick Chicken Gravy

Mmmm! What’s for dinner? If it’s a hectic day here, chances are it’s a rotisserie chicken with some veggies. In order to give a homemade touch to this very convenient meal, I experimented with creating my own gravy to compliment the chicken. YUM! I was ready to sop it up with a biscuit (which would be a nice side with this dish). All measurements are approximate, as I do not measure.

• 1 Tbsp. Organic Better Than Bouillon Organic Chicken Base (LOVE this product!)


• 4 oz water


• 6 oz milk


• 3-4 Tbsp. cornstarch or white flour


• Fresh ground pepper


• Fresh or dried parsley

Over medium heat, place liquids and base into saucepan. Stir until dissolved. Slowly add cornstarch or flour, adding only a little at one time and whisking in quickly, getting rid of any lumps. Continue to add until thickened to desired constistency. Remove pan from heat and add pepper and parsley to your liking. Remember, if you add too much thickener and need to thin, use milk and add a little more chicken base.

Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin

I’m fully aware this is comfort food and not on my “diet,” but we’re all ill and I could use some comfort food tonight: meatloaf, green beans, and these potatoes. Yum!

• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• dash pepper
• 3 c. milk
• 1 1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese
• 6-8 small potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp. chopped onion
• 2 Tbsp. real bacon bits

Combine first five ingredients in saucepan over medium heat, constantly stirring. Once thickened, stir in cheese until melted, remove from heat, and set aside. Prepare (butter) 9×13 casserole pan, place half of the sliced potatoes in the pan, sprinkle with half of the onions, and pour half of the cheese mixture over it. Repeat layer, then sprinkle bacon bits over top layer. Cover and bake at 350* for 1 hour, then remove cover and bake an additional half hour. This is well worth the wait and feeds 6-8 as a side dish.

Cake Icing

Yum! Who doesn’t love a tasty icing for cakes and cupcakes? My husband celebrated a birthday this week, so I made Devil’s food cupcakes with homemade icing, then dipped them in jimmies, arranged on a cupcake rack, and added a candle. Here is the recipe I used to make the icing…delicious!

• 1 stick of butter, softened to room temperature


• 1 8oz brick of cream cheese, softened to room temperature


• 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream


• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (use more or less based on your preference)


• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Blend all ingredients except for the powdered sugar. Gradually add in the powdered sugar. Ice your cake(s) and enjoy!

Garlic-Dill Aioli

As my weight-loss quest continues, I am in a constant search for EASY foods that entice my tastebuds, while remaining natural and as unprocessed as possible. My requirement is that I already have most, if not all, ingredients on hand. Returning from the gym today I was craving something that would jazz up my boring turkey sandwich, so here's my creation:

• 1/3 c. olive oil mayo


• 2 cloves garlic


• 1/4-1/2 tsp. dried dill weed (fresh is best, but it is out of season; go sparingly with fresh)


• Twist or two of fresh ground pepper


• Optional: fresh lemon juice (1/2 tsp.)

Note, all measurements are approximate- I don't measure anything! Mix all together, use as a sandwich spread. Store, covered, in refrigerator.