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Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares

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Yesterday I had a work event in the morning and we all were supposed to bring something brunchy. I knew one of the people attending was vegan and I wanted to make sure whatever I brought was something she could eat. These breakfast squares checked all the boxes! They are compliant, delicious, and made with pantry staples. I may not be vegan, but I will definitely be making these again.

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Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares

Course: Breakfast, Snack
Keyword: healthy, vegan

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer

Ingredients

  • 2 bananas
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup applesauce
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (I used unsweetened vanilla)
  • 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • pinch salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, Be sure to leave some of the paper hanging over the sides to help you remove the squares when they're done baking. Set aside.
  • In bowl of your stand mixer, use the paddle attachement to thoroughly mash the bananas. Add peanut butter, applesauce, and almond milk and mix until wet ingredients are well combined. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and evenly spread. Bake for 25-28 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan at room temperature for about an hour and ten chill in the refrigerator for at least another hour (it is easier to cut the squares when they are cold).
  • Lift the parchment and bars from the pan and cut into 16 squares. Squares can be warmed in the toaster oven or microwave to take the chill off. Store leftovers in the fridge.

These were a big hit and I liked that they were not overly sweet.

Five Minute Frosting Recipe

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Let me tell you a little secret: I don’t really love frosting as much as other people do. In fact, I hear a lot of negative remarks about my favorite frosting, which is stabilized whipped cream. When it comes to something like buttercream, a little goes a long way for me and most recipes make way more than I care to use.

Yesterday I decided to make a chocolate cake — nothing exciting, just a Funfetti mix. However, I didn’t have any frosting in my cupboard and I really didn’t feel like making a big batch, knowing I only wanted to use a little. Well friends, Five Minute Frosting came to my rescue! Not only does this frosting come together super fast (five minutes is not an exaggeration), but it is rich and fudgy as well. I think this will be my go-to recipe in the future because I always have these ingredients on hand and it makes just the right amount to top a Bundt cake, which is my preferred pan (it cuts easy slices, and I love that)!

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Fudgy Five Minute Frosting

This frosting recipe comes together fast and makes just the right amount to top a Bundt cake or a small batch of brownies. For a standard cake or a thicker coating, you may want to double the recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp butter at room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp boiling water
  • pinch salt optional

Instructions

  • Add softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt (if using) to a medium bowl. Add hot water 1 Tbsp. at a time, whisking until mixture becomes smooth
  • Frost cake, brownies, or cookies as desired. The frosting will thicken as it cools, so if that happens add a little more hot water.

Notes

The salt in this recipe is totally optional. I feel like the tiniest pinch enhances the chocolate flavor.
Replace the hot water with hot coffee for an even richer flavor. 

I think it would be easy to change up the recipe as well. Omit the cocoa powder and add a little flavored extract to create different flavors (or even add a couple drops to enhance the chocolate flavor — I bet mint would be delicious). I’m also curious about replacing the cocoa powder with PB2 for a peanut butter frosting. I will definitely be trying that in the future!

Recipe | Holiday Cheese Ball

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Is it ever too early to start thinking about holiday menus? I think not! As soon as fall comes around my thoughts immediately turn to Thanksgiving, and this cheese ball is always a hit. I’m not 100% sure of this recipe’s origin, but I’m going to bet it was my aunt’s because I have it down in my recipe book as “Aunt Susan’s Cheese Ball.” The Christmas when I was pregnant with my oldest, even though my mom had a huge spread of delicious Polish food (including kielbasa and pierogis), this was the only thing I could bare to eat.

Granted, if you’re a health nut, you will likely turn up you nose. That’s okay because it means there is just more for the rest of us! I usually make this at Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, but it makes a great cheese spread all year long.

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Holiday Cheeseball

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. dehydrated onion flakes
  • 12 shakes garlic powder
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 jar Kraft Roka Blue Cheese
  • 1 jar Kraft Old English Cheese
  • chopped walnuts or fresh herbs

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and let stand overnight in refrigerator.
  • Roll into a ball or log.
  • Cover with chopped walnuts or parsley. Serve with a variety of crackers.

How to Make Whipped Coffee (Dalgona Coffee)

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So, if you have an Instagram account, no doubt you have seen photos of people showing off their whipped coffee creations. They look absolutely delicious, and I was intrigued! When I read over the ingredients list, I had a hard time believing that what you start with will create that luscious cream, so I had to try it for myself!

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Whipped Coffee (Dalgona Coffee)

A fun, creamy way to create a beautiful glass of iced coffee using pantry ingredients.
Course: Drinks

Equipment

  • Hand Mixer
  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. Instant Coffee
  • 2 Tbsp. Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. Hot water

Instructions

  • Using a hand whisk or electric mixer, whip all ingredients together until they form a creamy consistency. Once the mixture resembles whipped cream, you're done!
  • Add ice and milk to a glass and top with whipped coffee. Stir whipped coffee into your drink to combine everything into a delicious treat.

This creates a really strong coffee flavor, so keep that in mind. Apparently, this food trend originated in South Korea and was nicknamed “Dalgona Coffee” because it resembles the look of a popular street snack with the same name in South Korea.

It’s a fun way to mix up an iced coffee because you’ll feel like you just ordered a fancy drink at a cafe, even if you can’t leave your house!

Recipe | Best London Broil Marinade

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Best London Broil Marinade

It is no secret that I love steak. Like, seriously LOVE steak. Given the choice of anything on the menu at a restaurant, I would probably always go with some cut of beef. But let’s face it — steak isn’t always the cheapest option. I try to pick less expensive cuts when I am shopping for my family and one of my go-tos in London Broil.

Several times over this summer I was able to purchase it very inexpensively with a store coupon, so I stocked up when I could. Now I’ve heard quite a few people say they dislike London Broil because it can be tough. And that’s very true. But if you know a great marinade recipe and you know the right way to cut it, London Broil is one of the best things in the world!

Best London Broil Marinade
Just look at that deliciousness! We have made this London Broil for so many family events (and one Cub Scout BBQ) and it is always met with empty plates and people asking for seconds. It tastes fantastic at room temperature, so I will often grill it early in the day to save time.

Best London Broil Marinade
Today I’m sharing my secret recipe. This recipe originated with my mother-in-law’s friend Connie, and it’s gone through a few slight tweaks as it was passed on to her, and then Drew. (And now most of the time I make it.) It’s so simple, you will wonder how it can possibly be so amazing!

London Broil

Best London Broil Marinade

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp. Worstershire sauce
2-3 garlic cloves, diced  or 1-2 Tbsp. minced garlic in oil
Peppercorns

Whisk together brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, and Worstershire sauce. Stir in garlic and add peppercorns. Place steak in a large Ziplock bag or container. Pour marinade over steak and let it marinade for at least a day. I’ve let it go two or three days. Grill to your liking (medium-well is my preference). Allow the London Broil to rest for at least 10 minutes before thinly slicing on the bias.

Oh, one more great thing to do with this recipe? Freeze the steak in the marinade. It saves time because as the meat thaws, the marinade flavors it. And let’s face it — we all need that simple meal in our freezer that doesn’t take a lot of effort. Just add baked potatoes and a salad or some microwaved veggies and you are good to go!

Best London Broil Marinade

Recipe | Bow Ties with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

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Bowtie Pasta with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Quite a number of years ago I had a separate recipe blog on my website. I eventually decided to just start posting the recipes here, and took the recipe blog offline. The other day I was going through those recipes I had posted and realized there were so many dishes I haven’t made in a while. This particular recipe had been in regular rotation when I was pregnant with Jacob (that goes to show how long it’s been!).

Bowtie Pasta with Sausage & Broccoli RabeI think it was my mother-in-law who first made this dish, and I got the recipe from her. Italian sausage and broccoli rabe happened to be on sale this week, so it made for a frugal dinner that everyone loved!

Bowtie Pasta with Sausage & Broccoli RabeAs summer starts to wind down into fall, simple, cozy recipes like this one are perfect. Easy enough for a weeknight, but great for entertaining, too. While my family prefers hot Italian sausage, you can certainly use a combination of hot and sweet or mild Italian sausage. 

Bowtie Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Bowtie Pasta with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

1 lb bow tie pasta
1 (1-lb) bunch broccoli rabe, tough ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb. hot Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 Tbsp. crushed red pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. each salt and black pepper
Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese for garnish

In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook pasta according to pkg directions, adding broccoli rabe 3 min. before pasta is finished cooking. When pasta is firm but tender and broccoli rabe is tender, reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Drain pasta and broccoli rabe and return to the pot.

While pasta and broccoli rabe are cooking, cook the sausage in large skillet over med-high heat, breaking up clumps with wooden spoon, until the sausage is browned. Add garlic and crushed red pepper; saute for another minute or until fragrant.

Add the sausage, the reserved 1/2 cup cooking water, the olive oil, salt and pepper to pasta-broccoli rabe mixture in pot. Toss to coat pasta evenly. Serve with grated cheese on the side.

Recipe | Frozen Lemonade Pie

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Frozen Lemonade Pie

When the temperatures rise, I do NOT feel like cooking. I want cool and refreshing dishes. I crave sweet-tart combinations. Let me tell you, Lemonade Pie is the perfect dessert for these dog days of summer. It takes just four simple ingredients and your freezer. In no time you’ll be enjoying this cool, creamy treat.  While the lemonade flavor  is my favorite, I’ve substituted  limeade concentrate for the lemonade and it is equally good!

Frozen Lemonade Pie

1 12-oz. container of frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 14-oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1 8-oz. tub of whipped topping
1 prepared graham cracker or shortbread pie crust

In a large bowl, mix the lemonade concentrate and condensed milk. Carefully fold in the whipped topping. Pour the filling into the pie crust being careful not to overfill.
Freeze the pie for at least 6 hours before serving.

Updated on 7/20/17

Recipe | Bacon, Spinach, and Caramelized Onion Quiche

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Bacon, spinach & caramelized onion quiche

Today I’m sharing with you a prize-winning recipe. I kid you not! This quiche won my son 2nd place for “Best Main Dish or Side” at his middle school’s annual Top Chef Competition! I was probably as excited as he was.

Untitled

So… quiche. For many years I found quiche intimidating. I loved eating it, but was nervous about making it. It just seemed like something that had to be complicated to prepare. It even sounds fancy. 

Last summer or fall Drew wanted to use up some random ingredients from the fridge and – BOOM! – our obsession with quiche began. It is actually exceptionally easy to make. So easy, in fact, that yes — an 11-year-old can do it!

I made three for a luncheon at work a while back, and there was not a slice leftover! 

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Bacon, Spinach & Swiss Quiche

Quiche

Ingredients:
9-inch refrigerated pie crust
4 eggs
1 cup heavy cream OR half-and-half
4-5 pieces of cooked bacon, crumbled
3 slices of Swiss cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, thinly sliced
½ Tbsp. butter
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. fresh thyme
1 Roma tomato, sliced

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Fit pie crust into 9-inch pie plate.

2. Heat butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the thyme. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, mix heavy cream, eggs, nutmeg, salt and pepper; set aside.

4. Layer swiss cheese slices, crumbled bacon, bacon, onion, and spinach over the pie crust. Pour egg mixture over top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Arrange tomato slices over the top.

5. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for at least 20 min. Cut into wedges.

Serve warm or at room temperature with a side salad.

So this summer when you’re looking for a simple make-ahead dish, or a light supper, give this quiche a try! You will not be disappointed.

Linking up with Diary of a SAHM for Cooking Thursday

Recipe | Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloin

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Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloin

It’s not easy to make a nice Valentine’s Day dinner mid-week, when there is work, school, and activities. But I was determined to do it yesterday. I’ve been looking through old recipes lately and I knew exactly what I wanted to try: balsamic roast pork tenderloins. This is a recipe I made often when Drew and I were first married. I’m not sure why it’s been so long since I prepared it, but I’m happy to say it will be back in the meal rotation.

The recipe is simple (SO simple), and my kids all loved it, too. Laura especially loved the bits of roasted garlic that flavor the pork.

Balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloins

Balsamic roast pork

2  pounds pork tenderloins (1 package with 2 tenderloins)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, cracked
Kosher salt salt and black pepper
2 sprigs fresh rosemary leaves stripped and finely chopped
2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped and finely chopped

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Trim silver skin or connective tissue off tenderloins with a very sharp thin knife.

Place tender loins on a nonstick, rimmed cookie sheet. Coat tenderloins in a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, rubbing vinegar into meat. Drizzle tenderloins with extra-virgin olive oil, just enough to coat. Cut small slits into meat and disperse chunks of cracked garlic cloves into meat. Combine salt and pepper with rosemary and thyme and rub meat with blend. Roast in hot oven 20 minutes.

Let meat rest, transfer to a carving board, slice and serve.

I served this with baked sweet potatoes and lemon-Parmesan roasted broccoli. This dish would be great to prepare for company because you get a fantastic result with very little effort! Enjoy!

Recipe | Savory Tomato Pie

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savory tomato pie

Those who have stuck with my blog for a long time may remember that for a while I attempted to keep my recipes in a separate blog I called “Sugar & Spice.” I just never really kept it up, finding it preferable to keep them here instead. Several months ago I finally decided to delete it from my domain, so of course I downloaded all the content. I’ve been going through all the recipes on there, and realized that many of them I have not made in years! One of those recipes is for Tomato Pie.

Well, Jake made his Confirmation on Friday and with family and friends coming to celebrate I wanted to make a meal that would be tasty, but didn’t need to be hot (the Mass was at 5:30 and I knew we wouldn’t be home until close to 7, at which point everyone would be starving). I settled on a menu that couple be prepared ahead of time: London Broil, green bean and feta salad, pasta salad, and I decided to make this tomato pie after remembering that I made pretty much the same meal for his Baptism!

I made three of these pies for 12 people (8 slices per pie), and only 2 slices were leftover! Yes, it was a huge hit and everyone was asking me for the recipe. The best part? It’s very easy, especially if you cheat on the pie crusts like I do. This would be awesome late in the summer when your tomato plants are going crazy – it’s the perfect side dish and you can change up the herbs however you want. 

Savory Tomato Pie

savory tomato pie

1 frozen pie crust, thawed
2 large tomatoes cut into 1/4″ slices
Kosher salt for sprinkling
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2-3 slices deli Swiss cheese
2-3 slices deli Provolone cheese
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
Additional salt and pepper to taste.
Freshly-grated Romano or Parmesan cheese

Spread the tomato slices evenly on a cookie sheet covered with paper towels or a clean dish towel and sprinkle liberally with salt. Allow the salted tomatoes to set for about 20 min. Meanwhile, bake empty pie crust according to package directions, and remove from oven. 

Turn the oven temperature up to 400 degrees. Spread the mustard over the bottom of the baked pie crust (add more if you need to). Layer the Swiss slices on top of the mustard, than layer the Provolone on top of the Swiss. Layer the tomatoes on top and bake until the pie crust is golden brown and the tomatoes are very soft. (Approx. 35-40 min.)

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil. When you remove the pie from the oven, sprinkle thhis mixture over the top and carefully spread it out using either a pastry brush or the back of a spoon. Top with just a little bit of freshly-grated Romano (my preferance) or Parmesan cheese.

Allow the pie to cool, and serve barely warm or at room temperature.

One pie would be enough for 4-5 people, but just to be safe I’d make two pies because you’re going to want an extra slice or two (plus, the freezer pie crusts always comes 2/pack, so it just makes sense, right?).