S'more's Indoors or Outdoors

Though we are still in summer mode, our thoughts are returning to fall as Memorial Day is in view. You can't go wrong making s'mores when you are hosting or just celebrating a beautiful day. If rain in in the forecast, read below on how to make your s'mores in the oven.

 To save time, make up s'more kits ahead of time before everyone heads out to the fire pit (sticks not included).  It's an easy way to distribute all of the makings for delicious s'mores and the containers are reusable.  Kids especially love having their own container of s'more goodies.  Check with your local grocer about selling berry baskets.  If that's not an option, they can be purchased on Amazon or the craft store Michaels.  Budget friendly places to purchase your fixings are Walmart or Costco.  Kraft sells StackerMallows, a flattened marshmallow that fits perfectly on your graham cracker? I like just eating them out of the bag!

**If rain is dictating you staying indoors for the weekend, have squares of aluminum foil ready to pop each basket of ingredients into, assemble your s'more and heat in the oven at 350 for just a few minutes until the chocolate and marshmallow have melted and enjoy.  Happy weekend and thanks for reading.  

I love these Gluten Free graham crackers if you are on a Gluten Free diet.

What Are You Grilling for the Holiday?

Memorial Day is a big grilling day in our house and many others.  My husband leaves the inside cooking to me and I leave grilling to him.  After 43 years and counting,  it's the perfect plan. I love that he still likes getting creative with his grilling.  We have found the Costco meat department has a wonderful selection and the steaks he bought for this meal were of fine top of the line restaurant quality.  The butcher comes out from the counter to answer any questions you may have and is happy to cut the size meat or roast you need.  

One of my favorite side dishes that compliments steak beautifully is pictured below and my husband makes it beautifully each time. Cut Granny Smith or Gala apples and fresh pineapple into bite size pieces and place in a foil pan.  Sprinkle with golden raisins, cinnamon and light pats of butter. Place the foil pan on the heated grill. Stir and watch carefully (so it doesn't burn) for about 15-20 minutes.

This could also be served as a dessert topped with vanilla ice cream.  Great for Summer.  Bon Appe'tit!

Costco steaks.

My husband Michael's grilled fruit dish♡

Bake and Freeze

Aluminum foil pans are a lifesaver for me when planning meals for family and friends.  We utilize our local Sam's Club, Costco or Walmart and stock up on loaf pans (I like the pans that come with plastic lids).  The three breads that works best for me and are favorites at our home are cranberry, cinnamon struesel, and my sister-in-law Michelle's banana bread.  I am including this recipe below.  So easy and really the best banana bread I have ever had!  Good use of your ripening bananas too!  Here goes:)
Ingredients are:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 VERY RIPE bananas
1 cup sour cream (fat free, low or regular)
1/2 stick butter or margarine softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup pecan pieces
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray your loaf pan with non-stick cooking or baking spray. Combine the ground cinnamon and 2 tsp sugar in plastic bag and shake.  (Shortcut is to buy cinnamon sugar from spice aisle and use instead). Take 3/4 of the mixture and shake into the loaf pan to coat bottom and sides. Put rest aside.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas, add the butter, sugar, sour cream and eggs and beat until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix well.  Add the pecans and stir.  Pour into loaf pan and sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or so.  Insert toothpick in middle and done if it comes out clean.
I double this recipe when making more than one loaf and its fun to buy the mini loaf pans and serve individual loaves to guests.
Cool and put in freezer ziplock bag to freeze for future use in not serving right away.  Date the bag with a permanent marker.  Enjoy :)