Chef Kyrie got a set of metal play pans. I had meant to get her a wooden stove/oven combo but finances just wouldn’t allow it so I hoped that she would be pleased with the pans and imaginary stove.

Apparently she was. Of all my kids I think this one is a born foodie.

Post from: Baking Delights

Texas is such an odd climate. I spent the first 12 years of my life in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and I always have a hard time associating this weather with Christmas! It was 80 degrees three days ago..then we had some snow flurries..then it was in the 60’s and now, today, it is in the 30’s again. I miss the Currier and Ives Christmases of the North East!

Today, at my house, we are going to make cookies and cream bark. It is easy, delicious, and makes an awesome gift. The kids have a great time doing it too! Give it a try and see what you think. It may well become a yearly tradition.

2 lbs white chocolate

1 half package mint oreos, cut in pieces. Use more if you like.

Spray a large cookie sheet or casserole pan with PAM or any cooking spray. Line it with waxed paper. Spray waxed paper with more spray.

melt 2 lbs of white chocolate and spread over the waxed paper. Quickly sprinkle chopped oreos over the top and press in carefully. Allow to set in the fridge. Remove and break into pieces.You can, at this point, melt milk chocolate and spread it on a prepared cookie sheet and lay the cookies and cream bark on it for a second layer of chocolate.

You can use nearly anything in place of the oreos:

regular oreos, m & m’s, peppermints, macadamia nuts, etc.

I will try to get pictures later…I am not on my regular computer (yeah..it is sulking again) .

Post from: Baking Delights

This Banana Chocolate Chip Bread recipe is my eldest daughter’s favorite. I usually give her a loaf of this along with a container of Russian Tea Mix ( you know, the kind with orange, clove, red hots, and tea?) and she is blissfully happy. Always a good thing.

It is a particularly moist and delicious bread, and unusual enough to make a gift that is different from what other people are doing. I swear one year I am going to try it with macadamias and white chocolate chips but so far I haven’t done so.

If you are giving it as a gift then make it in mini loaves and wrap in colored cellophane. Nestle several in a basket and add some coffee or tea. Toss in some Hershey’s Kisses and you have a really pretty basket. Another way I like to present gifts like this is arranged on a vintage plate. You can find beautiful vintage china for not much money and it does make for a special gift.

This bread freezes well, although it does not keep at room temperature long due to the moistness.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas
1 c chocolate chunks
1 c chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 .

Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.

In a separate bowl, cream together butter, vanilla, and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir in nuts and chocolate chunks.

Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.

Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

1 loaf

Post from: Baking Delights