..fun monday 8/1..

Since Monday is the only day of the week I have home from the bakery, and now that I have a totally working computer (*knocks on wood*) then I'd like to do something special. So I thought Fun Monday would be, well, fun! :)

Here are the rules.. don't worry, they're not too strict :)

1. Search the web and find something fun! It could be a craft, a recipe, a new online boutique, or anything. Then make a post on your blog about Fun Monday and link to your fun find!

2. Come back here and leave a link to YOUR blog post about Fun Monday!

3. Visit other bloggers' Fun Monday posts and leave them some love.

4. Tell your friends! :)

If you'd like, you can grab the Fun Monday button and post it on your blog if you'd like.

For your viewing pleasure today, I give you my Fun Find..

Check out this amazingly yummy Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Banana Bread!

 

I stalk follow a blog called The Crepes of Wrath, where you can find all sorts of great recipes, with lots of step by step instructions (and pictures, for people like me who need to SEE what it's supposed to look like!). There's a cinnamon roll recipe on there that I am also really dying to try out..

Now it's your turn. Link up to your Fun Monday post!


*All photo credit to crepesofwrath.net*

..go-to meals..

There are a lot of weeknights where I just don't feel like putting a lot of effort into dinner. I don't mind cooking, I just don't want to make something that has a lot of steps, or that involves me standing in front of the stove for a long time. So here's a list of some of my 30-minute or less meals..


~Sloppy Joes, mashed potatoes (instant if I'm really tired, Idahoan Golden Buttery are pretty good), and a veggie
~Kielbasa and kraut (slice up the kielbasa, throw it in a deep saucepot with the kraut to heat through), mashed potatoes, and Bush's black eyed peas.
~Taco Pie (recipe to follow soon)
~Breakfast dinner which consists of pancakes, bacon and scrambled eggs
~Stuffed baked potatoes, especially good if we have leftover BBQ meat

So what are some of your quickie meals? Share, especially if you have a recipe to it! :)

..hmm, hummus!..

I have a new love that is hummus! I don't know why I've never given it a chance before. But I've had it, and I like it, so I wanted to share two recipes that give you hummus two ways! One recipe uses chick peas, and one uses black beans.

Plain Hummus

• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans chick peas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2/3 cup tahini, well stirred
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup light olive oil

Directions

In a food processor, add the chick peas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and salt and pepper, to taste, and puree until the mixture is soft and smooth. Remove from the processor to a serving bowl and stir in the chopped parsley and olive oil. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.


Black Bean Hummus

• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges

Directions

Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until almost smooth. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

You can serve these on pita chips, slices of soft pitas, or if you want a carb-free option, serve on lettuce!