Dinner: It's Gettin Hot in Here

It's that time of the year, folks. It's hot. A few years ago I stumbled across this article. I love Mark Bittman. I love his simple approach to food. I love that he is not a food snob. And I love that he is not afraid to recommend a hot dog and beans for dinner (idea #101). So, if turning on the oven this summer gives you the heebee geebees (is that how we spell that?), fix a large glass of lemonade and look through this marvelous list of ideas.

Breakfast: Cheating at 7am

The picture really says it all. You know of my love affair with Nutella. But did you also know that it is insanely healthy? Ok, maybe not for those of us who have stopped growing. But for little ones, a few tablespoons of Nutella packs a nutritional punch. That is good news because Pops (as in child #4) is nowhere near the weight chart. We take him in for routine weight checks (his doctor is worried) and whenever we succeed, we chalk it up to Pops' daily allowance of Nutella. For breakfast in a hurry, I shmear nutella on an eggo waffle, then add fresh strawberries. The kiddies love it, and I love watching them eat it.

Dinner: Slow Cooker Extravaganza

Most of you know how much I love my dear slow cooker. My good friend, LD, has a fancy-pants crock pot from All Clad that I covet. Someday. Anyway, I've enjoyed looking at these slow cooker recipes and think I'll try a few. I'll start with the Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookies. Can't wait for those babies.

Dinner: St. Patrick's Day Meal

Several of you have asked me to post this. We do make this every March17th, although my sister informed me that Corned Beef and Cabbage is not really eaten in Ireland. Oh well, I tried. My absolute favorite part of the meal is the soda bread. I usually use this recipe. But after talking with a few foodies, I am really tempted to try this one. I'll let you know which one I use and how it turns out. Either way, this meal really is not complete without fresh butter on soda bread. And you may be scared of the caraway seeds, but they really make the bread. Happy St. Patrick's Day. Even if my beloved Irish technically don't eat Corned Beef and Cabbage, it is and always will be one of my very favorite things to eat.

Dessert: Banana Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Have old bananas lying around? Make these. You will die. We can't keep the dough around long enough to have many cookies. And if you're worried about the butter and sugar, all of the good stuff (whole wheat flour, rolled oats, bananas, walnuts) makes the guilt melt away. Yummers.

Breakfast: Whole Wheat Waffles

Last week I found an extra gallon of milk that had to be used, and fast. So, I made a double batch of whole wheat waffles. I cooked them, cooled them, piled them into ziplock freezer bags (each one separated by little squares of parchment paper so they wouldn't stick together). Wha-La-our very own homemade, whole wheat eggos. In the morning, I grab a few, toast them for a few minutes, and the school girls are very happy.


Whole Wheat Waffles (Large Batch)

2 1/2 cups sifted whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
6 teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons sugar, brown or granulated (I use brown)
2 1/2 cups milk
6 eggs, well beaten
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir together dry ingredients. Combine eggs, milk, oil, cinnamon, and extracts. Stir in flour mixture. Bake in waffle iron.

Cooking Website: Yummy Food Blog

This is my favorite food blog. I just love that girl and I hope she and I can laugh over a cup of hot cocoa someday.