Banana Choco-Nut Muffins

It seems like we always have overripe bananas in our house.  I've tried freezing them for future use, but that never seems to work for me.  Somehow I tend to forget that they're in the freezer and months later will pull out a bag of frozen black bananas....ewwwwww.  So the best way to handle overripe bananas?  Bake 'em!

Here's my take on a banana muffin recipe.  No added oil, no added butter...just moist, yummy delicious-ness.  It's a very versatile recipe where you can switch up the add-ins.  Don't like nuts, try it with dried cranberries or blueberries.  But on this particular day, I was feeling a bit nutty so hence, the pecans.  To make it even healthier, I've added some ground flaxseed.  Don't worry, no one will know.  And let me warn you...it's best to make a double batch.  These freeze very well or can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple of days (if it lasts that long) and heated up in the microwave when ready to eat.  Believe me, Lil T devoured them.  That says alot.  Lil T never devours anything.  But then again, maybe that handful of chocolate chips in there helped a bit. 

Anyhoo, hope you enjoy them!  We sure did.



Banana Choco-Nut Muffins             Makes 12 mufffins

- 3 very ripe bananas

- 1 large egg

- 1/3 cup skim milk

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

- 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line pan with baking cups.

In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork.  Whisk in egg, milk, vanilla extract, and sugars. 

In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and salt together.  Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.  Mix until combined, until the flour disappears.  Do not over mix.

Gently fold in chocolate chips and ground flaxseed.

Pour batter into prepared pan.  Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of batter.  Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes.

Perseverence does pay off

I have cause for celebration.  My little Beanie has finally graduated his Level 1 swim class!!!  Can I get a woot woot? 

Okay yeah, I know.  It's only Level 1.  But you have no idea.  It has been a long, uphill climb (or should I say "swim") for us.  If you have forgotten, let me remind you here.  So you see?  There is cause for celebration. 

I am so proud of Lil T.  I can see how he is slowly building his confidence.  Don't get me wrong, he still doesn't like going to swim class.  But hey, at least he doesn't HATE it as much now.  A couple of times, he actually was looking forward to going.  The dilemna for me now is do I let him continue?  I was going to stop taking him to classes until Spring, when it gets warmer.  But now that he's graduated to the next level, maybe I need to keep continuing.  Problem is....it's freezing cold.  Sure it's an indoor pool but the water is freezing cold.  And then he'll be soaking wet when we leave.  Yeah, I know.  You can't catch a cold from being in the cold.  And you can't get sick from being outside with wet hair.  But I'm a mom.  And mom's have to believe that sort of thing. 

I'm just afraid that if I stop classes now, it's all going to backfire on me.  Come Spring, I don't want to have a screaming child refusing to get into the pool again.  And then we'll be back to square one.  Yeah, I guess I have to do what I have to do.  Continue to torture the kid.

Lil T showing off his award for passing Level 1 swim.

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

I love Fall!  And I think it's finally feeling like Fall.  I mean, it IS October. 

Fall has to be one of my favorite seasons.  Minus the allergies and leaf raking, that is.  I love the vibrant colors of fall foliage, the cooler weather, hot apple cider, and taking my little Beanie apple picking and pumpkin picking.  That, which of course leads to bushels and bushels of apples for us.  Okay, maybe not bushels.  But definitely enough to last us through the season. 

Speaking of apple picking, we went this past weekend.  So what better way to kick off the Fall season than with a delicous Butterscotch Apple Crisp.  This recipe was adapted from Pat and Gina Neely's Butterscotch Apple Crisp.    I've lightened up the recipe...somewhat.  Every calorie counts, right?

Hope you enjoy it!

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Filling

-  5 applies, peeled, cored and diced  (I used Golden Delicious apples since they're Lil T's favorite)

-  1/2 cup butterscotch chips

-  1/4 cup light brown sugar

-  1/4 cup all-purpose flour

-  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

-  1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

- 1 lemon, juiced

-  3 tablespoon unsalted butter, cubed

Topping

-  3/4 cup all-purpose flour

-  1/4 cup light brown sugar

-  1/2 cup rolled oats

-  pinch of salt

-  1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

-  3/4 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly butter a 2 qt. baking dish.  (I used individual ramekins)  For the filling, toss together apples, butterscotch chips, sugar, flour, cinnamon, allspice, lemon juice, and butter in a medium bowl.  Fill the baking dish (or ramekins) with the apple filling.  For the topping, in a seperate bowl combine the flour, sugar, oats, salt.  Cut in butter, either using food processor or two forks.  Stir in pecans.  Sprinkle the topping over the apple filling.  Bake for about 40 - 45 mins (20 - 25 mins if using ramekins) until the apples are tender and the butterscotch is bubbling.  Let cool 5 minutes before serving.  Serve with a scoop (or 2) of vanilla ice cream or butter pecan ice cream.

Huh? What-cha say?!?!?

Men have selective hearing.  We all know that.  But did you know that it actually starts when they're at the tender age of four.  Case in point, Lil T.

Lil T has remarkable hearing.  He can hear the faintest of whispers.  Conversations that Papa in Suburbia and I don't want him to hear, he hears.  We could be whispering in the next room and he'll hear every word of the conversation.  We could speak in cryptic and he'll understand what we're talking about.  He can make out the lyrics of a song that's playing on the radio, which he'll sing along to each time it.  Even I have a hard time hearing what these singers are singing sometimes.  Yes, he'll croon "Rollling in the Deep" right along with Adele.  But when it comes to me giving him a simple directive like, "Okay time to wash up for dinner" or "Clean up, it's time for bed", he'll totally "not hear" me.  I have to repeat it about 3 times, each time a little louder and with more annoyance in my voice. 

Scenario - It's time for dinner and Lil T is playing in the living room and I'm in the kitchen.  Mind you, there are no doors or walls blocking the travel of sound.

Me - "It's time for dinner.  Go wash up please."   Silence.

Me - "T, did you hear me?  It's time to wash up for dinner."  I wait another second.  Total silence.

Me - "I'M NOT GOING TO SAY IT AGAIN.  GO WASH UP NOW OR YOU'RE GOING TO TIME- OU...!"  Before I even have time to finish the sentence....

Lil T - "Mommie,  what-cha say????"

ARGH!!!  It drives me nuts!

Being in control is over-rated.

Hello.  My name is Mama in Suburbia.  I am a stay-at-home mom and...I'm a control freak.

There.  I said it. 

Okay, in my defense...I'm not exactly a control freak.  I just like things done a certain way.  I like organization.  I like cleanliness.  I like order.  I don't like chaos. 

Hmmmm, on second thought, I'm not only a control freak...I'm an anal perfectionist.  Great!

You see, this isn't really a terrible thing.  Yeah okay, maybe it is.  But what makes it bad is that I am constantly at war with my I-need-to-be-in-control-also four year old.  Yes, it's the mommy/son battle for control.  Already.  I am sooo not looking forward to the teenager years. 

I am turning into one of those moms you see at the playground or at the store.  The ones who you try to avoid.  You know, the ones constantly yelling at their kids.  "Stop doing that."  "I told you to stop already."  "Don't play with that." And all he ever hears is "whaar, whaar, whaar, whaar, whaaar...." (just like Charlie Brown's teacher).  And the more I yell, the more defiant he gets.  He gets that crazy glimmer in his eyes, a devilish smile starts to form, and off he goes.  And off I go.  Yeah I know, I'm not the control freak.  He is. 

What I need to do is go have a couple of drinks breathe, before reacting.  Wooooo-saaaaaa.  Breathe and think before I overreact.  1. Is he in any danger?  2. Am I or anyone else in any danger?  3. Are sharp objects involved?  4. Will I regret this later on? Probably so, but it's okay.  If the answer is "no", let it be.  Seriously.  Kids will be kids.  They want to have fun.  They are going to test you.  So as long as there is no danger involved and no one gets hurt, I need to just take a chill pill.  Right?  Easier said than done...but I will try.  I don't want to be a screaming mom all the time.  It's annoying.  And it's exhausting.  I just need to let loose with the control once in awhile.  It's a give and take.  I let loose the reins a bit, he won't pull as hard.  Kinda like...walking a dog?  Or something like that.

It's no fun butting heads all the time.  This anal, perfectionist, control freak of a Mama will learn to let go a bit.  Once in a while.

Come to think of it, by doing so, I  might actually be gaining all the control.  Muahahahahah....

It's NOT just another Hallmark holiday...

Maybe it's me.  Maybe I'm just a thoughtful person.  Or maybe it's a female "thing".  But when it comes to birthdays and anniversaries, I feel that these are special days.  And special days need to be celebrated.  Right?

Well, yesterday was my birthday.  And as much as I hate to celebrate a day that reminds me that I'm another year older (much, much older), it's still a special day to me.  And call me selfish and self-centered if you'd like, but I think a birthday needs to be celebrated.  Just my opinion. 

So here's my 2 cents, for what it's worth.  Just some advice for all the boyfriends and husbands out there on celebrating your girlfriend or wife's birthday:

1.  Birthdays and anniversaries are not "Hallmark" holidays.  These are special occasions and deserve some special attention.  They're not like Veteran's Day or Columbus Day (not that those aren't important holidays).  And they're not "just another reason for Hallmark to make and sell a card".  You need to buy a card.  Preferably prior to that special day and not just stopping at CVS on the way to dinner so you can pick one up and scribble a note on it in the bathroom.  Plan ahead.

2.  Birthdays and anniversaries deserve a gift.  No matter what your girlfriend or wife says, you need to get her a gift.  Again I repeat, GET  A GIFT!  If you ask her what she wants, pay attention.  Even if she says she doesn't want anything...PAY ATTENTION!  GET A GIFT!  Notice I didn't say buy a gift.  If you're short on cash, you need not spend a lot of money or any money.  You can make her something too.  Write her a poem.  Not a literary genius?  Make her a jewelry box.  Not a handyman?  Give her an "IOU voucher" for a favor or a project that she's been wanting you to do.  You get my drift.  It's really the thought that counts.  I know, it's so cliche.  But it's true.  The fact that you thought enough of her to buy or make her something special...it means alot. 

If you're going to buy her something but don't know what to get, get her a gift card.  Some people think gift cards are thoughtless.  They're not.  Get her a gift card to her favorite store (hopefully you have some clue as to where that would be).  At least she can use it to buy something she likes.  Don't ever say, "I didn't get you anything because you said not to."  She was being nice when she said that, idiot!  And don't ever say, "You always return everything I get you, so I didn't get you anything."  Big mistake!  That's why you buy a gift card... 

3.  Flowers are nice.  Unless she's allergic to them.  But if not, buy her a nice bouquet.  Short on cash?  A single rose will do.  This will definitely earn you some bonus points.

4.  Don't forget about the kids.  If you have kids, get her something from them too.  Go pick out a card with them or have them make a card.  It really means alot.  She'll treasure it.  I know I would.

5.  Make dinner plans.  Either cook her a special dinner or make reservations.  She should not have to cook today.  To earn bonus points...make her breakfast.  In bed is preferable, but not a must.

6.  Get a cake.  We love dessert.  Don't collapse it with candles that remind her of her age.  One or two is enough.  Who doesn't love blowing out candles? 

And there you have it.  Not too hard, right?  It's totally doable.  Seriously, it doesn't matter how much she says she doesn't want to celebrate.  She does.  Who doesn't want to be treated extra special once in a while.  Trust me, just do it.  It'll make her happier... and your life easier in the long run.

What did people ever do without electricity?

I will no longer take electricity for granted. 

We survived Hurricane Irene.  Or was it Tropical Storm Irene?  In any case, we emerged somewhat unscathed.  House is still standing.  No major damages.  Other than some yard cleanup of tree debris and a fallen tree limb, we're fine.  The only issue we had was the loss of power.  No electricity.  For 7 whole days.  With a 4 year old.  Not fun.

Granted, we were away for 3 of those nights on vacation in Pennsylvania (where electricity was in abundance).  But still. 

We left the day after the storm.  And 4 days later when we returned, I walked into a stinky house.  The food in our fridge had gone bad.  Everything in my freezer defrosted.  Meat juices were aflowing.  There was nothing left of the box of popsicles I had, except the sticks and the wrappers.  Popsicle juice and meat juice combined does not make for a nice cleanup job.  Or a nice smelling house.  I guess we were lucky we still had running water.  No hot water, but at least we had running water. 

And let me tell you, a power outage with a 4 year old makes it even more fun.  I lost track of the amount of times I was asked, "What is there to do?" and "When is the power back?".  Geez, I don't know but it's only been 30 seconds since you last asked me.  It made for a very long day.  And an even longer night.  Lil T still sleeps with a night light.  Thank goodness for our solar lights.  We took a solar light from our yard and it kept his room softly lit through the night.  Phew. 

The power finally came back on, on Day 7.  Hallelujah!!!   I don't think I've ever been so excited to do laundry, vacuum the house, or to cook.  Ever. 

Thank goodness for our vacation plans, a wonderful friend who provided us with showers and a hot meal, our outdoor grill, our solar lights, and boxes and bottles of baking soda and Oust for getting us through the aftermaths of Irene. 

Electricity...oh how I love thee.

She's a mom gone Diva.

So last night while flipping TV channels, I came across the show Kate Plus 8 on TLC.  It's been a while since I've followed the whole Gosselin drama.  Yes, I admit it.  I was an avid follower of Jon & Kate Plus 8 back in the day.  The wonder of watching this couple raise a set of twins and sextuplets was very entertaining, to say the least.  And since the airing of the first couple of seasons was about the time when I was dealing with being a new mom and going through postpartum depression, watching the show actually helped me alot.  Watching Kate deal with her day-to-day adventures with her 8 kids made me feel thankful I only had to deal with one.  Yea, I know...I'm a loser with a capital "L". 

Anyways, back to Kate.  So watching an episode last night, I was amazed at how diva-fied Kate has become.  Let me tell you, she is no longer the frumpy, tired-looking mom she once was.  She is now Ms. Diva with a capital "D".  And I don't mean that as a compliment.  Sure, she looks good.  But it just goes to show you what fame and fortune can do to a person.  Yes, she's still as controlling and slightly obnoxious as she was before (maybe a tad bit more now) but now she's got the overly made up looks to go with it.  Her hair is blonder, straighter, longer and more stylish than before.  Her face is always made up.  Her nails are always done.  She's wearing more cleavage-revealing clothes and shorter, tighter skirts.  And don't get me started on her cleavage.  Either she's gotten her hands on some really good padded uplifting bras or someone has paid a visit to a plastic surgeon.  She's definitely lost some weight.  She's more toned and she's into running and working out.  Now from experience, I know that when you lose weight, one of the first body parts to lose that weight is usually your boobs.  Sure you can tone your chest, but for your boobs to look fuller and bigger....hello?  Boob job.  Just my opinion.  And get this.  She was rocking stilettos on an outing with her twins.  Stilettos?  Really?

Yeah okay, deep down I'm a bit jealous.  I wanna get diva-fied too.   Well maybe just look like one and not act like one...haha.

I guess fame and fortune does change a person.  I just find it sad that she's using her kids to popularize herself.  And to say that she needs to continue doing the show and the public appearances and the book deals because she needs the money to support these kids...that's really sad.  The twins are now 11 and the sextuplets are now 7.  And you can see from the show, they've grown to be kinda bratty.  I guess it's what you would come to expect.  I just feel for those kids.  Let's hope they don't appear in one of those future "Child Stars Gone Bad" shows.

So yea, it was quite a shock for me to see the new Kate last night.  And yes, I was ranting and raving all night about how much she's changed.  And just watching her divalicious self was more entertaining than the storyline itself.  But I gotta say...kudos to her.  Let's just hope for her and her kids sake, it's worth it.

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

What do you get when you add some fresh raspberries with some over-ripe bananas and a handful of chocolate chips?

A slightly tart, chocolatey-sweet, slice of deliciousness! 

The best way to use up those overly ripe bananas that have been sitting too long on the kitchen counter is to make banana bread.  And everything always tastes better with chocolate (at least in my book), right?  And since I also had some freshly picked raspberries, it just seemed like a good combo.  And indeed it was.  Even Lil T enjoyed it.  Hope you enjoy it too!

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

- 3 very ripe bananas

- 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries

- 1 large egg

-  1/3 cup skim milk

-  1/2 cup granulated sugar

-  1/2 cup brown sugar

-  1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

-  1 teaspoon baking soda

-  1 teaspoon salt

-  1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork.  Whisk in egg, milk, and sugars. 

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt.  Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.  Mix until combined, until the flour disappears.  Do not over mix.

Gently fold in chocolate chips and raspberries.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45 - 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes.  Remove bread from pan, invert onto a rack, and cool completely before slicing.

Note:  Can also be made into 12 muffins using a muffin tin.  Bake for 25 - 30 minutes.

It's the little things that matter

What's the secret to a happy marriage?  That must be one of the hottest topics for TV daytime talk shows and self-help books. 

But in reality, there is no secret.  It's actually quite simple.

The answer?

Empty out the dishwasher.

Steve Carrell once said on an episode of Ellen when she asked him what his secret for his marriage of 16 years to his wife was, "I empty out the dishwasher".  Bravo, Steve!

He said it is the little things you do in a marriage that make a difference.  Sure, giving your wife diamonds would be nice.  Uh huh, very nice.  But it's the simple things you offer to do that really shows her you love her.  For him, it's helping to empty out the dishwasher.  He goes on to say that his wife makes him coffee in the morning.  She gets the coffeemaker ready the night before and sets the timer.  And because he gets up and out of the house early before she does, his coffee is made and ready when he wakes up.  Something simple like that shows him that she loves him and is thinking about him.

You know what?  Steve is right.  He hit it right on the nail.

It's not the materialistic things that make a marriage (or any relationship) work.  It's the thought you put into doing a simple act that shows your significant other that "Hey, I'm thinking of you.  I'm going to do this for you so you won't have to."  Women are constantly complaining that their husbands don't take out the trash, don't help with the housework, don't put the toilet seat down...blah, blah, blah.  And guess what?  Most of them don't.  I know mine doesn't.  But it would mean alot if they did.  Men reading this right now are probably thinking....yea right, like my taking out the trash is gonna stop her from nagging at me all the time.  Uhhhh, you're right...it won't.  Well okay, it will for about 5 seconds.  But at least it's one less thing she'll have on her list to nag to you about.  And who knows, it may lead to some sex tonight.

And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all men are guilty.  There are wonderful boyfriends and husbands out there, like Steve, that take the time out to do that extra something.  And no, they're not gay.  Simple acts like...taking out the trash, emptying out the dishwasher, or emptying out the dryer.  Believe me, it means alot to us! 

Mind you, women are guilty as well.  Instead of nagging at your man all the time, realize that he works hard to bring home the bacon and it's okay if he forgets to take out the trash once in awhile, or doesn't offer to help with the housework, or forgets to put down the toilet seat.  Cook him a nice meal or give him a nice back rub.  Heck, go all out and offer him SEX! 

You get the point.

Sometimes it really is the little things you do that can make the difference. 

Thank you, Steve.

My name is ___, and I've got an addiction.

*BING*

If I hear another one of those *bing* sounds, I'm gonna go postal.  Seriously.

No I'm not crazy.  Very close, but not there yet. 

The *bing* sound I'm referring to is the one that comes from Papa in Suburbia's phone.  It is the unmistakeable, most-annoying, I'm-gonna-smash-that-phone-if-you-don't-stop-playing sound that tells me he's playing 'Words with Friends' on his iPhone again.  For those of you that are not familiar with 'Words with Friends', it is an online Scrabble game that you can download to your iPhone or iPad or iTouch or Android phone and play against your friends or anyone that has the application.  It is VERY addicting.  It is definitely not a game to play if you have an addictive, OCD personality.  Case in point...Papa in Suburbia.

Everytime I see him, he has the iPhone in his hands.  And of course, he's playing 'Words'.  It's taken over his life.  It's gotten so bad that even Lil T is constantly asking him, "Baba, are you playing 'Words' again?"  YES, HE IS.  He plays it at home, when we're out, when we're at a restaurant, when we're at a social gathering with friends...pretty much every waking moment.   And sleeping moment, because there are times he's taken the phone to the bedroom and has fallen asleep while playing.  And I'll hear that *bing* in my sleep.  Sure, sometimes he turns the sound off but I know he's playing.  He's got that glazed-over look in his eyes while staring at his phone.  When he's playing, everyone and everything else gets zoned out.   

Don't get me wrong, it's a very fun game.  I've played it several times and can understand how it can be addicting.  But there's a time and place for it.  And to be that addicted to it...it's a problem.  And yes, I know.  At least it's not drugs.  Or alcohol.  Or, or, or...porn.  But still.

I'm thinking about starting a "Help, My Spouse is Hooked on Words" campaign.  Think it will work?  I can't be the only one out there with this problem, right? 

So, what's the solution?  I don't know.  Other than taking the phone and smashing it to pieces...any suggestions?

*BING*