Beer Bread

In my attempt to ignore the pile of laundry and the gifts that needed to be wrapped the week before Christmas, I came across a great recipe for Beer Bread while searching the web.  I love that you can take one simple recipe and add different herbs, cheeses and liquid for a unique taste each time.  I have made this three times in the last three weeks.  It stirs up quick and the leftovers are super warmed and slathered with butter!  (Not that I would know that from experience!)

The first time I made it was with dill and cheddar as suggested with a good 'ole Bud Light.  The second time I made it with garlic powder, shredded taco cheese and a lime beer (can't remember the brand).  Last night I left out the cheese and added dried onion and parsley with a Bud Light.  My favorite was the garlic powder/taco cheese/lime beer combo.  I would really like to try it with a can of ginger ale or cream soda for a sweet twist.

My hubby loves it, my kids "kinda" like it.  (My 10 year old freaked out when she found out it had beer in it.  It appears that she really listened to her D.A.R.E. officer at school about the dangers of alcohol, although I doubt they talked about any dangers of cooking with it!)

I love the idea of packaging it up for a gift.  I will have to remember it the next time I need something quick to give!  If you try it, let me know how you liked it and what herb/cheese/beer combo you used!

Tasty Tuesday - Bisquick Impossible French Apple Pie

Rick and the kids really liked this pie. I used Granny Smith apples, which were perfect. Very easy to put together while dinner was cooking and then slide in the oven for an evening snack.

Note:  This is an older version of this recipe.  The newest version which uses less apples, sugar and milk can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of the post!



BISQUICK IMPOSSIBLE FRENCH APPLE PIE



Ingredients:
6 cups sliced tart apples
1-1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
dash of salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup Bisquick
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons melted butter

Streusel:
1 cup Bisquick mix
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 Tablespoons firm butter, cut into pieces

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Use 10 x 1 1/2 inch pie plate.
2. Mix apple slices and cinnamon, put in pie plate.
3. Beat remaining ingredients except streusel until smooth. Pour into plate over the apples.
4. Mix all streusel ingredients in a bowl, until crumbly and sprinkle on top of pie.
5. Bake until knife inserted comes out clean, 55 to 60 minutes.


Enjoy!  Click here for more delicious Bisquick recipes featuring apples!

Fall is in the Air

Today the temp when I got up was 45 degrees.  Yay for fall!

Things have been a tad bit crazy - so blogging hasn't been my top priority!  Today I am the queen of laundry since my daughter leaves for 5th grade camp in the morning and some of her favorite clothes were shoved under the bed  are dirty. 

I do plan on baking this delicious apple cake for my Tuesday morning Bible study.  I love finding new apple recipes this time of year - especially since we picked 25 pounds of apples a week ago and the kids are "appled out".

I still haven't decorated for fall, but that will happen this week, inside and out!

Hope you have a delightful fall day!

Jalapeno Popper Dip

We have been so busy getting ready for Carson's baptism and back to school, that I realized I haven't posted a new recipe for a while.  This is my favorite dip recipe and is great served with tortilla chips, pita chips or toasted bread rounds.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

2 8 ounce pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 4 ounce can chopped green chiles, drained
2 Tablespoons canned, diced jalapeno peppers
1 cup cheese - I have used Parmesan, Italian blend and cheddar - all are delicious

Stir together cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.  Stir in chiles, jalapeno peppers and cheese.  Pour mixture into microwave safe dish.  Microwave on high until hot and bubbly, about 3 minutes. 

Enjoy!

Mmmm - cucumbers

Here is a recipe we have been using to enjoy our bounty of cukes.  Enjoy!

Marinated Cucumbers

6 - 8 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup vinegar
1/3 cup sugar or splenda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic pepper
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

Combine the cucumbers and onion in a bowl.  Combine the remaining ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid.  Shake until the sugar is completely dissolved.  Pour over cucumbers and onion.  Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.  This makes around 12 servings.

I usually slice up a few more cucumbers and add to the dressing still in the bowl as we eat what is already marinated.  We enjoy this version better than those with celery and mustard seed.

Quick and easy Banana Bread

This is my favorite recipe for banana bread.  It is so quick and easy and versatile.  Try it and let me know what you think!

Cake Mix Banana Bread

3-5 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup vegetable oil OR applesauce
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pkg yellow cake mix (18.5 ounce)
Optional:  chopped nuts, chocolate chips, coconut - 1/2 to 1 cup depending on your preference

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Generously grease bundt pan.  Mix the mashed bananas, oil (or applesauce), eggs and vanilla.  Add cake mix and stir thoroughly - batter will be thick.  Spoon into pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.  Let cool in pan for 10 minutes and then invert onto cooling rack.  Let cool completely.

This recipe can also be made in 2 8" loaf pans or in 18 muffin tins.  Bake time for loaves is approximately 30 minutes and muffins approximately 20 minutes.

Enjoy!