banana bread

I think it’s healthy because it has Greek yogurt in it. Makes 12 muffins, two mini loaves, or one 9x13 or 9x9 pan.

• 1 stick butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup mashed banana (3 medium or 2 large)

• 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (either vanilla or plain + 1/2 tsp vanilla)

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1/2 cup whole wheat and 1 cup all-purpose)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or fresh/frozen blueberries

I don’t have an electric mixer, so I make the whole thing in a food processor.

Preheat the oven to 350º. Cream together butter and sugar, and add the eggs one at a time. Add banana and yogurt, blend well. Pour into a large bowl and mix by hand to finish.

Add the baking soda and the flour; mix well.

I like to add the chocolate chips/blueberries to the top of the bread once it’s in the pan, but you can also dust them with flour before stirring into the batter so they don’t sink to the bottom.

Pour batter into greased pan of your choosing - I like using cooking spray for baking that has flour in it. Bake muffins for 20 minutes, loaves or 9x13 pan for 30 minutes, or 9x9 pan for 40 minutes. A knife inserted in the center will come out clean once it’s done.

italian meatballs

Can’t go wrong over pasta or on a sandwich with fresh mozzarella. Quantity varies - recommend doubling/tripling and freezing individual quantities in Ziploc bags with sauce to thaw in the Crockpot (on low until cooked through.)

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20) or meatloaf mix

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

• 2 cloves minced garlic

• fresh parsley and/or basil to taste

• 2 tbs olive oil

• 2 jars pasta sauce

• For bonus points: cut string cheese into quarters, enough to have 1 piece per meatball.

Combine meat, egg, breadcrumbs, herbs, and garlic with your hands. Form 1” balls, and stuff with string cheese piece if desired.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the meatballs a few at a time, and lightly brown on all sides.

In a large pot with a lid, heat the sauce over the lowest possible heat. Once each meatball has been browned, add it directly to the sauce. Stir so they are all covered in sauce and replace the lid. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring periodically.

peanut butter cookies

Just three ingredients. Seriously. Makes 12-16 cookies.

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup peanut butter, whatever kind you have

• 1 egg

Preheat the oven to 350º.

Combine all ingredients. Wet your hands so the dough doesn’t stick to you. Roll the dough into 1” balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Use the back of a fork to press each cookie down.

Bake for 12 minutes, and allow to cool on the cookie sheet.

If you’re feeling adventurous, melt 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tsp coconut oil or butter in intervals in the microwave. Drizzle or dip each cookie and allow to set.

cake mix cookies

The easiest dessert ever. Your friends will be super impressed. Perfect for the last minute party.

• 1 box cake mix, any variety

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup mix ins: chocolate chips, nuts, M&Ms…

Preheat oven to 350º.

Combine all ingredients. Spoon cookies by the rounded teaspoon onto a baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack.

Flavor combo suggestions:

• red velvet cake + white chocolate chips

• devil’s food cake + peanut butter, white chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate chips

• yellow cake + semi-sweet chocolate chips or M&Ms

• funfetti cake + white chocolate chips

one pot veggie pasta

I tried this with turkey sausage added, but it’s better with just veggies. Serves 4-6 - easily halved.

• 1 pound linguine/spaghetti/fettucine

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise

• 3 handfuls baby spinach

• 1 small onion, diced

• 4 cloves minced garlic

• 4 tbs olive oil

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock, vegetable broth, or water

• parmesan cheese and fresh basil to serve

In a large deep pan, place the tomatoes, spinach, onions, garlic, and basil. Add the pasta - I like to break the uncooked noodles in half so they all fit in the pot, plus it’s easier to eat.

Add the water/stock and bring to a boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Once the liquid is nearly evaporated, remove the pan from heat and serve with parmesan and fresh basil.