I have been a Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal consumer for most of my life - starting in grade school, throughout college, in my modest post college years, and most recently, as a crazed parent looking for a quick breakfast fix for my kids. But, when I purchased my slow cooker two months ago, my whole outlook on breakfast oatmeal changed. I was determined to finally slow cook steel cut oats. And so began another very steep learning curve, this time, surrounding the world of oats. My go-to instant breakfast since my youth Did you know that … [Read more...]
Banana Honey Bran Bread
January 23, 2012 By 11 Comments
The other day I received an amazing care package from the Mohawk Valley Trading Company. I was thrilled to have received a box full of their Raw Adirondack Autumn Honey and Summer Wildflower Honey since these products have been used and endorsed by two of the world's most popular chefs: Bobby Flay and Tom Colicchio. While it looks like contraband, it's really a package full of honey! Tom has said the honey is one of his "personal pantry essentials" and "favorite gifts." He also admits he keeps a "jar of the stuff at my desk at all times." … [Read more...]
Hot Fruit Compote
January 19, 2012 By 1 Comment
For the long holiday weekend, my family went skiing. I couldn't help but notice there was always some sort of hot fruit dessert available to the weary, cold skiers. It made me realize that comfort food doesn't always have to be served in the form of a binding casserole dish or a hot chilli soup. It can be a dessert too. As I searched Mom's repertoire, I found plenty of desserts that could be classified underneath the "ooh, this is warm and flavorful and so very filling" umbrella. Growing up, Mom's Hot Fruit Compote was one of my … [Read more...]
Kahlua Brownies
January 16, 2012 By 29 Comments
Who needs another brownie recipe, right? Even my kids can make brownies in their sleep. Mom's Kahlua Brownies is one of our favorite recipes. We love using any Duncan Hines Chocolate Brownie mix as our base. And, why not get a little creative and bake some of these brownies with a little “kick” to them? It makes perfect sense. I've been to many restaurants where I eat my dessert with a side of Bailey's. Why not combine them? But, beware, these brownies are deadly. Their consistency is much moister than any other brownie I've … [Read more...]
