Beyond Binkies, Code and Make-Believe

Albino Burmese Python Cake for Our Son

 Our son is five tomorrow.  He's also into snakes. He didn't ask for anything for his birthday other than a visit to Reptile World and an Albino Burmese Python birthday cake.  You heard me.  It's all he asked for; of course I made it for him.  Hear me out:

Grandma B's Banana Bread / Cranberry Bread.

This is a recipe from my childhood.  My friends, Lori & Lisa Malland had a grandma that lived with them.  She was always cooking up something good.  At 10, I knew to ask her for this recipe.  I love it so much that I have a cranberry bread variation for the holidays. My children LOVE this recipe.

Lactose Free Banana Split - For Marne

My best friend is Lactose Intolerant. I think of this as my duty to her - to come up with dessert alternatives.  This is for you Marne La Forge.

2 bananas sliced into wheels

1/3 cup chopped raw almonds or pecans

3 tablespoons Two Brothers MINT Chocolate Sauce - heated

5 tablespoons Mrs. Richardson's butterscotch caramel - heated

combine.

Eat.

Is it that time of the month already? I'm thinkin' it is.

Grouper Crusted with Pine Nuts & Basil

Fabulous dinner tonight.  We had some grouper. Rock fish would have worked well, too.  Anything that is not a paper-towel fish: snapper, talapia, cod.  Basil season is about over with today's wind, rains and cold.  Our entire family cleaned their plates. Time to pick your bush and either make pesto or make this recipe:

• 4 6-7oz fillets
• 1 1/2 cup crushed pine nuts
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Serve with a white wine risotto, salad

While risotto is cooking, combine the crushed pine nuts, basil, flour, salt and pepper together.  Brush the top of the fish fillet with oil then press the oil side down in the pin nut mixture and coat evenly.  In an oven proof skillet, heat the remaining olive oil, placing the fish crust side down in the oil until golden brown.

Flip the fish over and put the skillet in a 375 F oven for 8 - 10 minutes - depending on how thick your fillets are.

Salad works well with chopped peppers, carrots, goat cheese and raspberry dressing -- see SHOWER SALAD recipe.  Or see the apple, Blue cheese, Marcona almond salad with pomegranate vinaigrette below:

Spontaneous Popcorn Balls

I was rummaging through the upper cabinet and came across of nearly useless mini marshmallows.  It was time to use them or toss them.  POPCORN BALLS!