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Marble Banana Bread

Sep1
Marble Banana Bread

Marble Banana Bread

The yummy tastes of chocolate and banana are good enough on their own, but when they’re combined and baked into bread, they’re even better.

Banana bread swirled with a rich chocolate batter that’s embellished with mini chocolate morsels is a treat that will appeal to folks of all ages.

So if you’re looking for unique ways to make use of overripe bananas, try this recipe. After all, you can’t go wrong the pairing of chocolate and bananas.

MARBLE BANANA BREAD

Vegetable shortening, for pans
2 cups flour, divided
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs
3 medium overripe bananas, mashed
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate morsels, plus 2 tablespoons

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottoms of two 8×4-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, bananas, sugar, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened.

Remove 1/3 of the batter to a small bowl; stir cocoa powder and chocolate morsels into this batter. Stir the remaining 1/2 cup flour into the plain batter. Spread half of the plain batter into both prepared pans. Using half of the chocolate batter, drop heaping tablespoons randomly onto plain batter in both pans. Spread the remaining plain batter over chocolate batter in both pans. Drop the remaining chocolate batter over plain batter in the same manner in both pans. Using a butter knife, swirl through the batters to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle loaves with the remaining 2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate morsels. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Makes 2 medium loaves

Easy Lime Pound Cake

Jun9

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 The Harried Housewife Easy Lime Pound Cake

Easy Lime Pound Cake

Easy Lime Pound Cake

If you’re pressed for time but still want to bake a homemade treat, grab a box of pound cake mix, pick up a couple of limes, and in no time you’ll have a refreshing dessert that no one will guess began with packaged mix.

You probably already have the other ingredients necessary for preparation in your pantry, so it’s as simple as stirring in a bit of lime zest before baking.

One thing is certain: By embellishing packaged mix, it’s easy to savor a tangy treat fresh from your kitchen.

EASY LIME POUND CAKE

1 (16-ounce) package pound cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare it
2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with shortening; dust with flour. Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Stir in lime zest. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack set over foil. Cool 10 minutes more. Meanwhile, combine sugar and lime juice in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH just until sugar has dissolved, 10 to 20 seconds. Stir well. Poke a long skewer into the top of cake at about 1-inch intervals; brush lime-sugar mixture over cake. Cool completely. Makes 12 servings.

Blueberry Muffins

Jul9

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 NewsTalk & WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry Muffins

Make the most of blueberry season by baking a batch of old-fashioned muffins. Bursting with flavor, the combination of crushed and whole blueberries make these muffins extra tasty.

Serving a multitude of purposes, these time-honored treats are a delightful addition to breakfast, a tasty seasonal afternoon snack, and an excellent choice when it comes to rounding out the brunch menu.

And they couldn’t be easier to make. So when the occasion calls for a tried-and-true homemade treat, pop a batch of blueberry muffins into the oven. You’ll be glad you did.

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

2 cups flour
3/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 15 muffin cups with paper liners. In a large bowl, combine flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a medium bowl, mash 1/2 cup blueberries with a potato masher. In a separate, medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla. Stir in mashed blueberries. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in the remaining 1 cup blueberries. Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 teaspoons sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Cool in pan 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Makes 15 muffins.

Herbed Parmesan Biscuits

Feb19

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 – Harried Housewife Herbed Parmesan Biscuits

Herbed Parmesan Biscuits

Herbed Parmesan Biscuits

Baking powder biscuits are good on their own, but the addition of Parmesan cheese, parsley, and basil adds a tasty touch to a time-honored classic.

Whether it’s for a special dinner, a casual supper, or to pair with a bowl of soup, these tender biscuits are always welcome. And they can be on the table in a short amount of time.

So if you’d like a tasty twist on tradition, try this recipe. After all, it doesn’t take much to elevate a familiar favorite.

HERBED PARMESAN BISCUITS

2 cups flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup milk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, baking powder, salt, parsley, and basil. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center; add milk. Add to the flour mixture; stir with a fork until just moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead by folding and pressing until nearly smooth, 10 to 12 strokes. Pat or roll dough into a circle about 1/2-inch thick. Cut dough with a 3-inch round biscuit cutter. Gather the remaining scraps, press together, and cut out more rounds in the same manner. Transfer to a baking sheet. Bake until golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove to a wire rack. Serve warm. Makes 1 dozen biscuits.

Mini Orange Loaves

Feb5

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Mini Orange Loaves

Mini Orange Loaves

Mini Orange Loaves

Refreshing with a hint of citrus, this tender bread is as welcome as a ray of sunshine. Similar in texture to pound cake, it’s the perfect wintertime treat.

And you can easily double the recipe, too. Enjoy some now and store the rest in the freezer to savor at a later date.

One thing is certain: A slice of this zesty bread will brighten a winter day.

MINI ORANGE LOAVES

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease the bottoms of two 5×3-inch loaf pans. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, combine sugar and butter. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in orange zest. Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Makes 2 miniature loaves.

Banana Cinnamon Chip Bread

Jan9

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Banana Cinnamon Chip Bread

Banana Cinnamon Chip Bread

Banana Cinnamon Chip Bread

Transform a couple of ripe bananas into yummy banana bread by combining them with pantry staples along with spicy cinnamon chips.

Filled with homespun flavor, this tasty bread is great for an afternoon snack. The cinnamon chips are a scrumptious addition and a touch of cinnamon further enhances the spicy taste. You can also substitute chocolate or white chips in place of cinnamon chips, if desired.

Whether paired with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or simply as a grab-and-go treat, a slice of banana bread with a smattering of cinnamon chips is always welcome.

BANANA CINNAMON CHIP BREAD

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 ripe medium bananas, mashed
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup cinnamon chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom of an 8×4-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, bananas, sugar, butter, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in cinnamon chips. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes 1 medium loaf.

Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Nov24

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Hearty loaves of fresh-baked bread are welcome additions to holiday celebrations. And when they include merry-red cranberries, tasty applesauce, and aromatic spices, they’re even better.

Ideal for passing at the table, enjoying on Christmas morning, or to give as a hostess gift, this flavor-packed bread is a seasonal delight. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar just before serving to add the look of new-fallen snow.

Whatever the occasion, sharing home-baked bread with those near and dear is a delicious way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

CRANBERRY APPLESAUCE BREAD

3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottoms of four 5×3-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and baking powder. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, sugar, brown sugar, butter, and milk. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in cranberries and walnuts. Divide batter amongst prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 33 to 38 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Makes 4 miniature loaves.

Mini Pumpkin Spice Bread

Oct3

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Mini Pumpkin Spice Bread

Mini Pumpkin Spice Bread

Mini Pumpkin Spice Bread

Bring the taste of fall to the table by baking mini quick breads starring one of the season’s most popular flavors. Pumpkin, with its delicate flavor and versatile use, is delicious when combined with fall spices.

A timely treat, this recipe yields four loaves of aromatic bread that are just right for sharing with family and friends. They also make great hostess gifts along with being ideal for autumn bake sales.

Make them extra special by tucking a pretty towel or napkin between two loaves of bread and then tying them together with raffia or colorful ribbon. You also can add raisins to the recipe, if desired.

One thing is certain: when it comes to fall flavors, there’s nothing more pleasing than pumpkin.

MINI PUMPKIN SPICE BREAD

2 3/4 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 (15-ounce) can 100% pure pumpkin
3 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottoms of four 5×3-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and ginger. In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, oil, and water. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Divide batter among prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes 4 miniature loaves.

Easy Whole Kernel Cornbread Muffins

Sep12

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Easy Whole Kernel Cornbread Muffins

Easy Whole Kernel Cornbread Muffins

Easy Whole Kernel Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins are good enough on their own, but when they include whole kernel corn, they’re even better. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe makes good use of packaged corn muffin mix.

Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, a batch of savory muffins can be on the table in a jiffy. So if you’d like to add a tasty twist to cornbread without spending a lot of time in preparation, it’s as simple as embellishing store-bought mix with whole kernel corn and a few pantry staples.

Enjoy!

EASY WHOLE KERNEL CORNBREAD MUFFINS

1 (8.5 ounce) package corn muffin mix
1/3 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup regular or reduced-fat sour cream
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup cooked corn or 1 (8.5 or 8.75-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 10 muffin cups or line with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine corn muffin mix, flour, and sugar. In a separate, medium bowl, whisk together egg, sour cream, and butter. Add to corn muffin mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in corn; divide among muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 16 to 19 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Serve warm or cool. Makes 10 muffins.

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Aug8

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Zucchini is a versatile veggie that finds its way into many dishes during the summer months. From appetizers to desserts, this prized squash is the star ingredient in countless dishes. And when it comes to baking bread, chocolate and zucchini is a delicious flavor pairing.

Moist and rich in taste, it’s a good idea to bake this bread in four miniature loaf pans so you can savor some now and stash the rest in the freezer to enjoy later. You also can add a cup of chopped walnuts along with the zucchini and chocolate chips, if desired.

However you prepare it, this recipe makes it easy to savor a slice of summer.

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD

3 cups flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottoms of four 5×3-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, coffee granules, and baking powder. In a separate, large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, butter, oil, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips. Divide batter among prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Makes 4 miniature loaves.

*Note: Bread may also be baked in two 8×4-inch loaf pans instead of four 5×3-inch loaf pans; increase bake time to 50 to 55 minutes.