Tag Archive | summer

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

Fudge Brownies

Aug23
Fudge Brownies

Fudge Brownies

Fudgy home-baked brownies will add a sweet touch to any occasion. A time-honored treat, they’re the perfect choice for a summertime gathering.

Whether it’s a backyard get-together, a family reunion, or a picnic by the lake, these crowd-pleasing goodies are simple to make and are easy to transport.

One thing is certain: old-fashioned goodness never tasted so good.

FUDGE BROWNIES

Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon brewed coffee
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend beyond edges on 2 sides. Coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, vegetable oil, and sugar. Add eggs, coffee, and vanilla; whisk to combine. Add flour and cocoa powder; stir until smooth. Spread into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Remove brownies by lifting foil ends; peel off foil. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares. Makes 16 brownies.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Aug17
Fresh Tomato Salsa

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Savoring red ripe tomatoes is one of the simple pleasures of summer. And when they’re combined with a mixture of other fresh-from-the-garden ingredients and turned into salsa, they’re even better.

Perfect for pairing with tortilla chips, topping off burgers, or embellishing any hot-off-the-grill meat, this refreshing salsa is a delicious way to make use of a bountiful garden.

FRESH TOMATO SALSA

5 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 medium jalapeño chiles, seeded and minced
1/4 cup minced white onion
2 medium scallions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon pepper

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Makes about 3 cups salsa.

If you enjoy easy seasonal recipes like Fresh Tomato Salsa then pre-order a copy of Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons and get this refreshing summer recipe for Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa! Summer never tasted so good.

Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa

Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa

Herb Cheese Spread

Jul26
Herb Cheese Spread

Herb Cheese Spread

Easy recipes that can be prepared in a short amount of time are as welcome as a summer breeze. And when they make good use of seasonal ingredients, they’re even better.

By combining a package of cream cheese and a few other ingredients with garden-fresh herbs, a flavorful appetizer can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. Just cover and refrigerate for an hour or up to three days, and spread over assorted crackers.

HERB CHEESE SPREAD

1 (8-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/8 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt to taste
Assorted crackers

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Stir in chives, parsley, garlic, and salt to taste. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve with assorted crackers. Makes 8 servings.

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons by Cynthia O’Hara

May9

Packed with DIY Ideas, Holiday Recipes, DIY Recipes, DIY Cooking, and more, The Harried Housewife’s forthcoming book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons, will be available September 19, 2017. Pre-Order Sale Price!

Cooking, Baking, and Making book by Cynthia O'Connor O'Hara

#1 New Release!

Here are some ideas featured in Cooking, Baking, and Making:

* Host a springtime luncheon and include recipes like Herbed Cucumber Tea Sandwiches and Smoky Bacon Deviled Eggs. Present these tasty tidbits on Tiered Serving Platters made with dishware you already have, or with dishes bought from the dollar store.

* Enjoy an alfresco get-together during summer with seasonal recipes like Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Burgers and Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa. Make a pretty and practical Frozen Ice Bucket to chill a bottle of wine; serve wine in glasses decorated with unique Wine Charms that you’ve made for guests.

* Chase away the chills during the cool months of autumn with hearty bowls of Corn and Crab Chowder. Buy pot holders from the dollar store and use fabric glue to embellish them with autumn-inspired decorations. Use Embellished Pot Holders for handling the chowder and serve on No-Sew Placemats that are made from fabric remnants.

* Gather with those near and dear during the winter holidays and savor a taste of the season with Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes. Entertain with ease by setting up a Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Assorted Toppings Martini Bar. Give tasty gifts to those you love such as Homemade Bottles of Crème de Menthe.

* Make Custom Coffee Mugs and fill with coffee beans; place in festive gift bags and decorate with personalized Salt Dough Gift Tags—which also can be used as Christmas tree decorations.

 

 

Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

May8
Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

DIY recipes like this one that make good use of sliced fresh strawberries, a touch of strawberry jam, and a splash of prosecco help make every occasion extra special.

Ideal for spring and summer celebrations, these refreshing strawberry cocktails are brimming with effervescent goodness. Whether it’s to honor Mom on Mother’s Day, to sip during the warm months, or whenever you need impressive holiday recipes, these vibrant cocktails are sure please.

So raise your glass and toast to crowd-pleasing cocktails overflowing with a fresh taste of the season. Cheers!

STRAWBERRY JAMMER COCKTAILS

2 cups sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Prosecco, chilled
Fresh strawberry slices (optional)
In a blender or food processor, combine sliced strawberries, jam, sugar, and lemon juice; process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard seeds. Divide puree into six champagne glasses; slowly add prosecco. Garnish each glass with a strawberry slice, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Cosmo Mojito

Aug5

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cosmo Mojito

Cosmo Mojito

Cosmo Mojito

By combining the ingredients of a minty mojito along with the key ingredients of a colorful cosmopolitan, it’s easy to stir up a fresh-tasting beverage brimming with flavor.

A timely indulgence, this icy drink is a fabulous choice when it comes to beating the heat of summer. One thing is certain: enjoying this seasonal sipper at any hot-weather gathering is sure to make a splash.

Cheers!

COSMO MOJITO

4 fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons light rum
1 tablespoon orange-flavored liqueur, such as Triple Sec
Crushed ice
1/4 cup cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
Lemon-lime soda or club soda
Lime slices (optional)
Mint sprigs (optional)
Place mint, sugar, and lime juice in a tall glass. With a muddler or back of spoon, crush mint until sugar has dissolved. Stir in rum and orange-flavored liqueur. Fill glass with crushed ice; pour cranberry juice cocktail into glass; top with soda. Stir drink well. Garnish with lime slices and mint sprigs, if desired. Makes 1 serving.

 

Easy Creamy Coleslaw

Aug1

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Easy Creamy Coleslaw

Easy Creamy Coleslaw

Easy Creamy Coleslaw

Quick and easy recipes are always in demand, and during the summer months, they’re especially welcome.

By simply combining packaged coleslaw mix with on-hand ingredients, a familiar side dish can be prepared in no time. Whether it’s for a picnic, potluck, or family reunion, this classic favorite is a time-honored addition to summertime get-togethers.

Enjoy!

EASY CREAMY COLESLAW

1/2 cup regular or light mayonnaise
1/4 cup regular or light sour cream
2 teaspoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (14-ounce) package coleslaw mix
2 teaspoons grated onion (optional)
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Add coleslaw mix and onion, if desired; toss to combine. Cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Makes 8 servings.

Stovetop Macaroni and Chipotle Cheese

Jul18
Stovetop Macaroni and Chipotle Cheese

Stovetop Macaroni and Chipotle Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is good enough on its own, but the addition of Sartori Chipotle BellaVitano® cheese takes it over the top.

A flavor-packed mix of south-of-the-border inspired seasonings, this award-winning cheese is a mouthwatering blend of savory smokiness and creamy goodness. Ideal for time-crunched cooks, this quick to prepare recipe can be on the table in no time.

Add a sprinkling of smoked paprika just before serving, if desired, to complement the fusion of flavors in this velvety dish.

STOVETOP MACARONI AND CHIPOTLE CHEESE

8 ounces dried rotini (corkscrew) pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Sartori Chipotle BellaVitano® cheese
Smoked paprika (optional)
Begin cooking macaroni in a large saucepan according to package directions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour and onion powder. Add milk. Bring to a boil. Boil 1 minute, stirring continuously. Remove from heat. Stir in salt and pepper. Add cheese. Stir until cheese has melted. Drain macaroni; return to saucepan. Add cheese mixture; stir gently to combine. Cook over medium-low heat 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Thanks to Sartori Cheese for providing Chipotle BellaVitano® cheese and related products

Tortellini Salad

Jul15

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Tortellini Salad Recipe

Tortellini Salad

Tortellini Salad

Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a picnic at the park, a flavor-packed salad is a delicious addition to any alfresco get-together.

Perfect for pairing with just about any grilled entrée, this recipe for Tortellini Salad combines cheese-filled pasta with a mélange of fresh ingredients. And store-bought Italian salad dressing makes it easy to get out of the kitchen quick.

With this quick and easy recipe, warm-weather gatherings are sure to be a breeze.

TORTELLINI SALAD

1 (9-ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 (6-ounce) jar marinated artichokes, drained
2 medium scallions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup regular or fat-free Italian salad dressing
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
6 cherry tomatoes, halved
Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain again. In a large bowl, combine tortellini, broccoli, parsley, artichokes, scallions, basil, salt, and pepper; toss to combine. Pour dressing over tortellini mixture; toss to combine. Cover, and refrigerate 1 hour. Just before serving, add Parmesan cheese and tomatoes; toss to combine. Makes 6 servings.