Snack - Humorous Homemaking

Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake

Getting in the kitchen and baking/cooking is therapy to me. Well, up to a point. When I happen to be worried about something or I’m just out of sorts, getting my hands into flour and batter just really helps me – and it’s cheaper than a therapist. But then there are those times when getting the kitchen makes me feel like I NEED A THERAPIST. I burn everything and throw a hissy fit. The smoke alarm goes off (again). I get mad and throw a dish. Annie says, “what is THAT?” So, yeah. But baking is still cheaper than a therapist.

I wish I could explain to you the deep satisfaction that I get when I take a conventional recipe and turn it into something healthy. It’s a deep sense of calm. It’s a deep sense of pride. It’s a deep sense of humility – because the next time I try to do it, it tastes like sandpaper and you can’t even choke it down. But, I would have to say that about 75% of the time, making a recipe healthy turns out well – and I can take the other 25% that it doesn’t. And I’m SURE Barry is going to remind me of that the next time I sit in the floor, crying, rocking, and holding on to a pan of sawdust cake. [Read more…]

Oatmeal – 50 Ways to Eat It

It should come as no surprise that I love oats. Hardly a day passes where I don’t have it in some shape or fashion, be it in traditional oatmeal, smoothies, or granola. Speaking of “passes,” ahem – you should be eating it more often if you’re having problems with “passes.” Hahahahahaha!

I announced last week that I’m working on a new cookbook – one all about oatmeal. Because, as I already mentioned…I love it. It’s so versatile. I’ve already posted a ton of oatmeal recipes here, but really – is there such a thing as too many oatmeal recipes? I think not! I even have oatmeal as its own Pinterest board. [Read more…]

Doughnut Scones

I’m really enjoying cooking through my cookbook stash…and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Especially when you consider that I have eBook cookbooks as well. Is there such a thing as a cookbook hoarder? On the next TLC: Cookbook Hoarders – Try to pry those cookbooks from their cold, dead fingers.

First off, let’s get something out of the way. The correct way to spell it (according to me) is DOUGHNUT. Not DONUT. Using DONUT makes it sound too much like “Do Not.” Do not what? Eat this? I don’t think so, pal. You better believe I’m going to eat that DOUGH, NUT. Ha, ha! [Read more…]

Granola Munch Mix

What says “Merry Christmas, I love you,” more than a quart full of granola? Well, not much I tell ya, not much. Money says, “I love you.” But granola says, “I love you and want to fill your tummy.” Now, if I could figure out how to get someone to give me granola AND money, I’d be all set.

Let’s be honest here for a minute. If you would like someone to give you a gift that requires dusting, please raise your hand. Anyone? Anyone? Well, then how can YOU in turn go out and buy someone a little doodad and call it quits? Unless that doodad also comes with a lifetime supply of dusting services, I probably don’t want it. Amen and amen. [Read more…]

20 Nutty Recipes

I love nuts…from my head down to my…errrrrrrrrrrr. Um, yeah. I love nuts. They are a tasty treat – a delicious snack – a good side – a nice topping – a good dinner. Wait, that’s not just me who eats nuts for a meal, right?

Around these parts, we keep nuts on hand all the time – because sometimes Mama gets a brain freeze and can’t think of something for snack. Out come the nuts! Not to mention that they make a delicious garnish. Am I the only one who sometimes just eats the garnish? I’m not a very formal person. [Read more…]

Crock Pot Trail Mix

Hold on tight to your knickers – I’m about to blow your mind. First, I brought you Crock Pot Candied Nuts. Then, I busted out the big guns and presented Crock Pot Cocoa Almonds. And now I have exceeded awesomeness with CROCK POT TRAIL MIX. I know. I can hardly believe it myself…if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Except in this case. This is true, my friends. A true culinary delight.

And if you haven’t figured it out yet, I enjoy saying “culinary delight.” It makes me feel official and stuff. So, expect to see it a lot with all my other favorite phrases: rock my face off, thebomb.com, booya, and don’t eat my chocolate. [Read more…]

Crock Pot Cocoa Almonds

You know those cocoa dusted almonds you can buy at the store? Yeah – they’re stinkin’ delicious.

When I give them to Annie, she acts like I’ve handed her the moon – and I’m the best mommy EVAH. Cool feeling…not so cool of a feeling when they’re all gone though. Bummer.

Also, it’s not so cool when you read the ingredient label. Yeah. Save yourself and don’t read it. Thanks.

I’ll just tell you that you probably don’t want to know what’s in there. DUDE! They’re COCOA ALMONDS…why do you need to add all that other mess??

Couldn’t you save yourself a buck and nix the weirdo ingredients? This is Stacy, trying to save the big companies some cash. You’re welcome. [Read more…]

Triple Berry Smoothie

I’ve been on a smoothie kick. If I see a new recipe, I usually make it…unless it’s got spinach in it – I’m still learning to love green smoothies. Or anchovies. Not ever gonna make a smoothie with anchovies in it. *Shudder*

My favorite way to enjoy smoothies is with frozen berries instead of ice cubes. Sometimes I do make a coffee flavored smoothie and use coffee ice cubes, but for the most part I prefer frozen fruit to give it the thickness and body – and yes, I realize that sounds like a hair conditioner commercial. Using fruit instead of ice helps keep the smoothie from tasting too watered down. No one wants a watered down smoothie – or an anchovy smoothie. *Shudder*

[Read more…]

Homemade Freezer Smoothies

Y’all know that I like to save a buck here and there. Some call me cheap. I call me frugal. Okay, so sometimes I call myself cheap too. But the first time I made these freezer smoothies, I was just tickled pink with myself. Making them at home is SO EASY!

If you use fruit that’s in season and homemade yogurt or yogurt you found on sale, this is a very cost effective breakfast/snack. Who needs to buy a pre-made bag of smoothie when these are so quick and easy? Not me, says I.

Plus, I know what’s in it….no weird ingredients or food colorings added. I still have no idea why the food industry feels like they need to put food coloring in everything. But before I get on a soap-box, maybe I should direct my thoughts elsewhere. You’re welcome. [Read more…]

Crock Pot Candied Nuts

Once upon a time there was a mom. She was trying to make a tasty treat in the oven. Everything was going fine…but then the baby had a poop – and it got EVERYWHERE. While cleaning up the poop (which she’s not afraid of), someone also came to the door. That mom chatted with the company for a while. Company left – then the 3 year old had a meltdown. Mama dealt with that too – and all was going fine…and then, the smoke.

Wait…that mom was only gone for 15 minutes, right? Uhhh, no. Make that almost 45. Make that a burning flame of tasty treat setting off the fire alarm. Make that a burning tasty treat being thrown out on the carport before it sets the house on fire. Ummmm, oops? [Read more…]