Banana Cake

One of my favorite deserts in the Spring and Summer is a very simple Banana Cake.  This is what I do.

Whether you use a cake mix or a scratch recipe for a yellow cake, take 2 - 3 very ripe bananas and mash them up. You should end up with about a cup of banana puree.  Add this to your wet ingredients before you combine.  Just mix in and don't over mix.  Then just bake as usual.  I always use two round cake pans - be sure to prepare them with oil and flour or a good spray.

When the cake is cool I use whipped cream to ice the cake and also add some sliced banana pieces in the center that I dipped in lemon juice.  You can add some to the top along with some ripe strawberries.  Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before you serve.

(For really good whipped cream I add powdered sugar and a good vanilla.)

I hope you enjoy this recipe.

Food Find

I don't normally use a prepared sauce for pasta.  I prefer to make my own.  However today I found one that is very good.  It is an Alfredo with Roasted Pablano Peppers.  I used in with some cooked chicken breast over pasta and it was wonderful.  I can see where this could also be used with shrimp or vegetables.  So try it.  The brand is Classico and I do recommend it.  Great flavor and not expensive.

Money Saving Ideas

In today’s economy we all can use some ideas on how to stretch the food budget.  One of the easiest is to buy an ice cube tray.  - You know, the plastic one like we used before ice makers.  Here are some ways to use that to help you save money,

Soups - If you have left over stock, gravy or soups pour into the ice cube tray and freeze.  When it is frozen solid  pop the cubes out and put in a freezer bag. That way when you are making soup or sauces you can add as much as you need to boost the flavor.

Milk - I don't always get to use the milk before it goes bad.  I started freezing it in the ice cube tray as it got closer to the expiration date. I use these in gravy or sauces or to make hot chocolate.  Works great and I don't throw it out.

I am sure that many of the reader may have other ideas too.  Please share them!