Herbs

In most of the Northern Hemisphere you should be able to plant some herbs now. After years of planting in the raised bed, this year I am planting in a strawberry pot.  It has several smaller niches for herbs that I only use once in while and a large opening for  others.  Word of warning - Parsley will take over your garden!  That is another reason I am not planting it in the flower beds. Once the herbs come up I will post some pictures.  But I do encourage you to grow the herbs you use.  Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, Thyme and Oregano all do well in a strawberry pot.

Fresh herbs are wonderful to have on hand.  Try i t- you may just find out that you can grow them indoors too.

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.