Monday, October 25, 2010

Fall Is In The Air & Haley Is Engaged!!

Well I have to admit, I didn't cook the three recipes I told you I was going to cook this week. It's been a busy week filled with Bible Study, volunteers meeting for Cilf's squadron, Hail and Farewell, and our Fall Festival. I did try a few recipes for things I had never cooked before, however they are not any of the recipes we have chosen for this project. I will still show you the recipes though in hopes you will try them and enjoy them just as much as we have! 

#1: Banana Nut Chocolate Chip Bread


Ingredients:
   2 cups all-purpose flour
   1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
   1/2 teaspoon baking soda    
   1/4 teaspoon salt
   1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
   2 eggs, beaten
   1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana
   1 cup sugar
   1/2 cup cooking oil or melted butter or margarine
   1/4 cup chopped walnuts
   1 cup chocolate chips (or to taste)

Instructions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350
2. Grease pan
3. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, & nutmeg. Set aside.
4. In a medium bowl combine eggs, banana, sugar, chocolate chips, and oil/butter.
5. Add medium bowl to large bowl and stir until moistened. (batter should be lumpy)
6. Bake for 55-60 min. for a 9x5x3-inch pan or 40-45 min for 7 1/2x3 1/2x2-inch pans.
              **Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top and enjoy! **


#2: Triple-Layer Pumpkin Spice Pie

Ingredients:
  2 cups cold milk
  2 pkg. (4 serving size each) JELL-O Pumpkin Spice Flavor
  1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  1 tub (8oz.) COOL WHIP whipped topping, thawed
  1 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust (6oz.)
  1/2 cup PLANTERS pecan halves
  1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:
  1. Beat milk, dry pudding mixes, and cinnamon with wire wisk until well blended.
  2. Spread 1-1/2 cups onto bottom of crust.
  3. Add 1-1/2 cups of the whipped topping to remaining pudding mixture; stir gently.
  4. Spoon over layer in crust; top with remaining whipped topping.
  5. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  6. Meanwhile, cook pecan halves and honey in skillet on medium-low heat 2-4 min.
  7. Spread pecan halves on waxed paper to cool.
  8. Sprinkle caramelized pecans and ground cinnamon over pie just before serving.



#3: Jalapeno Cornbread 
This is perfect for those that like to spice things up (i.e. Dad, Clif, Don, Nan, and myself)
Ingredients:
  Cornbread mix (your choice)
  1/2 cup Jalapeno peppers (or to taste)

Instructions:
  1. Mix cornbread mixture according to directions
  2. Add in 1/2 cup Jalapeno peppers
  3. Cook according to directions

Ok, enough about food. On to my next (most important) topic...one of my best friends, HALEY DuBOIS just got engaged to JOSH HUNTER! I cannot even begin to tell you all just how excited I am for her and her sweet fiance. God is so good! God has truly blessed the two of them with each other. If you think about it, be praying for them as they go through the engagement period. Those of you who are already married, you know what a stressful time that can be. Haley will not only be finishing nursing school at UF, but she will also be dealing with the excitement of their engagement long distance as Josh is in Memphis going to school. I am beyond excited to share in this special day with them in the near future. Congrats Haley and Josh, I love you both! =) 

Gorgeous ring/bling and great taste of Josh's behalf


Yes Haley, I stole these pictures off of your facebook for others to see. Thank you for posting them on behalf of all of my followers! Now Haley will get to begin all the fun wedding festivities such as fun showers, registering, picking out "the dress", and more!

This past weekend we had a Fall party with our Bible study at Christy's house. We enjoyed good chili along with good friends. It was an eventful night as we carved pumpkins, made smores, had worship around the fire pit, and continued our night with games.


sitting around the fire pit

the guys competing in a caramel apple eating contest

some of the girls participating in "chubby bunny"

clif cleaning out pumpkin guts

Julie and I


It was a great weekend that once again, went by way too fast. We have a busy week as we are both getting ready for our trips...Clif is leaving for SERE school and I'm headed to Indy! Because I will be in Indy for two weeks, I will not be cooking dinners contributing to our project. If I decide to while I am residing at the Rateike household, I will definitely post pictures and recipes. Otherwise, I will pick back up Nov. 15!