Image from My Baking Addiction

This is my mother-in-law’s Sweet Potato Casserole.  It’s simply the best!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Sweet Potato Casserole

3 c. cooked mashed sweet potatoes

1/2 c. sugar

2  eggs beaten

1/2 c. milk

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 stick butter melted

Combine and spoon into greased 1 to 1 1/2 qt. baking dish.

Topping

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 c.  chopped nuts pecans

1/3 c. flour

1/2 stick butter melted

Combine and spread over potato mixture.

Bake at 350 for 35 min.

I know it’s been forever since I last posted.  I have been so busy, caught up in the whirlwind of summer, that when I finally looked up – it’s starting to be fall outside!  Oh, how time flies!

This morning, the air outside was crisp and cool, and there were even a few trees in the backyard with a hint of fall on the edges of their leaves.  It inspired me to bake something warm and cozy, something to slow down with, enjoy and start getting in the mood for fall. Nothing is quite as cozy as the smell of banana bread baking in the oven.  It’s even better if it’s filled with chocolate chips, and a little on the healthier side.  Here’s how to fill your own home with the smell of yumminess, and the joy of eating it:

Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

2 Cups All-Purpose or White Whole Wheat Flour

2 Teaspoons Baking Powder

2 Teaspoons Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Cornstarch

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Earth Balance Spread

1/2 …

I decided to take a break from my final project for school, and treat myself.  I saw Dr. Oz make a Diet Banana Split this week, so I thought I’d try it out myself.  Boy howdy is it good!  I made some adjustments to his original, but overall this is down right healthy.  I feel like I’m getting away with something here, and the only thing I see wrong with it is that now I want another!

Recipe:

Scoop Seedless Watermelon in to Bowl

5-6 Small Balls – I used a small ice cream scoop.

Slice 1/2 of a Banana on Top of Watermelon

Sprinkle with a Handful of Blueberries

Top with a Dollop of Vanilla Yogurt

I used a spray of whipped cream instead of the yogurt – Hey, I couldn’t resist!

Sprinkle with Flax Seeds or Granola

I used Kashi Go Lean Cereal which has Flax and Granola

Shave Dark Chocolate (60%+ Cocoa) on Top of Sundae

You could also use Dark Chocolate Chips

And …

Why don’t we make these in America?  I’m a little disappointed that I’m 29 and have yet to have one!  Maybe it’s my fault for not traveling enough, or maybe it’s just that the French certainly have it on us when it comes to baked goods.  These are amazing, marvelous, fantastic and they melt in your mouth right out of the oven.

I got the idea from “Lunch in Paris,” by Elizabeth Bard, which I’ve been reading this week.  I kept flipping back to page 40 (with the infamous Chouquette recipe), thinking they couldn’t be as good as she says they are.  So this morning, I got out my apron and wooden spoon and whipped up a batch.  They are easy to make, and they turn in to delightful puffs in the oven.  I drizzled mine with honey, and they were the most amazing thing I think I’ve ever had.  I confess I almost cried they were so good.  They were warm and light, they were delicate and filling.  I just can’t explain them, you have to try them!

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