Mom's Banana Bread

I don't know why it took so long to get my Mom's banana bread recipe up on the blog.  This banana bread always turns out perfect!  -Kristin

3 mashed bananas

3/4-1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 Tablespoons sour cream

1/2 cup oil

1 2/3 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

dash of nutmeg

1 teaspoon baking soda

• Beat together the bananas with the sugar till creamy.
• Then beat in the eggs, sour cream and oil. .
• In a separate bowl combine the dry ingredients and then stir into the wet.
• Put in a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

I have been searching for a more flavorful pinto bean recipe to use on rice or tortillas.  This is it.  These beans turn out great and are great to use in place of refried beans.  We really like these beans on rice with cheese, sour cream, jalapenos and avocado.  -Kristin

1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted and soaked overnight (directions on bag)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon oregano

3 bay leaves

• Put bean in the bottom of slow cooker.
• Cover with water, plus 2 inches over.
• Stir in seasonings.
• Cook on low for 10-12 hours or till done.  Add more water if necessary.  
• When beans are done cooking, drain off extra liquid.
• Then remove bay leaves and stir in the following.

1 1/2 - 2 teaspoons salt, or more to your taste

1/3 cup salsa, optional

Chewy No Bake Granola Bars

I adapted this recipe from http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/  These are very good and quick to whip up!  -Kristin

4 Tablespoons butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

2-1/2 cups dry oatmeal

1/4 cup wheat germ

2 Tablespoons ground flax seeds  

1/2 cup Craisins

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips 

• In a saucepan, begin to melt the butter and then add the brown sugar and honey.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Add the remaining ingredients, except for the chocolate chips.  Stir well.
• Then stir in the chocolate chips.
• Press the mixture into a 9x13 pan and set in the fridge until firm, about 15 minutes.