Easy, Delicious, Made-From-Scratch Banana Bread

Kelly's Famous Made-From-Scratch Banana Bread

 

I was recently given the nickname "Kelly-Deli" because of my love for baking, so I decided to live up to my name! Here's my famous banana bread. It's a super easy recipe!

 

 

 

What you will need:

 

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1tsp. baking powder

3 or 4 very ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. Cinnamon

 

Here's What To Do:

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream together eggs and sugar

Stir in mashed bananas, vanilla, oil, and cinnamon.

Stir in flour mixture, one third at a time, until just combined.

Divide batter into two 9x5 (greased) loaf pans.

Bake for one hour or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.

Allow to cool on cooling rack before cutting...if your family can wait!! My banana bread usually just barely makes it out of the oven before we are cutting into it!

Hope You Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Squash Pickles

Homemade Squash Pickles

 

*This has became one of my favorite summer time snacks!

 

Ingredients:

 

 

3 small yellow summer squash, thinly sliced

 

1 medium union (chopped) I used a red onion because that's my favorite but you can use any kind of onion you prefer.

 

1 large sweet red or orange bell pepper (not green!)

 

1 TBS salt

 

1 cup sugar

 

3/4 cup white vinegar

 

3/4 teaspoon mustard seed

 

3/4 teaspoon celery seed

 

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

 

Directions:

 

In a large bowl, combine squash, onion, bell pepper, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. (I usually let them chill in the fridge over night)

 

Drain the veggie mixture after getting it out of the fridge.

 

In a large pot, combine remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil.

 

Once your sugar and spice mixture is boiling, add in the squash and return to a boil. Then remove from heat.

 

Store in an airtight container refrigerator. (I can mine in pint sized mason jars.)

 

Let them sit a few days before eating them, as they sit, the squash will become more flavorful after sitting in the juice.

 

Then you're all done!! 

Homemade Butter

Homemade Butter

 

You Will Need:

1 carton (any size) of heavy whipping cream

(photo shown below)

 

Pour carton of heavy cream into large mixing bowl

 

With a hand mixer (or stand mixer if you have one) begin to beat the cream on medium speed. After beating for approximately 6 or 8 minutes the cream will start to "separate". This is normal. (photo shown below, about halfway through the process)

 

Continue to beat until mixture has separated and the solid portion becomes thick. (This can get a little messy. It splatters once the liquid starts to accumulate.)

 

Once you finish beating, scoop out the solid portion and strain through a mesh strainer to insure you remove as much liquid as possible. The solid part is your pure, fresh homemade butter! You can season it any way you like such as salt. This is what your butter will look like.

 

Store your fresh butter in a container in the refrigerator.

The liquid portion that is leftover is fresh buttermilk! You can freeze the fresh buttermilk and use in numerous recipes such as biscuits or pancakes!

This is what your buttermilk will look like. If you are not planning to use it right away you can freeze it for later use.

 

And there you have it! Homemade fresh butter and buttermilk!

 

Enjoy!





Made From Scratch Zucchini Bread

Zucchini Bread

 

 

Ingredients:

 

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons baking soda

3 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs, beaten

1/3 cup water

2 cups grated zucchini

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans OR raisins (optional)

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, nutmeg, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar.

 

In a separate bowl, combine oil, eggs, water, zucchini, and lemon juice.

 

Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, add nuts or raisins and fold in. (If you chose to add nuts or raisins)

 

Divide batter into two standard size loaf pans, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

 

ENJOY!

 

 



Homemade Playdough

Homemade Playdough

 

What You Will Need:

1-2 Packets of Kool-Aid (I used 2)

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

2 tablespoons Cream of Tartar

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup boiling water

 

Here's What To Do:

 

In a large bowl add all dry ingredients (salt, flour, cream of tartar, and Kool-Aid).

 

Add oil and boiling water to the mixture and mix with a large spoon until it becomes very firm.

 

After a few minute of stirring it should then be cool enough to handle.

 

Lay dough out of wax paper and "knead" it a little. If it feels too sticky just add a little more flour.

 

This is super easy AND kid-friendly and it isn't messy! My children love it and I hope yours will too!!!

 

Homemade Flubber

Homemade Flubber

 

What you will need:

1/2 cup white Elmer's Glue

2/3 cup water

food coloring (any color)

1 teaspoon Borax

2 glass bowls

 

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix together glue, 1/3 cup of water, and food coloring

 

In another bowl, mix Borax with 1/3 cup warm water

 

Pour glue mixture into the bowl with the Borax mixture and stir gently.

It will be wet at first but will set within just a few minutes.

HAVE FUN!! 



Daily Devotional

Daily Devotional

Thursday, May 16, 2013

 

 

This is sort of a devotional and a testimony all in one. I hope someone will be inspired today!

 

"Keeping The Faith"

 

** So I was awake for quite a bit of the night. I played games on my phone, watched television, you know the usual things for an insomniac. Then while I was sitting there in the silence the thought came to my mind that in the stillness of the night, it would be a good time to pray. As I prayed these two verses came to my mind:

 

Hebrews 11:1-- Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
and

Hebrews 11:6-- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. **

 

 So, what I have gathered of this must be God testing my faith. He's giving me bits and pieces of the vision of my life but He also wants me have faith and trust Him that He will bring everything together in my favor. This is about control. I need to get in GOD'S WILL and out of His way and let HIM work. Also, I MUST seek Him and seek His face and let the ministry fall into place at the right time.

*Daily Devotional*

*Daily Devotional*

"Waiting On The Lord"

 

 

† I was practicing some songs earlier and as I was singing I began to pray and ask the Lord for a certain thing, something I've been wanting and praying about for a long time. The Lord answered me immediately and this was His response to me:

*Matthew 6:33- But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.*

I thank Him for His infinite wisdom. I thank Him for His still small voice. I'm thankful for His promises. He is teaching me today to seek Him FIRST, to get into His word, to embrace His will for my life, and to be patient and don't force things to happen. Let them happen in God's perfect timing. †

Songs I Love To Sing!

Follow the links to YouTube to listen to my videos!

The Only Real Peace

How Great Thou Art

Homemade Cream Cheese (made from homemade yogurt)

**Homemade Cream Cheese**

 

This is a homemade cream cheese recipe that is made from homemade yogurt. Don't be intimidated, it's super easy and most of the preparation time is just "waiting" for it to do its thing! My homemade yogurt recipe and full tutorial can be found here!

 

You will need:

approx. 2-3 cups of homemade yogurt (depending on how much cream cheese you want to make)

 

a clean hand towel or cheese cloth

 

a pot or bowl

 

a rubber band or string

 

a mesh strainer

 

What To Do:

 

First, put your mesh strainer over your pot, then lay the hand towel over the strainer

 

 Then pour your yogurt into the hand towel (leave enough room to pull up your towel and wrap the rubber band around it)

 Next, bring up all sides of the towel (rather tightly) and wrap your rubber band or tie around the towel. You will immediately start to see liquid draining from your yogurt!!

 Then, place pot, strainer and everything into the refrigerator and let drain over night.

 This is what your cream cheese will look like!!  This is just straight up plain cream cheese. You can use in recipes or you can flavor it any way you like and use as a spread on bagels or other breads or crackers!

Above is a photo of the liquid that is drained from the yogurt. This is called the "whey" and DON'T DISCARD IT! It's packed with nutrients and can be used for several things! I will post a list of all sorts of things you can do with your whey!  

 

 

**ENJOY!**

 

 

Please feel free to leave feedback, comments, or questions! I'd love to see how YOUR'S turns out! 



My Family

My Beautiful Daughter, Alexis and I 

Chicken Parmesan

"Southern Chic Chicken Parmesan"

 

This recipe takes about an hour from prep to plate. It can also be done as a freezer meal to cut down on prep time on busy week nights!

 

What You Will Need:

 

Approx. 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts

flour and eggs for breading the chicken

Seasonings for chicken (garlic powder, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and black pepper for a little kick)

 

Approx. 1 16oz. box of pasta (I used spaghetti pasta but you can use any kind you like)

 

Oil for frying chicken

 

Marinara sauce of your choice here is my homemade sauce recipe if you want to try it out!  

 Homemade Spaghetti / Marinara Sauce

 

What To Do:

Slice your chicken breasts in half the long way. This will make for a quicker cooking time as well as provide more portions.

Next, you need to preheat your oil to medium high heat and set up your "frying station" by putting flour in one dish and crack about three eggs into another dish. This is going to be the breading for your chicken. I like to season the chicken, the flour, and the egg to achieve layers of flavor. You can use the seasonings listed above or you can add your own as well.

 Next, once your oil is good and hot you want to dredge your chicken in this order: into the flour, into the egg, and back into the flour. Once it's good and coated like in the photo below, carefully place it in the hot oil.

 

The above photo is what it looks like once it's in the pan. My pan holds about three pieces of chicken at a time. Let it cook 10-15 minutes turning over occasionally.

 

Also, while the chicken is frying go ahead and start the water for your pasta. Once it's boiling, throw your pasta in and cook until it's just "Al Dente" (that means it still has a little "bite" to it because it will continue to cook even after you remove it from the heat.

 

Once your chicken is nice and golden brown and has floated to the top of the oil, it's done and can be removed and placed on a plate to drain the excess grease.

This is the chicken all done! You can always check the internal temperature just to be sure. (It should be around 180 degrees)

So, when the chicken is done and when your pasta is done, drain the pasta heat your sauce. Below is a photo of my sauce from the link provided above!

 

This is my homemade sauce! Yummy!

 

So now you are ready to plate!

Put a mound of pasta on your plate, then add a piece of chicken, then pour sauce over your pasta and chicken. You can add a little or as much as you like! And this is how it should look!

And here you have it! I call it "Southern Chic Chicken Parmesan!" This got my husband's and my children's stamp of approval!!

 This is the "after!"  LOL This is my son enjoying one of his favorite foods!!

 

I hope you all enjoy this dish as much as my family! Please leave comments and feedback! I would love to here from you! Post photos and let me know how yours turns out and if you have any questions, please let me know!

 

ENJOY!

 

~The Happy Homemaker~



Homemade Shaghetti Sauce

* Homemade Spaghetti Sauce *

 

This recipe makes approx. two quarts. It can also be frozen or canned for later use

 

Ingredients:

1 Large can tomato sauce

 

1 medium can stewed tomatoes (optional, I omitted this because my hubby doesn't like chunky sauce)

 

1 small can tomato paste

 

1 tsp. oregano

 

1 tsp. basil

 

1 tbsp. parsley

 

1 tsp. garlic powder

 

1 tsp. onion powder

 

1/4 tsp. salt

 

1 tbsp. sugar

 

3 cloves fresh garlic

 

1/4 cup oil (I used vegetable oil but you can also use olive oil)

 

 

What To Do:

 

In a large pot brown the fresh garlic in the oil.

 

Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce and stir until incorporated.

(you can also add ground beef or turkey if you want a meat sauce)

 

Then add all remaining ingredients and simmer for 1-4 hours.

 

Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy!



How To Grow An Avocado Tree

How To Grow An Avocado Tree

 

 

 

Use the photo above as a reference.

 

First take the pit from the avocado and rinse off any remaining flesh that may be still on it.

 

Insert toothpicks into the pit and suspend it over the top of a small glass or jar with the pointed end of the pit facing up.

 

Fill the glass/jar with water until about two thirds of the pit is submerged in the water.

 

Change the water every few days so it doesn't get dirty.

 

This process takes patience, but I promise it will work.

 

In the photo above, it shows the top photo that's when I first put it in the water, after about a month or so, the pit began to split (bottom left of the photo)

Now, after a few more weeks it has started to sprout roots!

 

This is as far as I've gotten but I will update when as soon as there is a change. Next, a stem should sprout from the top of the pit pretty soon!

 

This is such a fun project especially for the kiddos!

 

Have fun and please feel free to post a comment if you have any questions!



Peanut Butter Delights

Peanut Butter Delights

 

 

Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups quick oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 tsp. Vanilla

1 stick butter

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

4 tbsp. cocoa

 

 

Here's What You Do:

 

Measure oatmeal and peanut butter in a bowl and set aside.

Put butter in pot and melt

Add sugar, mil, and cocoa and boil for approx. 1 1/2 minutes

Remove from heat and quickly add oatmeal, peanut butter, and vanilla.

Stir until mixed.

Pour into buttered pan.

Let cool and cut into squares.

 

Enjoy! 

† SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013 †

† Scripture Of the Day: Matthew 11:28-29 †

 

 

"I'm Tired!!"

 

† SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: Matthew 11:28-29

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. † ** Thoughts On This Verse: I'm not sure about anyone else, but lately I just seem tired, worn out, and just plain lazy at times. Sometimes I find it hard to g...et going and the simplest tasks just take forever for me to get them done. Sometimes the day-to-day grind just seems to grind me down. So I guess when we're that "down" stage that's probably a perfect opportunity to look up and to pray, and when I pray for strength Matthew 11:28-29 is usually the verse that the Lord lays on my heart. A passage in His Word that tells me that this "weary" or tired state that I'm in right now won't last forever. It's also a reminder for us to not try to carry everything on our own shoulders but to come to Him and let Him help us carry the load. That is exactly what He desires of His children is for us to come to Him and hand Him our burdens and simply rest. **

I hope if you've taken a few moments out of your day to read this little devotional, that hopefully you've gotten something out of it that you can take with you. I hope the Lord somehow used these words to speak straight to your heart and somehow He has given you just what you needed to get through this day.

Much Love And Prayers,
Kelly-- "The Happy Homemaker"



† Scripture Of The Day †

† Scripture Of The Day †

 



Good Afternoon, Friends!! I feel led to start doing a

"Bible verse of the day" on my page.

Also, April is Child Abuse Awareness Month so I wanted to share a this with you all: 

 

†Psalm 127:3- Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. †

Thoughts on this Scripture: Our children are one of God's most precious gifts and God's gifts are meant to be cherished and protected. We are to hold our children close to us and keep them from harm. Those who abuse their children, not just physically but emotionally, mentally, verbally or any other way are in direct disobedience of God's commandments. So as we observe Child Abuse Awareness Month, lets hold our own children a little closer and give them an extra hug or two and remember just how precious they are and how blessed we are for God to have chosen us to be their parents! ♥

I hope someone who reads this will get something out of it that they can take with them today. I hope someone will be touched and inspired today. Please feel free to comment and share your own thoughts on today's Scripture. Let's also remember to uplift those children who are living in abusive homes and pray for their safety and deliverance in Jesus' Name!

 

 

 



My Testimony

*How I Came Back To Jesus: My Personal Testimony*

 

 

So earlier tonight I was sitting alone in the peace and quiet (which is rare around my house). As I was sitting there just pondering, I very strongly felt the Lord begin tug at my heart. The Holy Spirit began dealing with me and spoke to me clear as day to "stop wandering around in the dark". I had let the Devil lead me right into the darkness and there I was...alone. I, of course, had to argue with the Lord for a minute as most of us do. I said that I had developed too many bad habits to come back to him now, I have too many psychological conditions to come back to him now, I can't control my attitude enough for you Lord. Then He began to bring Scripture to my mind "James 4:10-Humble yourself in sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.", Matthew 11:28- Come all ye who have labored and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.", "Matthew 11:30-...My yoke is easy and my burden is light..." The Lord was telling that I didn't have to "fix" everything before coming to Him. Just come to Him and HE will carry my burdens and deliver me. Then I wondered how I let myself drift so far from Him and from His Word, but the important thing is that I asked Jesus back into my heart and asked Him to light my way again. I know it won't be easy but I will have Him to turn to and He will always make a way and He will never leave me in darkness. He will help me with all my flaws and imperfections because I am wonderfully made in His image. I have a long way to go but I know He will be with me the entire time. I'm not sure why the Lord led me to post my testimony but I did it out of obedience and I pray that the Lord will use it to somehow help someone else. Hope everyone has a blessed night and God Bless!!



*Quick And Easy Cheesy Mac n Cheese Bake*

*Easy Cheesy Mac n Cheese Bake*

 

Here's what you need to do:

My hubby made dinner tonight and it was delish!

It's just mac and cheese, two 10 oz. cans of chicken(drained),

 Cook your mac and cheese and put it into a long baking dish,

 then add chicken and shred a layer of cheddar and some Italian herbs on top and pot it in the oven until it's melted and bubbly! Simple and delish!

Fresh Made From Scratch Apple Cake With Homemade Caramel Frosting

Fresh Made From Scratch Apple Cake With Homemade Caramel Frosting:

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

3 cups finely chopped or shredded apples (I used a cheese grater and it worked very well)

 

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter (or 1 stick)

1 cup brown sugar

3 to 5 teaspoons milk

1 box (about 4 cups) confectioners' sugar

 

Directions:

Measure vegetable oil into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, vanilla,and eggs.

Beat on low til creamy.

Sift flour and measure. Sift again and add salt, soda, and baking powder.

Add a small amount of the flour mixture at a time into the creamed mixture.

Beat very well after each addition.

Batter will be very thick at this point, but don't worry that's normal!

When all flour has been incorporated into batter, fold in pecans and chopped apples with a wooden spoon. (at this point you will see the batter loosen up and look more like "regular" cake batter)

Spread batter evenly into a 9x13 greased pan or you can divide into two round 9 inch pans with greased wax paper in the bottom of the pan. (I decided do the layered cake)

Bake in 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted into middle of cake comes out clean.

Let the cake(s) cool for about 5 minutes in the pan(s).

Very carefully loosen the edges of the cake to be sure it doesn't stick to the sides, then remove cake from pan and allow to cool completely before frosting.

 

Directions For Frosting:

Cook butter and sugar together until well blended and the sugar has dissolved. 

Add 3 tablespoons of milk and the confectioners' sugar.

Beat and add just enough milk to be able to spread the frosting.

You don't want too much milk because it will make the frosting runny and it will not stay on the cake.