Simple Strawberry Bread

It’s strawberry season in Florida which will always be weird to me since it is winter and not summer, but no matter, because fresh, local strawberries are always welcome.  I had some that needed to be used and this bread sounded like a delicious way to go.  It really was simple (chopping the strawberries took the longest) and I loved the flavor, because it was not too sweet.  Only one half cup of sugar, so the sweetness comes from the strawberries.  I did add the glaze, but that is up to you.  Doesn’t it look pretty though?  

Strawberry season may be a ways away for most of you, but get some from the grocery store produce aisles and bring a little sunshine to those cold, gray days.

The recipe can be found here.

Happy Friday!  I will actually be in snowy and cold Michigan by the time you read this.  A trip to Michigan in January - what was I thinking lol.

Winter Reading List

 

I’m a little late with this list, but have been watching a few more shows than I normally do for some reason. My Britbox trial is coming to an end and before I cancel, I managed to get in all the seasons of Vera including the newest season just released.  It’s not as good as the books, but does bring her quirkiness to life.  I also finally watched A Discovery of Witches and was pleasantly surprised.  I do love that book series and found it enjoyable to see it brought to life.  

Do you see a theme here?  Shows based on books I have read are a favorite, especially when the characters live up to how they are written.  Maybe I will find a new series of books that I can love in this reading list.  That is one of the joys of reading for me and it started with those Nancy Drew books I took out of the library all those years ago.  Always so much possibility on that first page.  

Happy Reading!

Northern Spy

 

Hour of the Witch 

  

The Family

The Recovery Agent

A Solitude of Wolverines 

 

Healthy Breakfast Cookies

Healthier is what I am craving in the New Year, so these Healthy Breakfast Cookies were on my list to try. The original Skinnytaste recipe is based on three ingredients, but lists all the things you can add in.  These kinds of recipes (without the extra carbs from flour) are a favorite of mine, but can be hit or miss.  This is a good one with great taste and texture.  They were easy to scoop onto the baking sheet and were crispy when removed from the oven.  These would be perfect to keep in the freezer and just take out a few in the morning to have with your coffee.  I thought they were sweet enough with the banana and chocolate chips, but you could add a bit of honey based on how sweet you like things.  It’s a very adaptable recipe and I plan to make many different variations in the future.

Breakfast Cookies

Makes One Dozen

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup old fashioned oats

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Add Ins

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1/4 cup coconut

1tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Other possible add ins

2 T peanut butter

1/4 cup Raisins

1/4 cup Dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped apples

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Mash bananas in medium bowl.  Add oats and nuts.  Add chocolate chips, coconut, vanilla and cinnamon.  Mix well.  Scoop 1 T onto cookie sheet sprayed with butter flavored baking spray and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  Remove from pan, cool on a baking rack and place in sealed container.

Enjoy!  

Januarying

 

January is my least favorite month, but it’s not all bad, especially not having to deal with snow and cold now that I live in Florida.  Here is what I have been up to so far.

Reading

Firekeeper’s Daughter - My sister recommended a YA book and while I was hesitant, when I discovered it was set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I was sold.  And, it may well be my favorite book I read this year.  It has great Native American characters, an interesting setting and a mystery involving drugs and the FBI. When it becomes a future Netflix series as scheduled, it will be fabulous.

 Organizing

There is something cathartic about the New Year and putting away Christmas.  I feel like everything is in the proper place and I have the “white space” I need back.  A small thing, but very helpful, is my mission yesterday to unsubscribe from all those Christmas shopping emails I added to get discounts.  

Cooking 

December was the dinner party that wasn’t due to caution with Covid exposures, so I finally cooked the meal (just for us) that I shopped for and tried to make twice.  The main dish was a favorite Skinnytaste recipe (Butternut Squash Lasagna Rolls with Spinach) and I highly recommend.  It has great flavor and a beautiful presentation when traditional lasagna can look messy to serve.  

Watching

My oldest daughter was of the age that loved and got caught up in the Harry Potter books and movies and we did many midnight book releases and movie premieres.  Looking back, it was magical and fun for me too and I am thankful to have read and loved all the books right along with her.  I watched the Harry Potter 20th reunion on HBO Max and thought it was very well done and quite fascinating.  I may have even shed a tear.

Recommending

My beauty routine is quite basic, but as I age, there are things that can be done with very little effort.  I have been using Bliss That’s Incredi-peel once a week and my skin is thanking me.  You just wipe on your face after cleansing and right before bedtime then you wake up in the morning with seriously soft skin.  It’s low glycolic acid, so only stings a bit when you apply and gives me less concern of doing something like this at home.  The price at Ulta was great too, compared to what the salesperson was trying to get me to buy.

Happy Januarying!