Tomato Basil & Asiago Bread.

In addition to my normal bread baking (whole wheat) this weekend I tomato basil & asiago bread! I came across a similar recipe when "reading" cookbooks at my sister-in-law's place a month ago. And now that I have my flavors down I am happy to share!

Tomato Basil & Asiago Bread

Yields 2 loaves

5 1/2 cups flour
4 1/2 teaspoons yeast
1 cup tomato juice
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil

I need you to know that I cheat when I make my bread. I use my bread machine for the dough and then allow to rise in a traditional bread pan and bake in the oven...

Prepare dough. Divide into two loaves, place in greased bread pans, and allow to rise until doubled (about an hour). Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Remove from bread pan immediately, allow to cool, and enjoy!!

I highly recommend using asiago cheese. Parmesan could also be used, but I think the asiago gives the bread a little more ping. This bread is delicious toasted with some garlic butter.

Crab & Rotini Salad.

Let me start by saying that you need to make this. It. Is. So. Delicious. I have been making it on a pretty regular basis for the last 6 months and I can't get enough!

If you are like me, you are enjoying a beautiful spring day! The perfect day to grill out. And this, pasta salad - the perfect addition to any cookout.

Crab & Rotini Salad

(Adapted from a recipe from my Aunt Janet)

1 pound rotini - cooked according to package directions

2 1/2 cups bottled light hidden valley ranch dressing

2/3 cup light miracle whip

1 teaspoon italian seasoning

1 package imitation crabmeat - cut into bite-sized chunks

1 small package of grape tomatoes - cut into half

1/4 cup chopped onions

Combine dressing, miracle whip, italian seasoning. Mix well. Stir in cooked rotini, crabmeat, tomatoes, and onion. Cover and chill.

Seriously. It's that simple!! And, if you want to add another flavor and some additional color you could add chunks of cheddar cheese. Tastes great either way!

Brown Bottom Banana Bars.

I've had some bananas browning on my counter top for a while. It had pretty much come to do or die time for them. I decided to do. And for that my husband thanks me. A moist banana bar with the added flavor of chocolate and toffee?! Yes, please!

Brown Bottom Banana Bars.

Try saying that 5 times fast!!!

(Adapted from Bunny's Warm Oven)

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups mashed bananas

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cocoa

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup toffee bits

Cream the butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and bananas. Stir in flour, baking powder and soda, and salt. Divide batter in half. Add cocoa to one of the halves. Spread that half in the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Top with remaining batter. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and toffee bits. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

As you can gather from the recipe these bars are extremely easy to make. And they taste great! There are few things more delicious than chocolate with banana!

Stuffed Burgers.

My husband made a New Year's Resolution to grill out every month. Mind you we live in Wisconsin! It's been fabulous though! As the rest of the world starts thinking about their first spring grill let me tell you about stuffed burgers.

This is something my mom would make periodically.

Start by preparing a thin patty...top with onion and cheese...prepare a second thin patty and place on top of your onion and cheese. Ensure meat seals the goods together.

Grill as you normally would! So.Easy. So.Tasty.