Making Meals More Merry

Monday's Merry Meals! It is easy to take the easy way out Monday nights, and eat cereal for dinner or go to the drive-thru. When I find myself inkling to take that route, I put some oil in the pan and I get to cooking. It is important for me to start the week off happy, and a fun family dinner does just that.

At first glance, Pancakes can sometimes be hum-drum. 

But when you add some chopped bacon, they become a hearty plate of comfort-food goodness! To keep calories in the safe zone, use whole wheat pancake mix, reduced fat already cooked bacon, and sugar-free syrup. 

Yum! This cast iron skillet was perfect for pancake making... no stick!

Ta-da! If you'd like your kids to join in, have them drop the bacon on the pancake to make funny faces or holiday symbols. 

Would you like some grilled bananas with those pancakes? When you are in the mood for something sweet, but you don't have anything in the fridge, try making these. Peel a banana, throw some Truvia and cinnamon in it and sizzle in a pan that has a very thin layer of vegetable oil or any other cooking oil besides Olive. Let the bananas carmelize, and serve. These are incredible over vanilla ice cream for a glamorous, yet simple, dessert. 

 Ever since I can remember, my favorite flavor in the world is cinnamon. Thus, cinnamon toast has been a staple in my kitchen for a long time. 

Try making a cinnamon paste with: yogurt butter, Truvia, ground cinnamon, and a dash of pumpkin-pie spice. I am a Rye Toast girl, but any bread works fine. Spread paste on bread, then throw under the broiler for a few minutes. Makes your home smell delicious, and hits the spot when craving something sweet in the morning. 

Serve with apples and oranges for extra vitamins. 

Have you ever had polenta? It's like a compressed cornmeal or loose if you have creamy polenta. It is scrumptious, grainy, and the perfect addition to any Italian meal. 

 I like to slice store-bought polenta and fry in a skillet with olive oil. 

Once, they are lightly golden brown on tops and bottom, I throw them in the oven with my favorite Trader Joe's tomato sauce and some shredded parmesan cheese. Delish! 

 The BEST: Tomato Basil Marinara from Trader Joe's 

Store bought Barbeque Tilapia and Crab Cake (Sam's) and Fresh Chopped Asparagus cooked in some olive oil. This was a wonderful dinner, a bit on the salty side, but the taste combination of the tilapia, crab, and asparagus, all strong flavors, was fabulous. 

Don't have much time? Try a quick wrap: this is Turkey Breast and Roast Beef from Boar's Head, spinach, Light Swiss Cheese, Dijon mustard, and a dollop of light mayoinnase. I grilled it in the skillet for a few minutes for crunch. Served with apples... an extremely nutritious linner it was. 

Roasted Asparagus with Roasted Zuchini with tomato & mozzarella filling. 

I roasted the vegetables, then threw some cheese on the zucchini, and placed under the broiler for a few minutes. I seasoned the vegetables with oregano, and the zucchini ended up tasting like a veggie pizza without the dough!

Lastly, try making these over the holiday. If you have extra pumpkin, find a simple pumpkin muffin recipe, but before putting them in the oven throw some dry oatmeal, cinnamon sugar, and/or cinnamon chips on top. They add some sparkle and surprise to your standard pumpkin muffin.

I hope you had an amazing Monday. Sending happiness and tasty thoughts your way!

And... Happy 250th post!!!