Banana Oatmeal Loaf

Weekends are the best, so why not make something yummy and low fat to enjoy for breakfast? I'm making this for Barryand I to enjoy over lazy cups of coffee and hot tea this weekend. I can't wait to taste it!

Banana Oatmeal Loaf

1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
2/3 c sugar
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
3/4 c regular oats
1 c mashed ripe banana (about 2 large bananas)
1/3 c low-fat buttermilk
1/4 c vegetable oil
1 t vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour and next four ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in oats. Combine banana, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and eggs. Add to flour mixture. Stir just until moist. Spoon batter into loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes in pan. Remove from pan. Cool completely.

Note: One slice has 192 calories and 6 grams of fat. Makes 12 servings.

Slow Cooker BBQ

I'm making this for the first time tonight. I can't wait to taste it!

Slow Cooker BBQ

1 3 lb boneless chuck roast
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 18 oz bottle BBQ sauce

Place meat in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Pour BBQ sauce over meat. Cook 6-8 hours on low. Remove meat and shred. Return to the slow cooker. Cook for 1 hour.

Crescent Chicken Squares

This is a favorite at our house!


Crescent Chicken Squares

4-6 chicken breast halves, boiled and cubes
8 oz cream cheese (I use reduced fat)
1 sm can sliced mushrooms
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use 98% fat free)
2 lg cans crescent dinner rolls (I use reduced fat)
1 T chopped chives

Mix chicken, cream cheese, mushrooms and soup. Unroll
crescent rolls (two triangles make one rectangle, with a
total of eight squares). Fill with the chicken mixture.
Bring the four corners to the center and press. Bake 35-45
mins at 350.

Turkey Taco Salad

This recipe is easy, low-fat and requires few ingredients. It also tastes great!


Turkey Taco Salad


1 lb ground turkey meat
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 pkg shredded lettuce or iceburg lettuce mix
1 cup shredded cheddar
1/2 c black beans

Cook turkey meat according to directions on the taco seasoning mix pack. Add to lettuce. Toss with cheddar and black beans. You can serve with tortilla chips or just serve as a salad to keep it low-fat. Enjoy!

Posh Squash

Here is a great recipe for that fresh summer squash straight from the Farmer's Market. Yum!


Posh Squash

2 lbs yellow squash, sliced (about 3 medium squash)
2 eggs, beaten
1 c mayonnaise (I used olive-oil based as usual)
1 c grated Parmesan cheese (I used cheddar instead)
1 small onion, chopped
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/2 c bread crumbs
1 T margarine or butter, melted

Cook squash 10-15 mins or until tender. Drain and slightly cool. To eggs, add all ingredients except butter and crumbs. Stir to blend. Stir in squash. Pour into 1 1/2 qt dish. Combine crumbs and butter and sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 for 30 mins.

Note: I did not add the breadcrumb/butter mixture, and it was still great. Enjoy!

New Orleans Shrimp Salad

While browsing through my cookbook given to me when I joined the Jr. League of Charlotte, I came across this recipe. I can't wait to make this! It seems absolutely perfect for summer! I'm definitely going to make some while on hiatus at Holden Beach in a few weeks.


New Orleans Shrimp Salad

2 1/2 lbs clean, cooked shrimp
1/3 c olive oil
3 T vinegar
1 T paprika
1/2 t white pepper
2 T mustard
1/2 c finely chopped celery
2 T finely chopped onion
1 t parsley

Combine all ingredients except shrimp, mixing well. Add shrimp, blending thoroughly. Marinate all day. Serve on lettuce or as hors d'oerve with toothpicks.

Easy Dips

I'm making these dips as appetizers for the poker game Barry is hosting tonight. Both are super easy and are sure to be delish!


Hot Cheese & Onion Dip

1 c mayonnaise (I used the olive oil based mayo)
1 c chopped Vidalia onion
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
4 drops hot pepper sauce (I used a little more for an extra kick)

Mix all ingredients together and bake 20 minutes at 350. Serve warm with crackers or tortilla chips.


Salsa Dip

1 8 oz block cream cheese
1 jar salsa
1 c shredded Mexican cheese

Layer above ingredients in a round dish in the order listed. Cook in the microwave about 5 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips.