Peanut Butter Banana Bagels

Ever since posting a Cinnamon Raisin Bagel recipe this summer, I’ve wanted to try something more exotic. While it’s not uncommon to see peanut butter and banana paired together, you’re not going to find this bagel flavor combo at a typical supermarket. Though I chose to go with walnuts as the add in for these …

“Knot” the Sailor Bread We Wanted

Argh! I don’t know about you, but I definitely prefer cookbooks with photos. Not just a few images here and there or the “best of” relegated to one section in the middle of the book. Nope, I like at least one photo per recipe. With cooking blogs that’s not a problem. One of the many …

Aunt Lois’s Über Chocolate Mocha Biscotti

My dad’s “baby” sister turned 70 this month, and my cousin threw an amazing surprise party for her. After asking about Aunt Lois’s preferences—coffee and chocolate over a citrus, cherry or nut combination—I created these to bring along for the big day. Though they boast more chocolate than any of the other biscotti recipes I’ve …

Strawberry Banana Ice Pops

Given the recent bout of tropical weather here in Michigan, it seemed appropriate to play around with a few frozen pop recipes. Here are the results of round one. They’re not a hit with the kids, who don’t seem to like anything with frozen strawberries. (What’s up with that? Who doesn’t like strawberry pops?!) Matt, …

Blueberry Mango Muffins

I’ve been using mangoes in smoothies a lot this summer. Seeing one on the fridge shelf next to some fresh blueberries made me think it was time to run some baking experiments, despite the heat wave we’ve had in Michigan this month. (Without central air, we tend to opt for oven-free options in July and …

Rapido! Speedy Italian Bread

As you may have noticed, we don’t bake with garlic or onions. (I know. I know. We’re weird. But trust me, in our case it’s for the best.) I created this fresh, aromatic cheese bread while experimenting with substitutes for the onion called for in the original recipe. Now we’re hooked on the Italian herb …

Extra Peanutty Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crunchy peanut butter, puffed brown rice, rolled oats, whole wheat flour and peanuts add an adventurous twist—as well as extra fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals—to this version of chocolate chip cookies. These have more butter and sugar than my typical “savvy” cookies, but less than most traditional recipes. Extra Peanutty Chocolate Chip Cookies Makes 3 …

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

I’ve tried combining peanut butter, banana and cocoa in tea breads several times but haven’t had any luck so far. Using any two of these ingredients together typically makes for a winning combination, but for some strange reason, using all three at once just doesn’t taste right. I still haven’t unraveled that mystery, but for …