Aisle Twelve

April showers bring May flowers.  I know this but it's hard to stay optimistic when it has been day after day of cold rain.  That's the joy of living in Michigan. I try to remind myself as I look at the dreary scene out my window that this is what it would be like to live somewhere exciting like London or Scotland.  But really it makes me want to stay in pajamas and eat all day.  So that is what I'll do.  When in Rome (or Michigan), right?  If you want to hibernate and eat all day, then it is a good idea to make something not too decadent or your waistline will become bearlike.  Joe bought a giant jug of Greek yogurt at the store.  I do not like yogurt on its own.  It has to be very doctored up before I can choke it down.  I also have been trying to get rid of the last of the frozen berries from last summer.  I just hate to toss them out when they were frozen at such a nice ripeness.  So I looked to the internet for a r...

With temperatures barely making it to positive digits today, it seemed like the perfect day to stay in sweatpants and bake something.  I decided it was a chocolate chip banana bread kind of day.  Banana bread, like apple pie, is not only a delicious treat for the mouth, but the nose as well.  My whole house is filled with comforting banana bread aromatherapy.  If looking at this doesn't make you feel instantly warmer, then you need to make this yourself to feel the warm comfort.  Chocolate Chip Banana Bread 1 3/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 1/4 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp salt 1/3 cup shortening 2/3 cup sugar 2 eggs, slightly broken 1 cup mashed bananas (2 to 3) chocolate chips (optional) Sift flour, add baking powder, baking soda and salt, sift again. In a large bowl, cream shortening and add sugar gradually and beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs and mix until smooth. Add dry ingredients alte...