Jazzed up Peanut Butter Sandwich TNT

I just had a DELISH PB sandwich for lunch! I thought I'd share what I did with  you!

I started with 2 slices of whole wheat bread. Then I got the agave syrup and creamy pb out and spread one on each slice. From here you can make changes based on what you have handy! I then liberally sprinkled cinnamon over the bp I slathered on, and I do mean liberally! I then sliced a banana in half and then lengthwise and placed the slices on my sandwich. I slice lengthwise because my sandwiches hold together better than if I slice in rings.

It was awesome with the cinnamon added. Why haven't I done that before? Cinnamon is good for blood sugar levels and helps prevent bs spikes.

Other things I've added to a pb & banana sandwich are nuts or raisins. Sub apple slices for the banana, honey for the agave, crunchy pb for smooth, or what ever suits your taste or you have on hand! If you don't have a fresh banana or apple, you can substitute dry fruit for it.  Other add-ons that can be used are wheat or oat bran, a bit of flax meal, etc. They will stick to the pb and not be very noticible.

I think for the next one I'll do the same, but will also add a light sprinkling of nutmeg. I hear nutmeg is also good for diabetics!  Enjoy!

Calzone vs Stromboli

Did you know, according to Mario Batalli, that a calzone is traditionally made with cheese and ham? And, if you add a sauce it becomes a stromboli?

I didn't! I called them all calzones if they were made with bread or pizza dough.

I do like them and should make them more often. They are a very easy way to eat a "pizza" contained so it's not so messy if it has lots of goodies, and especially in the hot stage.

Here's one I've made in the past. It was whole wheat bread flour and the green is fresh parsley. It has fresh tomato instead of store-bought sauce, my own goat milk cheese, etc. It was DELICIOUS and easy to make. A bread machine makes mixing up the dough and the first kneading soooo easy!

I learned the difference on The Chew tv show on ABC. I love the show and always enjoy it most when Mario is on.

National Days!

You will be very busy celebrating all of these today!

National Acorn Squash Day

One of my favorite ways to make Acorn Squash is to cut the squash in half, clean out the seeds and fibers and place on a baking sheet. Then fill the cavity with what ever sausage is on hand, cover with foil, and bake until the sausage is done and the squash tender. I like to put grated cheese on top just as I take it out of the oven so the cheese has some time to melt while the squash cools just enough to eat.

National Napoleon Day

The Napoleon Dessert! Oh my! I had no idea this was food. I went to see if I wanted to take this out so I had more room for recipes but instead it's staying! I've learned something new and I WANT SOME! So, what is it, you ask? From "the Examiner", "The Napoleon is a french creme filled pastry that is famous for its silky texture amongst a light buttery crust." I do think we should "keep" this for recognition!

I don't have a photo to share, so while you're reading this recipe just envision layers of toasted puff pastry with a sweet filling, topped with a drizzle of honey or syrup and whipped toping! YUM!

The Napoleon Dessert

Ingredients:
•17-ounce package frozen pastry
•chocolate or vanilla pastry cream*
•1 cup powdered sugar
•2 tablespoons water
•1 ounce semisweet chocolate, melted

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lighly flour bread board and rolling pin. Roll dough to 13 x 17 inch triangle, 1/8 inch thick. Transfer to cookie sheet. Prick dough with fork. Cover with another cookie sheet. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove top sheet and continue to bake for 5 more minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack.
Cut pastry into thirds, lengthwise. Mix powdered sugar and water. Stir until smooth. Turn over 1 pastry strip on rack. Pour sugar glaze over strip. Smooth with spatula. Quickly pour stripes of chocolate over glaze. Drag knife over top to make decorative design. Let stand until dry, about 30 minutes.

To assemble: Place one unglazed strip on serving platter. Spread half of pastry cream on top. Top with the other unglazed strip. Top with rest of pastry cream. Top that with glazed strip. Chill until firm, about and hour. (Don't chill longer than 3 hours. It may get soggy.) For serving, cut with serrated knife.
Source: http://www.examiner.com/grand-marnier-in-arlington

Vanilla Creme Filling Ingredients:
•2-1/4 cups milk
•4 egg yolks
•2/3 cups sugar
•1/4 cup cornstarch
•1/4 cup flour
•2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Preparation:
Boil 2 cups of milk. Beat yolks with sugar and remaining milk. Whisk until smooth. Add cornstarch and flour until combined. Gradually whisk hot milk into egg mixture. Return to saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture boils and thickens. Reduce to low and stir for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour into a shallow disk. Cover with plastic wrap. (Make sure wrap touches surface to prevent a skim from forming.) Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Makes approximately 2-3/4 cups.

National Salami Day

I had a salami, cheese, tomato and lettuce sandwich for lunch on whole wheat bread. I've not had any lunch meat for months and salami has always been my favorite lunch meat. I'll have to repeat it tomorrow while that salami is still fresh!

National Strawberry Sundae Day

Is there anyone who might not know what a strawberry sundae is? I don't think I know of anyone who doesn't! This is a wonderful way to end a day.... Ice cream with strawberries and topped with chocolate syrup, nuts and a dollop of whipped cream.

Yum!