Fruity Pebbles and Bacon Grilled Cheese (Melt)

 This recipe is the truth.  It's wacky, but believe me when I say, this flavor profile works beautifully.  All the components of what make something 'taste good' are there.   This unconventional approach contains crunchy, crispy, creamy, ooey gooey, stretchy, smoky, salty,  sweet, savory, sour and heat, all in one.  I challenge you to try this mashup and see for yourself.  The Grilled Cheese/Melts Game is now armed and equipped with one of the most  memorable versions, something new for 2022. 

Recipe:

Honey Wheat or desired bread

Butter and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or Mayonnaise for an extra golden and crispity crunchy) 

Fruity Pebbles

Crumbled Bacon, precooked or home cooked

Dried Cranberries, optional, but Optimal for tart factor

Korean Hot Pepper Flakes

Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Mild Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Muenster slices

American Cheese, (it's the Rule)

Now, Get your ass in the kitchen and create Magnificence!!!

Tag your photos to @tennellio with hashtag #fruitypebblesgrillcheese,  so I can see your reactions and/ creations!! 

Bussin' Bussin' Banana Bread

 

Ready for a banana bread recipe that is out of this world delicious, then look no more!   This is loaded with some fantastic and good for you ingredients that fill you with all the right stuff and just in time for picnicking, backpacking, camping, cooking out, tailgating, entertaining, relaxing, visiting, gifting, snacking, easy breakfasts or just because!  

I used Cocavo Oil w/ Turmeric and Lemon Zest, full of antioxidants, with the addition of essential vitamins,minerals and healthy fats, along with some roasted Walnut oil to complement the walnut pieces scattered throughout, bringing in some antioxidant richness, fiber, plant sourced Omega 3's, blood pressure and blood sugar lowering properties, plus cancer and heart disease defense, anti-inflammatory properties, enhancing gut health and so much more. 

  Organic Oat flour is also used in my recipe.  Oat flour is filled with fiber, both soluble and insoluble and helps reduce your risk of cardiovascular episodes and coronary heart disease.  There's lots more substantial and relevant ingredients, but I won't bore you with the details, let's get to it, you will be replacing your old go-to Banana Bread recipe in no time, with a bread of this new age of delicious and inspired ingredients, because this one is BUSSIN' BUSSIN'! 

Recipe:

1 1/2 c. unbleached AP flour, spooned into measuring cup

1 c. Organic Oat flour

2 tbsp. Organic Coconut Spice Granola, Red Mill

1 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. double acting baking powder

1 1/2 c. very ripe bananas, frozen, then thawed and mashed

1 cup Walnut halves, roughly broken into smaller pieces

2 c. pure cane and brown sugar blend

2 tsp. Pumpkin Spice blend

1 tsp. Kosher salt or to taste

1 c. evaporated milk 

2 tbsp. heavy cream 

2/3 c. Cocavo Oil w/ Turmeric and Lemon Zest

2 tbsp. Roasted Walnut Oil

3 large eggs, slightly beaten

2 tsp. Caramel flavoring

Preheat oven to 350*F.  Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl.  Combine wet ingredients in a larger bowl.

Gradually add dry mix into wet ingredients, stirring just until each round is moist. 

After mixing, let batter rest for 15 minutes.

Use a rubber spatula to scrape down sides and bottom of bowl, making sure it's well incorporated.

Divide evenly among nonstick sprayed pans, filling about 1/2 inch from the top.

Bake until golden and toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 35 minutes for individual sized loaf pans, closer to 1 hour for regular sized loaf pans, depending on oven.

For an even more wholesome Bussin' Banana Bread, substitute Oat Milk for the evaporated milk, use an egg substitute and 3/4 c. maple syrup in place of the sugar blend.

Bussin' Bussin' Banana Bread; great any time of day, travels well and is great for gifting!

Happy Juneteenth Everyone!

Say Cheese!

Katiebug Turns 21!

Katiebug turned 21 (3) and we had a party.  She was the Belle of the Ball and had a great time, you can tell by her smile.  We just wanted to share her special day with you all and hope it brings on the same smiles we have, every time we see this photo.  Her menu consisted of pizza, cheesy puffs and kibbles and bits, bone shaped treats, plus T bone steak and Rib shaped treats for her and her pet guests, the humans had Scooby Snacks!
 

Ladybug Toast

Disclaimer: No ladybugs were harmed during the making of this snack, but it crushed my hunger and gave me a much needed brain and energy boost while working on some layouts and editing the other day!  The 11th hour had come, but there was still much to do, and I'd already pretty much exhausted my coffee crutch and my pain levels were taking my edge away, slapping my productivity right in the face-POW! 

I didn't want  to throw in the towel, I needed to meet my self imposed deadline, since I'd begun the piece days ago.   I came up with a quick fix from on hand ingredients and a box of gifted "Mini Doraditas", a type of puff pastry-like cracker put out by Bimbo, right here in the USA.  The slightly sweet, almost buttery cracker was the perfect vehicle on which to marry the tart and tangy, too sweet dried cranberries I had and some good ole fashioned creamy peanut butter.  This snack hit all the desirable spots on the palate and provided me with enough spunk to finish my article on Masala Dabbas.  Creamy, crunchy, sweet, tart, tangy, nutty and buttery, plus lots of vitamins and minerals the body loves.  Get your  neurons clicking and ticking in a pinch with Ladybug Toast! The kids will love them too!

 

 

Trick or Tokyotreat October 2020 Box! Shoto Todoroki and the MHA Crew Too for a 2020 Halloween Bash that's Plus Ultra

Treat Yourself with Tokyotreat!

 

Tokyotreat features unique and fun Japanese snacks!

Tokyotreat October 2020 Box

Halloween Tablescape with Tokyotreat and My Hero Academia, some of our favorites.  These treats are amazing and hand picked by the  Tokyotreat gang!  My family loves getting together and sampling all these wonderful snacks and knick knacks, every one is as good as the next! Keep up the Good Work.  Stay Plus Ultra!

NOTE: The Shoto Todoroki Figurine and The My Hero Academia Mini Backpack are personal belongings of Bronwyn's and are not included in the featured October Box.  

Tokyo Treat July Box Rocks!

Walking Waffles

With the entire Virginia School system and others closed for the next two weeks in an effort to keep the pupils and families safe, the need for additional meals and snacks at home will be at the helm of our to do lists.  By the time we as parents hear the "I'm Hungry" song from one to potentially several kiddoes, on repeat,  especially from the tweens and teens, we will have to arm ourselves with some quick and filling fixes, preferably wholesome and nutritious ones, some maybe not so much.  Enter this quick idea, from which several variations may spring from, the "Walking Waffles" .
 I came up with this a couple of mornings ago, before the break began.  Time was closing in on us fast, and I knew the kiddoes wouldn't have time for a complete sit down and plated breakfast and make it to school on time. With some quick thinking I decided to layer the would be plated items in a 16 oz. plastic cup, so that when they started their meal, it was in a vessel that could travel also, if needed.  I filled the lower portion of the cup with the fruit pick of the morning, fresh sliced strawberries (I added the fork before adding the waffles for stability and ease of movement) and quartered the blueberry waffles, so they would both fit in the cup and be in smaller, bite sized portions. I drizzled the whole shebang with some pure maple syrup.  That way the excess could drip down onto the fruit and add delicious sweetness below.
 Make it super special by adding some whipped cream to the top or stick in a couple of slices of crisp bacon or sausage links (your choice, regular or vegan) at the top, for a super meal on the go, for both the kids and the parents.
There is no wrong way and the fruit choices can be the same or mixed, depending on preference. This method will also curtail some of  the additional dish washing, which will certainly be a part of the upcoming weeks. Let the kids pick the flavor profiles and they will receive it better, plus they'll have a go-to if they have to do it themselves.  Have fun with it and Godspeed.

Southern Fried Tofu

This recipe is a quick and easy way to serve up some smiles featuring tofu.  It makes a wonderful protein for a veggie laden sandwich or for dipping in marinara, they're a snacking sensation, packed with protein, calcium and iron.  I used extra firm tofu for this recipe.  I drained and wrapped the tofu in paper towels to expunge all the excess moisture from the exposed surfaces.
The texture of the protein is nice and crisp on the outside, but also not mushy in the interior.  There is actual 'bite'.  I double dipped these pieces in milk and breading to protect the tofu and add an extra layer of insulation and backbone so it would not be so limp.
I added the element of ranch via the seasoning package.  It's safe to say that many Americans, especially southerners are obsessed with ranch flavors.  I personally prefer Southwestern Ranch, which consists of combining barbeque sauce and ranch, plus a splash of heat via Sriracha for me!  Another splendid duo I adore is ranch and  Thai Chili Sauce, a great dipper for crunchy, fried snacks like Cauliflower Egg Rolls or Delectable Beef n' Zucchini Wontons, also Chipotle Chicken and Caramelized Onion Wontons.  Dippin' and Dining that's perfect for small gatherings and game days or just a day you feel like eating something tasty!
Recipe:
1 pkg. tofu, extra firm
2 tbsp. Dale's Steak Seasoning or to taste
Seasoned flour, such as A1
1/2 pkg. ranch seasoning
milk
oil for frying
SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)
Directions:
Wrap tofu in several paper towels to absorb excess moisture on outside of tofu.
After several minutes, slice tofu carefully and evenly and lay slices on more paper towels.
Drizzle slices with Dale's.
Refrigerate for about 20 to 30 minutes, until ready to fry.  Meanwhile heat the oil.
Once oil reaches 375*F, you are ready to drop.
Toss in Seasoned flour, then dip in milk, then toss again and place in hot oil.
Cook in small batches until floating and golden, about 3 minutes.
Drain on paper towels and serve.

For a Betterthaneverians version of this recipe, use one or more of the following:
Use liquid Aminos or  Nutritional Yeast to marinate
Use a blend of Organic Coconut and Almond Flour to coat
Use a nut milk to dip
Add a blend of freshly fine chopped dill, parsley and chives in place of ranch seasoning mix.