Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana "Ice Cream"

I have been wanting to get on and blog again for awhile, but it seems I rarely have a computer, internet access, and camera all at the same time. If I keep waiting for that to happen it may be quite sometime before I write again. I love pictures...but unfortunately I am not a mom that takes constant pictures. My kids will be well documented thanks to their many aunts and uncles. I call my sister Caroline my personal photographer. Most of the really good photos I've posted are her work...the other ones are just uploaded from my phone. Someday...when kids, diapers, and housework don't take up most of my time and energy I hope to enjoy taking and editing photos!

I wanted to share an amazing healthy summer dessert! (I can't write this without admitting I am at Panera eating a brownie. There is a time and season for every activity under heaven, right?!) All you need to make this ice cream like dessert is cocoa powder, peanut butter, and bananas.

 My sister-in-law gave me this idea so I came up with my own measurements. You can play with if you like more or less of one of the flavors. This is what I did!

2 bananas, sliced and frozen

2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

3 Tbsp natural peanut butter

You just stick it in the blender until it is smooth and creamy and viola! You have a healthy chocolate peanut butter and banana ice cream! If you like it a little sweeter use RIPENED bananas or for a mellower flavor use bananas that are just ripe.

I hope you enjoy this little treat as much as I do!

Zucchini Season!

And the invasion of the zucchini has begun!! I'm so excited! It's always fun when my shopping cart doesn't need to be filled with veggies because my garden is filling my fridge instead. But anyone who has harvested zucchini knows that they seem to multiply! It really can be a challenge to keep up with it, but it's adventure at the same time. I never knew that you could do more with zucchini than fry it up or make bread with it. But over the last few summers I've found some yuuummy ways to use it!

Some people would probably be appalled at the some of the things Elia eats. But it's such a good feeling knowing that your child is getting good nutritious food...even if it sounds strange. Last summer I shredded up zucchini and yellow squash and would put it in her oatmeal. With the cinnamon in it she didn't even notice! I've shredded it up in chili and again...extra nutrition and you couldn't even tell! It hides well in scrambled eggs too! I found a recipe for zucchini cobbler and it tasted like apple. Who knew?! This week's menu includes Veggie Lasagna, Zucchini Pancakes, (with a dab of sour cream or Greek yogurt they're just amazing!) and last but not least, Zucchini Bread!

I decided to include some photos as well as the recipe of my zucchini bread recipe. I'll add in my adaptions for a healthy version too! 

Sour Cream Zucchini Bread

3 c. flour (I use whole wheat)

3 eggs

2 c. sugar (I cut it in half and use only 1 c.)

1 c. oil (I do 1/2 c. oil and 1/2 c. applesause)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 c. sour cream (I've used plain yogurt instead)

2 c. grated zucchini

1 c. nuts or raisins (optional)

Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Beat the eggs and add all of the ingredients  to the flour. Pour into the loaf pans  and bake at 350 for 1 hour. (You can do them in muffin tins and cut back the bake time to 18 minutes.)

Shredding the zucchini

the batter

in the oven

ready to eat!

Enjoy!

little growing man!

My little buddy is growing so fast! He's in the 95th percentile for his height and 50th for his weight! He just loves to eat! Right now he prefers his solids to his bottle...he still drinks his milk but he scarfs down his "real man food"!

Don't you love the mischievous look in his eyes! 

Little Man eating his beets!

                                                              Love you little Zekester!