Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Ripe, frozen bananas and buttermilk are always two items that I have in my freezer. Why? Well, the bananas are pretty much self explanatory. I buy way too many, they get ripe really fast, and I through them in the freezer. As for the buttermilk, it seems that anytime I need buttermilk, I only need 1/2 a cup or so. And it just so happens that I can usually only find buttermilk by the litre. So, I use what I need, then freeze the rest in 1/2 cup portions for later use.

So, what to do with bananas and buttermilk (other than make my kick butt Banana Walnut Bread)? I was in the mood for peanut butter and what better combination than peanut butter and bananas? So, I decided to make peanut butter and banana muffins with an additional kick of peanut butter spread on top.

White Bean Dip

I have a habit of arriving home from work starving. Regardless of what I eat during the day, arriving at home somehow signals my body that it's time to relax and refuel. Generally, this ravenous state causes me to eat whatever happens to be most easily accessed and needs minimal preparation. Thankfully, I don't keep many munchies lying around the house, but what I usually end up reaching for is crackers and cheese, bread, or some leftovers. And really, that is just to tie me over until dinner.

So, what I've gotten into the habit of doing is cutting up veggies and making a dip. That way, I have a healthy snack ready when I arrive home afterwork. This can also double and a healthy, game day snack (go Canucks go!) or part of a to-go lunch.

By the way, if you aren't feeling the "healthy" vibe, pair this dip with tortilla chips!

Eggs Benedict- Step by Step

Brunch is the best meal ever. Some people may disagree with me, but in my opinion, it's the perfect excuse to go all out and create a fabulous mid morning meal. And many people feel the same way, which has why brunch has evolved into an event-- a time to meet up with friends and family on the weekends, catch up and relax. It is not too early, so you can sleep in, and not to late, so you can do other stuff during your days off.

This weekend was particularly special because all of the kids headed over to the island for the weekend (Victoria) to visit our parents and celebrate my mom's birthday. So of course, we had to make her something amazing. We wanted to serve her a restaurant style brunch in the comfort of our family home. And what better dish than an eggs benedict.

Yes, it may seem daunting because of the many components and the stresses of making the perfect hollandaise, poaching the eggs just right and timing it all to come together on a plate. But it really is easier than you may think. And the results are sure to impress!

Lemon Oat Bran Muffins

So, about those lemons.....

I have mentioned my love of lemons many many times before in my writing. And I have gone on and on about how they make me happy, remind me of sunshine, and all the rest. And today is no exception.

When I broke open one of the warm muffins, the waft of fresh lemon filled my nose. It was like instantly everything was better than okay. Life was fantastic.