Chef Joan

I have been a cooking machine over here on Hewitt Drive.  Blue Apron has inspired me to try new recipes and has also renewed my appreciation for home cooked meals.  As I add recipe's to my recipe box I always title them with the name of the person who gave me the recipe.  The two below are my breakfast favorites.  Jana introduced me to the breakfast cookies and it was my first time eating almond meal.  I now try to substitute almond meal for flour whenever possible.  It has protein and fiber and helps me feel full longer.

Jana's Breakfast Cookies
3    large ripe bananas
1/4 cup coconut oil (heated to liquid)
1    tsp vanilla
2    cups rolled oats
2/3 cup almond meal
1/2 tsp sea salt
1    tsp baking powder
2/3 cup coconut (I substitute walnuts or almonds as Brian does not like coconut)
1/2 cup almonds
1/4 cup chocolate chips (I double this and maybe even triple it)

Preheat oven to 350.
Mash bananas, add coc oil and vanilla
Add oats, almond meal, baking powder, and salt
Stir until combined.
Add nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut
Spoon cookies on to parchment paper with a tablespoon.  Press the center of the cookie down to make the cookie flatter.  Makes about 30 cookies.
Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes.

Texture is similar to a granola bar.  Can freeze and they thaw in minutes.




Tracy's Broccoli and Cheddar Frittata
8 large eggs
2 tbs water
olive oil
1 small red onion, diced
2 cups chopped cooked broccoli (can do more)
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Separate 4 of the eggs, saving the whites.  Add remaining 4 eggs and 2 tbs water. Wisk together.
Saute onion over med heat, 5 minutes, add broccoli and cook additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour egg mixture over vegetables in skillet.  Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and cook until egg has set around edges.  (around 8 minutes)  You want the middle of the skillet to still be somewhat liquid.  Sprinkle with cheese.
Preheat broiler. Place skillet under broiler about 2 inches from the flame for 2 minutes or until surface is golden brown.

You can make this with any vegetables and can always add more egg if needed.



Both of these recipes have minimal kitchen clean up.  A lot less than gumbo at least.  I would love to post my gumbo recipe but I do not have exact measurements for the roux.  I will try to measure it out sometime.

The Choice Wine

Brian and I just finished a course at St. Rose called The Choice Wine.  It consisted of weekly presentations with discussions and concluded with a renewal of our wedding vows.  We enjoyed it a lot and agreed with 99% of the couples that renewing our wedding vows had a deeper or at least different feel after many years of marriage. And when you add children into the mix, it becomes even more special.  The seven topics discussed are listed below.

1) Honor your wedding Vows
2) Use money for others
3) Give God some of your time
4) Set your mind on the things above
5) Find God in yourself
6) Find God in other people
7) Make it easy to be good and hard to be bad


We met a bunch of great couples and are excited we had the opportunity to attend.


Switching gears, the kids just had their field day and water day at their schools.  They had been counting down to Friday, May 13th for a while and were thrilled when the day finally arrived.

I volunteered with Catherine's class for 3 hours and was EXHAUSTED when it was done.  I continue to have the utmost respect for elementary school teachers.  As my mother always tells me, everyone has their own unique skills.  The skill set required to be an effective, loving, caring, and patient teacher is not necessarily one that everybody possess.  I am grateful for the teaching staff that both of my kids have had this  year.