March 17, 2021

My 3 Easy Homemade Seasoning Mixes

March 17, 2021/ Amanda Warren

We never have a meal at our house without spices! I probably use my ranch seasoning the most, but other spices like Italian and taco seasoning are always important to have in the cabinet! What I love most about making my own seasonings instead of buying them is getting rid of all the extra unhealthy additives they put in store bought pre made spices. They mainly do this so the shelf life is a little longer. I am using spices to make these seasonings that I will also use in my other meals and recipes so when I buy a large glass jar of it at the store I’m sure to use the entire thing instead of it going bad before it can finish. I also can reuse the glass jars (usually Good and Gather) to make new seasonings. I like to change the color of the tops on the jars so they are bright and fun and fit with my house! Here I used a spray paint to make them all match and they came out ohhh so cute! Who doesn’t love that salmon color! Now lets get to the recipes!

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Ranch Seasoning Mix

1 tsp Garlic Powder

2 tbsp Parsley Flakes

1 tsp Onion Powder

1/2 tsp Basil

1 tsp Dill Weed

1/2 tsp Pepper

1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:

Mix together and enjoy over EVERYTHING!! I also make my homemade ranch dressing by mixing with equal parts whole milk and mayo (Primal Kitchen is my favorite clean mayo brand)

Taco Seasoning Mix

2 tbsp Chipotle Chili Powder

2 tbsp Ground Cumin

1 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Paprika

1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

1/2 tsp Oregano

Directions

Mix together and put in a new spice container! Add more Cayenne Pepper depending on how hot you would like it!!

Italian Seasoning Mix

1 tbsp Basil

1 tbsp Oregano

1 tbsp Rosemary

1 tbsp Thyme

1 tbsp Garlic Powder

1 tbsp Marjoram

Directions:

Mix together and enjoy! Add in 1 tbsp red pepper flakes if you want spicy Italian dishes also!

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Whether you're planning ahead for a special occasion or adding a new favorite to your recipe collection, I've included a printable recipe card below so it's easy to save, print, and share with the people you love.

February 27, 2021

Garlic Mushroom & Shrimp Pasta

February 27, 2021/ Amanda Warren

This is one of my favorite quick and easy pastas to make. It’s deliciously light on sauce but full of great flavorful taste. Every time I make this dish Scotty easily cleans his plate and always tells me how delicious it was. Quotes like “It tastes like it’s from a fancy restaurant”… “Add this to the menu”…and “That was really good babe”.. always leaves me with a smile on my face. It’s such a great feeling when someone loves the food I cook. So I had to share for this months recipe because I want everyone leaving your table with a smile too!

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Ingredients:

Fresh Pasta, enough for 2-4 people

3 Cloves of Garlic

Olive Oil spray

8 oz Baby Bella Mushrooms

1/3 Pasta water

3 tbsp Butter

3 tbsp soy sauce

1/3 cup white wine

Shrimp (you can really use any amount you want here)

Directions:

1. Start water on medium heat for pasta. Once boiling add in pasta until Al dente.

2. While water is boiling spray skillet with olive oil cooking spray until fully coated and start on medium heat. Mince garlic and add into pan. Stirring until fragrant.

3. Add mushrooms to garlic pan and stir. Cooking for a few minutes then adding in wine. Let it cook while the liquid fully evaporates.

4. Once mushrooms are finished transfer to a plate for later. No need to wipe out pan just use another coating of olive oil spray and cook shrimp. Add a little salt and pepper onto shrimp and cook until done!

5. While mushroom and shrimp are cooking and pasta is done boiling. Drain and keep 1/3 cup pasta water.

6. Put pasta back into original pan and stir together with pasta water, butter and soy sauce.

7. Now that you have everyone ready to go.. plate your dish! pasta first, then add on your mushrooms and shrimp and serve!

8. Enjoy! Maybe even have a glass of that wine you opened!

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May 08, 2020

Enjoy the Comfort of Homemade Delicious Banana Bread

May 08, 2020/ Amanda Warren

Few aromas are as welcoming as the scent of banana bread baking in the oven. That unmistakably sweet, cozy fragrance that fills the home in the morning is only the beginning of the experience of a slice of Simply Delicious Banana Bread. Whether you're looking for a way to use up those browning bananas on your counter or you're after a foolproof treat that's sure to please, this banana bread recipe is the answer. Let's explore what makes this treat so special, from the rich banana flavor to the nutty crunch, to the customizable mix-ins, and how this simple pleasure has become a staple in kitchens around the world.

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With its moist crumb and rich banana taste, this classic dessert has stolen the hearts of many. It stands as a testament to the phrase "less is more," proving that deliciousness can also be simple. The sweetness of these bananas eliminates the need for excess sugar, while their soft texture contributes to the bread's irresistible moistness. The key ingredients in this easy-to-make treat are items you likely already have in your kitchen, like flour, sugar, and eggs. Combining these basics with ripe bananas results in a sweet delight that is as fun to make as it is to eat.

This is a great starter recipe for those new to baking and a quick, satisfying project for seasoned bakers. Add in your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to put your own twist on the classic recipe. Whether you're craving a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a dessert, Simply Delicious Banana Bread fits the bill.

The Ideal Loaf Pan for Perfect Banana Bread

Choosing the right loaf pan is key to banana bread bliss. Here are some tips and essentials I am sure to use every time. A stainless steel loaf pan is your golden ticket to easily removing that golden loaf and achieving an even bake every time. Steer clear of dark or glass pans. These can unevenly distribute heat, potentially leading to an overcooked exterior and undercooked middle. Make sure to mind the depth. A pan that's too deep might leave you with an underbaked center amid dry edges. My favorite loaf pans to use for this recipe and all my bread recipes are the 360 Cookware loaf pans. They have three to choose from and my personal code AmandaWarren20 will give you 20% off your order. Shop Here No matter your choice in bakeware, the key is to ensure that your Simply Delicious Banana Bread turns out perfectly each time.

How to Ripen Bananas for Banana Bread

The ideal banana for this bread is ripe with plenty of brown spots. Think of those brown spots as nature's sweetener. But what if your bananas aren't quite there yet? There are tricks to accelerate ripening. If you're in a hurry to bake and your bananas are still too firm, you don't have to wait for days for them to ripen. A few ways I speed up the process are to place bananas in a warm area to help the ripening or store them with an already ripe banana or an apple in a paper bag to promote ripeness through natural gas release. For another express route to ripeness, pop unpeeled bananas into the oven. Ripening bananas properly ensures Simply Delicious Banana Bread will live up to its name with the perfect sweetness and texture.

Storing and Freezing Your Banana Bread

Once your banana bread has cooled and you've had your fill, storing it properly is important to maintain its taste and texture. Be sure to let it cool completely and use plastic wrap or foil to protect the bread's freshness. For enjoying within a few days, an airtight container will suffice. For longer storage, freeze slices or the entire loaf and thaw as needed.

Looking to freeze for later use? This is always a favorite of mine, so I have bread when unexpected company comes over or I want something tasty for breakfast. Be sure to wrap tightly to keep the air out and prevent freezer burn. You can keep your treat fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. So be sure to mark the date on the outside. Once you are ready to enjoy again remove from freezer and let sit out to defrost overnight or microwave for that just-baked taste. Proper storage ensures that every slice of Simply Delicious Banana Bread remains as good as the first.

Classic simply delicious banana bread embodies the comfort of home-baked goods. Its wonderfully moist texture and naturally sweet flavor gained from ripe bananas make it an everlasting favorite. This breakfast loaf is as practical as it is satisfying, because you are reducing food waste while also whipping up a tasty delight! It truly is a win-win situation! The simple ingredients make for a hassle-free baking experience and offer a warm, inviting finish to any meal. Banana bread is really suitable for any occasion like breakfast, snack time, or dessert. My favorite part of baking banana bread is how much you can customize with confidence by adding nuts, or chocolate chips to make it uniquely yours. So, the next time you spot those speckled bananas on your counter, know that they are the start of something truly special.

Ingredients:

3 overripe mashed bananas

1/2 cup melted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, oil favorite loaf pan and set aside.
In a large bowl mash overripe bananas. Add in eggs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. If adding in nuts or chocolate chips you can add now.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and top with chopped nuts if desired.
Bake for 60 minutes on middle rack until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
Let come to room temperature and turn over on a wire rack to remove loaf from pan.
Enjoy!