Buttermilk Pancakes

These are my favorite pancakes.

Ingredients:
3 c flour
3 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 c milk
1/3 c melted butter
3 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3 c buttermilk
3 eggs

Directions
You don't need those, now do ya?

Thai Peanut Noodles

I find these noodles to be completely addictive and I'm not sure why. I could eat the whole bowl myself.

from Fast Family Suppers

Ingredients
1 lb cooked, peeled med shrimp
1 c Italian salad dressing
2 Tbsp crunchy peanut butter (I use smooth)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp ground ginger
3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 carrot, peeled and shredded
1 c green onions, chopped
1 Tbsp sesame oil
8 oz pkg angel hair pasta (or spaghetti)
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro (I've not tried it)
2/3 c chopped peanuts (optional - I don't add)

Directions
Coat shrimp with 1/2 c Italian dressing and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Whisk together remaining dressing, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, ginger and red pepper flakes until smooth; set aside.

Saute carrot, green onions and shrimp in sesame oil about 5 minutes or until shrimp are thoroughly heated ( I don't heat the shrimp - cooking shrimp makes it tough and shrinks it up quickly).

Toss pasta, peanut sauce and shrimp mixture together in a large serving bowl; sprinkle with cilantro and, if desired, peanuts.

(You can substitute chicken breasts for the shrimp, if you want)

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Shake

This is a morning favorite of mine because you get protein, carbs and flavor all in one healthy drink!


Add the following to your blender:

One small or medium banana
1/4 to 1/2 cup on brewed coffee
1/4 to 1/2 cup of low fat milk
1 tbsp natural peanut butter
1 scoop of chocolate whey protein powder (I get mine at GNC in a big jug)
1-2 cups of ice
Blend & enjoy!

Zuppa Toscana

This is a copy of Olive Garden's soup. Yum!
(can't remember where I got it - sorry!)

Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage
1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 large diced white onion
4 Tbsp bacon pieces
2 tsp garlic puree
10 c water
5 cubes chicken bouillon
1 c heavy cream
1 lb sliced Russet potatoes
1/4 of a bunch of kale

Directions:

Saute sausage and red pepper and drain off excess fat.

In the same pan, saute bacon, onions and garlic over low to medium heat for approx 15 minutes or until the onions are soft.

Heat boullion and water until boiling.

Add sliced potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.

Pour in heavy cream and cook until thoroughly heated.

Stir in sausage and kale, heat thoroughly and serve.