Tag Archives: walnuts

Zucchini Bread

Posted by Brenda K. Agresta in Loaf Cakes and Breads and tagged with , , , ,

zucchini-bread

An all time favorite that never gets old. Perfect at breakfast time or with afternoon tea.

Classic Zucchini Bread

3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil or 1 cup applesauce
1 ½ cups sugar
3 medium zucchini, grated and well drained (2 cups)
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups sifted flour
½ tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
3 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Beat eggs lightly in a large bowl. Stir in oil (or applesauce) sugar, zucchini and vanilla.

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt onto wax paper. Stir into egg mixture until well blended; stir in raisins and nuts. Spoon batter into two well greased 8 x 5 x 3 loaf pans or three 8 x 4 x 2 loaf pans.

Bake at 375 for 40 minutes for the 8 x 4 x 2 pans or 1 hour for the 8 x 5 x 3 pans (test with a toothpick). Remove from pans and cool completely.

Basil Pesto

Posted by Brenda K. Agresta in Pizza and tagged with , , , , , ,

Basil Pesto 2

I love using pesto on pasta, pizza and sandwiches. It’s a healthy, delicious sauce with fabulous flavor. My garden is once again overflowing with this beautiful, fragrant herb so I took a little time out of my day and made a batch. I freeze it so I can enjoy it all year round. It’s so easy to do!

Basil Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
Salt and pepper to taste

Most recipes call for a food processor, but I used my Vitamix blender. Here are directions for both.

If using a Vita Mix:

Add first 5 ingredients to Vitamix container and secure lid. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed, using tamper to mix ingredients and press into blade. Blend for 30 to 60 seconds until well blended. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

If using a food processor:

Add basil and nuts to the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times. Add garlic and parmesan and pulse several more times. Scrape down the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula. With the food processor running, slowly add olive oil and blend until well combined. Scape the sides of the bowl again and add salt and pepper to your taste.

If not using immediately, pour into airtight container. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top. Cover with plastic wrap, then secure lid. Store for up to one week in refrigerator, or freeze for up to 9 months.

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Posted by Brenda K. Agresta in Loaf Cakes and Breads and tagged with , , , ,

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Trying to decide the best way to describe this banana bread, and my husband says that YUM pretty much sums it up. As if perfectly moist, sweet, banana bread wasn’t yummy enough, adding peanut butter and chocolate chips takes it to a whole new level. Serve it slightly warm and enjoy every gooey, peanut buttery, chocolatey, banana bite!

Peanut Butter- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ingredients:

1/3 cup melted butter
4 ripe mashed bananas
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
3/4 cup Reese’s peanut butter chips
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray a  9 x 5 loaf pan with cooking spray (Pam).

In a large mixing bowl, use a heavy duty spoon or spatula to combine butter with the mashed bananas. Fold in sugar, egg and vanilla. Add baking soda and salt and mix in. Add the flour, mix until it is just incorporated. Fold in the chopped walnuts, peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spread evenly in loaf pan,  Bake for 50 minutes. Cool in pan for 5 minutes then remove and move to a wire rack. Slice while still slightly warm and enjoy!

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Banana Bread 2

Healthy Homemade Granola

Posted by Brenda K. Agresta in Breakfast and Brunch and tagged with , , , , , ,

Homemade Granola

I start every weekday morning with greek yogurt and fresh berries topped with this sweet, crunchy, healthy granola. It fills me up and helps me maintain a healthy weight. Full of wholesome ingredients, it’s quick and easy to make and so delicious. I make a fresh batch every weekend so I always have it on hand. Use different types of dried fruit and nuts to change it up.

Healthy Homemade Granola

Preheat oven to 300 degrees

2 cups old fashioned Quaker Oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
3 tablespoons agave nectar

Mix ingredients in a large bowl making sure oil and agave nectar are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.

Spread out evenly on a large sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes, low and slow, stirring half way through baking time.

Let cool on baking sheet, store in airtight container.