Comfort Foods and Indulgences

If you are looking for an easy way to serve a crowd potatoes this summer, you should try this.  These sports bar-inspired creations are roasted instead of deep fried (like the loaded potato skins) and come out tasting great.

Choosing the smallest red potatoes you can find keeps them easy to eat.  A tray full on the table or the buffet line are a yummy addition to all the cookouts I know you are planning.

With butter, bacon and cheese they taste just as sinful as the deep fried version we are used to eating. 

I have to admit I have been craving potatoes lately.  After two weeks of rain, weed pressure in the vineyard is high.  I have been hoeing around the vines so that root establishment does not have any competition from our friends, "the weeds".  Anyway, it is extremely hard work and carbs have been calling.  These potatoes hit the spot.

If ginger is your thing, this is most definitely for you. I sit here writing and contemplating if I should go get another piece...it would be my fourth. There is something about 10 degree weather that makes you want to bake and eat. So I did.

Let me mention the incredible flavor this cake has to offer. It has so much complexity and richness between the Guinness, the molasses, fresh and ground ginger and other spices. However, the best part is how incredibly moist this is...just look at it.

I truly feel if you are going to gift a loaf, this should be the one. At the very least try it for yourself, it's worthwhile to bake up. I also think it would be splendid with a dollop of whipped cream.  Yum.

Oh, I almost forgot, no mixer is needed, that's always the best.

Wow, what an awesome idea this is for breakfast, or breakfast for dinner...or a snack. It's like the whole kit and kaboodle in one bite. Do you know how hard it is to have the bacon, eggs and toast done at the same time? Well of course you do, you've tried. It's a challenge.

So I guess this post has now saved you from morning despair and frustration. Lucky you. Oh let's not forget how good these taste....the buttery toast, the salty bacon, the runny egg (or not depending on how long you cook it).

It's just fantastic and a perfect solution to making breakfast for a lot of mouths. Once they are in the oven, get the coffee goin' and you'll have to time to take the curlers out of your hair before you take the kids to school. They will be very happy for that.

And they easily pop right out of the tin. So perfect.

What is a guilt-free muffin anyway? I guess that means something different to everyone. Let's face it, muffins do not usually equal health food, but there are ways to make them better for you. A healthier muffin to me means, a little protein and fiber, with a lot less cholesterol causing ingredients and lower in calories.

I am literally shocked at how good this muffin tastes with just a few little ingredient changes. There is no oil or butter in these muffins! And they are satisfying and sweet; dense, but in a good way. They are also completely moist, even after four days. 

I used my tips and tricks for the Best Banana Nut Muffin and applied them to this recipe. The two-cup method does work when it comes to creating a banana muffin you will love.

Consider it the perfect gateway snack in between meals, with a cup of black coffee of course.