What you need1 cup sugar1⁄2 cup butter, softened2 eggs3 ripe bananas, mashed1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1⁄4 teaspoon salt3 tablespoons buttermilk2 cups flourHow to make the bread1 In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter, add eggs and mashed bananas. Mix baking powder, baking soda, and salt with the buttermilk and add to the creamed mixture. Stir together. Add the 2 cups flour and mix well. Pour into 2 well-greased 71⁄2x4x23⁄4-inch loaf pans and bake in a 350°F oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Drizzle with Powdered Sugar Frosting and sprinkle with red sugar.
To make Powdered Sugar Frosting 1 in a bowl, mix 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 tablespoon melted butter together until well blended.
Simple TipMake these into smaller loaves of bread and wrap in clear wrap to have on hand for guests during the holidays.
Caramel Pecan Pull-ApartsThis is really a simple yeast bread recipe. Don't be afraid of making yeast bread—it is actually quite forgiving. I make it with my 8-year old granddaughter and she loves to knead it! It always turns out great! Download the Recipe Sheet at the top of the page for a hard copy of this great recipe.
What you need1⁄2 cup milk1 cup lukewarm water1⁄2 cup dry milk 2 packages dry yeast1 tablespoon sugar3⁄4 cup shortening3⁄4 cup sugar2 teaspoons salt2 eggs, beaten6–7 cups all-purpose flour3⁄4 cup pecan halvesHow to make the Pull-Aparts1 Mix the milk, water, dry milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar together in a bowl. Set aside. Melt the shortening. Allow to cool. Add the 3⁄4 cup sugar, shortening, salt, and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture.
2 Beat in the flour until it is stiff. Turn out on floured board and knead until smooth and elastic. Set in large bowl and cover with damp towel. Let rise for about an hour or until double in bulk. Punch down and roll half of the dough out into a 9x13-inch rectangle shape. Spread with 1⁄4 cup butter, 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, 1⁄4 cup white sugar, and1 teaspoon cinnamon. Roll up and slice into 11⁄2-inch slices. In the bottom of an 8x8-inch pan, mix 1⁄4 cup melted butter, 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon corn syrup.
3 Lay pecans upside down in butter mixture. Lay the rolls in pan over the mixture. Repeat for other half of dough.
4 Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and turn upside down onto foil. Makes 18 rolls.
Tomato Basil Soup and Cheese BiscuitsThis is a great soup for any time of year. But is it perfect for cold winter nights! Serve with star-shaped cheesy biscuits.
Download the Recipe Sheet at the top of this page for a hard copy of this great recipe.
What you need for the soup:1 tablespoon butter1⁄4 cup chopped onion1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme2 teaspoons dried basil2 tablespoons all-purpose flour2 cups chicken broth4 cups canned diced tomatoes1⁄4 cup light creamSalt and pepper to taste2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbledWhat you need for the biscuits:2 1⁄4 cups biscuit mix2⁄3 cups milk or as directed on biscuit mix box1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar cheeseStar-shaped cookie cutterTo make the Soup:1 In a large saucepan, cook onions in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, thyme, and basil. Add chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cream to soup mixture, return to heat and heat to simmer. Do not boil. Remove from heat, ladle into bowls or cups and sprinkle with bacon pieces. Makes 6 servings.
To make the Biscuits:1 Mix biscuit dough as directed on package. Add shredded cheese. Roll out to 1⁄2-inch thick. Cut with star cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve biscuits immediately. Makes 10 biscuits.
Potato Soup
So rich and creamy, this potato soup is made using red potatoes—simply wonderful! Everyone loves this hearty soup—especially the kids! Download the Recipe Sheet at the top of this page for the recipe and tips.

Old Fashioned Chili
Everyone' favorite winter soup—chili! Top with little star pastas for the kids! Make this in the slow-cooker and have it ready when the family arrives! Download the Recipe Sheet at the top of this page for the recipe and tips.
Heart Healthy Muffins
Just as yummy as they are healthy, these muffins are made with whole-grain oatmeal and walnuts. Just a dollop of jelly in the center before baking makes them so pretty! I use a red jelly when I make these and it is always a hit! Download the Recipe Sheet at the top of this page for the recipe and tips.