Banana Muffins

I used to make a double batch of muffins every weekend for quick breakfasts and lunches but have stopped doing so as the household has shrunk in size. I have one daughter who always despised banana bread and muffins as she didn't like the black specks that were visible from the fruit, so I didn't make them often. But this recipe is easy, adaptable and always moist with the bananas. For a special treat, half a cup of chocolate chips can be added to the batter. I chopped up a 3 ounce 70% cocoa chocolate bar for the double recipe I made today.

Combine

2 cups flour (I use at least 1 cup whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup sugar ( I use 1/4 cup and it is sweet enough)
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Beat together

1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
1-1/2 cups mashed bananas

Add liquid to dry ingredients and stir until blended.

Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, chocolate chips or raisins if desired. A friend of the family adds maraschino cherries to the recipe at Christmas time and bakes it as a loaf.

Makes 1 9x5x3 inch loaf. Bake at 350F for 65 to 70 minutes until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Or the recipe makes 12 large muffins. Bake at 375F for about 20 minutes.

Graham Wafer Pie

My sister-in-law, Shirley, made this pie when I first knew her in the 1970s. It is easy and economical to make. I made it today for the first time in years. There is one piece left. The recipe has been adapted for the microwave oven.

Crust: 1-1/4 cups graham wafer crumbs
1/4 sugar (optional, I don't add sugar here)
1/4 cup melted butter

Mix ingredients together and press into a 9 inch pie plate. Chill in the fridge or freezer. You can use a prepared graham cracker crust from the grocery store instead.

Filling: In a microwave proof bowl combine

2-1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar or Splenda
3 beaten egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla (optional)
pinch of salt

Cook on medium or high in the microwave for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Stir the mixture well every 45-60 seconds to make sure it doesn't lump. Pour into prepared crust and chill well.

Meringue: Beat 3 egg whites with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff (add 1/4 tsp cream of tartar if you want) Spread over top of pie and bake in a 350 F oven until browned nicely. Watch it carefully.

Red Cabbage and Apple

One of my German patients gave me this recipe and it is a family favourite.

Coarsely shred 1/2 large head of red cabbage
Add one or two thinly sliced apples (I don't peel them)
1/2 cup water

Cook over medium heat in a large pan with a good lid. I use my wok. Stir occasionally and add a little more water if it gets dry. When the cabbage is tender (about 20-30 minutes) take the lid off until the water is mostly evaporated. Add

3 tbsp vinegar
3 tbsp sugar

Stir through and serve hot. Serves 6-8 as a side dish