So Simple a 6 year Old Could Make These!

Who says you have to make everything from scratch? I am all for making sure I have great food for my family made with fresh ingredients, but I totally remember those days when just getting everyone up and in the car at the same time was a huge feat! Being able to bake a little something yummy to take to early morning soccer games or for a fun alternative to basic toast? Yeah..that is not always an option.

I love being able to have things on hand that I can make up quickly. Better yet, I love having things on hand that my kids could help me with.

Spending time together in the kitchen created some of the most memorable times for us when our kids were growing up. I guess you could say we were very food and family focused!  Being able to have a few things up my sleeve helped me save time as well as money because we weren’t swinging through someplace to grab a snack. And I really love that this recipe is a pretty low mess option! Plus, kids LOVE to eat what they help to create!

So apron up and let’s back something fabulous with those we love.

This is what Tbsp.com has to say about this recipe inspired by Buns In My Oven.

These gooey, sweet little muffins are the perfect cure to a dreary morning. They’re full of a cinnamon and caramel and topped with a simple sweet icing.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick Tip: you can also make this in a Bundt cake pan.

Image and recipe courtesy of Tbsp.com

The post Quick and Simple Because the Dough Is Already Made! Ssh ..It is Our Little Secret appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

One of The Most Decadent Quick Breads I Have Ever Made

Oh my! Ever had a craving for chocolate? Well this should do the trick for satisfying that sweet tooth. There is just something  luscious about a well baked quick bread. My mom used to make quick breads all the time and when I was a kid in 4-H I was always trying new recipes to enter in the county fair. I remember making anorange cranberry bread that was pretty darned good, if I say so myself, but I bet this recipe would have been a blue ribbon winner for sure.

The balance of cocoa and sweetness is perfect and it literally just melts in your mouth from the very first taste.

In fact you might want to go ahead and make a double batch of this recipe because I will guarantee you that one loaf is going to disappear so quickly you might even start a riot.

This is what Mel of Mels Kitchen Café has to say about this amazingly delicious recipe.

Simple as simple can be, this bread is exactly what a quick bread should be: quick and extremely non-fussy.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick Tip:  Try this toasted with a thin layer of softened cream cheese on top. You can thank me later.

Image and recipe courtesy of Mel at Mel’s Kitchen Café

The post One Bite And You Will Be In Chocolate Heaven appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Not Sure What To Make For Game Night? Try This Twist On a Classic Slider!

I would have never thought to use a potato as a bun! I cook for a family and they want me to try to add more gluten free recipes into their menu. When I came across this flavor packed and tasty morsel I knew I had to try it! It is perfect for a family of any size because you can easily adjust the ingredients to meet your crowd’s size.

Whether you are watching the game at your house, or having everyone over for a get together Nobody can resist this creative finger food!

Won’t they be surprised when I serve up a small platter of this with some sliced fresh fruit on the side! And if you are anything like me you are probably wondering what to do with the potato that you scoop out. I am such a frugal cook when it comes to using everything I can. So what I did was to save it for the next day to use in potato pancakes!

And since I knew I was going to do that, I went ahead and cooked up extra bacon for the morning as well. Seriously, life is way to short to always be cleaning so I try to plan ahead and cook ahead as much as I can.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick Tip: We LOVE pepper crusted bacon or maple bacon but if bacon is not on your list of favorite foods, you can always swap out the hamburger for chicken or turkey sausage.

The post When My Family Bit Into These They Were In For a Bacon Surprise appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Hot, Spicy, and Loaded With Cheese

Game Night! We loved playing games when I was growing up. Whether is was card games, board games, or party games. Raise your hand if you remember when Pictionary came out! Okay, now raise your hand if you still own an original box of Pictionary. Our kids have loved it when my parents would come over or we would visit them because every night we would play a game. When you are playing games, you have to have good snack food.  It is amazing how much of an appetite you get just shuffling and dealing cards or rolling dice. This is one of those super easy appetizers that you can make ahead so all you have to do is pop in the oven in between rounds of whatever you are playing.

If you are out at a bbq, or camping, you can even put a cast iron skillet and set on the grill. Now that would make anyone a happy camper. Leftovers? Just toss into your scrambled eggs first thing in the morning and see how that spices things up!

This is what Sara of Dinner at the Zoo has to say about her fantastic recipe.

“If I’m making this dip for a special occasion, I often prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance, then add the topping right before I’m ready to bake it. Be sure to double the recipe for a crowd because there will be no leftovers!”

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick Tip: Instead of just one pan of this dip I usually divide it into two or three smaller ramekins so we can have one dip at each end of the table.

Recipe and image courtesy of Sara and Dinner At the Zoo.com

The post You Don’t Need A Tailgate Party To Make This Easy Dip! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Perfect For a Quick Slumber Party Snack!

I am a busy mom but most of our kids have already grown up and flown the nest. The other day I was looking through a big box of photos and saw several from when our daughter had a huge sleep over for her birthday. I remember they set up the tent in the backyard, filled it with their sleeping bags, pillows, and dozens of stuffed animals. For a craft, we painted T-Shirts. I made these little treats to snack on while we were in the thick of T-Dying. They were a huge hit. The best part was that I didn’t even have to turn on the oven to make these since all you need it the waffle iron. In fact, this recipe called for ingredients you just put together so I didn’t even have to get out a mixer! How easy it that!

I love making things from scratch, but sometimes it just isn’t practical if you are in the middle other things that require your attention. The greatest part was that the girls watched me make these and wanted to learn to make them for their families. Who knew the waffle iron was such a versatile appliance?

This is what Alison of Domestic Superhero.com has to say about this super yummy and fun finger food.

“Perfect for me, because like I always say, I am NOT a baker. No way. So, use your store bought apple pie filling, premade pie crust, and jar of caramel sauce…it works PERFECTLY.  I’m not going to tell anyone on you, don’t worry. No baking police over here.”

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick Tip: since you can keep crust in the freezer, you might want to keep a few boxes on hand for those last minute emergencies. Can you ever REALLY have enough pie!

Recipe and image courtesy of Alison of Domestic Superhero.com

The post If You Can Turn On Your Waffle Maker, You Can Bake These Little Apple Treats! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Buttermilk Biscuits to Warm Up you in the Morning

When I saw that Julia, Julia was coming out I could not wait. I absolutely love Nora Ephron and was excited to see how she blended the two stories together. I was not disappointed. As much as I love Nora Ephron who produced such classics like the movie  You’ve Got Mail, I absolutely adore Julia Childs. If you haven’t read My Life In France that Julia wrote with her nephew, run, don’t walk to your nearest bookstore of library and get it.  The book really captured all the things that people love about that great American legend.

Did you know Julia didn’t know how to cook at all when she was first engaged to be married to the love of her life, Paul Childs? She took classes so she would be able to tackle basic homemaking skills. It wasn’t until she became bored with learning how to make hats and play bridge during their time in France that Julia decided to take a culinary class, because the one thing she knew she had a passion for was eating! After enrolling in the class for housewives she decided she need more of a challenge and moved to the next level. I love that about her. She was willing to roll up her sleeves and learn something new. She never gave up. She was passionate and persistent in all that she did and she never forgot the basics. Like this simple recipe for biscuits.

This is what Susie said about the recipe she submitted to the Food Network.

“This is one of the first recipes I made by Julia Child and I still use it often. I like using these for a brunch or stuffed with ham & cheese for breakfast on the go.”

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick Tip: These are perfect for egg breakfast sandwiches, but you can add a little fresh parmesan cheese and serve with potato soup!

Recipe and courtesy of Food.com

The post Savory Chive Buttermilk Biscuits: Breakfast Recipe appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Banana Cream Cheese Bread for Breakfast!

I love making small loaves of quick bread. Especially when I have some ripe bananas that need to be used. I have baked a dozens upon dozens of loaves of banana bread from a recipe I got from my sister in law, Barb. Trust me, anything that Barb makes is amazingly awesome. There have been times when I have made 4 loaves at a time because you have to bake these breads for up to an hour and I hate heating up the house for something that is going to be eaten before it is even fully cooled off.

The other day I had a coupon for Michael’s and decided to go ahead and get the mini loaf pan I have had my eyes on. Every time I walk by the baking isle I just can’t get over how adorable the little loaves and so finally I caved and bought it. I was going to bake my usual banana bread recipe but then I saw this! Banana bread with a baked in cream cheese layer? Wowza! My sister in law if going to be shocked when she slices into a loaf of this! And think of how beautiful it will look on a plate of baked goods at your next coffee time with friends.

This is what Averie of Averie Cooks has to say about her yummy recipe.

“The bread is soft, moist and the cream cheese layer is like having a layer of cheesecake baked into banana bread. No complaints here.”

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick tip: Bread will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Recipe and images courtesy of Averie of Averie Cooks.

The post Smells Yummy in the Kitchen with this Banana Cream Cheese Bread appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Starbucks Inspired Recipe Just Stole The Show

A hard day?  Tired and frustrated? Maybe you are in the middle of a project that has just taken a turn for the worse. Well you are in luck my friend. Because if this recipe doesn’t cheer you up, you might need to check for a pulse. The smell of Banana Bread baking in the oven seems to help troubles just a little more manageable. One small bite at a time.

Put it this way, do you think Starbucks would waste space in their bakery cupboard for something that wasn’t a huge hit with their customers? The answer is NO. Some of their baked goods are standard such as blueberry scones, filled croissants and banana bread. You know what I think appeals to people? It is naturally sweetened by fruit and everyone knows someone who baked this. Whether it is a mom. A grandma, or a favorite next door neighbor, the aroma of freshly baked banana bread just says, come in, share your soul, and stay for a slice.

Because Starbucks knows that this goes with a great cup of coffee, this copy-cat recipe is extra moist, but don’t take my word for it. Bake a loaf and see for yourself. Or better yet, bake two loaves and share with someone who could use a bit of a lift.

This is what Charlene of My Frugal Adventures has to say about her favorite quick bread.

“This one is simple to make, packed with banana and is delicious plain, with nuts or add some chocolate chips for a real treat. This recipe is actually from Starbucks directly so hopefully you like it as much as we do!”

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick Tip: You can add chocolate chips instead of walnuts, or better yet, add both.

Recipe and image courtesy of Charlene and My Frugal Adventure

The post This Is The Best Banana Bread Recipe I Have Ever Made. You Will Not Want To Miss Out On This appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

A Cross Between Your Favorite Recipes Make This Single Serving A Huge Saving

Isn’t it nice to find a few creative ways to make our lives easier? I know I can use all the help I can get when it comes to making my days run a little smoother.  One thing I did was to de-clutter my entry closet. Wow! Why in the word would I need so much stuff in a place that should only hold a few items. In fact, I even found a packet of sample dog food in there. What is the problem with that? We don’t even have a dog!

My goal is to eventually go through each nook and cranny and get rid of things I don’t need so I can make more room in my life for the things that are the most important to me.

Being able to keep my meals planned and rotated are a huge help as well. If I can have several meals that are super easy, delicious, and a breeze for clean-up, I know that will have a huge impact on how things are run.

I have made meatloaf for years! But making them in muffin tins are a whole new experience. I can already see how this will freeze well so I can just take out what we need. Perfect!

This is what Food Network has to say about this recipe.

“These meatloaf muffins — a cross between a meatball and a mini meatloaf — are easy to freeze in individual portions. Make a double batch now and freeze half for dinner next week.”

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick Tip: Instead if plain dry breadcrumbs try Italian Breadcrumbs. Serving suggestions: mashed potatoes and a green salad

Recipe and image courtesy of Food Network.com

The post This Dinner Hack Changes The Way We Plan Our Meals appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Do Not Try To Make These Without Learning The Secret Ingredient In This Recipe.

I don’t know about you but if I could pick a food that I have learned to love as an adult I would have to say it would be sweet potatoes.  There is a little bit of a difference between sweet potatoes and tams. I actually thought they were the same thing but they are different plants. I think the sweet potato is a little sweeter and it also has more of a consistency of Yukon gold as far as fibrous texture goes.

As far back as I can remember my mom used to make a sweet potato dish by starting with canned yams. You know the ones. They show up on the end caps at grocery stores around Thanksgiving. Usually there is also tall stack of mini marshmallows right next to them along with brown sugar. Yep, that is the casserole I am talking about and while Thanksgiving might not feel complete without it, kind of like the multi layer Jello Salad recipe that has been around for ages, sometimes a little change is a good thing.

Using fresh ingredients is such a game changer. When I first made recipes that called for sweet potatoes and began cooking with them I had no idea how delicious they really were. When I found out they were good for you, well let’s just say a happy dance might have happened right in my kitchen!

This is what Karina of Café Delights has to say about this yummy recipe.

“Also, I always make these with breadcrumbs. The times I’ve tried these with flour, they come out gooey in the centre. Very, very soft and almost like a cake batter.”

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Next Page »

Quick Tip; Try making these in a non-stick pan since they are a little fragile when turning.

Recipe and image courtesy of Karina at Café Delights

The post I Never Thought Sweet Potatoes Could Taste So Amazing appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.