Banana Streusel Muffins

Well it’s January and we’ve been pummeled with some cold, cold temperatures.  It’s been so cold outside that I haven’t wanted to  leave the house.  I spent some time baking instead.

I’ve made these muffins a few times and they are very yummy.  I’d like to share the recipe with you.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3 bananas mashed
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F ( 190 c )  Grease 10 muffin tins or use paper liners ( I use the silicon cups, no liners or grease 🙂 )
2. Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, b. soda, b. powder and nutmeg in a bowl.  In another bowl mix together mashed bananas, vanilla, egg, sour cream,  white sugar and melted butter.   Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture , until just moistened.( do not over mix ) Scoop or spoon into muffin tins.
3. In a small bowl mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter until it forms small crumbs.  Sprinkle over muffins, then bake for 18 – 20 minutes.

Spaghetti Carbonara

This dish is another of my family’s favourites.  They like it because it tastes good, I like it because it’s so quick to make.

This dish has to be served right away, also do not add the sauce while the pot is on the stove, the mixture can quite easily turn into ” scrambled eggs “

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 4 eggs
• ½ lb bacon, cut into ½-inch dice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley, ( if not available, substitute for 1 tablespoon dry italian herbs )
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste ( for those who like it spicy, 1 tsp chili pepper flakes )
• ¾ cup freshly grated pecorino-romano cheese (parmesan may be substituted)

Preparation:

1. Fill a large soup pot with cold water and add a handful or so of  salt. Stir and taste; it should taste like seawater. Cover the pot and heat the water until it boils.
2. Add the diced bacon to a cold sauté pan and cook slowly over a low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels.
3. Add the olive oil to pan and sautee the garlic, do not burn
4. Drop the spaghetti into the boiling salted water and cook according to package instructions, about 6 to 9 minutes or until al dente, or tender but still firm to the bite.
5. While the pasta cooks, combine the eggs, cheese, cream and spices in a bowl and beat with a whisk until completely mixed.
6. Drain pasta, toss with the egg and cream mixture, then add the cooked bacon and garlic. Serve right away, with additional grated cheese.