Share a Spoon---A Sweet Summer Appetizer That'll Make You Swoon!

I am linking up today with Brandee over at Think Tank Momma for Share a Spoon. The theme for this week is appetizers. I'm veering off the beaten path with an atypical appetizer, and it's one that is sweet for summer and easy on both you and your wallet! I served it last night and it was a hit. Unfortch I can't take credit for this recipe---it is one my neighbor, Carrie C., shared with me several months ago. I also like deluding myself into thinking it's semi-healthy because of the fruit served with it.

Carrie's Apple Dip:

1 tub whipped cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Toffee chips (regular or chocolate, as much as you like!)

Mix all ingredients well. Serve with slices of Granny Smith apples.

Want to share your own recipe & link up? Visit Brandee's blog now!

I'm Sharing a Spoon today with Think Tank Momma: Banana Cake

I'm Sharing a Spoon today with Brandee over at Think Tank Momma. I have a terrible sweet tooth and banana bread has always been one of my favorites, especially lightly toasted and slathered with butter. I generally use Martha Stewart's recipe for that, which you can find here. Her secret is the sour cream. However, my mom gave me this killer recipe for banana cake. I was skeptical at first, but lo and behold it is actually BETTER than plain ole' banana bread. Try it and see for yourself! And be sure to go visit Brandee for her awesome cobbler recipe!  Better yet, post your own recipe and link up at her place!


Cake ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp. vanilla
16 oz. sour cream
3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder

Filling/topping ingredients:
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans
12 oz. chocolate chips


Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9 x 13 pan.

Blend sugar, butter, and eggs in a large bowl. Add mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix well. Sift dry ingredients (I actually forgot to sift them and it turned out fine) together, add to batter, and blend. Pour 1/2 the batter into the greased pan.

In a small bowl mix together the topping ingredients and spread 1/2 of this over the batter. Cover with remaining batter and spread the remaining topping over the top. Bake for 45-60 minutes. Cool before cutting. YUM-O!

(I never claimed to be a photographer, let alone a food photographer)

Gratitude With Attitude Tuesday

If you'd like to play along, please join Think Tank Momma and link up!

Dear Self,

Thank you very much for hitting a parked car this morning. I am so thankful that you misjudged the width of that Jeep's fenders or whatever as you pulled into your parking spot. I am really excited that my rear fender is hanging off while the other car sustained minimal damage. ANd it's fabulous that my adjuster can't look at my car until tomorrow morning. Now I need to find someone to help me jerry rig it so it doesn't fall off tomorrow on my way to get the repair estimate.

Sincerely,

Me

Dear Girls,

Thank you very much for complaining about missing your play date because of the car accident. And I know the reason for the accident was that I was pulling into a bakery to get treats for you and your little friends. You really don't need to keep reminding me that Daddy doesn't know about the accident yet. He'll find out soon enough.

Love,

Mommy

Dear Bakery,

Thank you very much for tempting me with your delicious treats while I am trying to behave and have lost eight pounds since New Year's. I guess I should be glad I had an accident and therefore skipped out on the bakery altogether as I sat on the phone for a half hour with my insurance company and cried my eyes out.

Sincerely,
Trying to lose another few pounds



Dear Woman Whose Jeep I Barely Hit,

I know it sucks that I hit your front fender. I also know you were working when it happened and I'm sorry my timing sucked. However, I was a basket case, apologizing left and right and gave you all of my info quickly. And you were still rude and short with me. Cut me some slack. Your car had a few minor brush burns and likely all will easily be buffed out. My adjuster has probably already called you and your repairs (if any are required) will be taken care of promptly.

Sincerely,
Having a Nervous Breakdown and Just Need You to Forgive Me

Think Tank Momma's Gratitude With Attitude Tuesday --- First Edition!!

<a href="http://momsaysthink.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu81/Adrienzgirl/ThanksTues.jpg" border="0" alt="Think Tank Momma"></a>

Please go visit Think Tank Momma to play along! I'm so excited about this premiere---Gratitude with Attitude Tuesday --- giving thanks one sarcastic snarktastic Thank You Note at a time. Have a few words you'd like to share? Grab the code and button above and link up with the rest of us thankless Thankful folk and we'll share in the therapeutic cleansing ritual of giving thanks. Let us begin....




Dear Continental Airlines,

Thank you very much for canceling my flight home due to "inclement weather." It was especially interesting since Southwest was able to get me home without a problem. And an extra big thank you to the super folks dicking around working at the Continental counter who did absolutely nothing to try and help a frazzled young mama get home to her little ones.

Kiss My Arse,
Weary Traveler Who Will Leave a Used Barf Bag in My Seat Pocket Next Time I Have to Fly Your Friendly Skies


Dear Izzy,

Thank you very much for asking me about the lines on my forehead. Someday you'll have them too and you'll understand they are directly proportional to your children's bad behavior.

Love,
Your Wrinkled Mommy


Dear maroon Toyota Corolla traveling east in the left lane on K-10 today,

Thank you very much for sitting in the left lane boxing me in while you drove just under the speed limit. Am I the only person on the planet who was taught that THE LEFT LANE IS FOR PASSING?!!?!? WTF?

Signed,
Severely Pissed Off



Dear Beloved Progeny,

Thank you very much for telling me I'm a "bad mommy." Like I don't already know this? Somehow hearing it come out of your little mouths makes it hit home that much harder.

Hugs & Kisses,
Mommie Dearest



Dear Lawrence Memorial Hospital,

Thank you very much for stocking lots of cheap toilet paper in your restrooms. There's nothing I love better after a long day in the waiting room than a red, raw bum.

Signed,
Please Stock Charmin Next Time or I'll "Forget" to Flush!