Banana Bread with Sour Cream

I used to use an amazing recipe for Banana Bread... it called for coconut and raisins, and it was so moist; I would literally eat an entire loaf in one sitting.  However, Matt didn't like the recipe so I've spent the better part of the last three years finding one that he loves.  Apparently, this recipe is the one:

Banana Bread with Sour Cream

Matt told me several times that this recipe was a keeper... I thought the recipe was very good- the sour cream adds a bit of tartness, but I still miss my raisin/coconut recipe!

CVS

I am always amazed when I walk out of CVS... I feel like I've committed highway robbery. Here's what I got today (yes, the photo was taken in the car...):

It's only three items, but it should have cost me $13.24, but I only paid $1.59- yes folks, that's 88% off!  Here's the breakdown:

Secret Deodorant: Usually $5.49- on sale for $3.99

Used $2 Coupon --> New price: $1.99

Earned $1 Extra Buck for next week.

Crest Toothpaste: Usually $3.89- on sale for  $2.99

Used $1 Coupon --> New price: $1.99

Earned $2 Extra Bucks for next week.

Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion: $3.69

Used $1.25 Coupon --> New price: $2.44

Earned $2 Extra Bucks for next week.

Total for items without sale prices/coupons= $13.24

Total for items using sale prices and coupons= $6.59 (incl tax)

Used $5 in Extra Bucks from last week.

Final Total = $1. 59

Earned EB's = $5

And yes, these are all things we needed! 

Dinner Party Review

Matt and I hosted our first dinner party in our new home last night! Some friends from church have included us in their tradition of rotating dinner each week. One couple hosts/cooks the main course, one brings a salad, one brings a dessert, and one couple is "off" and doesn't bring anything. We feel so, so blessed to have met these friends; we just laugh for hours when we're with them :)

Anyway, here is what I made:

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf: Yes, I'm still on my BC kick... I was really excited about this dish! The online reviews for her recipe are all great and it was a good size for our group. I hadn't had meatloaf since my mom made it when I was about 5, but it was really good and very moist! Even though it takes 5 lbs of turkey, it feeds 8 well. I might up the ketchup on top to 1 cup next time. Oh, and you need a really, really large bowl to mix everything in before shaping it into a loaf :)

Glazed Carrots: I made these once before but couldn't remember them. Turns out that they aren't that memorable! They were a decent side dish, but I'm looking for new recipes...

Green Beans with Shallots: I decided to try this Food Network recipe and it was pretty good. I still like my almond, lemon, and butter green beans better, but I will make these again.

I also learned something about tea kettles... if you fill them above the "max fill" line, they over flow... who knew!?

No, I haven't disappeared or fallen into a deep hole :) It's just that my domestic life hasn't been too interesting lately... we've been busy with travels and work, so I feel like I'm keeping up just enough to get by. But, I wanted to share something that is now sitting on my desk.

Spring Cleaning
Are you ready for it? I'm not, but I love the list. It makes me want her book!!

Also, I'm having 2 other couples for dinner tomorrow night! Matt and I have been included in a dinner party group that meets at a different home every Tuesday. There are usually 4 couples, but one can't make it this week. It's finally our turn to host and I'm really excited. We have a snow-day today so I'll be spending most of it sorting, organizing, and cleaning so that the house looks nice. Matt was super excited that it snowed because it meant that he could get away with NOT raking up the leaves (yes, Matt never raked before the snow fell... so, we have to deal with leaves in the spring). I'm trying a few new recipes for the dinner, and I'll be sure to post how they turn out.

More to come later!