Banana Bread Waffles

Recipe adapted from Mother Thyme.

We all decided we would rather have just banana bread or waffles rather than this hybrid.  If you're looking for a variation, this definitely tastes just like banana bread hot off the waffle iron.


2 cups whole wheat flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
1 cup milk
2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

In a medium bowl, mix milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until smooth and combined.

Follow waffle maker instructions to cook waffles.

Top as desired.


Tips and Hints:
*I tend to use whole wheat flour instead of white flour whenever possible.  I personally think it tastes better, and it's so much healthier.  If you don't like as wheaty a flavor or texture, you can divide the flour between wheat or white as desired.
*This makes a very thick waffle batter.  Don't overfill your waffle maker or you'll have batter everywhere.
*I used my stand mixer to mix the batter and didn't bother mashing the bananas.  Just throw them in whole and let the mixer mash as it mixes.
*You can top these with maple syrup, fruit and whipped cream, or butter and cinnamon sugar.  Or you could channel Elvis and put peanut butter on top!

Iced Hot Chocolate

Recipe adapted from Parenting Magazine.

The original recipe was a little too strong for my milk chocolate-loving family.  I've adapted it here to make it a little more milky, sweeter, and less bitter.  The original proportions are included below if you prefer a darker, richer drink.


1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/4 cups low-fat milk
2 cups ice cubes
whipped cream

Combine cocoa powder and sugar in blender.  Add milk and blend for about 20 seconds to combine.  Add ice gradually, blending after each addition, until you have a thick slush.

Pour into 4 glasses and top with whipped cream.  Serve with a straw and a spoon.


Tips and Hints:
*The original recipe called for 1/2 cup cocoa powder, which makes for a much more hot chocolate flavor.  I loved it as it was, but the kids (and my husband) voted for a lighter chocolate.
*If the drink is too thin after adding two cups of ice, add up to another cup of ice to thicken.  If it's too thick, you can add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk to thicken.

Vanilla Hunny Shake

Original Recipe from Family Fun Magazine.

It only took one sip for all of my kids to declare this a keeper!  This tastes like a vanilla milkshake, but the honey and cinnamon give it an extra exotic flare.


1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp honey
pinch cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.  Pour into two tall glasses and serve immediately.


Tips and Hints:
*I doubled the recipe, but used about 3/4 cup milk for the double batch.  This made a thicker, richer shake.

Fruity Yogurt Drink

Original Recipe from Kraft Food and Family.


2 cups vanilla low fat yogurt
2 cups frozen strawberries
5 cups cold water, divided
1 pkt (makes 2 quarts) lemonade flavor drink mix (like Crystal Light)

In blender, combine yogurt, strawberries, 1 cup cold water, and drink mix.  Blend on medium speed until smooth.

Pour into a large pitcher and add additional 4 cups cold water.  Stir to combine.  Serve over ice if desired.  Makes 8, 1 cup servings.


Tips and Hints:
*Even my pickiest kid loved this refreshing combination of strawberry lemonade and a smoothie.
*Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.