what's cooking: pineapple cheese casserole

Casserole weather is heading our way and, as a fruit and cheese lover, here's one side dish that I just love. Make sure to use a nice sharp cheese for the tastiest result.

pineapple cheese casserole
3-15 oz cans pineapple chunks
2 ½ c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
8 T. pineapple juice
8 T. all-purpose flour
1 c. white sugar
30 Ritz crackers, crushed
½ cup butter, sliced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl combine pineapple chunks, cheese, pineapple juice, flour and sugar. Spoon into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with crushed crackers and butter slices. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Serves 10-12.

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clippings

I've got a teeny tiny problem. I keep finding all sorts of interesting, inspiring designs as I peruse different sites, blogs and magazines. And I have so many ideas of things I'd like to incorporate in our home. But no budget for it and no time for it just now. Still, I want to keep this inspirations at hand--but without adding to the clutter around these parts. And I just realized that I have the perfect place to "store" these lovely ideas--right here! No memory lost on the good ol' macbook and no clippings to sort through. Heck, I might even figure out how to make it searchable (now wouldn't that be something?)! So, here goes!

 

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what's cooking: banana banana cake (doubly yummy)

After years of not liking bananas in any form other than fresh (and not too brown), I've recently been craving banana treats. Go figure. I've not been taking this change in taste lightly though--I've been "researching" a bunch of goodies. That's dedication, huh? Here's one of my best finds so far--this cake is DELICIOUS! Bon appetit!

Banana Banana Cake
1 (16-oz) package yellow cake mix
1 package instant pudding (4 serving-size)
6 large bananas
2 large eggs
1/3 c milk
1 T lemon juice
1 c butter, softened
16 oz. powdered sugar
2/3 c milk
1 T vanilla extract

Mash three of the bananas and combine with cake mix, pudding mix, 2 large eggs, and 1/3 cup milk. Beat at low speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides, and beat at medium speed for 3 minutes. Spoon the batter evenly into 2 greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans.

Bake at 350° for 32-25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Cut the remaining bananas into ¼-inch-thick slices and toss with lemon juice. Drain on paper towels.

To make frosting, beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add the powdered sugar alternately with the 2/3 cup milk, beating at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla.

Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread top evenly with ½ cup frosting. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer over the frosting. Spread top of second cake layer evenly with ½ cup frosting, and invert, frosted side down, over the first layer, sandwiching the banana slices between the 2 frosted cake layers. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting.

Makes 12 generous servings.

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mosaic monday: sweet tooth

mosaic monday: sweet tooth, originally uploaded by thebline.

Stop back tomorrow for another sweet scene. And a recipe!

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sweet on

My "sweet on" post is of a different flavor today. While I still like to window shop for gorgeous clothing and accessories, let's face it--these days I'm all about wash and wear. Small price to pay for the chance to love on our little guy while he's still small enough not to be embarrassed by it. :)

Since the little guy was born, we've committed to reading to him each day, so here is list of some of my favorites. A week's worth of good reads. Enjoy!

 

Creature ABC by Andrew Zuckerman has the most stunning photography. A gorgeous way to introduce the alphabet.

  

I'm a sucker for fonts. If you are too, check out this clever ABC book: Alphabeasties: and Other Amazing Types by Sharon Werner and Sarah Forse. They cleverly use the first letter of an animal's name to create an image (like the zebra you see here). I love it.

  

I get a big kick out of Amy Krouse Rosenthal's reverse psychology approach to things--like eating your veggies (Little Pea), bed time (Little Hoot), and cleaning up messes (Little Oink).

 

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska is filled with precious illustrations describing different types of quiet--from surprise quiet to 'I've been naughty' quiet to sleepy quiet.

  

I love this old standby--I get choked up each time I read it. My mom and dad gave me a copy of the French version years ago and we read that to G both to practice our French and familiarize him with another language. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw

 

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein--another classic. I can't help but identify with that little stump!

 

Let's talk numbers! This counting book in English and French is simple and sweet, with cute illustrations.  Dix Grenouilles/Ten Frogs by Quentin Blake

 

No half-Canadian kiddo's library would be complete without a hockey book and my hubby loves this charming story by Roch Carrier. The Hockey Sweater is sweet and funny. And I love the illustrations.

Happy reading! We're always looking to grow our library, so if you have other suggestions, please leave them below!

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new fabrics!

I've finally managed to order (and receive) some of the new fabrics I've designed on spoonflower. Yay! Now they're up for sale. :) Hope you like!

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mosaic monday: farewell to summer

mosaic monday: farewell to summer, originally uploaded by thebline.

Hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend.

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