One Bowl Banana Oatmeal Baby Cereal Cookies

Earlier this year one of my children was diagnosed with low iron so I have been increasing the amount of iron in foods I make and serve to our family. With baby cereal being high in iron, I have also been incorporating it into recipes such as pancakes and muffins. I wish I thought of doing this when I had low iron during my pregnancies. 

 I then experimented with creating my own recipes and came up with these cookies that were enjoyed by the whole family. I also loved that I could make everything in one bowl which makes prep and clean up super easy!

One Bowl Banana Oatmeal Baby Cereal Cookies 

* 3/4 cup mashed ripe banana (approx 2 medium) 

* 3/4 cup almond butter 

* 1 egg 

* 1 cup oatmeal banana baby cereal 

* 1 tsp cinnamon 

* 1 tsp vanilla 

* 3 Tbsp real maple syrup

 INSTRUCTIONS

 1. Preheat oven to 350

 2. Combine all ingredients and mix until well combine.

 3. Scoop onto greased or lined baking sheet. Makes approximately 2 dozen cookies.

4. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. 

5. Flatten with a spatula and let cool completely 

6. Store in the fridge.

View my reel for this recipe

Perogies Around the World: 8 Cultural Fusion Dishes

Happy National Perogi Day! Let's start by recognizing that there are many ways to spell perogy or pierogi or phyrogy and many others. How do you spell it? I usually spell it perogy or perogies and feel like that is how it is most commonly spelled in Canada. Although, it seems that pierogi is the traditional spelling from Poland.

Growing up, perogies was a common meal in our home. Perhaps it was in our blood to enjoy them with both of my parents being half German (one with ties from Silesia in the former Prussia region, now Poland and the other with German Russian roots from Volhynia, now Ukraine). We primarily had them the traditional way with sour cream and cheddar cheese. 

My husband is from the USA and tried perogies for the first time when he came to Canada (actually at my sister's house on New Years Eve 2018, where her husband was shocked that I hadn't introduced him to perogies yet. Although we had been married less than 3 months at this time). Now, we almost always have a Costco box of perogies in our freezer. This box also spells it "perogies" too which is why I choose to spell it this way on the recipes. 

The homemade variety from the Farmers Market are the best (I need to take a trip to the Farmers Market and get some along with their delicious dill dip) but the Costco ones are great to have on hand because they are cheap but also taste good. I typically made perogies mixed with bell peppers, all beef hot dogs and onions. Topped with cheese and sour cream. However, earlier this year (while eating perogies), I said to Kyle, "You know what would be fun, is to combine recipes from different cultures with perogies and try some new dishes. He agreed and I have enjoyed thinking up new recipes this year.

We enjoyed 8 cultural fusion perogy dishes in 2021. I have included recipes for each below. Let me know in the comments if you tried any of these dishes or if you thought of a new dish to make. Chances are you have all of the ingredients on hand for at least one of these recipes. I would love to know what you tried, came up with or your thoughts on cultural fusion perogy dishes.  

I made each of these dishes with the Naleway brand perogies from Costco except for the Sweet & Sour perogies, I used the Cheemo brand mini perogies found at Superstore. 

The first cultural fusion perogy dish we tried was Italian Perogies. It tasted similar to a baked pasta dish. Disclaimer: This was my idea but Kyle made it. He is Italian though so I'll let him claim this recipe. 

 

Our Mexican Perogies were also topped with sour cream which I failed to list in the recipe. However, there are also many other toppings that can be added the these perogies such as: lettuce, salsa and/or jalapenos. I would love to hear if you added any variations to this or any of the other recipes. 

The Greek Perogies were my childrens favourite. They love everything that was included in this recipe so it is definitely on the list to make again. I love Greek Salads which is what inspired this recipe. Some people may also wish to add olives but I don't like olives which is why they weren't included in the recipe. 

I based the Indian Curried Perogies on a Potato curry recipe and it did not disappoint. I added the perogies to the sauce mixture frozen and allowed them to soak up the curry flavour. I also added a side of basmati rice and naan bread to complete the feel of an authentic Indian meal. 

My Mom is from Scotland and my favourite meal that she makes is mince and potatoes so I set out to create a similar dish, using perogies instead of potatoes. Baking the perogies in butter and milk gives them a really creamy rich taste similar to mashed potatoes. This is a hearty meal, perfect for those chilly fall and winter evenings. 

After already making several of these new fusion recipes, I asked my husband what I should try next. He responded, "can we just have regular perogies tonight?" So I put together this recipe and called them American Perogies (because hot dogs and Kyle is from the USA). 

This is also a super simple recipe and easy to throw together last minute. 

As I mentioned previously we like to buy the box of frozen perogies from Costco. We also like to buy the box of frozen veggie Spring rolls but only end up using half the sweet and sour sauce and the other half gets stored in the freezer. We had a ziplock bag full of packages of this sauce and I figured I should make something with it. I wasn't sure about pairing it with perogies at first but then decided if Jollibee's can make sweet and sour spaghetti, I can make sweet and sour perogies. I used mini perogies though so that they were closer in size to the meatballs. Guess what? This dish actually tasted really good! 

The Lebanese Spicy Perogies is based on a recipe for Batata Harra, also known as Lebanese Spicy Potatoes. This recipe is easy and quick to make and Kyle & I both agreed that it was a favourite for us (I took out a few plain perogies before adding the spices to give to my children). Although, I would make all of these recipes again, this one is at the top of the list. 

I paired the spicy perogies with Fattoush, a traditional Lebanese salad. This was a favourite of mine at work potlucks but I had never tried making it before. It does take some time to make and put together but is so good!

                                                   
                                        

                                                                                        

                                                                                      

                                                                                            

                                                                                        

                         

        

3rd Anniversary traditional Gift

Last week Kyle and I celebrated our 3rd wedding Anniversary! It was pretty low key but at least we were able to spend the whole day together as we had an appointment in Calgary at the US Consulate. 

After our appointment,  we went to a bakery downtown where we enjoyed a slice of salted caramel cheesecake. Side note: a friend of mine and I recently started an Instagram account where we feature Bakeries we visit. Check it out @edmontonbakeries

Then we went to Deerfoot City mall to get dinner at Chronic Tacos (so yeah, we had dessert first) which is Kyle's favourite restaurant. He is super excited that they have started opening up locations in Canada. 

Last year, I wrote a blog post about how I follow the tradition of getting "traditional Anniversary gifts". Read it here and see what I did for our first and second Anniversary. 

The third Anniversary gift is leather. I asked Kyle what he would like that was leather but he started off by giving non-serious answers that involved a hypothetical motorcycle before confirming that there wasn't anything he could think of that he needed or wanted. 

My friend ( the same one I visit Bakeries with) suggested fruit leather. Genius idea! 

I borrowed a dehydrator and looked around my kitchen to see what we had. I found a bag of frozen blueberries in the freezer and a jar of applesauce in the food storage. 

I read a few recipes and I feel like what I did was simpler than the directions I read. I hope this will be the simplest recipe you can find: 

- put 5 cups of fruit in the blender (I used 3 cups of frozen blueberries that had been mostly thawed and 2 cups of apple sauce). 

- puree the fruit*

-spread on to dehydrator trays or onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. 

- in a dehydrator cook at mid heat overnight or about 8 hours. If you don't have a dehydrator, spread on the cookie sheet and bake at low heat for about the same amount of time. 

- You can check periodically to see how it is setting. Once it is no longer sticky, the fruit leather is ready. 

- Peal off or cut into strips (if lined with parchment paper, you can cut backed with parchment paper. 

- I rolled up each strip and tied with twine. I bought a big roll of it years ago when making a Thanksgiving turkey that I am pretty sure I have a lifetime supply.

*most recipes include adding a sweetener like honey but I didn't and felt like it was sweet enough. 

They turned out great and made for a yummy road trip snack. 

Have you ever made fruit leather? What flavours did you come up with? 

Chicken Dinner Waffles

Most of us throughout the world are in some type of quarantining and spending more time at home. I have seen a lot of Social Media posts from friends and family who are trying out new recipes which Kyle and I have been doing as well. Like many others we have limited going grocery shopping (so far, Kyle has gone once about every two weeks) and mainly just to buy fresh foods. Therefore, we have been looking at foods we have on hand or in our food storage when making meals.

We got a double waffle maker from my parents for Christmas and we have enjoyed trying different recipes for breakfast waffles. One day, last week, I started thinking that savoury waffles would be good so looked around at what we had and this recipe was created.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can adapt it to what you have on hand or you could even use your leftover chicken dinner from the night before. Perhaps even a leftover Turkey dinner from a Holiday meal.

Let me know in the comments how you adapted this recipe or even if you follow it exactly,  how you enjoyed them.

Also, if you don't have a waffle maker, you could probably make them into pancakes.

Find the recipe below and on Pinterest. There is also a printable version you can save to your device or print.  

                    Ingredients

• 5 yukon gold potatoes
• 1/3 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/3 cup chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/3 cup frozen vegetables
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 large egg

Instructions

• Boil the potatoes until tender about 30 minutes. Drain and place them in a large bowl.  Mash them and then add milk and butter.  Mix well.

We prefer Yukon gold potatoes in our cooking but use whatever you prefer or have on hand 

• Stir in the chicken, cheese, vegetables, salt, pepper, flour and egg

I used canned chicken but you could use any kind of cooked chicken (i.e. rotisserie, chicken breast or thighs), you can also use whatever cheese or vegetables you have on hand. Also, if you used salted butter, you could probably skip adding salt.

• Turn waffle iron on to medium/high heat.  Spray with non-stick cooking spray if needed.  Pour in enough batter to make one waffle which will vary depending on the size/make of your  waffle maker. I added an amazon link to the waffle maker we have below, which makes 6. I love that ours can make two at a time. Cook until slightly brown but your waffle maker should let you know when they are done.

Autumn Delight Oatmeal Cookies

Have you ever tried several different recipes and then combine what you like from each to create your own recipe? That is what I did with these cookies! I can't remember when exactly I created this recipe but I think it was the early 2000's when I was in my late teens or early 20's.

I most often make these cookies in the Fall, simply because the ingredients are items that make with think of the Autumn season: Cranberries, oatmeal and pumpkin spice! I just decided this week that I should share this recipe to my blog and give these cookies a name - so, Autumn Delight Oatmeal Cookies it is!

I told my husband on Sunday that I was planning on making these cookies this week. His response was, "What's holding you back from making them tonight?"

I thought about it and the answer was, well, nothing. We had all of the ingredients and he was playing with our son and we didn't have any other plans that evening. 3 1/2 dozen cookies lasted until Wednesday. Dominic has also decided that he really likes cookies. With oatmeal and cranberries, they can be breakfast, right? 😉

Speaking of which, I also like my oatmeal with cranberries, chocolate chips and pumpkin spice, along with cold milk. I don't know what it is but I love the combination of hot oatmeal and cold milk.

Here is the recipe (scroll down for a pretty version that you can save and print out):
You can also find this Recipe on Pinterest

Ingredients:

1 cup softened butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (150 degrees C)

2. Cream together butter and sugars, then add egg and vanilla. Mix well.

Does anyone else usually only remember to take butter out of the fridge to soften right when you are about to start baking?

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Add to egg mixture. Mix well.

I would recommend using unsalted butter but if you only have salted butter, go ahead and use it but you may want to skip the extra pinch of salt.

4. Stir in oatmeal, cranberries and chocolate chips.

I usually use regular milk chocolate chips but sometimes experiment with other kinds such as dark chocolate chips or chocolate chunks.

5. Drop tablespoon-fulls of cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake in pre-heated oven for 10-12 mins or until light brown. Makes 3-4 dozen cookies.

The cookie dough is also delicious but I didn't eat any this time because I am pregnant.

6. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy some yummy cookies.