cooking ala mel

healthy recipes and the occasional craft

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Cashew Chicken

Why is it suddenly so frigid again?!  We got so spoiled with the few days that it was above 30 degrees that I was hoping for some spring weather.  Alas, we’re back to wind chills in the negatives, which is definitely the worst part about living in Buffalo.  It’s definitely a day for curling up in a huge fluffy blanket!

This cashew chicken is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for crazy weeknights or nights you’d just rather have more time for cozying up under a big fluffy blanket than standing in the kitchen cooking.  This dish definitely holds its own against takeout, and it’s a whole lot healthier. [Read more…]

Earl Grey Banana Bundt Cake (Gluten Free)

Remember when I said I almost always have a few overripe bananas?  Yeah, this past week, I had bunches more than usual, for whatever reason.  I always have too much tea, as well, since I every so often buy way too much from Adagio.  In my defense, how can I resist Doctor Who and Harry Potter themed teas (and if anyone wants a $5 certificate, let me know – I love sending them out! 😉 )

My grandma got me a bundt pan for Christmas, and this is my first successful recipe out of it.  I did make one other cake but didn’t bake it quite long enough, so it fell apart.  It sure was tasty, though!  This one came out quite nicely, so I’m glad to know I can make a bundt! [Read more…]

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins (Gluten Free)

I usually have a bowl of oatmeal with some sort of nut butter every day for breakfast throughout the winter.  It’s a great way to warm me up and fill me up through the morning.  I ran out of oats this week, and instead of running to the store just for oats and wasting money on other things I don’t need (because you know I can’t just get oats), I decided to make muffins!

I almost always have a few too ripe bananas, so I decided to make peanut butter banana muffins.  The protein and fats of the peanut butter were definitely necessary to make sure a muffin would hold me over all morning.  And boy, are they tasty.  I never was somebody that liked peanut butter and banana sandwiches growing up, but I’m all about the combination in a muffin. [Read more…]