Naughty 'Nana Muffins

Pst...guess what today is? Banana Muffin Day.
Mmmm Banana Muffin with cream cheese icing. Want some?

Preheat oven to 350f
3 large well mashed bananas
3/4 cup white sugar
2 Tbs brown sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder

Mix all ingredients (as little as possible) until combined.
Line a muffin tin with paper liners, fill with batter then pop in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and the muffin springs back when lightly touched. Remove from tins immediately when done baking. Let cool.

Now for the good part.
The icing.

1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
1 (half cup) stick of butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Blend together cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Then add 1/2 cup powdered sugar at a time and mix until well combined.
Taste.
Mmmmm.....
Spread on top of cooled muffins.
Enjoy!

Love,
Queen of the Kitchen

Not Your Mother-in-Laws Chili

This chili is a conversation stopper. If the aroma isn't enough to make you stop and smell the spices, the taste sure will. It's one of those family meals that makes enough to serve everyone, but shouldn't be made if you're expecting to catch up over dinner. As you probably know, chili varies from region to region and even more so from household to household. This is one I've been making for my family for some time now. We use it as a soup and as a dip. Topped with some smoked Sharp cheddar and corn chips, this chili is sure to turn some heads!


YOU WILL NEED: ONE VERY LARGE POT!
72 oz Tomato Juice
1 (16+ oz) jar medium salsa
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 large red pepper, chopped into tiny bite sized pieces
2 package taco seasoning (any flavoring/heat scale will do)
3 Tbs brown sugar
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbs butter
2 (13 oz) hillshire farms beef smoked sausage links

To do:
1. Place your sausages in the large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Turn off heat, drain water and remove sausages.
2. Cut your sausages into half inch thick coins and return to pot.
3. In your large pot, combine all ingredients and simmer and bring to a boil. once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let cook down to desired thickness. (about an hour)
Serve immediately.
Enjoy!

Love,

Queen of the Kitchen