Pasta loaded with Garlic

This pasta is YUM-MY!!! I can't stop making it! It makes the house smell all yummy and garlicky. It's quick and easy,  but be sure to make enough for everyone because it gets eaten up quickly!

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 pound dry penne
1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated


Cook pasta according to directions, drain and dump back in the pot. In a skillet, brown garlic in olive oil. When brown, add salt and pepper flakes. Toss pasta with the garlic mixture and cheese. Serve. So simple and so yummy!

Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

So, normally when I mention I'm going to make something new, Kati turns up her nose, makes faces, and and says dozens of comments about how I should not try it. Can we say picky eater? As we're shopping, I pick up bananas and casually mention my plans for this recipe. Kati responds with, "That sounds DELICIOUS!" I froze. Who is this child and what did she do with my daughter? After I made them, she ate them, and didn't say a word. Hours later, while sitting on the couch watching an HGTV marathon, she says, "I love those pancakes." She has had them, three times since them! These pancakes are amazing. Make them. Seriously, go make the, right now!

makes 18 small pancakes

2 cups all purpose flour

4 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups milk (I used skim)

6 Tbsp melted butter

4 eggs

2 Tbp granulated sugar

3 tsp vanilla extract

2 large bananas, diced

1 large banana, sliced

1 cup mini chocolate chips

powdered sugar

cooking spray

chocolate syrup, warmed

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and soda in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, vanilla, butter, and sugar. Pour into dry ingredients and mix well, but be careful not to over mix. Gently stir in chocolate chips and bananas. Heat flat pan over medium heat, spray with cooking spray, and pour batter into pan. I use an ice cream scoop for this because it makes good size pancakes.  When the pancakes start to bubble, flip, and cook until the other side is brown. Serve with powdered sugar, sliced bananas, and warm chocolate sauce. YUM!!