Banana Squash Bread

I know, I know the request for this recipe was FOREVER ago, but I just made a fresh batch this morning and I remembered to post it. Yay me.
By popular demand:

Banana Squash Bread
1/2 c. butter, softened NOT melted
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten, I use duck eggs of course
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 medium bananas, I use black ones that are super sweet
1 c. grated summer squash
2 c. flour OR 1 c. whole wheat flour and 1 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

other variations include: 1/2 c. whole wheat flour, 1/2 c. quick oats, 1 c. flour in place of 2 c. flour. Feel free to experiment with other types of flour too!
I always throw in a handful of mini chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, or nuts too, I like to mix it up. Also I always double the recipe and it doubles very well.

Cream butter and sugars. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Then add mashed bananas and squash. mix dry in separate bowl and then combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour into greased bread pan and bake at 350 degrees for 55-65 minutes. When knife or toothpick stuck in center comes out clean it is done. Cool on rack for 20 minutes to 1 hour then de-pan and let cool the rest of the way. Store in bread bag or airtight container. This loaf freezes very well and is super delicious with a shmear of cream cheese.

Happy baking!

Coming soon: Mini Chocolate Chip Zucchini Blonde Brownie recipe.

Me.

I got a haircut today. We made a trip to the region and I visited a friend and got a haircut. It was a celebratory kinda thing.

I FINALLY took my state CNA exam yesterday, and I PASSED, with flying colors, as if there was ever a doubt. It was nerve wracking-ly stressful to get to the test , with the snow and confusion about start time. And then also very stressful when I got there before it started. Once it started it was smooth sailing and really very fast, and frankly, easy.

I was the first finished with the written and the first one to attempt my skills. There was a lot of hurry up and wait but it was a pretty quick day.

Now to get a job. I had an interview last week at the hospital, my dream place of employment, and it went well. Hopefully I will hear something soon.

I have another interview next week with a home healthcare company, weee! So if the hospital falls through I have options, which is really nice.

So anywho, I thought a haircut would be a good celebration and I kinda need one anyway. I think it is just perfect. Short hair is really growing on me...if that isn't too silly.

Also I am starting a new exercise regiment tonight. Oddly enough Mr. T has been working out and eating better for a few weeks now and is very motivated to get fit and be healthy, good for him... and me. I now have a workout partner, YAY!

Here's to big steps towards better lives, new jobs and goals...and to bitchin' new hairdo's.

A wee overview.

It has been a busy week so far, I have been trying to study ( my exam is in the morning), had an interview (at the hospital and yes, I think it went well), moved...all of our furniture around the house, made about 10 pillows, and have been decorating so things look a bit more like a cohesive style rather than a flea market-dorm room. Oh and we went and picked up 5 Jersey Giant roosters today, they were free and they are HUGE! They are gonna be so yummy in my belly.

Speaking of yummy in my belly. I made a lamb roast this week for the first time. We got it in our food pantry box before Christmas and have been waiting to eat it. It was delicious! However I learned something funny, Mr. T cannot stand lamb. I had no idea. But the kids and I have been eating it since Monday, we had the roast, then Tuesday I chopped some into wee bits and put in in with the spaghetti sauce over pasta, and today we had grilled cheese and fried egg sandwiches with lamb slices on it. I think there is still about a pound left that will go in the freezer, but man have I found something I love. Yum.

Anyway it has been a week of trying to be busy and study and be busy. On top of it from last Thursday to Sunday it snowed, basically non-stop, so we have a LOT of snow on the ground. It is wonderful. So we are staying busy, I would like to be busy working for a pay check but I will take what I can get and I am satisfied having a clean pretty house and some new poultry.

Cosmic convergence

How weird is is that I was just asking my Dad on Christmas about how to catch a large turtle, I think our pond might house a few and I do not want to lose ducklings to them, and now Mother Earth News has an article on how to cook said turtles?

Coincidence, I think not, the universe wants me to eat turtle soup. Yum.