Banana-Chocolate Chip Cake

Ever go to the store and load up on more produce than you know what to do with? Of course the intent is to mark the start of your picture perfect health...however at the end of the week you are left with a ton of overly ripe fruit and vegetables? Yeah, I know, never happened to me either! Well as they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or in this case, when your good intentions turn into overripe bananas, make banana-chocolate chip cake.

This cake is great served with almost anything. It's not too sweet, with just enough salt. Great after spicy food or even a light fish dish. Although, it doesn't have to be just for dinner. When you are looking for that sweet treat to accompany your steaming cup of coffee, go for it, I mean...it is from that huge produce shop you did!
From my table to yours...

Banana-Chocolate Chip Cake
Ingredients:

• 2 C sugar
• 1 C butter, room temp
• 4 large eggs
• 2 C mashed bananas (well-ripened of course)
• 2 1/1 C self-rising flour
• 2 C (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Butter and flour bundt pan (tap out excess flour)
• Beat the sugar and butter together in a large bowl until well mixed.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Reduce speed to low and beat in the bananas.
• Gradually add and beat the dry ingredients, until just blended.
• Mix in the chocolate chips.
• Spread evenly in pan
• Bake about an hour - until brown and starts to pull away from the edges of the pan.
• Place on wire rack for 10-15 min
• Flip onto the rack and cool completely

The aroma coming from your house will make every neighbor wish they were your guest!

Pure Pesto

Something about the smell of basil makes me smile. A simple leaf, with a heavenly aroma, just sparks the creative juices. I can quickly imagine all the dishes that could be created. Mmmmm, basil.

The most basic recipe, that really highlights the essence of this fantastic herb, is pesto. It's simple, pure and perfect. Of course if the olive oil is a diet deal breaker, feel free to cut it to half, add vegetable stock and lemon juice. Little zestier, but still fab.

From my table to yours, happy blending!

Pesto
Ingredients:

• 2 C fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 C freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 C extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 C pine nuts
• 3 medium sized garlic gloves, minced
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

• Combine the basil and pine nuts in your food processor, pulse a few times
• Add garlic, pulse a few times more
• Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on.
• Add grated cheese, pulse.
• Add a pinch of salt and pepper

Makes 1 cup. Pesto does freeze well, but freeze without adding the cheese.

Your Pesto is ready for consumption. Toss with fresh pasta or spread over toasted baguette slices. Pour a nice glass of Italian table wine and let the senses go wild. So few ingredients, but what a perfect blend.