How to Make Homemade Banana Pudding (Video)

At a local store here in my small town, I pick up bananas at a big discount on Tuesdays.  On Wednesday nights after church we like to have some sort of snack or treat.  So, many times I whip up a quick batch of banana pudding and stick it in the fridge to have ready when we come home.

I found a video online that shows how to make homemade banana pudding and their recipe looks pretty easy. (The actual version I use without eggs is down below underneath the video.)  I usually forgo the cookies to cut back on sugar…and no complaints from the boys…they still look forward to it!

One additional note: I usually add a little nutmeg for extra flavor.  Nutmeg has some health benefits (click here), including effectiveness in killing a number of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.

Ingredients:

* Water
* 2 c. skim milk
* ⅓ c. sugar
* 3 tbsp. cornstarch
* 3 large egg yolks
* Pinch of salt
* 4 medium-ripe bananas
* 12 shortbread or vanilla-flavored cookies, crumbled
* Whipped cream

*For an easy homemade pudding without eggs, I use this “vanilla pudding recipe” (adding a little nutmeg), let it cool for 30 minutes in the fridge, then I mix in about half a tub of 8 oz. whip cream, add in my sliced bananas, and the put in the fridge for a couple of hours.

With this method, I have an easy “one scoop & serve” dessert.   You can sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top to spiff it up if you wish.  For best results, mix in the dry ingredients with the milk before heating and constantly stir over heat until thickening begins to prevent lumps.  Turn off heat immediately to prevent scorching.

Spinach Dip Knorr Recipe

Last Friday evening we had a ladies’ fellowship at our church.  My friend, Kristina, brought a spinach dip that was sooooo good that all the ladies were fighting for more. (I think my pastor’s wife tried to secretly confiscate it under her sweater to sneak it home. *Wink* )  Anyway, my friend was kind enough to send me the recipe…it’s the recipe from the Knorr vegetable soup mix. (Find it in the isle where you find dry soup mixes.) Very easy to make!

Spinach Dip with Knorr’s Veggie Soup Mix

1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed (do not use fresh)
16 oz sour cream
1 c. mayonnaise
1 (4 oz.) pkg. Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, finely chopped
3 green onions, finely chopped

Squeeze spinach until dry. In medium bowl, stir together spinach, sour cream and soup mix. Add finely chopped water chestnuts and green onions. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Long Term Weight Loss with Protein

Hope you’re having a terrific week. (I know it just got started, so it can’t be THAT bad yet, right?) The reason I decided to do health and weight loss topics on Mondays, was so that I could motivate all of us to get back on track after the weekend.  I, for one, need motivation on Mondays to get me thinking straight…and back to eating right. lol

Referring back to my list of Superfoods, turkey, chicken breast, salmon and other fish were on the list.  This is mainly due to the protein content in these foods.  Most of us want long-term weight loss and studies have shown that protein can help us achieve that because the extra protein intake can decrease appetite.

Through a study of mice, there was an indication that protein can influence your metabolism.  Those mice who were fed double amounts of leucine (an amino acid present in protein) had a significant reduction in obesity and also an improved insulin response.  In yet another study, leucine seemed to reduce the storage of fat cells.  Fatty acids were used by the muscle cells, meaning fat was being used for fuel.  We all want those fat cells put to some good use and then disappearing, right!?!

Meats can be high in protein, but we need to consider that they can be high in saturated fats.  Turkey without the skin is low in saturated fat.  Turkey is also rich in niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium, and zinc.  So for meat lovers, I recommend that you choose your meats wisely, and observe your proportions well.  *As a precaution, please be aware that too much protein can have adverse effects, such as kidney disease.

I suggest that you stay away from protein bars.  They’re not as healthy for you as the manufacturers claim and you have no control over all the added (not-so-good-for-you) ingredients.  “Bravo” for those who prefer to focus more on vegetables and nuts for their protein.  Americans tend to eat way to much meat.  On a further note, vegetable proteins lack certain essential amino acids, but combining  them with rice, grains, whole wheat breads, etc. you can have a complete meal.  (Click here to view examples of plant protein combinations.)

I’ve gathered just a brief list of vegetables and nuts that are fairly high in protein.  There are also some dairy products that could be included, but I chose not to list them.  Many people have side-affects from dairy products and do not even realize that dairy has been the root cause of their problems.

Vegetables high in protein: beans (9 grams of protein per serving),  peas (7 grams of protein per serving), asparagus (3 grams of protein per serving), broccoli (3 grams of protein per serving), watercress (3 grams of protein per serving), brussel sprouts (3 grams of protein per serving)

Nuts & seeds high in protein: peanut butter (2 TB – 8 grams protein), almonds (¼ cup – 8 grams), peanuts (¼ cup – 9 grams), cashews (¼ cup – 5 grams), pecans (¼ cup – 2.5 grams), sunflower seeds (¼ cup – 6 grams), pumpkin seeds (¼ cup – 8 grams), flax seeds (¼ cup – 8 grams)

Weekly Motivational Pep Talk:

Start a weight loss journal.  Keeping track of what you’re eating, can help you choose your foods more responsibly. It’s easy to sneak in a lot of extra calories without even realizing that you’re doing it.

If you’re still finding it tough to say “no” to all the extras, get an accountability partner and turn your journal over to your partner to view once a week.  Ouch!  It might seem embarrassing, but it could definitely motivate one to be a little more careful.

(Go ahead and comment below to update us on your goals and accomplishments!  I would love to hear from you!)

Healthy Recipe of the Week:

Turkey and Avocado Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts

2 cups of cooked and sliced turkey (you can use Rotisserie deli turkey)
1 large avocado sliced
2 red apples, cored and sliced
Bunch of mixed salad leaves 

Dressing:

3 tablespoons apple juice
3 tablespoons low-fat natural yogurt
1 teaspoon clear honey
1 teaspoon mustard
2 oz of toasted pine nuts for garnish

Place all the salad items in a large bowl and gently toss together.
In a separate bowl mix all the dressing ingredients together except the pine nuts.
Pour dressing over the salad and top with toasted pine nuts.
To toast the pine nuts place a little olive oil or non stick spray in a non stick frying
pan and toast the pine nuts for approximately 2 minutes.

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For further individual study:

Research statistics & nutritional excerpts on the superfoods that promote
weight loss have been taken from:
The Superfoods Rx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients
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Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Don’t Miss Out on God’s Blessings!

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. ~ Psalms 37:4

I was thrilled this week with a big blessing from the Lord.  On Monday I was cleaning my living room and thought to myself, “You know, it’s high time I did something with these lamps!  They just don’t match the new living room furniture that I got when I moved here (almost 3 years ago).  I’m going to try to paint them this summer!”

I didn’t say a word about this to my husband or anybody.  On Thursday afternoon, my husband mentioned that he had seen some lamps down at the thrift store that I might like.  I really didn’t think they would match (or be in any desirable condition) as my husband really isn’t much into decorating.  But when I saw them, I couldn’t believe how perfect they were for my living room!  I only needed to buy some new shades for them and I would have some real winners for my living room.

Isn’t God so good! I thought it was so very sweet of my husband to think of me…and I felt even more grateful to the Lord who already knew the desires of my heart.

Don’t you just have a fantastic time giving things to your children and seeing their excitement and enthusiasm?  Of course, if one of my sons were very disobedient one day, how silly it would be to say, “Son, you’ve just been so bad today…let me take you out to get some ice cream!”  As ridiculous as that sounds, many expect God to continue blessing them even when they haven’t been obeying His Word.

Delighting ourselves in the Lord would be the state of devoting ourselves entirely to pleasing Him. The will and state of our heart would be totally fixed on obeying, honoring and pleasing the Lord Jesus.  What parent would not want to shower their own goodness on a child who would be so devoted to pleasing and obeying them?

I’m not trying to imply that we focus our hope on being blessed with earthly things.  Dresses, jewelry, furniture and such are lovely things, but we can’t take them with us to Heaven.  The Bible says in Matthew 6:20, ” But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”  Let’s win a crown that we can offer at Jesus’ feet!

I believe when we truly want to please the Lord, our desires will be consistent with the Lord’s desires.  We’ll desire His will for us.  Let’s remember, sin can keep us from getting our prayers answered.  The Bible says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: ” Ps 66:18.   What a blessing we miss when our heart is not delighting in the Lord!  Let’s focus this week on truly delighting ourselves in the Lord.

Save Money Creating Natural Beauty Remedies at Home

For Thrifty Thursday, I thought I would share a few ways that will keep you from spending a fortune on beauty products at the store.  In fact, all of the ingredients you’ll need are right in your kitchen or pantry cabinet.

Here are three ways in which you can create natural beauty remedies at home in a flash…

Olive Oil: You cook and bake with it; but did you know that you can use it in a variety of other ways? Because olive oil is chemical free, it can be used on your skin; as a bath oil, moisturizer, massage oil, and conditioner.

For example: You can apply a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to your skin before bedtime to moisturize your skin. To strengthen your nails, soak them in warm extra virgin olive oil for five minutes. Massage your sore muscles with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and rosemary. Apply olive oil to dry hair as an overall conditioner. It will leave your hair smooth and shiny.

Oatmeal: Wouldn’t you love a facial? Get out the box of oatmeal from your cabinet and begin. This oatmeal facial will not only exfoliate, but moisturize your skin as well…

Oatmeal Facial Recipe:

1 package of instant oatmeal
1/2 cup water
2 TB yogurt
2 TB honey
1 egg white

Mix the water and oatmeal, then add the additional ingredients. Apply a thin layer to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes or until you feel tightness; then rinse your face with warm water.

Dry Skin Brushing: Here is a technique that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Before taking a shower in the morning, use a brush or sponge and begin the dry skin brushing process to exfoliate dead skin cells, and improve your blood circulation.

Here’s how to do it: While standing the shower with the water off, start at your feet and begin brushing in small circles toward the upper part of your body. Then work your way down the back of your body to complete the process. Do not scrub hard, but apply even and light pressure. After you have completed this procedure, take a shower.

For extra exfoliating try these homemade sugar scrubs…

Sugar Scrub Recipes:

Lemon Sugar Scrub:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 TB grated lemon zest

Green Tea Sugar Scrub:

2 cups white sugar
1 cup honey
3 TB of green tea
5 drops vanilla

*Please  feel free to share some of your own homemade beauty recipes with our readers.

Sharing Secrets with Your Children

Do you remember how it felt when your close friend shared a secret with you?  Didn’t it make you feel kind of special?  Even privileged and honored that your friend trusted you with her valuable secret?

On a deeper level, I believe it created a closer bond between the two of you…after all, you both shared some secret information that none of the rest the world around you knew.

I love to share secrets with my boys.  I like making them feel like they’re really special to me when I share something that nobody else knows.  For instance, last night I shared a simple secret with my 12-year-old son.  I whispered quietly to him that I have a pumpkin pie hidden in the back of the fridge for Wednesday night after church.  I could tell that he was thrilled.  He promised that he wouldn’t tell anyone…and I know that I can trust him.

Of course, I do this with all of my boys from time to time.  I share silly secrets that really don’t mean anything…but they still seem to make my boys feel special.  On the other hand, I’ve also had a serious discussion with them about when one should keep information to themselves and occasions when one should tell information that they know.

Sharing fun, silly secrets with your children can be so enjoyable.  You’ll even find yourself feeling like a little kid again, too…sharing little giggles, whispers, winks, and those little mischievous grins.