Cara's Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread

SERVES: 12 slices

PREP TIME: 15 min + 55 min cook time

*Adapted from MelanieMakes.com

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

4 ripe bananas

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add eggs and bananas. Mix on medium speed until combined.

3. Add flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla to mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. 

4. With a spatula, fold in walnuts and chocolate chips until just combined.

5. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan with parchment paper sling, and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Turn oven off and leave bread in oven for an additional 15 minutes.

 

Sarah's Cowboy Caviar

SERVES: 12 (as an appetizer/side)

PREP TIME: 20 min

*Adapted from selfproclaimedfoodie.com.

INGREDIENTS

15oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)

15oz can black eyed peas (drained and rinsed)

2 medium tomatoes (seeds removed, diced) - about 1 cup once chopped

15 oz can corn (drained, can use 1-2 cups of fresh or frozen instead if available)

1 avocado (pit removed, peeled, chopped)

1 red bell pepper (seeds and stem removed, diced)

1/2 medium red onion (diced)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro (minced)

15 oz can olives, optional

CAVIAR

1/4 cup lime juice

1 Tbsp raw honey

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp kosher salt, or more if desired

1/3 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Make the salad: Combine all ingredients except for those designated for the dressing in a very large bowl. Toss to combine.

2. Make the dressing: Combine all of the remaining ingredients except for the olive oil. While whisking, slowly pour a thin stream of olive oil in, whisking constantly, until it all has been added. Continue to whisk until fully emulsified.

3. Combine and serve: Add dressing to the salad and toss to coat. Transfer to a clean bowl for serving, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate to serve later. Best if served same day. If you want to make ahead, omit the avocado and keep dressing separate until you're ready to serve. Enjoy!