Scarecrows & Banana Nut Bread

    Today was Anjali’s Read & Pick class at Terhune Orchards. Luckily the weather held out for us and it didn’t rain at all while we were there. They read a story about scarecrows and then all the children got to make their very own scarecrow. It was so cute watching the kids try to stuff the clothes…and the parents trying to help! Of course Anjali helped for all of 5 minutes before running off to play of the tractor and chase the cats. Either way our scarecrow turned out very cute, and she painted a face on the pumpkin once we got home.

Anjali with her Scarecrow

Our trip to the farm ended with Apple cider slushies, cider donuts and candied apples…yummy!


Cider Donuts



Candied Apples

Now what better way to end a great fall day…Homemade Banana Nut Bread. This is the way I make mine and my family loves it...enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour 
1 teaspoon baking soda 
1 teaspoon cinnamon 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/2 cup butter 
3/4 cup brown sugar 
2 large eggs, beaten 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5-6 mashed very overripe bananas

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350° and Lightly grease 9 x 5 loaf pan.
2. In large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
3. In separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar.
4. Stir in eggs, vanilla and mashed bananas until well blended.
5. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just enough to moisten. (add in walnuts if you are using them)
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. (optional: sprinkle some extra brown sugar on top of the loaf before baking.)
7. Bake in preheated oven for 60-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into center of loaf comes out clean.

 

Homemade Banana Nut Bread

School Lunch Menu

     Right now School lunch programs are be scrutinized by the media and health care professionals for being unhealthy and damaging to children. I have to say that my son eats the school lunches in our public school district and I couldn’t be happier with the menu. Sometimes I think he may eat a better lunch than I do! This is his upcoming weeks lunch menu:

Monday:  Whole Wheat Tyson Chicken Nuggets, Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Corn, Fresh Fruit, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Tuesday:  Baked Scoops, Homemade Cheese Sauce, Turkey Taco Meat, Salsa, Brown Rice & Beans, Cucumber Chips with Lite Dip, Fresh Fruit, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Wednesday: Pasta w/Fresh Marinara Side of Meatballs, Whole Wheat Italian Bread, Lettuce & Carrot, Salad w/Italian Dressing, Fresh Fruit, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Thursday:  Grilled Cheddar Cheese On wheat/white, Chicken Noodle Soup, Orange Smiles, Chocolate Pudding, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Friday:  Whole Grain Pizza, Orzo w/Shredded Carrots, Parmesan Broccoli, Fruit Cup, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Everyday offers alternatives if the children do not like the main meal provided. The daily alternatives include:

Chicken Caesar Salad lunch:  served with Fresh Fruit, Whole Wheat Bread, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice

Bagel lunch: Bagel & Cream Cheese, Yogurt, Cheese & Whole Wheat Crackers, Fresh Fruit, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice: 

Reduced Sugar Cereal Lunch: with Milk, Yogurt, Fresh Fruit, Cheese & Whole Wheat Crackers, Choice of Milk: skim, 1%, chocolate or 4oz Fruit Juice:

I also love that our schools use fresh vegetables from our local Jersey farms! I have to give credit to the person who creates and enforces the school lunch menu in our district, it gives me one less thing to worry about during the day. If I see something I think isn't so healthy then I pack my son a lunch for that day. What are your children eating in your school district?