Joy Every Step of The Way: October 2013

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Saturday Banana Bread Lovin'

From the Irish kitchen that brought you modified sweet tea, pimento cheese, Greek yogurt parfaits, and hot garlic steak stir fry for the first time. . . . Today I have introduced my first banana bread and batch of 'nana muffins using my favorite recipe (only leaving out the chocolate chips).

Growing up I loved when my mom made banana bread. She has a magic way for making food from memory or from instinct, but occasionally- like some of the rest of us- she too needs a recipe. I wouldn't say for certain this is the exact recipe she uses, but I've stumbled upon it before, and it has the most similar taste to my mom's. I tease my sister (P) about making a family book of recipes, so maybe one day this one will be in it. Paige often tells me that if it wasn't for me she wouldn't know any of the family traditions, because no one else pays as close attention. I'd like to think that's one of my unique roles in the family then... helping to teach, keep, and grow the family history and traditions. :-)

Like many mornings in Ireland, the weather changes a lot. I awoke to a clear blue sky and warm fall weather, only to have finished my breakfast and find it raining buckets. I'm still feeling tired from traveling around London this past week (update on that to come), and want to relax this afternoon. I started catching up on messages, chores, and errands yesterday after we got back and then needed rest. Today I have more energy, but still feel worn out in my legs and feet from our impressive trek across London (averaging over 10 miles on foot everyday).

With my Gabby Bernstein Spotify playlist on in the background, my baking materials on hand, and the trusted recipe to put some rotten bananas to good use back in action.... Voila!

The before is at the top with all my ingredients, and the afters are below with muffins and the fresh loaf of bread. Photo By: M.

Want to borrow this simple (and very tasty) recipe?

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

- 2 large eggs

- 3 ripe bananas (if you want sweeter bread use 4)

- 1 tablespoon milk

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 2 cups AP (all-purpose) flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon salt

(This recipe also has more instructions on The Food Network/ c. 1996, M.S. Miliken & S. Feniger)

What's your favorite recipe for banana bread?

I served the muffins with fresh vanilla ice cream and a honey drizzle as a snack with tea this afternoon. The loaf of bread I left plain to be served with nutella as a dessert after dinner tonight. The bread could also be eaten plain for breakfast :)

Everyone seemed happy with this bake, so hopefully the next one will be just as good!

'til next time!

Cheers,

Monday, October 7, 2013

Saturday October 5, 2013

Lunch at Oktoberfest Dublin in the Biegarten. Photo Taken By: C.

As you all know, I'm living abroad from Georgia for the first time full-time. With that, I understood it would take some sacrifices. I can't just jump in my car or on a plane any time I want (as much as I'd like to believe and tell you that I can), so sometimes there are things I have to miss in person.

It has actually been written into my heart since I've moved, but really long before I ever moved, how special and dear my friends and family are to me. They aren't all in Georgia, though a lot of them are, and they mean so much to me. And it has made my joy fuller and fuller each day to share pictures, stories, skypes, and emails. It doesn't matter where we live, we carry each other in our hearts. Yes, I'm aware that sounds cheesy. But I mean it :)

This past Saturday I woke up ready to run (Halleluiah there was sunshine!) in Corkagh Park and then have a girly afternoon in town with Caoiv. It was the final weekend for Oktoberfest Dublin, so we planned on treating ourselves to everything they had to offer. Fun, no? :)


Welcome Back, it's a beautiful day to be here. [Oktoberfest Dublin 5/10/2013] Photo Taken By: M.

We walked through the aisles of candy, watched the nutella crepes get made, bought candy apples, sampled chocolates and fudge, people watched from the docklands, and soaked up the glorious sunshine and return of summer weather. I treated myself to one more beer, because that's the best way to finish your bratwurst lunch, and went all out with a cheesy pretzel.

Me and Caoiv at Oktoberfest Dublin 5/10/2013.

Caoiv also tried her first baked pretzel, bratwurst and spicy mustard meal, and Oktoberfest! She spoke German to some of the workers there and reminded me of when I visited Amy, Matt, and Bridge in Germany last summer. I still remember my survival phrases, but mostly "Danke" as I take my pint :)

While I was appreciating how beautiful the day was here and how fun it was to be back at Oktoberfest, I started to think about another special day happening in Tennessee. I was hoping it was just as beautiful if not more and people were having the time of their lives. I'd been talking to the girls all week, and of course was sad not to be going in person, but was happy knowing we'd had a fun summer celebrating (Diva Half Marathons in Myrtle Beach, dinners in the city, Bridal Showers at the pool, and send off cookouts around home) and knew I would be there in spirit. Because not being there Saturday was so hard, bare with me when it's the holidays. To my sweet surprise and delight though, I started to get text messages, snap chats, and voxer messages from some of my favorite people (Props to Krystle for picking a quality picture, being so thoughtful, and being really crafty! You could pin this on pinterest! haha)

Safety First! Ready for the roadtrip from GA to TN! "Flat Melanie" is ready :)

Krystle, Mel, and Kori ready for Bmacs WEDDING!

Hanging out with the beautiful J and Amy.

Krystle and I had talked in advance about making a "Flat Mel" for the wedding, but I had no idea it would turn out so well! My BF$ could go into business with 'Making your flat loved ones, so your events are never undone.' So cute. hehe.

Look how pretty my friends are?

Amy and I waiting on the bride!

Brittany and her daddy.

Brittany and Josh... Mr. and Mrs. Siefert!

Chilling with Kori at the wedding.

This was SO much fun! I loved getting these photos and messages. I really felt like I was there with ya'll and didn't miss too much. ;)

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HILARIOUS! :)

I am so full of happiness and joy for these friends. They are a match made in Heaven. I can only imagine what a beautiful day this was in person, but from my seat it was perfect! You both deserve it, B*Mac and J*Sief! <3>

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Siefert!

And to top it off, I even got to talk to the bride and groom on their drive from Chattanooga to Atlanta! I know they are having a blast now in Jamaica, mons!!

I love you SO much, TWIN!

You are a gorgeous bride and living angel!

Amy has always been such a great date at weddings. Besos!

Sending my love down the river and across the ocean to ya'll. Love from Dublin to where ever this finds you reading.

Cheers,

M

Thursday, October 3, 2013

September Stories

Hey Ya'll. Happy Thursday and welcome back to my blog. The month of September was busy, fun, and full of birthdays of some of my favorite people!

I had job interviews, ongoing An Post runs for envelopes and stamps to apply for jobs, and adventures across the city taking in my new surroundings as a local v a tourist.

But it's October now, so this is also a fun time of the year usually filled with pumpkin flavors, corn mazes and festivals, pumpkin carving, and costumes! I'm curious to see what Fall in Dublin is like!

Below are some pictures of some of my other favorite memories so far: