Chunky Monkey Banana Bread

1/2 c. shortening
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1 T. buttermilk*
1 tsp. vanilla
4 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups unsifted flour
handful of chocolate chips

Cream shortening & sugar. Beat in eggs & vanilla. Mix flour & salt together. Blend dry ingredients into egg mixture. Add baking soda to the buttermilk. Mix with bananas. Blend into flour mixture lightly. Do not over mix. Throw in chocolate chips at the end. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350* for about an hour, or until toothpick comes out clean in the center.

*buttermilk substitute=1 T. milk, dash white vinegar

Besides chocolate chip cookies, this is one of my favorite things to bake. It's so yummy, and makes a wonderful breakfast when you're on the run. (If you want just a normal banana bread, it's good without the chocolate chips, too. I discovered this one day when I absentmindedly forgot to add them in.)

Tomato Feta Bow Ties

Hi! I've not been very good at updating my new recipes... but I've been trying to cook a lot, even if they aren't always "recipes," they're more like throwing together things I have. But this one is actually a recipe that I made for lunches this week... you could eat it cold (like pasta salad) but it's really good warmed up too!

Tomato Feta Bow Ties
1 c. uncooked bow tie pasta
1 t. dried oregano
3/4 t. minced garlic
1/4 t. salt
pinch of pepper
1 1/2 t. olive oil
1/4 c. chicken broth
1 1/2 c. chopped seeded tomatoes
1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese

Cook the pasta. Meanwhile, saute the oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in oil for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cheese. Cover and simmer for a couple of minutes. Drain pasta and toss with tomato mixture. That's it! Makes about 2 servings.