Carolyn Braden's Gluten Free Banana Brown Sugar Oatmeal

This oatmeal is the most filling and delicious anytime meal. I used Bob's Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats. After following the package instructions for oatmeal, I added some milk, a couple of tablespoons of organic brown sugar and slices of banana. My husband and I loved it.

Carolyn Braden's Taco Pie: Vegetarian Style

Here's an easy vegetarian weeknight meal. I layered small tortillas in an 8" cake pan with refried beans, Boca Crumbles, black beans and shredded cheese. I baked it at 350 degrees for about 22 minutes. I seasoned my Boca Crumbles with taco seasoning and seasoned my refried beans with Arizona Dreaming spice from Penzeys spices. I drained and rinsed the black beans prior to using them. You could use plain beans and crumbles or real meat of you prefer. The idea came from a Southern Living cookbook and I added a few twists to make it my own.

Carolyn Braden: Southwestern White Chicken Chili

Here's a recipe from Campbell's. It is an easy weeknight winter meal.

Carolyn Braden says "Easy Picadillo/ Manwich Dinner Recipe!"

Here is a recipe I got from Woman's Day magazine but changed it up to make it much simpler. The flavor reminds me of Manwich.   


1 package ground chicken or turkey (could use beef if you are a red meat fan)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 small zucchini, diced
1 large green pepper, diced (You can omit this and the zucchini if you aren't a veggie fan and just want a Manwich kind of a meal)
1/2 cup quick cooking oats (do not use instant) 
1/4 cup raisins (I didn't have any of these tonight when I made it and it still tasted great, so you can omit these if you wish)


Cook your ground meat in a large skillet.  When it is completely cooked, add in vinegar, marinara sauce, cumin, cinnamon, zucchini, green pepper, oats, and raisins.  Let it all cook for about 5 minutes on med-high, stirring often.  Then let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes.  Serve over rice (or put it on a bun if you want it for Manwich) and enjoy!  

Photo by Carolyn Braden