Indulge In {Kentucky Hot Browns}

I've posted a lot this week about my wedding from last weekend. I just can't help it. The whole day was full of sweet personal southern touches that really took the day to the next level including the menu. Both the bride and groom (and the majority of their families) are from Kentucky, so they wanted to include a little bit of home and a Kentucky favorite into their fare. Personally, I had never heard of a hot brown before, but let me tell you, I will never forget it. This Bluegrass State staple is going into my party appetizer rotation immediately. I may even make some for the FSU home opener this weekend. Not only are they delicious, they are simple to make only requiring 6 ingredients. Enjoy them hot or cold, by yourself or with a large crowd. Either way, you can't go wrong. Here's the recipe adapted from Southern Living....

:: Ingredients (Makes 6) ::
3 Sister Shubert Rolls
6 oz Sliced Turkey
3 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
6 Slices of Roma Tomatoes
3 Slices of Bacon
Mornay Sauce

:: Directions ::
1. Slice Sister Shubert Rolls in half placing face up on a lined baking sheet.
2. Place in over 6" from broiler and broil until slightly golden, 1-2 minutes.
3. Top roll with 1 oz sliced turkey, spoonful of Mornay sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of parmesan cheese and return to broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from oven top with 1 slice of Roma tomato and 1/2 slice of bacon. Serve and enjoy!

*Image courtesy of Southern Living

Indulge In {Mom's Banana Bread}

There is no doubt I have an infatuation with good eats, and I believe that it's genetic. While I get my desire to experiment with flavors from my dad, I definitely get my love of down home favorites from my mom. From her white wine mac n' cheese to the oven fried chicken, she sure knows how to break my diet and get me to give in to my inner cravings. My all time favorite that she makes though, I have to say is her banana bread. It's light and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness. I like to pretend it's healthy, because it's loaded with bananas. Her secret? A topping of cinnamon sugar! Here's the recipe....

:: Ingredients ::

2 1/3 c. Bisquick
1 c. sugar
1/3 c. vegetable oil
3 eggs
3 lg. very ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups) 1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. chopped nuts (optional)

2 tbsp. cinnamon sugar

:: Directions ::

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix together Bisquick, sugar, oil and eggs, beat well. 

3. Stir in bananas. Add vanilla and nuts. Top with cinnamon sugar. 

4. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes in greased loaf pan.