Fruit Salsa with cinnamon chips

I begin to miss summer alot around this time of year. So, heres in honor of summer and its speedy return.
I complain about the cold way to much, I guess one of these days I move to a state where it isn't cold more than it is warm!

Ingredients
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor

10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray (instead ot this I like to melt butter or margarine and use a baster to put it on the chips
2 cups cinnamon sugar

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture

Banana Bread

I've been asked multiple times about my recipe for Banana Bread. SO here it is!
The secret to it being so moist is sour cream!

Banana Bread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 ripe bananas)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour bottom only of a loaf pan (or use 3 small loaf pans). In a large bowl, beat together sugar and oil. Add eggs, bananas, sour cream and vanilla; blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes (about 40 minutes for smaller loaf pan) or until toothpick inserted in center comes clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator. Makes 1 loaf.

Cashew Coconut Granola

This granola is so good! I'm usually not a huge fan of Granola BUT, I could eat this for breakfast every day! I made this last week after my husband ask me to make something healthy he could take to work to snack on.
Well, I made it on Thursday and Unfortunately a DOUBLE batch was gone by Saturday.
I did take some to my moms and neighbors and he took some to work but, I have no idea how it was gone that fast! I don't think i'll ever be able to eat any other type of granola ever again! Give it a try! I think you'll be surprised!

*Makes about 7 cups of granola

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup cashews
3/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut and brown sugar. In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine maple syrup, oil and salt. Combine both mixtures by slowly pouring the liquid over the oatmeal mixture and stirring well. Divide in half and pour onto two 11X17-inch rimmed baking sheets, spreading out into an even layer on each sheet. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven and transfer into a large bowl, slightly breaking up the clumps. Add the raisins and gently mix until even distributed.

Notes**
Nuts like Cashews and Almonds can tend to get pricey. The best deal i've found on these are at Winco where they sell them in Bulk by the pound. It may be a little out of the way but I think you'll save yourself alot of money by giving Winco a chance!

Puppy Chow (muddy buddies)

I grew up on this stuff!! We always used to make it for movie nights!! It was such a treat. I always called it puppy chow but, I guess in the west its called muddy buddies. Either way, its a yummy snack and something the kids can help make!

9 c. Chex cereal (rice, corn, wheat.. or any combination of the 3)
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag or a very large mixing bowl that has a lid!
Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; replace lid; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container.