A Wonderful Weekend!

Vegetable Minestrone

2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
2-3 ribs of celery, chopped
3 medium sized carrots, sliced
1 cup corn
4 c vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 cup baby spinach, chopped
2 medium russet potatoes, diced
1 tsp dried oregano
2 Tbsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
salt and pepper to taste

In a large stock pot, over medium-low heat, heat olive oil and add onions and garlic. Saute until onions are translucent. Add celery and carrots (add corn at this step if using frozen), saute for 2-3 minutes to soften veggies. Add broth, diced tomatoes with juice, drained kidney beans, corn, spinach, potatoes, oregano, basil and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30-40 minutes. Season with kosher salt and pepper as desired

Banana Sourcream Cake from Kraft Foods

1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1/4 cup oil
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
1 cup PLANTERS Walnut Pieces, finely chopped

HEAT oven to 350°F. Beat cake mix, eggs, bananas, sour cream and oil with mixer on low until moistened, scraping bottom of bowl often. Beat on medium 2 min. Pour into greased and floured 13x9-inch pan.
BAKE 35 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake completely in pan on wire rack.
BEAT cream cheese and butter with mixer on medium until blended. Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition.
REMOVE cake from pan. Carefully cut cake crosswise in half using serrated knife. Place 1 cake half, top-side down, on plate; spread top with frosting. Top with remaining cake half, top side up. Frost top and sides. Press nuts onto sides. Refrigerate leftovers.

I made these two items today and both were so yummy! My mom came up to visit us, and we have had such a great time. Brock has totally ate up his time with Grand Jan today. Here are some pics from our visit. :)

Sweet Boy


Grand Jan opening her webcam from Brock


Mom and I enjoying a glass of wine in our matching jammies :)