Monday, November 30, 2009

Plantains, Trees, and Pancakes

I have officially fried twice in my LIFE. Yesterday, husband and I fried up (in canola oil) a plantain, sprinkled with ground sea salt. Yummm! Husband wasn't expecting to enjoy plantains, but he gives them a thumbs up! Surprise, surprise!


 Looks like one huge, bruised banana..but not the same!!

 
 My second attempt at frying was a success compared to my falafel several weeks back. Though, frying will obviously never be something REMOTELY "regular" in this household!

 
 Fried Plantains -- very popular Puerto Rican food

And like many others out there, we have officially decked out the crib for the season encroaching! We purchased a fake tree at Hobby Lobby last year AFTER Christmas (hello, 75% off sales!!). Mark also won the ornament battle -- we have a tree decorated in orange and blue. Yes, Go Illini!
 
 That THING to the left of our tree is a University of Illinois "Sky Box" (AKA vending machine). *eye roll*...when will my house NOT look like a bachelor pad?

 
 Husband and Lily.
We put the tree in our third bedroom because Lily loves to eat anything and everything she's not supposed to. Next year, I look forward to having the tree in the living room where I can enjoy it every night. I do have a mini tree in the kitchen, though...

Last night we tried PUMPKIN PANCAKES! Allison emailed me this recipe for the Newman's Own Organics Giveaway and her winning entry was the recipe. Thank you, Allison...and keep an eye out for that package, it went out today!

 
 Um, YUMMMMMMMMMMM

 
 A dollop of FF Cool Whip and a sprinkle of cinnamon..nom nom nom!!!

 Pumpkin Pancakes
From Allison

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oats
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1 cup pumpkin

In a mixing bowl, stir together dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, milk, water, and pumpkin. Add liquid to dry ingredients. Stir mixture until well blended.
Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto griddle. Cook until golden brown.

I served with fat-free Cool Whip and cinnamon. Husband used maple syrup. Both were delicious!

Questions:
Have you ever tried plantains? How were they prepared? Did you like them?
Do you have a fake Christmas tree or real Christmas tree?

14 comments:

  1. I have only tried the packaged plantains from Trader Joe's, they are "plantain chips", basically fried like yours! Let me tell you, they are so addicting.

    I love your tree, but I have to say I prefer the real ones (and of course I prefer scarlet and gray!). My parents broke down and bought a fake when I was in maybe ninth grade, and I was SO MAD! I Just love the smell of a real tree, I have to have it! Your tree looks really pretty though, nice job! Oh, and those pancakes look AMAZINGGG.

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  2. Due to my frequent work trips to PR I love Tostones which are really twice fried plantains.

    Tree is up at my place and has been for a few weeks... obviously fake!

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  3. yep, I've fried up some plantains a few times. Really good with a scoop of ice cream! Going with a real tree, hopefully we will pick it up in the next couple days from this farm store down the road.

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  4. I've had them fried and they are delicious! Those pancakes looks awesome :-)

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  5. aw, that is funny with the tree!! I would be too scared to fry something- I hate when oil srays everywhere. Which happened the ONE Time I tried to fry something. Those pancakes look SOOO yummy! I wish I could eat pancakes! :(((

    Answer to your questions-I ordered half of my xmas cards from Tiny Prints. I will probably do the other half from snapfish.

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  6. I'm new to your blog, but just wanted to say I am enjoying it. I almost had to leave because I thought the orange and blue was for U of Florida at first and I'm a UGA fan (despite the not so wonderful season).

    We have a fake tree that we got on sale from Hobby Lobby after Christmas one year too. Gotta love bargains.

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  7. yep making plantains today http://www.chowandchatter.com/2009/09/plantain-south-indian-style.html, heres a recipe for ya

    oh also great eaten with black beans like Costa rica good for you or trying new foods Nicole and love the tree

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  8. hmm i think ive had plaintains once..at a cuban place..the flavor TOTALLY threw me off but they are still good!

    we have a fake christmas tree here at my apartment!! easier for girls..haha

    your hubby is so cute with the dog..and thats hilarious!

    i want pancakes NOW!

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  9. Your plantains look great. I've had them prepared the same way, at a Suban restaurant. They are yummy. Your pancakes look good too. And no tree for me since I am Jewish. I did get a brand new menorah sent to me today and some candles, so I am ready to go.

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  10. I love plantains! I like to bake them in the oven, sprinkle a little salt, and add some peanut butter. Yum!

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  11. Yum, what delicious pancakes! You are much braver than me - I've never tried to deep-fry.

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  12. I've never made plantains before but I've eaten them several times and definitely enjoy them! Looks like you made them perfectly!

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  13. Love plantains, they are so good!

    The Christmas tree looks very pretty!

    P.S. Wanted to let you and your readers know about a spa-themed giveaway on my blog! Just leave a comment with your favorite way to relax or de-stress and you'll be entered for a chance to win!

    Thanks!

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