February Recipes

Breakfasts
Banana Buttermilk Pancakes (5 stars out of 5)
I don't usually get "pancake duty" at our house.  That's Shawn's specialty and we have them every Sunday morning.  When he was out of town, I subbed in for him but decided to use a different recipe.  These were fluffy and so yummy.  The girls and I finished the whole recipe in one sitting.

Muffins
Lemon Poppyseed Muffins (4 stars out of 5)
Very good.  But, omit the zest on top.  It was too overpowering.

Rhubarb Chocolate Chip Muffins (4 stars out of 5)
The combo of rhubarb and chocolate chips is really good.

Breads and Buns
Marbled Rye Bread (5 stars out of 5)
This is amazing.  My first attempt at rye bread.  It is so good that I've already made it twice.

Main Courses
Chickpea Tacos (4.5 stars out of 5)
We really enjoyed these.  The "meaty" taste of chickpeas really made for a substantial meat-free dish.

Hoisin-Glazed Turkey Meatballs (5 stars out of 5)
Insanely good.  The crunch from the water chestnuts was off the hook.

Lentil Sloppy Joes (5 stars out of 5)
Really easy and so delicious.  A vegetarian meal where you don't miss meat at all.

Mexican Stuffed Shells (5 stars out of 5)
Comfort food, for sure.

Roasted Veggie and Black Bean Burritos (4 stars out of 5)
The possibilities are endless with these.  I followed the recipe and used their recommended veggies and it was a hit.

Sesame Chicken and Mushrooms (4.5 stars out of 5)
Wow.  This was so flavourful.  The Chinese 5-spice powder is really aromatic and packs a punch (in a good way).

Sides
Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites (3.5 stars out of 5)
Pretty good but definitely not worth all that work for something bite sized.

Sweet Potato Hummus (5 stars out of 5)
The roasted sweet potato is such a lovely addition to chickpeas.  It really works.

Soups
Creamy Tomato, Basil, Garlic and Cheese Tortellini Soup (2.5 stars out of 5)
Average.  Won't be making it again.

Quinoa and Corn Chowder (5 stars out of 5)
So delicious.  The quinoa in the soup was a nice addition (and one I've never tried before).

Lentil and Black Bean Soup with Smoked Paprika (4 stars out of 5)
Super hearty.  Perfect for a snowy day.

Desserts
Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies (5 stars out of 5)
Cookies with M&Ms.  Need I say more?

Confetti Cupcakes for 2 (4.5 stars out of 5)
I made these for the girls on Valentine's Day.  I didn't want a whole regular batch sitting in the house, waiting for me to finish it.  This was easy and the bite I stole from each of the girls tasted dense but moist.

Maple Pecan Squares (5 stars out of 5)
Super delicious.  Especially paired with some real whipped cream.