Banana Bread

1 pkg. yellow cake mix

1 box Banana Cream or Vanilla flavor instant pudding

4 eggs

1 cup water

1/4 cup oil

3 mashed fully ripe bananas

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Beat first 5 ingredients in large bowl with mixer 2 minutes or until well blended. Add bananas and nuts; mix just until blended. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans and bake 50 - 60 minutes at 350 degrees.

*5 mini loaf pans can be used instead of 2 regular ones. Bake for 40 minutes.

Stuffed Pizza Bites

1 roll refrigerated pizza dough

pizza toppings of your choice

mozzarella cheese

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

parmesan cheese

1 T. melted butter

marinara or pizza sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Unroll pizza dough so it's about 12" by 8" and cut into 24 squares. Place cheese and desired topping on each square (not the sauce though). Then carefully lift up each square and wrap the dough around the toppings. Pinch to make sure each ball is sealed shut and then place them seam side down in a lightly sprayed pie pan.

Brush the tops of the dough balls with melted butter and then sprinkle with the garlic and Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.

Bake at 400 for 15 to 20 minutes. Sever with warmed marinara/pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Chicken Noodle Soup

8 cups water

1 cup uncooked fine egg noodles

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 1/2 T. chicken-flavored bouillon

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. dried thyme

1/8 tsp. celery seeds

1/8 tsp. garlic

2 bay leaves

4 T. minced onion

3 cups diced, cooked chicken

Put all ingredients into large pot, except chicken. Bring to boil. Cover and reduce to simmer for 15 - 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves and stir in chicken. Simmer or an additional 5 - 10 minutes.