AKBAR GAMING BATTLEGROUNDS

This Mixed Berry Banana Bread is a delicious and easy-to-prepare treat for summer or any time of year. The inspiration for this banana bread came from my visit to Maui a couple years ago. Bananas are plentiful in the state of Hawaii and so is banana bread. I sampled lots of it and enjoyed every bite. Like the  Apricot and Honey Banana Bread I shared here , the basic recipe for this bread comes from my dad. (When I was growing up, banana bread was part of his culinary repertoire. In case you’re wondering, he also made macaroni salad, sloppy joes, and no-bake cookies. Simple but tasty fare was his specialty.) HOW TO MAKE MIXED BERRY BANANA BREAD: Once the basic banana bread mixture is ready, you gently fold in several kinds of berries, flax seed, and almonds. To dress up the loaf, I also sprinkled a few of these additions on top before baking. After the aroma of this Mixed Berry Banana Bread wafts from your oven for about an hour, this delightful treat will be ready...

This Strawberry Coconut Cake is a delicious and easy-to-fix dessert that’s perfect for summer. Made from a box cake mix plus fresh strawberries and coconut, it’s a cake anyone can create and everyone will enjoy. It’s been a while since I made and shared a cake here on IBC, which is sort of odd because of my fondness for cake. Even though I’m currently without an oven (Yes, I made this in my little smart oven.), I decided to whip up this Strawberry Coconut Cake. As you know from many of the recipes I’ve shared here, I delight in things that look and taste special but are simple to make. This cake is just that! HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY COCONUT CAKE: As mentioned above, this recipe calls for a box cake mix which practically makes it foolproof. Small additions, such as pureed strawberries, coconut, and strawberry jello, give a typical box cake amazing flavor and color, quickly taking it from boring to bold. I also love that this recipe calls for my  favorite cream...

HOW TO MAKE CALIFORNIA COBB PASTA SALAD: One of the things I love about this particular pasta salad is that the dressing is so light and fresh. As much as I enjoy creamy mayonnaise-based pasta salads, sometimes they can feel a tad heavy. Made with only extra virgin olive oil and white balsamic vinegar, the dressing on this salad has great flavor without the heaviness. This California Cobb Pasta Salad combines so many of my favorites: avocado, bacon, blue cheese, and pasta! And it’s a flavorful salad that’s perfect for summer entertaining. You guys, I’m freaking out! The temperature here has gotten up in the 70s or 80s every day this week. Could it finally be spring!? I think so. Let’s celebrate with this California Cobb Pasta Salad. As you may know, I love me a good pasta salad recipe. Over the years, I’ve shared several here on the blog. This California Cobb Pasta Salad combines so many of my favorites: avocado, bacon, blue chees...

BLT Dip This layered BLT Dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Layered with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, this appetizer recipe brings together the classic flavors everyone loves. I know it’s still early May, but these warm, sunny days have me dreaming about all-things-summer. Although it’s not official yet, I am hoping to be in my new home (though probably not settled) by the time summer rolls around. (In case you missed it, I spilled the beans about my new home here.) My first priority is getting a couple of the outdoor spaces functional so I can embrace the glorious summer weather as much as possible. That means plenty of weekend cook-outs, evenings around the firepit, and afternoon snacks on the porch. Sounds fabulous, right? This layered BLT Dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Layered with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, this appetizer recipe brings together the classic flavors everyone loves. INGREDIENTS 1...

SO HOW DO YOU MAKE SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD? This Southwest Pasta Salad is a twist on the classic. Wagon wheel pasta tossed with corn, beans, roasted red peppers, and creamy ranch dressing creates a flavor combination you and your guests will love. Summer is the season of pasta salad, which is why I whipped up another fun pasta salad recipe to share with you today! You’re going to love this Southwest Pasta Salad. As much as I enjoy classic pasta salad  you know I also like to put my spin on it. To me, it’s always exciting to serve something a bit different at a party, picnic, or barbecue. I’ve noticed it’s the unexpected that gets conversations going among guests, including requests for the recipe. This Southwest Pasta Salad is a twist on the classic. Wagon wheel pasta tossed with corn, beans, roasted red peppers, and creamy ranch dressing creates a flavor combination you and your guests will love. INGREDIENTS 1   pound   wagon wheel  ...

Snow Pea And Chicken Salad Sometimes a good chicken salad recipe can totally hit the spot. Whether you serve this Snow Pea and Chicken Salad for lunch or at a summer gathering, I know you’re going to love its fresh and delicate flavors.  I have been a fan of chicken salad since high school when I worked at the small cafe in my hometown. They had THE BEST chicken salad. All these years later, I can still taste it in my mind. (Which reminds me, I need to track down that recipe.) From there, everything else just gets tossed together in a bowl. You then pop the salad in the refrigerator for a bit before serving. It’s also great the next day, and it lasts a couple days in the refrigerator. What makes this recipe unique is the lime and ginger in the dressing. Together, they give the salad a bright and fresh taste. To serve, you can just eat the chicken salad as is or on a bed of lettuce. However, it also is wonderful in a sandwich or wrap. (A lettuce wrap works...

Pulled Pork Sliders With Sweet Mustard Marinade  These Pulled Pork Sliders with Sweet Mustard Marinade are a fun and unique way to celebrate some of the classic flavors of summer.  Two of the things I’m always game for are pulled pork and sliders. Put them together in one easy dish, and you’ve got my undivided attention. Pulled pork is sort of a staple for large parties here in PA. Cooking the meat is simple (set it and forget it), and most people seem to like it. With summer here, I thought I’d give the classic recipe a go … but with an IBC twist. Next up is the sweet mustard marinade. It’s super simple to make. All you do is whisk together French’s Classic Yellow Mustard, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. French’s Classic Yellow Mustard isn’t just for burgers and hot dogs. It can transform almost any dish as It does this pulled pork recipe.   These Pulled Pork Sliders with Sweet Mustard Marinade are a fun and...