Robin's Corn Chowder

 2 T. Olive oil

1 T. Butter

3 T. Flour

5 c. Vegetable stock

4 c. whole kernel corn

1 med. diced sweet onion

2 Russet potatoes, diced

1//2 c. each red and green pepper

1/4 T. black pepper

1 c. Half and Half

1 can diced tomatoes

Add oil and butter to pan over low heat. Saute onion until transparent. Sprinkle flour over onion, cook 5 minutes. Add broth and potatoes, bring to boil, reduce heat to medium and cover for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. 

Add corn, peppers, salt, pepper, cream (tomatoes). Simmer over low for 10 minutes.

Garnish: 2 Roma tomatoes diced and 1/2 c. Basil

Makes 6 servings

Banana Nut Bread or Muffins with Maple Glaze

 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan 

1¼ cups all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon fine sea salt 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1 cup sugar 

2 large eggs, at room temperature 

3 ripe bananas, mashed 

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush an 8- by 5- by 3-inch loaf pan with butter. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set this aside. To make the batter, in the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with the paddle, cream the 1/2 cup of butter and the sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then the mashed bananas. Add the reserved dry ingredients and pecans and stir to combine. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake until the cake is a rich, golden brown and it starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, 1 hour to 1¼ hours. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly, then invert the cake onto the rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For muffins, bake at same temperature for 20 minutes. Makes 12 muffins. Spray muffins tins well.

Maple Glaze 

1 c. confectioner's sugar

3 T. pure maple syrup

3 T. whole milk

Mix together and pour glaze over cooled bread or muffins. Top with toasted pecans.

Adapted from Virginia Willis--Bon Appetit Y'All