What I learned today

Today I learned 2 very important thing.
1st
Turkey Bacon has nothing in common with real bacon except it's shape.
We decided to have omelets for dinner and I thought, "Hey I'll finally fry up the turkey bacon I bought." It did not turn out as planned. Maybe it was the way I cooked it. If anyone has any suggestions for a better result please share!

2nd
My older sister Danielle is very, very wise.
My husband Tad will be the first person to admit that Danielle's dinner table is one of his favorite places to eat. She always finds the best recipes.
Today I tried her recipe for Banana Muffins and it totally rocked! The recipe is below, and I totally recommend trying it. Danielle and I both refrained from using the frosting, but I'm sure it's awesome with. To be honest I probably would have tried it if I had any idea what mascarpone cheese was.

Banana Muffins

Ingredients

Muffins:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 ripe bananas, peeled and coarsely mashed

Frosting:

• 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Directions

Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl to blend. Beat the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the banana. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until blended.

Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake the muffins on the middle rack until the tops are golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out with no crumbs attached, about 25 minutes. Transfer the muffins to a rack and cool slightly. The muffins may be eaten warm or cooled completely and frosted.

To frost the cupcakes: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the mascarpone cheese and then beat in the honey. Spread the frosting over the muffins. Sprinkle with the walnuts.