We had collard rolls last night for dinner. We’ve had them before, but I did something to the Backyard BBQ sauce this time that made the heat WAY intense. I thought I followed the recipe exactly, so I don’t know what happened. I was sort of rushing to get it done so that it could simmer, so it’s entirely possible that I added too many peppers without realizing what I was doing.

It wasn’t inedible, but it did require a side of white rice to cool down the mouth in between bites. I actually really, really liked this dish, despite the heat. We should have it more often than we do.

While we’re on the subject of the rice, I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I used Safeway brand instant white rice. I mean, can you get any more processed than that?! I’m even more embarrassed to admit that I had it in my pantry because I am not the instant rice kind of gal. I just don’t ever have a use for it. I will tell you that I bought it a while back when Emma had a little stomach bug and I wanted to have some plain white rice on hand to make (quickly) when/if she was in the mood to eat it. That’s the only reason why I had it and once it’s gone, I probably won’t buy it again. At least it’s enriched… I guess that’s the only redeeming quality to it. That, and the fact that it’s easy like making couscous– boil the water, add the rice, cover and wait 5 minutes. Pretty foolproof.

I also managed to make another batch of Banana Oatmeal Cookies.  I put the first batch in the freezer for Emma to have while we go on vacation, but they were such a big hit that I thought another batch was in order right away.  Since I have ten thousand frozen bananas (now only nine thousand since I’ve used some making these cookies), it’s the perfect use up.  This time, I added about 1/2 cup of toasted pumpkin seeds, 1/4 cup pecans, some dates (didn’t measure), some figs (didn’t measure those either), and the last of my vegan chocolate chips.  I was VERY surprised to find out that chocolate chips just don’t taste right in this cookie.  I thought chocolate was good in everything, but this is one thing that is better without the chocolate.  It’s just a weird flavor combo for me, but the cookies are still really good.