Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009, a multi-award winning inspirational speaker and the author of the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life and the Gems of Wisdom Companion Guide, the Creative Cooking Series including the new release of Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance from Westbow Press. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She connects missions to her work with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, MT. She  served as the American Christian Fiction Writer's past Publicity Officer. You can interact or learn more about Angela Breidenbach at these sites: http://www.MyGemofWisdom.com http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com http://www.GodUsesBrokenVessels.com http://TheFaithGirls.com on Wednesdays each week.

Winter hits hard in January. The cold days and gray clouds of January are darker as we attempt to plot, jot, and create. It's easy to be depressed. Sometimes we need a break from the doldrums with a fresh creative twist. This month try a new food, and if you're a writer, consider how your character might react to it. No cheating though, you have to try it. There's a world of difference in living vicariously and experiencing a new sensation.

How about it? Are you game? Would your character like French Toasted Banana Bread?

French Toasted Banana Bread
(With ice cream and caramel topping)
Serves 2

Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter over medium low heat in a skillet
Slice 2 pieces of banana bread about 1/2 inch thick

Lightly beat 1 egg
Add a dollop of milk
1 tsp cinnamon
Beat together

Dip each slice in the egg mixture.
Add to melted, hot butter in griddle.
Cook both sides for a few minutes each.

When done, slide onto plates.
Top with vanilla or your favorite ice cream.
Top with a swirl of caramel syrup.

Delicious! Can also be served alone without ice cream. Simply slice a banana over the top, swirl a light amount of caramel syrup onto the bread and serve with a glass of milk.

Tips: If you are using home made banana bread, it's easy to cut a lot of calories by using half apple sauce in place of half of the oil or butter used to make the banana bread loaf.

Gem of Wisdom: Take joy in small pleasures to lift your spirits long term.