Hi Kathy,
I am new to quilting as well (and sewing) and haven't used batting yet. My first project was a cotton panel with a fleece backing for my dog. The panel is called Wild Thing!! Figured the dog wouldn't care about my boo boos.
Second project is a baby quilt for my granddaughter. Cotton front, flannel batting and flannel backing. I didn't want the quilt to be thick and heavy but wanted it to be slightly warm. Plus I didn't want to worry about it shifting around as easily as batting will. So if you decide that it won't be warm enough without any batting you might try a light flannel.
Personally, I haven't sewn with minky -- love it though! I've read on the board that minky is difficult to sew. It stretches. So you might want to keep that in mind. Maybe someone here can give you better hints on the minky than I can.
Good luck and Congratulations!!!