Muffins my Family Loves

I am a huge fan of the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. Over the years I have purchased many of them for my collection. Needless to say I was thrilled when they used one of my recipes in their most recent cookbook. The new cookbook is Mom Knows Best, this can be ordered on the website gooseberrypatch.com. Last night I made these for the family and added fresh blueberries. I must say adding the blueberries made them even better. Below is the recipe that is in the cookbook but, feel free to add a cup of berries that your family likes.

 

                                                        Whole Wheat Banana Muffins

1 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour                                       1/2 cup milk 

1/2 cup sugar                                                               1/4 cup applesauce

1/4 cup milled flax seed                                              1 ripe banana, mashed

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder                                             1/4 cup carrot, peeled and shredded

1/2 tsp. baking soda                                                     1/2 cup nuts (optional)

1/2 tsp. salt1

1 egg beaten

 

In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, flax seed, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and applesauce. Add flour mixture to egg mixture, stir well. Fold in banana, carrot and nuts. Fill 12 greased or paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full bake at 400 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes. Makes 1 dozen.

 

 

 

 

Refinished Dresser

My 15.00 yard sale find.....

Then with some sanding and paint this is what it looks like now...

In Memory of Linda Austin

This is one of those times in life where it is hard to say anything. I lost someone yesterday who was apart of my life for years, my best friend Stephanie's Mom. Its not hard to pay tribute to someone like her. She was kind to everyone and was so much fun to be around. There have been so many memories flood my mind this past 24 hours. Stephanie and I even talked about some of those memories last night laughing through the tears.
 I spent so much time with her when I was in junior and senior high. I had so many fun times with her and her whole family. I loved how she always told it to you straight she would give you her opinion in a nice loving way. I loved how she would make popcorn on the stove and not out of a bag. I loved how she would scratch my back and fix my hair. I loved how she fixed her wonderful cornbread and friend apples. I loved how she loved her husband, children and grandchildren... I am so blessed that she was apart of my life and that will stay with me forever
Even though the past few years I didn't see her much I new she loved me and was there for me. I know her husband Mickey her kids Stephanie and her brother Steven will miss her like crazy, but know she is in a better place. I hold on to the fact that I will see her again. Ecc 3:1

Look what I got in the mail

I won the free coffee Friday from Coffee Mate.  I had all of this in a box that came last night.  I was so excited, it was like Christmas. Now to plan a coffee party. :)

Homemade Granola

I love granola! I have tried several recipes over the years. I found one in my family feasts for 75.00 a week cookbook.  I changed a few things, but I wanted to share.
12 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups of goodies (Nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds  coconut,dried fruit
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup honey
Preheat oven to 325. Grease 3 large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl combine oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and any add ins. Mix well
Combine oil and honey in a 2 cup glass measuring cup. Microwave on High for 2 to 3 minutes until hot.  Pour over dry ingredients.
Spread over baking sheets; bake until light to medium brown 15-20 minutes. Its best to bake each pan individually on the center rack of the oven.
Let the granola cool. It will break up somewhat as you transfer it to a storage container. Store in airtight container for up to 4 weeks.

Pizza Crust Recipe

I had a request for the pizza crust recipe I make so I wanted to get it on here.  I don't have pictures, but I will post them next time I make it.

1 cup warm water
1 Tablespoon yeast
1 Tablespoon sugar
Let these ingredients set for about 5 minutes until the yeast activates. Then add about 4 1/2 cups of flour.  I add a cup at a time until I get a smooth consistancy.  Let rise for about 10 minutes and flatten out onto a pizza pan or stone. Add your toppings and bake at 450 about 12 minutes or until brown.

M & M's

Just wanted so share a tip with you.  Do you have leftover christmas M & M's?  If you do divide the colors into red and green and use one for Valentines day and the other for St. Patricks day.  I bought this huge bag on clearance at Sam's Club for 4.50. Now I have plenty for decorating.