Banana Nut Muffins are a quick and easy breakfast, a delicious addition to any meal, a tasty snack and a life lesson. A life lesson?? Muffins are so easy to make that they are often the first baked item beginning cooks learn to make. A muffin recipe teaches how to follow directions, how to measure ingredients, and other basic cooking skills. (These are pretty darn good eating however, even if you are an experienced cook!) To make muffins, the dry ingredients are measured then whisked together in a large mixing bowl. Wet ingredients are measured and mixed together in a smaller bowl or large measuring cup. Then the wet ingredients and dry ingredients are put together and stirred just until they are mixed. Too much stirring makes muffins tough so some lumps are expected. ... [Read More]
Breakfast
Brownie Baked Oatmeal
Brownie Baked Oatmeal is wonderful for a special breakfast. Soo decadent and delightful with 8 grams of protein and, with milk, 32 carbs per serving. When Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of the week, it is sometimes hard to find time to celebrate. Make this the day before and refrigerate before baking 20 minutes on Valentine’s morning – a special glow all day long! Or celebrate birthdays – or acceptance into college of choice – or making the cheer squad – or any other special occasion. Customize Brownie Baked Oatmeal with your choice of chocolate chips. We like dark chocolate so that’s what I usually choose. If all I have on hand is semi-sweet, that’s the choice. Both good. I’ve not tried white chocolate chips, but I bet they would be good and have some “visual interest” , ... [Read More]
Slow Cooker Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
Southwestern Breakfast Casserole made in the slow cooker is a great way to wake up in the morning. It's yummy enough -- and pretty enough -- to serve guests even when you've stayed up late the night before. I am always up around 3 in the morning so putting it in the crockpot to cook for 3 - 4 hours before breakfast is not a problem. Another alternative is to start it cooking before bed and program the slow cooker to keep it warm after cooking until needed. If you must, put the casserole in the slow cooker insert, cover and put it in the refrigerator, set your phone for the right time to allow for 4 hours cooking. When the alarm sounds slip down to the kitchen, put the insert in the crockpot, turn it on and head back to bed. It's worth it! You know I am not a spice fan -- but if ... [Read More]
Strawberries and Cream Scones
Strawberries and Cream scones are tender, golden and not too sweet, perfectly punctuated with ruby berries and a light glaze and will make any breakfast or brunch special. They look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really are easy to make. Prepare the berries ahead of time and refrigerate until you need them. Pop off the green leaves, slice each berry into quarters until you have a full cup. I like to gather all ingredients before starting to mix. Get the egg from the refrigerator and grab the butter and cream and refrigerated strawberries at the same time. Set out the flour, baking powder, salt and both kinds of sugar. In my Ohio kitchen, they were all in the corner lazy susan and I just used them from there. Here I have to carry them to and from the pantry – I’m still ... [Read More]
Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodle Pancake Mix
Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodle Pancakes -- a welcome gift and a delicious breakfast. Or a great brinner -- you know, breakfast for dinner. Light and fluffy pancakes with just the right amount of chocolate and a hint of spice to life them from the ordinary. So good!! To make a Gift in a Jar, use a wide mouth pint jar. Cut the bottom from a disposable cup to make a funnel, if you don't have one. (See this post Potato Soup - Gift in a Jar for how to make the funnel and other tips in making a gift in a jar. ) Add the ingredients in the order given, tamping them down as you go. The recipe as given will make 12 pancakes. If you'd like to make a larger batch of mix, use a wide mouth quart jar (shown above) and just double the amount of each ingredient. You will be able to make 24 ... [Read More]
Hot Chocolate Mix
This is a basic hot chocolate mix. I always make the first batch of the season as soon as the temperature drops so we are ready for the cold weather. Hot chocolate is also Christmas Eve tradition at our house. An early supper – a lighter meal than dinner – is always planned. Afterwards there is a Christmas Eve play or service to attend. Then back home, still in our finery, we light the tree and some candles in the living room. Bytes and his brother used to beg to open “just one present tonight” and then got to choose which one. They don’t do that anymore. (Although secretly, I think, they still want to!) Mostly we just relax and talk with Christmas music in the background. With hot chocolate in the Christmas mugs, of course. It's a ritual all ages can appreciate! If the ... [Read More]
