Raisin Bran Muffins

 

This batter stays good in the fridge for several days. Then you can make fresh muffins on demand all week long. I used this batter to make "breakfast in a tin" all week. Simply slice ham and place in the bottom of the muffin tin and crack an egg on top. Spoon muffin batter the remaining 6 spaces. It looks like this.

Then bake at 400 for 20 minutes

 

Here is the recipe

In large mixing bowl:

2 eggs

1/4 c oil

1/4 c applesauce (or mashed banana)

2 c buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

add:

2 c flour

1/2 c wheat

2, 1/2 baking soda

2 tsp Cinnamon 

1 tsp salt

half 17 oz box bran cereal

 1, 1/4 c sugar

1, 1/2 cup raisins

bake 400  for 20 minutes

Oatmeal Cookie

 

Cream:

1 c butter

1 c sugar

1 c brown sugar

add:

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

add:

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

2, 1/4 cup flour

Add with a wooden spoon:

2 cups oats

chocolate chips 

*I just made these using only shortening and they turned out fluffier :) I didn't have chocolate chips so I used 1 cup of coconut and they were wonderful!

Lemon Pull-Apart Monkey Bread

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After making pull-apart bread, I don't think I have a need for cinnamon rolls. Each bit of pull-apart bread is like eating the middle of a cinnamon roll. And everyone knows that the middle of the cinnamon roll is the best part! I'm sure you could use orange zest and juice if you wanted to do orange pull-apart bread.

 In stainless steel bowl or in your mixer mix:

2 cups white flour
1 T yeast

In a glass pyrex or liquid measure cup dump in this order and then microwave for about a minute. You want the butter to be almost melted, but not scorching hot:


1 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt

Now add this to the flour and mix until incorporated. Now add and mix until incorporated:


2 eggs

Now add and mix for 2 minutes:


2 cups white flour

Allow the dough to rise for an hour. Then form little balls and place in a greased 9x13 pan.

Sprinkle over dough 1/2 of this mixture:

zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup sugar

Let the dough rise until doubled in size. Then sprinkle the other half of lemon sugar.

Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.

Glaze:

1/2 c powdered sugar

1 T lemon juice

Granola Bars

Spray 9x13 pan and line with foil or parchment.

On a cookie sheet bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Stir a couple times:


2 c oats
3/4 c almonds

Add to the toasting oats and bake another 2 minutes:

1/2 c coconut
1/4 c flax seed

Meanwhile on the stove top heat and melt:


1/2 c honey
1 c peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped raisins

Add the toasted oat mixture to the hot peanut butter mix. Mix and press into the pan firmly. Let cool.

Cut the bars. I like to keep the bars in the fridge in an airtight container. They are easier for children to handle when they are cold. They hold their shape a little better.

Gnocchi

Have you tried Gnocchi yet?  It is AMAZING! I saw a box of this yummy potato dumpling noodle next to the lasagna and decided to try it. When I get feeling brave I'll learn how to make the dumpling itself. But I did make some yummy sauce to go over it. It was so yummy. Next time I make it I think I'll serve it with some chicken to help it be a bit more filling. I was still a little hungry after I ate.

Cook gnocchi according to instructions.

For the sauce simmer for 4 minutes:


1/3 c olive oil
2 cloves garlic chopped

Add and simmer on low for about 10 minutes:

1 small can drained diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp basil (or fresh if you have fresh)

Add cooked Gnocchi and top with:

FRESH grated Romano.

In the summer I want to try using my fresh garden tomatoes.

Brussel Sprouts

Now before you disregard this recipe, you have to know the reaction of both husband and children. Kevin's first words were, "This is DEFINITELY a keeper!" The children all said, "I thought this was going to  be yucky, but I love it!" The older kids had two servings and the little children ate it all up!

So, now that you know it is yummy with all its buttery goodness, here is the recipe!

Boil for only 3 minutes in just an inch of water:

1 lb brussel sprouts

Drain the brussel sprouts and rinse in cold water.

Saute for 4 minutes:


3 T butter
1/2 cup onion

Cut brussel sprouts in half and add to the simmering onions with 3 more Tablespoons butter. Cook over medium heat for another 5 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat and stir in:

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup toasted almonds

Serve on a bed of rice.

*If you over cook brussel sprouts you get a bitter taste. Most people over cook the sprouts. You know you cooked them just right if you get a nutty buttery flavor!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Larabar

In a food processor processor chop:

1 cup rolled oats

Add and process for a couple minutes:


1, 1/2 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla

Shape into whatever shape you want. The kids liked round balls because it looked like cookie dough.