The Best Breakfast Muffins...

Okay, I've been making these breakfast muffins for a long time but never thought about putting them on the blog. I actually bake a lot of other things BESIDES cookies, I just never think of sharing them. However, that's about to change, beginning with these muffins! :)

Don't those look fabulous?? They are light, moist and slightly spicy! Everything you need in a breakfast muffin, in my opinion. I'm not much of a sweet eater in the A.M., I usually save those indulgences for the night time ;)

Recipe:
3 cups flour(I used all purpose, but you could certainly use whole wheat)
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. parsley flakes
2 whole eggs
1 1/3-1 1/2 buttermilk
3 tbsp. Olive Oil
2 tbsp. butter (melted)
1/2 cup chopped green onion (mostly the tops)
1 pkg. Canadian bacon, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated pepper jack cheese
1 cup chopped bell peppers (any variety, I used red, yellow and orange)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400*. Spray muffin tin (12) with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl ( I used my That's a Bowl) whisk together all the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl beat eggs, buttermilk and olive oil. Once the butter has cooled a little bit add to the buttermilk mixture. Add the Canadian bacon, onions, peppers, and cheese to the dry mixture and stir together. Add buttermilk mixture and stir together just until it comes together. Don't over mix. It will be sticky, that's okay. If it seems too dry add the additional 1/4 cup of buttermilk a little at a time.

I use two serving spoons to scoop the batter into the muffin tins. They should be pretty full, as this makes 12 large muffins! :)

Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool before removing from pan.

These store very well in the freezer and you can heat them in the microwave from the frozen state by wrapping in a damp paper towel and heating for about 1-2 minutes on high.

 

 

These make THE perfect on the go breakfast! And if you are a calorie counter these come in at around 275 calories :)
 
Try them and let me know what you think!

Recipe adapted from Eating Well.

Snow Days...

 

 

Isn't that pretty?? Yeah, I think so too, I really do. But. You saw that coming didn't you? Sometimes, I get soooo sick of it! Especially, when you are stuck in the house and can't get out of your freakin' driveway! Ugh:(

I truly do love snow days...especially the part where I get to spend time with my family. I also love that I don't HAVE to do anything, because it's like a free day. A day where you can just hang out, maybe bake or clean or just watch some TV.

But then it's enough already and I want to go outside. I want to go shopping, go out to eat, to the store...something. Does anyone else feel this way? Stuck. In the house for days with the children and nothing to do.

I know those perfect mother's who craft with the children, bake with the children, redo a room with the children. I am not that mother. My kid is not that kid. He's not into the craft thing. He's only into the baking thing for about two minutes, and who has time to do redo a room!

I just want to go outside!

Now, I sound like the children.

Did I mention I'm a teacher? And we haven't had outside recess for daaaaaaaaaaaays?

 

He got to go outside...for two seconds!

In my defense I did bake after all. I made cupcakes, then I graded papers, cleaned the bathrooms, and watched The Croods with my kiddo! :)

And tomorrow we are going to sled down the driveway, make snow ice cream, and enjoy another free day together!

Oh, and shovel the car out of the driveway...maybe.

Um, there's no suggestion list of things to do. We're you looking for one? Sorry.

If you have one, will you send it to me? No crafts. No baking. No DYI projects. Never mind.

So, tell me...what do you do on snow days?

Oh, okay...here's a list of things to do. It's from The Happy Housewife. She rocks! Maybe I'll pick one of her things to do tomorrow! :)

Check her out!

http://thehappyhousewife.com/homeschool/101-things-to-do-on-a-snowy-day-with-kids/

I'm Baaaackkkkkkkkkk! :)

OMG! It's been almost a year and a half since my last post. Wowza! I've made many a cookie since then, but just kind of let the blog thing go. But I missed it and decided to give it another whirl!

Lots has happened since my last post. For starters, I graduated from college and started my first teaching job! Yay! I'm a third grade teacher to 22 of the greatest kids ever! I've also started my master's program...I know I'm crazy, I guess I don't think I'm busy enough! My "baby" is in 1st grade! Can you believe it?! Me either!

Honestly, I'm not sure how often I'll be able to keep up with the blog, but I'm going to give it a good effort! It was one of my New Year's Resolutions. That and less time on the computer...not sure how those two are going to work out together ;)

I hope to share some tips with you on cookie making...the easy way. My cookies have become much more simple and frankly that's the way I like them! I'm a busy woman and I just don't have time to make fancy ol' cookies all the time. But I will tell you this, they are tasty and they still impress!

These were some of my favorites from 2013...I'm especially loving those tropical ones right now...kind of sick of all this snow! :(

I will be sharing more details on how I actually do my cookies and not just pics of the finished product. I hope to inspire you to make your own sugar cookies! Your family and friends will be so impressed! I'm still amazed at the reactions I get from my sugar cookies...especially because there is sooo much amazing talent out there!

It feels good to be back...hoping you will join me when you can :)

Strawberry Cake Cookies-Easy Recipe

I know, I know, it's been a looooooong time. But I have good excuses. My son started Kindergarten(sniff, sniff) and I started my last year of undergraduate school, so it's been a little hectic around here!

But I did make these cookies for my niece to take to school for her birthday, she turned 5 and also started kindergarten.

Of course she loves pink!

I used a cake mix...I know, again...I can't help it, they are so easy and soooo good! I covered these in sprinkles and when they were finished this is what they looked like, perfect!

Recipe:

1 Strawberry Cake Mix

2 Eggs

1 Stick Butter

1 tsp. Vanilla

2 Tbsp. Flour

Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Roll into one inch balls ( I used a small cookie scoop). Roll in your choice of sprinkles. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.

Eat! :)

My Quest for the Perfect Sugar Cookie...

Okay, here's the deal, the sugar cookie I usually use has a wonderful taste, but...it doesn't hold it's shape. AND IT DRIVES ME CRAAAAAAAZY! If I use mini or very small cookie cutters they seem to do better, but if I use anything over 2-3 inches, sometimes you can't even tell what the freakin' cookie is supposed to be!

Ugh!!!!

 So, I have set out to find the perfect sugar cookie recipe that, both holds it shape and taste great.

Ding, Ding, Ding! I found the one that holds it's shape! Yay!

See. All the same thickness, and you can actually see the points on my Christmas tree cookie. Christmas tree you may ask yourself? In August? You'll see soon enough:)

Anyway, back to this sugar cookie recipe. I'm not quite sure if I like it well enough to keep it yet, because the flavor just isn't quite right for me. BUT, it's not iced yet. So I won't judge a naked cookie:)

I adapted the recipe from Karen's Cookies only slightly this time. While my recipe uses powdered sugar, baking soda, and cream of tartar(no wonder they spread), this one uses none of that or baking powder and it uses regular sugar.

 I'm going to keep at it until I prevail! Like I'm a super hero or something. I know...I'm a geek!

If you want to give the recipe a whirl, here it is...

Sugar Cookies Take One

1 C. Butter

1 C. Sugar

1 Egg

1 Egg Yolk

3 Tsp. Vanilla

1 Tsp. Almond Extract

2 1/2 C. Flour

In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix on medium speed the butter and sugar until fluffy. About 3 minutes.

Add the egg and egg yolk one at a time. Add Vanilla and Almond Extract. Mix on medium until mixed well.

Turn off mixer, scrape down sides, add flour. Mix on medium just until mixed. Do not over mix.

Divide into 2 sections, wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 days.

When ready to bake. Heat oven to 375 degree. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Remove one disc of dough and let sit on counter for 5 minutes.

Roll out onto a floured surface to about a 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut with desired cookie cutter.

Bake 10-12 minutes.

Note: While I had one pan in the oven, I went ahead and cut another batch, placed that pan in the freezer and then baked when the first pan was finished. This is why it may take 10-12 minutes to bake. Or maybe even 13 if you like a crunchier cookie.

That's it! I will keep you posted on my quest and let you know when I find the "perfect" cookie for me!:)

Now, can you guess what I'm going to do with those Christmas Trees?

 

Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting!

Okay, not gonna lie...taking pictures of food is not that easy! You would think it wouldn't be that difficult. I mean it doesn't move around or talk back, but it is VERY hard. So, I am aware that my pictures need a lot of work, but this is the best that I can do for now.

Regardless of the pictures, these cupcakes are yummy! This recipe is by far the best homemade chocolate cake recipe I have found, so far. It reminds me of a cake my mom makes that is called "Black Wacky Cake". It is so moist it needs no frosting and it is great cold! Now I'm not saying the frosting isn't good, I'm just saying if you can't wait to make the frosting...eat the cake naked:)

I had the privilege of making these for a great girl who is turning 18. She is on her way to Kansas State University where she will be majoring in marketing. She said that I should open a bakery...maybe when she's finished with school she can help me with that! :) Ha ha. Until then, I'll have to pretend this blog is my bakery...in downtown Seattle...ahh...nice dream huh?

Maybe if I really think I will be opening a bakery, I shouldn't share the recipes? I mean I don't want to give out all the goods, do I? Okay, I guess so:)

Chocolate Cupcakes

2 C. Sugar

1 3/4 C. Flour

3/4 C. Cocoa Powder

1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

1 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

2 Eggs

1 C. Whole Milk

1/2 C. Canola Oil

3 tsp. Vanilla

1 C. Boiling Water

Directions:

Line muffin tin with liners. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, stir or whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for about one minute.

Stir or mix in boiling water, VERY slowly. The batter will be very thin, this is correct. Don't panic.

Fill liners about 2/3 full. You can put in a large glass measuring cup and pour into liners.

Bake for 17-22 minutes. I know this is a big difference but the original recipe calls to bake for 22-24 minutes, but I only have to bake for 17 and they are perfect.

Cupcake recipe adapted from Hershey.

Frosting

1 Stick of Butter

1 8 oz. Block of Cream Cheese

2 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 C. Cocoa Powder

4 C. Powdered Sugar

1-3 Tbsp. Heavy Whipping Cream

Blend butter and cream cheese until smooth, add vanilla, mix until incorporated. Blend in cocoa powder until mixed well. Next add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, then add in cream a little at a time until you reach the consistency you like.

Recipe adapted from Glorious Treats.

How about a close up? :)

Linked up with Skip to My Lou! Love her!!



Easy Lemon Cake Blueberry Cookies

Make these and then put them in the refrigerator!!! Mmmmmmmmm Good!:)

Again, I'm not going to feel guilty for using a box mix! And you know what? I'm going to keep on doin' it. Now, don't get me wrong, I have many recipes that I create from scratch and they are wonderful, and give me many bragging opportunities, BUT I don't always have time and hence the reason for the box mixes.

In my defense, the lemon juice was from a real lemon and the blueberries were fresh! Ooooh and I used REAL butter and cage free eggs, so there!

Easy Lemon Cake Blueberry Cookies

Lemon Cake Mix
1 Stick of Butter, softened
2 Eggs
2 Tbsp. Flour
1 tsp. Vanilla
Juice of 1/2 a Lemon
1/2 -3/4 C. Blueberries

Mix all ingredients together and then fold in the blueberries.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Use a small cookie scoop and drop onto to cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10-12 minutes depending on your oven.

Glaze

1 C. Powdered Sugar
Juice of the other 1/2 of the Lemon
1-2 Tbsp. Milk

Whisk together until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.

Eat right away if you are like me...refrigerate for a few hours and you'll think you went to Lemon Heaven...:)

Linked up with Tidy Mom

I linked up with Skip to my Lou!

and also Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms