DATE NUT BREAD WITH LEMON

This absolutely delicious bread reminds me of my husbands mother, as I remember her making a fabulous date bread, and also a really remarkable prune bread!
When I sat down to enjoy a piece of this, I wanted to put it on a beautiful plate and honor, appreciate and commemorate Mothers all over the world! For me, it has been a day of quiet celebration and deep thanks.

DATE NUT BREAD WITH LEMON

8 ounces chopped pitted dates
3/4 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Heat oven to 350F. Butter and flour a loaf pan.
Combine dates and 3/4 cup boiling water in medium bowl. Let stand until just cool, about 15 minutes.
Mix flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon into small bowl. Beat butter in large bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in sugar, then egg, lemon juice and lemon peel. Mix in dry ingredients in 3 additions alternately wih date mixture in 2 additions. Stir in pecan. Transfer batter to prepared pan.
Bake bread until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Cut around pan sides, turn bread out onto rack. Cool completely.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, November, 1998
www.epicurious.com › recipes & menus‎

HOT CROSS MUFFINS

Basic bread for Good Friday.

HOT CROSS MUFFINS

MUFFINS
25 grams of butter, melted
1 cup milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sultanas
1/2 cup currants
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon all spice
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups flour
1/2 cup raw sugar
CROSSES
1/2 cup icing sugar
25 grams butter, melted

Line 12 muffin pans with paper liners. Heat oven to 200C.
Combine butter, milk and eggs.
Place the dried fruit in a large mixing bowl and sift in the spices, baking powder and flour. Stir in the sugar. Mix well. Add the liquid ingredients, stirring until just moistened.
Three-quarters fill the muffin pans. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
To make the crosses, sift the icing sugar into a bowl and stir in the butter. Add a tablespoon of milk if too thick. Pipe icing crosses on top of the muffins.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Foodtown Living Today
www.foodmag.co.nz/‎

YOGURT AND BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

I made these "yogurt and blueberry pancakes" in minutes for a busy Saturday morning - I was off to an exercise class and the kids all had friends sleeping over. Once I had worked out, kids were all returned to their respective homes, my daughter at horse riding, and my oldest at karate, it was time for Max and Mummy time. We found our way to the nearest coffee shop, excitedly placed our order, and then had to leave immediately because I had left my wallet at home! We finally made it back for our treats, although our "special time" was a little briefer than we had expected.

Max and Mama time!!

YOGURT AND BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

Put 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add 1 egg and 1 1/2 cups Greek Yogurt, and whisk until smooth. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, then drop blueberries onto each pancake. Flip and cook for a further 1 minute or until light brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining batter.
Top pancakes with extra yogurt, a drizzle of honey and extra blueberries.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Australian Better Homes and Gardens, April 2014
www.bhg.com/recipes/‎

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

All of the kids recently had their well check-up at the Doctors office. The appointments were scheduled around the middle of the morning, so we were able to be a little more leisurely than usual for the first part of the day.
I made these Blueberry Muffins for breakfast, and even though they aren't terribly time consuming, it was lovely to have the extra time to put them together, and we all loved the generous amount of crumb topping sprinkled on top.

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

CRUMB TOPPING
3/4 cup flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
6 tablespoons butter, melted
MUFFINS
1 3/4 cups flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 to 2 cups blueberries

Heat the oven to 375F. Line 18 muffin cups with liners, or spray 2 muffin tins with cooking spray.
MAKE THE CRUMB TOPPING
In a medium bowl, combine the flour with the brown sugar, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in the melted butter, then pinch the mixture until it forms pea-size clumps.
MAKE THE MUFFINS
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs and canola oil and beat with an electric mixer at low speed until combined. Beat in the milk and vanilla. Add the flour mixture all at once and beat at low speed until the batter is smooth. Stir in the blueberries.
Spoon the batter into 18 of the cups, filling them about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the crumb topping on top of each one and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the blueberry muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food & Wine, February 2007
www.foodandwine.com/

BANANA BREAD and LEMON BLUEBERRY RICOTTA POUND CAKE and SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE WITH BROWN SUGAR STREUSEL

While Mum was visiting last summer, she spoiled her Grandchildren with lovely breakfasts each morning. Made from scratch pancakes and sausage, delivered on a tray to their room, while they enjoyed their morning in bed.
I thought I had better make more of an effort to provide interesting and delicious meals in the morning - although my kids have to come out to the kitchen to serve themselves.

BANANA BREAD

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed, very ripe bananas
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350F.
Butter a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan, set aside.
In an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla, mix to combine. Stir in chocolate chips, and pour into prepared pan.
Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour.
Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.
Enjoy!

LEMON BLUEBERRY RICOTTA POUND CAKE

1 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 1/2 cups blueberries

Heat oven ot 325F.
Prepare a 9 by 5 inch pan, greasing the inside with butter, or baking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Use an electric mixer to beat together the butter, ricotta and sugar, on high speed for 3 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed for one minute, after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
Remove the bowl from the mixer and stir in the dry ingredients in 3 or 4 additions, until just incorporated. Do not over mix. Stir in the blueberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Place on a baking sheet on the middle rack in the oven. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes in the pan. Run a dull knife around the edge of the cake to make sure it is separated from the pan. Gently remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Enjoy!
Note: I added 1/2 cup more blueberries than the recipe indicated - I like a lot of fruit! But it was too much batter for the loaf pan, so I made muffins with the extra.

Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes
www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/lemon_blueberry_ricotta_p...‎

SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE WITH BROWN SUGAR STREUSEL

FOR THE STREUSEL
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup packed, light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 tablespoon salt
4 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
FOR THE CAKE
1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 drops almond extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk, at room temperature
1 egg, at room temperature
1/4 plus 1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda

MAKE THE STREUSEL
In a small bowl, stir the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The streusel should feel clumpy, not sandy. If it seems dry, add more melted butter.
MAKE THE CAKE
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350F.
Lightly butter the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square metal cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment and butter the parchment. Dust the pan with flour, tapping out any excess.
In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream, vanilla and almond extract.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and egg yolk with a wooden spoon utnil blended, about 20 seconds. Using a whisk, whisk in the whole egg and salt and continue to whisk until the batter is smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the sour cream mixture. Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and baking soda directly onto the batter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Sprinkle the streusel over the batter, squeezing it with your fingertips to form small clumps. Bake until puffed and golden and a skewer inserted in the center of the cake comes out with only moist crumbs clinging to it, 28 to 30 minutes. Set the pan on a rack to cool for 15 minutes.
Run a knife between the cake and the sides of the pan. Invert the cake onto the rack and remove the parchment. Invert again onto a serving plate, so the streusel is on top. Let cool at least 10 minutes before serving. This cake is best served warm.
Enjoy!

Recipe adpated from Fine Cooking
www.finecooking.com/.../sour-cream-coffee-cake-brown-sugar-streusel....‎

PEAR AND CRANBERRY STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

When I made this Pear and Cranberry French Toast for a weekday breakfast - my entire family was horrified when I removed the crusts. I only made that mistake once, after that the crusts were left intact.
Crusts or not, this French Toast was a delicious way to enjoy a last taste of winter inspired fruits.

PEAR AND CRANBERRY STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

SPICED PEAR FILLING
1 pear, thinly sliced
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
FRENCH TOAST
2 eggs
1/3 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus more to top if desired
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
8 slices bread
1 1/2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
powdered sugar

Combine pear slices, dried cranberries, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl. Toss to coat and let sit for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile in another bowl, combine eggs, almond milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk until well combined.
Coat 4 slices of bread with a layer of mascarpone. Dip each into the egg mixture, coating both sides, and top each with 1/4 of the pear-cranberry filling. Dip the remaining bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides, and top each prepared base to make a sandwich (or you could make it like I did - dipped each piece of bread, cooked them, then spread with mascarpone and topped with the filling and another slice of bread).
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Once melted, place sandwiches in pan, cook 2 to 3 minutes or until bottom is golden, flip and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more until other side is golden and sandwich is cooked through. Remove from pan and slice each diagonally.
Serve with powdered sugar and additional maple syrup if desired.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Shape Magazine, November 2013
www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes‎

CHERRY SCONES and SWEET CINNAMON BISCUITS and CHEESE BLINTZ HOT CAKES

All of this icy, snowy, freezing weather, resulting in the kids being home from school, makes me want to cook a warm, delicious, breakfast for them. Not having to rush out the door to school enables us all to have an easy, relaxing, nurturing morning, and to eat well.

CHERRY SCONES

1 1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 stick butter, cut into pieces
10 candied cherries, cut into halves
3/4 cup almond milk
Double Cream (recipe follows)

Heat oven to 400F.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, cream of tartar and sugars. Cut in butter. Stir in cherries. Add milk and stir to form a sticky dough. Fold dough over a few times on a floured surface until just combined. Flatten to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut with a round biscuit cutter and place on cookie sheet.
Bake for about 12 minutes. Serve with Double Cream.

DOUBLE CREAM

4 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon sugar
1 pinch salt
1 cup cream

In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar and salt. Beat in cream until stiff peaks form. Chill until serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, February 2007
www.arkansasonline.com/news/.../food/‎

SWEET CINNAMON BISCUITS

2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup buttermilk
8 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl and mix well. Stir in vegetable oil. Add buttermilk and stir just until blended.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll dough into a 15 by 8 inch rectangle.
Heat the oven to 400F.
Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
Spread butter over the dough. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well.
Sprinkle over butter. Roll up rectangle, jelly roll fashion, starting from one long side. Gently pinch the seam to seal.
Cut the roll into 1 1/2 inch slices. Arrange the slices, cut side up, in prepared baking pan. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Enjoy!

CHEESE BLINTZ HOT CAKES

2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup Cottage cheese
2 tablespoons butter
jam and confectioners sugar to serve

In a blender, mix eggs, flour, milk, sugar and baking powder for 10 seconds. Add cottage cheese, blend until just incorporated. Heat butter in a skillet, over medium heat. Spoon batter by 1/4 cupfuls into the skillet. Cook, flipping once, until golden, 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Top with jam, dust with sugar.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray, January/February 2014
www.rachaelray.com/‎

BLUEBERRY BANANA PANCAKES and LEMON BLUEBERRY SNACK CAKE

My family has been enjoying blueberries for breakfast, plain and folded into cakes. These recipes combine the small blue berry alongside other fruits, with delicious results.

BLUEBERRY BANANA PANCAKES

2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup blueberries
2 bananas sliced

In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the buttermilk. Stir in the flour mixture, then stir in the melted butter and blueberries.
Heat a large skillet over moderately low heat and spray with cooking spray. Scoop tablespoons of the batter into the skillet and lay one banana slice in the center of each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook until golden brown on the second side, 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Dust with confectioners sugar, and serve with butter and maple syrup as desired.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, October 2010
www.foodandwine.com/‎

LEMON BLUEBERRY SNACK CAKE

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon zest
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1tablespoon of lemon juice
1 pint blueberries

Heat oven to 375F.
Mist an 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl.
In a bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter, sugar and zest until light, about 4 minutes. Add eggs one at at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. In another bowl, mix buttermilk and vanilla. Beat a third of the flour mixture into butter the mixture until nearly combined, then beat in half of buttermilk mixture. Repeat, ending with the last third of the flour mixture, beat until just combined. Stir in lemon juice, and blueberries.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from All You Celebrations
www.allyou.com/food/recipes‎

SAUSAGE AND GRITS QUICHE and CARAMEL CAKE PANCAKES

Breakfast for dinner and dessert!

SAUSAGE AND GRITS QUICHE

1 (10 ounce) package of frozen chopped spinach
1 (16 ounce) package of ground pork sausage
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup uncooked grits
1 cup grated asiago cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup white cheddar, grated, divided use
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tablespoons plain white cornmeal

Thaw spinach, drain well, pressing between paper towels.
Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 5 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, remove from the skillet and drain.
Heat oven to 350F.
Bring broth, cream and salt to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in grits, and return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking occasionally, 12 to 15 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from heat, stir in asiago, pepper and 3/4 cup cheddar until melted.
Gradually stir in about 1/4 of hot grits into eggs, stir egg mixture into remaining hot grits. Stir in spinach and sausage until blended.
Sprinkle bottom and sides of a lightly greased 10 inch pie plate with cornmeal. Spoon grits mixture into pie plate, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until set.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, November 2012
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

CARAMEL CAKE PANCAKES

2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Caramel syrup

Whisk together flour and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk together milk, eggs and butter in another bowl. Gradually stir milk mixture into flour mixture just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Heat pan over medium heat, melt a pat of butter, and scoop batter into the pan. Cook until bubbles form on the top and the bottoms are golden brown, then flip pancakes and cook until golden brown on other side.

CARAMEL SYRUP

Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and cook, stirring constantly, 5 to 6 minutes or until mixture turns a caramel color. Gradually add 3/4 cup whipping cream and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, December 2012
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

SPINACH PESTO AND SAUSAGE STRATA

I served this simple but satisfying strata as a quick and convenient dinner, alongside a lightly dressed green salad.
It would also be lovely as a breakfast, brunch or lunch dish.

SPINACH PESTO AND SAUSAGE STRATA

6 ounces of fresh spinach
1/3 cup jarred pesto
salt and pepper
3 eggs
1 cup half and half
1 cup grated pecorino-romano
3/4 cup sliced scallions
12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
1 loaf sourdough bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
2/3 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups grated fontina cheese

Heat oven to 350F.
In a food processor, puree 2 cups spinach with the pesto, season with salt and pepper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, pecorino-romano and scallions. Season with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until cooked, about 7 minutes, finely chop the remaining spinach and add to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes more. Transfer to a bowl.
Using half of the ingredients, arrange bread in a 7 by 11 inch baking dish, spread on pesto, then ricotta, pour in egg mixture and top with spinach-sausage mixture and fontina. Repeat. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake the strata until puffed and browned, about 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine, April 2013
www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/‎

CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES

Pancakes for a lovely, lazy weekend morning - unless you happen to be feeding six kids, who stayed up super late the night before!
However these Chocolate Chip creations were very much appreciated and enjoyed and helped to ease the sweet, bleary eyed kids into their morning.

CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES

2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate mini morsels
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups milk
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup brown sugar

Mix flour, morsels, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Combine milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Add to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto a hot griddle or skillet and cook until bubbles begin to burst. Turn and cook for about 1 minute longer or until golden.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Arkansas Living, July 2013
www.aecc.com/arkansas-living-magazine‎

HOT CURRIED FRUIT SALAD and BLUEBERRY OATMEAL CHEESECAKE MUFFINS and ORANGE BERRY COFFEE CAKES

The teachers breakfast, held in the week before school is out for Christmas, is among my all time favorite events to organize. It seems like such a small way to give back and to honor all they do for our kids, as I spend the school year, and to be honest, probably most of the summer, in appreciation for, and sending silent prayers of thanks to, our teachers.
I love that so many of the parents are super excited to contribute, taking the time and making the effort to shop, prepare, bake and deliver their version of gratitude, which always results in a beautiful assortment of dishes, pastries, fruit and breads.
I made the Hot Curried Fruit Salad and the Blueberry Oatmeal Cheesecake Muffins this year, and provided the Orange Berry Coffee Cakes last year.

HOT CURRIED FRUIT SALAD

1 (14 ounce) can of peach slices
1 (14 ounce) can of sliced pears
1 (14 ounce) can of pineapple chunks
1 (14 ounce) can of cherries
3/4 cup maraschino cherries
3 to 4 bananas, peeled and cut into slices
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 cup melted butter

Heat oven to 350F.
Drain all fruit and place in a bowl. Mix together sugar, cornstarch and curry powder and add to fruit. Drizzle with butter and stir gently to combine. Pour into a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, November 2005
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

BLUEBERRY OATMEAL CHEESECAKE MUFFINS

1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup buttermilk
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup blueberries

Heat oven to 350F.
Combine oats and buttermilk in a small bowl, let stand for 10 minutes.
Beat cream cheese, sugar and orange zest with a mixer, until blended, set aside. Mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
Add egg and butter to oat mixtrue, stir until well blended. Add to dry ingredients, stir until just moistened. Gently stir in berries.
Spoon half the batter evenly into muffin cups lined with paper liners. Top each with a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture, cover with remaining batter.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Family magazine, Fall 2012
www.kraftrecipes.com/‎

ORANGE BERRY COFFEE CAKES

2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
1 recipe orange glaze (below)

Heat oven to 350F. Grease 15 muffin cups, or line with paper liners.
In a bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in ricotta, egg, orange peel, orange juice and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, just until combined. Fold in cranberries and ginger.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 minutes. Remove, cool slightly. Spoon on glaze.

ORANGE GLAZE
Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon shredded orange peel.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, November 2012
www.bhg.com/recipes/‎

BANANA BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

For a Sunday, it is an exceptionally busy day. Apart from the usual activities - Church and going out to eat afterwards - we had Christmas parties (complete with Santa, and not to be missed) and a book party for the fabulous Local Flavor cook book localflavornwa.com/‎ which I, along with other people featured in the book, am cooking for.
These Banana Blueberry Muffins helped start the day off, and made me feel that I was focussing time and love on my family before the hectic progression of the day.

Local Flavor cookbook against a George Dombek background

BANANA BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

Heat oven to 375F.
Toss 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries with 2 tablespoons flour. Stir together 2 1/4 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk together 1 cup mashed banana, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Spoon into a lightly greased 12 cup muffin pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, November 2012
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

CHOCOLATE GRAVY

Along with snow days and kids out of school, came the sleep overs.
I love finding something fun and delicious to cook for the kids in the morning, and when I mentioned this recipe for Chocolate Gravy, everyone was super excited. My daughter remembered fondly they had served something similar at the summer camp she had attended. The kids smothered fresh baked biscuits in it, and also used it to top the pancakes I made.

CHOCOLATE GRAVY

1 cup sugar
4 1/2 tablespoons flour
4 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
1 to 1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 stick butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix sugar, flour and cocoa together in a skillet or saucepan. Slowly add water while whisking. Next, add the milk while whisking. Heat on medium high until bubbly. Simmer for several minutes until mixture thickens to gravy. Stir continually. Add the butter and vanilla. Serve with biscuits.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Arkansas Living, November 2013
www.aecc.com/arkansas-living-magazine‎

VANILLA MAPLE SCONES

Perfectly delicious for a lazy Saturday morning!

VANILLA MAPLE SCONES

SCONES
12 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour
1 tablespoon vanilla powder
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup buttermilk
GLAZE
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons milk

TO MAKE SCONES
Heat oven to 350F. Butter and flour a baking sheet, set aside.
In a large bowl, stir together flour, vanilla powder, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut the butter into 1/2 inch pieces and add it to the dry mixture. Use your fingers to break down butter into small, pea size pieces. Stir in buttermilk until just combined.
Scrape the dough onto a well floured surface. If dough is too sticky to work with, fold in a little flour. Shape into a circle about 8 inches in diameter and 1 1/2 inches thick. Cut into 8 triangles and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through until scones spring back to the touch, 23 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.
TO MAKE GLAZE
In a small bowl, stir together ingredients. Once scones have cooled, drizzle glaze on tops and let set.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Oprah Magazine, October 2011
www.oprah.com/food.html‎

CINNAMON RAISIN BREAKFAST GRITS

I aspire to make one new recipe every day, which on a typically busy, bustling day can be challenging.
These Honey Cinnamon Grits however, were very quick and easy, and all my cooking and kitchen clean up for the day was done in a matter of minutes, and finished first thing in the morning.

CINNAMON RAISIN BREAKFAST GRITS

1 cup milk
1 cup water
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup quick cooking grits
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons honey

Combine milk, water, raisins and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and immediately whisk in grits in a slow, steady stream. Stir in cinnamon. Cook, stirring often, until thick, 5 to 7 minutes. Swirl the honey over the top just before serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, January 2010
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

BLUEBERRY ZUCCHINI BREAD

I am fortunate to have the most incredible women in my life - friends and family, near and far, old and new!

The saying is "it takes a village" - I believe not only to raise a child, but also to enable a woman to reach her full potential and live her best life.

The women in my life lift me up, keep me grounded, support me in good and bad, give me love, lend me their ears and shoulders, guide me, advise me, accept me, watch my children and my back.

There are many in my "village", each one bringing her own individuality, to encompass all parts of life, even during the hurtful times. It is then I believe the most valuable lessons can be learned, and the most personal growth achieved.

I made this Blueberry Zucchini Bread one morning for a friend who came to the house to give me a makeover, I felt beautiful and confident when she had finished. The "pretty" in my village.

BLUEBERRY ZUCCHINI BREAD

2 cups flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup blueberries

Heat oven to 350F. Lightly coat the bottom of 8 4-inch mini loaf pans, or 1 9-inch pan with cooking spray, set aside.
In a large bowl combine flour, sugars, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and baking powder, set aside. In another bowl, mix eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Add to flour mixture and stir until combined. Gently stir in zucchini and then blueberries.
Spoon batter into prepared pans. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes for mini pans, or about 1 hour for larger pan, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of each comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or let cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Parents, May 2011
www.parents.com › The Latest from Parents Magazine

ZUCCHINI AND CARAMELIZED ONION QUICHE

A lovely, light, flavorful way to make use of the wonderful summer abundance, and this recipe has the versatility to be delicious for any meal.

ZUCCHINI AND CARAMELIZED ONION QUICHE

1 pie crust
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups sliced zucchini
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup caramelized onions
1 cup milk
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 large eggs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 425F.
Fit dough into a 10 inch pie plate. Fold edges under, flute. Line dough with foil, arrange pie weights on foil. Bake for 12 minutes, or until edges are golden. Remove weights and foil, bake an additional 2 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Reduce oven temperature to 375F.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to pan, swirl. Add zucchini and garlic, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Saute 5 minutes or until crisp tender. Cool slightly.
Arrange caramelized onions over bottom of crust, top with zucchini mixture. Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, milk, flour, pepper, eggs and cheese in a medium bowl, stirring well with a whisk.
Pour milk mixture over zucchini mixture. Bake for 35 minutes or until set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

CARAMELIZED ONIONS

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoons butter
4 to 5 onions, sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat a large skillet, add oil and butter, swirl until butter melts. Add onion and salt, cool 15 minutes or until onion begins to soften, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cook 50 minutes or until very tender, stirring occasionally. Cook an additional 10 minutes or until browned and caramelized, stirring frequently.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light, August 2012
www.cookinglight.com › Food › Recipe Finder

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS and FRENCH BREAKFAST PUFFS and BREAKFAST BABY CAKES and POPOVERS and OATMEAL TEA CAKE and BASIC BUTTERMILK PANCAKES and BANANA SPLIT BREAD and CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS AND PLUM OAT DROP BISCUITS and BITSY BACON AND CHEESE ROLLS and NUTELLA CREPES

It seemed like my kids were having friends to sleep over every weekend before school was out. Now, with school almost back in session, the overnight parties have increased in frequency, and it seems there is one almost every night.
I usually present a breakfast of convenience, but when there are additional kids expecting sustenance, it is a good excuse to look through the recipe books for something a little more interesting than cold cereal or Nutella toast.

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

2 cups half wheat-white flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup buttermilk
melted butter

Heat oven to 450F.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles small peas.
Stir in buttermilk with a fork until the dough forms a ball.
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle dough with flour, and flatten into a disk. Cover and chill for 15 minutes.
Remove paper (I left it on the paper) and turn dough out onto a well-floured surface. Sprinkle with flour. Pat dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter.
Place biscuits 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush immediately with melted butter.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, February 2013
www.southernliving.com/food/‎

FRENCH BREAKFAST PUFFS

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Heat oven to 350F.
Grease 12 muffin cups or line the cups with paper muffin liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup sugar and shortening. Beat in egg. Stir flour mixture into shortening mixture alternately with milk. Beat well. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. While muffins are baking, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Remove muffins from oven and muffin pan. Immediately, dip the tops of the muffins into melted butter, then into the sugar/cinnamon mixture.
Repeat with each muffin, until all muffin tops are covered. Serve warm.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from All Recipes
allrecipes.com/recipe/french-breakfast-puffs/‎

BREAKFAST BABY CAKES

1 1/3 cups milk
6 eggs
1 1/3 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons melted butter

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine milk, eggs, flour, sugar and salt and mix until smooth. Let batter stand for 30 minutes before baking.
Heat oven to 450F. Place bottom oven rack in lowest position.
Brush 6 pie tins with 1 tablespoon of butter each. Divide batter equally among pans, about 1/2 cup each. Place baking sheet with tins in oven and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until puffy and golden.
Serve 1 pancake per person, topped with desired toppings.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, May 2007
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

POPOVERS

In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of melted butter and 1 large egg. Whisk to blend.
Generously brush a popover pan with melted butter. Pour batter, dividing evenly among the 6 cups. Place pan in a cold oven on the middle shelf.
Heat oven to 450F, bake popovers for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350F, and bake 17 minutes more. Do not open the door while baking. Remove pan from oven, pierce popovers to let out steam.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Parents, May 2003
www.parents.com/recipes/‎

OATMEAL TEA CAKE

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
CARAMEL TOPPING
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons half and half
1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350F.
Place oats and raisins in a medium bowl, pour boiling water over the mixture and let stand until warm.
In bowl of electric mixer, cream butter with sugars until light and fluffy . Blend in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in oatmeal mixture.
Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. Add flour mixture, blending lightly. Spread batter in a well greased, 9 inch square baking pan.
Bake until top of cake springs back when touched, 45 to 50 minutes.
CARAMEL TOPPING
In a small pan, melt butter. Remove from heat and mix in brown sugar, half and half and walnuts.
Spread topping on warm cake and place under broiler, about 4 inches from heat, until topping browns and bubbles, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, March 2003
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

BASIC BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs and melted butter, add to flour mixture. Whisk until evenly blended.
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
Grease griddle or skillet. Spoon batter for each pancake onto griddle, cook about 3 minutes or until air bubbles form on top and underside is golden brown. Flip pancakes, cook about 2 minutes more, until golden brown on bottom. Cook remaining batter. Serve with butter and maple syrup.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Red Book Magazine
www.redbookmag.com/recipefinder/‎

BANANA SPLIT BREAD

1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup bananas, mashed
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350F.
Cream sugar, eggs and butter with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Stir in other ingredients. Spoon into well greased and floured large loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Holiday Cookbook, November 2007


CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk chocolate chips
2/3 cup sour cream
1 egg
4 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Heat the oven to 375F.
Line muffin pans with paper liners.
Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl and add the sugar and chocolate chips and stir to combine.
Put the sour cream, egg and vegetable oil into a separate bowl and mix together with a whisk until smooth.
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
Spoon the mixture into the paper liners, so that each liner is half to three-quarters full, and bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until the muffins are well risen, pale golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from 100 Magnificent Muffins & Scones, Felicity Barnum-Bobb 2006

PLUM OAT DROP BISCUITS

2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/3 cups flour
1 1/3 cups rolled oats
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup snipped pitted dried plums
1 cup milk

Heat oven to 450F.
Stir together sugar and cinnamon, set aside.
In a large bowl stir together the flour, oats, 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon-sugar, the baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Cut in the butter, using a pastry blender or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in dried plums.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add milk. Stir until moistened. Drop dough onto a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, June 2004
www.bhg.com/recipes/‎

BITSY BACON AND CHEESE ROLLS

1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
6 slices bacon, chopped, cooked and drained
1 cup grated cheese

Heat oven to 375F.
Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Remove crescent rolls from container and lay on a flat surface that has been lightly dusted with flour.
Cut each crescent roll in half lengthwise to make two long, thin triangles.
Place approximately 1 teaspoon bacon bits and 1 teaspoon grated cheese along the triangles. Roll up each crescent roll jelly roll style, starting at the widest end.
Place rolls seam side down on prepared cookie sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from oven, cool 5 minutes on pan and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Pink Princess Tea Parties cookbook, 2008
www.amazon.com › ... › Where We Live › House & Home‎

NUTELLA CREPES

4 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
10 tablespoons nutella
sliced strawberries and bananas

Beat the eggs with a whisk until they are smooth. Add the milk, and whisk to combine. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, salt and nutmeg.
Slowly whisk in the milk mixture. Set aside for at least 15 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Before using, whisk the mixture to dissolve any remaining lumps.
Heat an 8 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, brush with butter. Add 1/4 cup butter and tilt the pan to swirl it around. Cook until lightly golden on the bottom, about 1 1/2 minutes. Use a large spatula to flip the crepe, cook until lightly golden on the bottom, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Brush the pan with butter again. Repeat, using up all the batter.
Working one at a time, spread the surface of a crepe with 2 teaspoons of nutella. Place the strawberries and bananas in a single layer on one quarter of the crepe.
Fold the crepe in half, then in half again, forming a wedge shape.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Parenting, December/January 2011
www.parenting.com/recipes‎

SPICED PEACH CARROT BREAD

Some people continually amaze and astonish me - in the best kind of way.
A lovely friend spontaneously stopped by the other day, to see if she could take my Mum, who is visiting from New Zealand, out for lunch. Not only is she one of the most thoughtful, kind and gracious people I know, but also consistently delightful to be around, with her enthusiasm for people and for life in general. I am also filled with admiration at her preserve making, bee keeping, hostessing and hiking skills - and I have a feeling there is still a lot I haven't yet discovered.
I was thrilled to offer her a cup of tea after lunch and to visit and gather ideas for our upcoming trip to Portugal, since she and her husband had visited there, and was so glad I had baked earlier in the day, so I could also offer this delicious Spiced Peach and Carrot Bread. It was almost as interesting, varied and surprising as my wonderful friend, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as I enjoy her company.

SPICED PEACH CARROT BREAD

3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 to 2 cups of chopped fresh, ripe peaches (mine had been frozen, thawed and cooked)
1 1/2 cups of freshly grated carrots
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 350F.
Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring half way through. Cool 15 minutes (if you have time).
Stir together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Add peaches, grated carrots, vegetable oil, milk and eggs. Add toasted pecans, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon batter into a greased 9 by 5 inch loaf pan (I divided it in two, and it seemed there was plenty).
Bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in a pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack and cool completely, about 1 hour.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, July 2011
www.southernliving.com/food/‎