18

Jun

Burrrritos

Oh my word, it’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. I spent 4 days in Houston, cleaning out cookbooks galore, incredible books, pictures, and all sorts of things from my beloved grandmother’s home. 89 years of life not only means many memories, but she also had so many souvenirs that took my mom and me on the adventures that she experienced through life. Some notables: a couple of classic books from the 1800s, some handwritten family recipes and a REALLY OLD cornbread skillet that I’ll use soon. It was fun!

And I ate, of course, so much…

Jazz Brunch at Chelsea Grill in Montrose. Ah, challah french toast.

And coming back home was fun, too.  

Matt, who usually dislikes yogurt, liked this milkshake!

Homemade strawberry milkshakes
*Makes 2 large milkshakes*
1 1/2 cups lowfat ice cream/yogurt
1/4 cup plain yogurt
Splash of skim milk (or almond, soy, coconut)
1 cup ice cubes
Dash of cinnamon
1 cup fresh fruit (Pick 2: 5strawberries, handful blueberries, 1 banana, 1/2 cup melon, 1 peeled/sliced peach)  

Blend all ingredients, add more ice & plain yogurt until reaching desired thickness.  Sip and smile.

black bean burrrritos
Something healthy, filling, easy to reheat for work, and QUICK!

2 cans black beans, drained and rinse once
1 can sweet corn
1 can Rotel tomatoes (I used mild), draining only 1/2 of liquid
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Dash of garlic powder
Dash of crushed red pepper
Dash of salt and pepper


In a large saucepan or wok, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and cover.

Cook for 20 minutes. Stir and serve on tortillas or chips as nachos. Ole!

  Happy Weekend! I’ll bring more goodies soon, I promise!

~Laurel~

15 years ago Short URL

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10

Jun

Pancakes in a Can???

Oh, yes. Oh, yes. It’s called Batter Blaster, and my mom introduced it to me. Now, if you look at my recipe list, you’ll see that I do love pancakes and find deep satisfaction in making them from scratch. HOWEVER, it’s a little tricky to get those perfectly fluffy flapjacks with crispy brown edges. Batter Blaster, LLC, a company out of Austin, is making it easier!

This company doesn’t go in the same category as canned cheese or anything unhealthy. Here’s why:

According to Batter Blaster’s website:
2 pancakes= 80 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 5 grams of sugar
Ingredients include: wheat flour, cane sugar, and other natural ingredients
It’s ORGANIC

Super easy and delicious. So I have learned…don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.

Okay, we need a (simple) recipe to go with it:


Berry Easy Syrup
6 Strawberries, sliced into quarters
3 TB berry fruit jam
1/4 cup fruit juice

step one: In a saucepan on high heat, lightly stir. Heat all ingredients until they start to boil.

step two: When it boils, lower to medium heat and cover. Cook for 5 minutes. Juice will condense down, berries will soften, and will create a thick compote syrup.

~Laurel~

15 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

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31

May

Strawberry Mint Muffins

It’s time for a muffin recipe! After a wonderful week with Matt’s (and my) friend, Rob, visiting from Kansas, we thought it would be fun if the guys had a golf weekend and I went to Houston to help my parents clean out part of my grandmother’s house.

It was a great weekend, including Dad surprising us with tix to the Astros game on Saturday! (Thanks, Dad!!) I ate so well this weekend! But, after rich foods at restaurants and special meals with friends and family, I was ready for a homemade ______. (fill in the blank, I wasn’t sure)

This overgrowing mint plant was a hint. (Yes, I have a Topsy Turvy, and it’s wonderful…don’t judge!)

These strawberry mint muffins are slightly sweet (not too much) and have some healthy things in them, and they’re SUPER EASY! The mint flavor is very subtle, but you can add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract if you’d like more.

STRAWBERRY MINT MUFFINS

*makes 24 mini muffins*
1 cup Bisquick
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk + a splash
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg
5 mint leaves, chopped
1 cup strawberries, chopped (about 7 berries)


TOPPING: (optional)
2 tablespoons margarine/butter 
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
3 tablespoons brown sugar



In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir with large spoon until all ingredients are blended. Pour batter into muffin cups.

If you desire to add the topping, mix the 3 ingredients in a separate bowl until all oats are moistened. Using your hands, form quarter coin-sized bits and place on each muffin cup in the pan. 

Then, bake at 350 for 12 minutes. 
  


With and without topping
Make these when you need to take something to work for the group, to sub as a dessert or freeze and pull out when you need a little breakfast on the go. If you freeze, heat up for 25 secs in the microwave. 
Happy Memorial Day!
I am consistently amazed by the strength and sacrifice of those in the military and their families. A huge thank you to all, including my 7 great uncles who served in World War II.




 

~Laurel~

15 years ago Short URL

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