GLOGG

 GLOGG

We got this recipe from the advent calendar.  It is a Danish recipe.  Everyone liked it but Abagail.  I found the cinnamon sticks and cloves in the bulk.  Couldn't find cardamon pods so we used 4 drops of essential oil cardamon.  We didn't add the raisins, almonds or orange slices at the end, but it would be good.

32 oz. fruit juice (grape, apple) - we used grape

Peel of 1/2 an orange and orange slices (did a whole orange of slices)

2 cinnamon sticks

4 whole cardamon pods or 4 drops essential oil cardamon

5 whole cloves

1 knob of ginger that has been peeled (put in whole)

Garnish: raisins, almonds, orange slices

Add everything except garnish to a heavy bottomed pot (did red pot).  Simmer mixture for 15-20 minutes (did on medium).

Strain out the spices.  Then heat the glogg but don't boil.

Drop in raisins and almonds into mug and top with glogg.  Can serve with orange slices and ginger snaps.

CARROT CAKE WAFFLES

CARROT CAKE WAFFLES
These really tasted like carrot cake.  We had with cream cheese and syrup.  Yum!  Perfect dinner.  Makes 4.  I made the mixtures before going to work - made it for a quick dinner (didn't mix the flour with wet mixture until right before making)

https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/carrot-cake-waffles/

• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup apple juice
• 1/3 cup avocado oil or organic canola oil (used avocado)
• 3 tablespoons dark pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
• 1 cup peeled and shredded carrots, about 2 medium
• 1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained well
• 3 tablespoons raisins (Abagail didn't like the raisins)
• 3 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts (used pecans)

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1 1/4 cups white whole-wheat flour (used pastry)

¾ cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon

¾ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon nutmeg

whipped cream cheese, optional

GRANDMA NELSON CHRISTMAS COOKIES

GRANDMA NELSON CHRISTMAS COOKIES
I love these cookies and look forward to them around Christmas.  Haven't tried making them myself yet - hopefully I can make them as good as Judi does.  If she puts in the raisins she likes to soak them in water and put in the microwave and heat until they puff up.  Top with almond bark (she does vanilla) and can do sprinkles or cinnamon/sugar mixture.

CREAM TOGETHER:
1# butter or margarine
1/2# brown sugar
2 c white sugar

ADD & BEAT WELL:
4 eggs

ADD:
1# flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups rolled oats
1 - 1 1/2 cup raisins, optional
nuts, optional
chocolate chips, optional (not sure if she ever adds these but it would be good)
1 tsp maple flavoring, optional

Bake at 375 until light brown.

A BETTER OATMEAL COOKIE

A BETTER OATMEAL COOKIE
These tasted good - especially for a healthier version.  This came from the Family Fun Magazine.

These cookies taste wonderful, really they do! They are also a much healthier cookie, with only half the sugar and butter than most recipes I found. To help keep the cookies moist, soak the raisins in water just before adding them into the dough, along with the reserved raisin water.

A Better Oatmeal Cookie

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup sifted flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 cups quick oats

Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place the raisins in a small bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak for 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir them until they’re evenly blended.

Set aside 3 Tbsp of water from the bowl of raisins, then drain the raisins, discarding the remaining water.

Whisk the egg in a medium bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract, melted butter, and reserved raisin water.

Make a well in the flour mixture, then pour in the egg mixture and blend well. Use a spatula to stir in the oats and the raisins.

With a tablespoon or cookie scoop (1 1/2 Tbsp size), place the portions of the dough on the cookie sheets, then use a spatula to flatten them slightly.

Bake the cookies one sheet at a time, rotating the pan halfway through, until they are golden brown, about 16 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 3 to 4 minutes, then use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 24 cookies.

Source: Family Fun, March 2012

THAI HEAVENLY PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE

THAI HEAVENLY PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE

This is seriously so good. We all LOVED it. A new family favorite. Two tips for the next time I make it:

*Start rice at least 2 hours before wanting to make (I had some frozen in the freezer and just defrosted it)

**Have everything cut etc. before starting. This is very important! Once you start you don't have time to prepare things.

http://thaifood.about.com/od/vegetarianthairecipes/r/thaifriedrice.htm

This classic Thai pineapple fried rice recipe is real vegetarian Thai food. Make this easy fried rice at home - it's as good or better than take-out fried rice! Thai jasmine rice is fried up with chunks of pineapple, plus cashews, peas, and currents with a curry-flavored sauce. Includes cooking tips to create perfect fried rice every time. Proof that vegetarian Thai cooking is anything but boring. Mmmm - heavenly!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Ingredients:

• SERVES 2-4
• 1 small can pineapple chunks, drained, OR 1 whole pineapple
• 3 cups cooked rice, preferably several days old (Tip: if fresh, leave for an hour or more in the refrigerator uncovered)
• 3-4 Tbsp. vegetable or faux chicken stock for stir-frying (or regular chicken stock if non-vegetarian)
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
• 1 red or green chili, thinly sliced (reduce or leave out if you prefer very mild fried rice) I think diced green chilies would work too.
• 1 egg (vegans can omit)*
• ½ cup frozen peas
• optional: 1 small carrot, grated (about 1/4 cup)
• ¼ cup raisins or currants
• ½ cup raw unsalted whole cashews
• 3 green onions finely sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (we don't really like, so I would either not put any in or just a little bit)
• STIR-FRY SAUCE:
• 2 Tbsp vegetarian fish sauce, OR 3 Tbps. soy sauce (use regular fish sauce if non-vegetarian)
• 2 tsp. curry powder

Preparation:

For instructions on preparing fresh pineapple (or to create a "pineapple boat" for your fried rice), see: How to Buy/Prepare Fresh Pineapple.

For a non-vegetarian version of this recipe, see: How to Make Thai Heavenly Pineapple Fried Rice, step by step.

1. Mix 1 Tbsp. oil with the rice, using your fingers to separate any chunks into grains. Set aside.
2. In a cup, stir the soy sauce/fish sauce together with the curry powder.
3. Drizzle 1-2 Tbsp. oil in a wok/large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add shallots, garlic, and chili, stir-frying until fragrant (1 minute). Whenever the wok/pan becomes dry, add a little stock (1/2 to 1 Tbsp. at a time to keep the pan sizzling).
4. Crack egg (if using) into wok and stir quickly to cook (like making scrambled eggs).
5. Add the carrot (if using), peas, cashews. Stir-fry 1 minute in the same way, adding more stock if needed.
6. Now add the rice, pineapple chunks, and currents. Drizzle the fish/soy sauce mixed with curry powder over and gently stir-fry to combine over medium-high to high heat until the rice "dances" (begins to make popping sounds) - about 3 minutes.Tip: Avoid adding any more stock from here on, or your rice will turn out soggy. The wok/pan should be hot and dry.
7. Remove from heat. Do a taste-test for saltiness, adding a few shakes of salt or up to 2 Tbsp. more [veggie] fish sauce or soy sauce, as needed. (If you happen to over-salt the dish, add a squeeze or two of lime juice.)
8. To serve, scoop rice onto a serving platter (or in a carved-out pineapple, if serving at a party - see link at beginning of recipe). Top with green onions and cilantro, and ENJOY!

OAT & BRAN FLAX MUFFINS

BRAN FLAX MUFFINS

These are probably the best bran muffins I have ever had. Everyone liked them - including kids. We made them for Abagail's preschool. They had fun helping me prepare them and sampling the carrots and apples while they were being grated. Found recipe on Bob's Flaxseed Meal package.

1 1/2 c white flour

3/4 c flaxseed meal

3/4 c oat bran (can get in the bulk section)

1 c brown sugar (I think next time I will try 1/2 cup)

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt (didn't add)

2 tsp cinnamon

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1 1/2 c carrots, shredded

2 apples, peeled and shredded

1/2 c raisins (didn't add)

1 c nuts, chopped (we did walnuts)

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3/4 c milk

2 eggs beaten (used egg beaters)

1 tsp vanilla

Mix together flour, flaxseed meal, oat bran, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir in carrots, apples, raisins and nuts.

Combine milk, beaten eggs and vanilla.

Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until ingredients are moistened. DO NOT OVER MIX.

Fill muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Yield: 15 medium muffins (I did 12 normal size and 12 mini)

Oat Bran MuffinsSubmitted by Genevieve Beck

I have a recipe I'd like to share. I know a hard part for a few people in our last contest was getting in the whole grains. I love this recipe and two muffins are a whole grain and a fruit. I can only do flour or sugar if it's #5 or lower on the list of ingredients so this recipe is a perfect sweet breakfast for me. I usually eat it with some protein (eggs, yogurt, milk, whatever) and a teaspoon of butter on the muffins. Delicious! ~ Genevieve
Oat Bran Muffins

2 cans of crushed or tidbit pineapple (in its own juice) fruit and juice
1 cup raisins
½ cup applesauce
2 mashed bananas, ripe
¼ cup apple juice concentrate
2 eggs
1 T vanilla
Combine all the above ingredients; set aside
3 cups + 6 T. oat bran (I’ve also used oatmeal and obviously it’s different, but I still like it)
1 cup Splenda (I've only used splenda and I like it, but I imagine you could experiment with other sweeteners)
⅓ cup whole wheat flour
5 t baking powder
2 t salt
1 t baking soda
3 t cinnamon
Combine all dry ingredients together; then combine with wet; stir until well mixed. Spray with Pam or use muffin papers. Fill 24 muffin cups full (very little rising will take place). Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes 24 muffins.

APPLE SPICE MUFFINS

APPLE SPICE MUFFINS

This recipe comes from Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry's wife). It was in a Shape Magazine. We made them at preschool. The kids have loved them. I had lots of pumpkin on hand, so I used 1 cup pumpkin instead of carrot and apple.

1/4 c margarine - softened

1/2 c pure maple syrup

1 (6 oz) lemon yogurt

1/2 c sour cream

1 large egg

1 large carrot, grated

1 small apple, grated

1/2 c raisins

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1 c flour

1 c whole-wheat pastry flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp allspice powder

1/2 tsp ground clove

1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350. Coat 12 muffin tin with cooking spray or liners.

Mix first 8 ingredients. Stir mixture and break up with a spoon.

Sprinkle the rest of the ingredients on margarine mixture. Stir just until combined, but do not overmix - the batter is suppose to be lumpy.

Divide batter among cups. Bake 20-25 mintues.

Keep in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze for up to one month.

MUFFINS

Almond Peach Muffins
Taste of Home Contestant Winnings 2012 - pg. 155.  Very yummy!

Peaches and Cream Muffins
Taste of Home Family Collection pg. 192 Very good!

DOUBLE BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

I made these for Lisa's birthday (2007). They are very yummy.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/gale-gand/double-blueberry-muffins-recipe/index.html

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
• 2 cups flour (I used 1 c. white 1 c. whole wheat)
• 1/2 cup whole, 2 percent fat, or 1 percent fat milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a muffin tin or line the cups with paper liners. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter until smooth. Add 1 cup of the sugar and mix. Add the eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt and mix. In a shallow bowl, mash 3/4 cup of the blueberries with the back of a fork. Add to the batter and mix.

With the mixer running at low speed, add 1/2 of the flour, then 1/2 of the milk, and mix. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Fold in the remaining 1 3/4 cups whole blueberries by hand until well mixed. In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar with the cinnamon. Use an ice-cream scoop or large spoon to fill the muffin cups 3/4 full. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar over the muffins and bake until golden brown and risen, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan at least 30 minutes before turning out.

OATMEAL RAISIN YOGURT MUFFINS

These weren't to die for, but I liked them because they were healthy. The kids would eat them too. Made 2 batches of the mini pan. Got recipe from Dannon light and fit yogurt container.

1 cup flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar - firmly packed
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup vanilla or strawberry yogurt
1 large egg, beaten lightly
2 TBSP oil

Preheat oven to 375. Grease pan or use liners. In a bowl stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and raisins. In another bowl whisk together yogurt, egg and oil. Stir the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture and stir the batter until it is just combined. Bake for 22-25 minutes.

PERFECT BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

We really liked these. Came from smittenkitchen.com.

5 T butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

3/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest (I put in about 1 tsp. lemon)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (I used about 1 cup)

Preheat oven to 375. Prepare muffin pan for about 10 muffins (I think I got 12).

I used the Bosch for all these steps.

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat well. Then add yogurt/sour cream and lemon.

Stir dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix 1/2 of dry ingredients in butter mixture. Only mix until flour disappears. Add other half and mix just until flour disappears. Fold in blueberries. Batter will be really thick.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

OAT BRAN MUFFINS
These are really good and healthy.  The recipe came from Genevieve Beck.

Oat Bran Muffins

2 cans of crushed or tidbit pineapple (in its own juice) fruit and juice
1 cup raisins
½ cup applesauce
2 mashed bananas, ripe
¼ cup apple juice concentrate
2 eggs
1 T vanilla
Combine all the above ingredients; set aside
3 cups + 6 T. oat bran (I’ve also used oatmeal and obviously it’s different, but I still like it)
1 cup Splenda (I've only used splenda and I like it, but I imagine you could experiment with other sweeteners)
⅓ cup whole wheat flour
5 t baking powder
2 t salt
1 t baking soda
3 t cinnamon
Combine all dry ingredients together; then combine with wet; stir until well mixed.  Spray with Pam or use muffin papers.  Fill 24 muffin cups full (very little rising will take place).  Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Makes 24 muffins.

ZUCCHINI, BANANA AND FLAXSEED MUFFINS
All of us really liked them. http://www.marthastewart.com/851872/zucchini-banana-and-flaxseed-muffins

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 cup lightly packed light-brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely grated zucchini (from 1 large zucchini)
• 1/3 cup mashed ripe banana (from 1 large banana)
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat 12 standard muffin cups with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, flaxseed, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add zucchini and banana and stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla. Add milk mixture to flour mixture and stir until combined (do not overmix).
2. Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let muffins cool completely in pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.