Bread

I had been having a hard time finding bread at my local grocery store that didn't contain sugar in it.  There were times when I'd make a trip to Trader Joe's, but sometimes it was too many trips to different stores.

About three weeks ago, I thought I would check the fresh baked section of the grocery store.  After a few loaves that didn't cut it, I found this glorious thing...

Then I read the ingredients: wheat flour, water, honey, rye flakes, barley, oats, vital wheat gluten, cracked wheat, corn, rye, millet, flaxseed, cultured wheat flour, vinegar, salt, yeast, natural enzymes.

Not too shabby!

Windmill Cookies

I found these at my local grocery store and was surprised with the ingredient list: natural whole wheat flower, concentrated fruit juices (pear and pineapple), canola oil, sliced almonds, water, natural flavors, baking soda, salt.  That's it!



I wasn't sure how they would taste, but to my surprise, they are really good!  The cookies contain bits of almond that are visible and they have a bit of almond flavor to them.  These will continued to be purchased for our home!

Caving in

I gave up refined and artificial sugars for Lent.  This weekend, I caved and had one of these...

You know what?  It wasn't as good as I remembered.

Blueberry and Honey Pancakes

Saturday morning was pancake day!  I made some blueberry and honey pancakes,topped with strawberries and  fresh whipped cream. Delish!

Spring Break Baking (chocolate muffins)

This title almost sounds as if I were baking in the sun, laying on some beach - either in Cancun or Miami.  But really, I've been at home, baking in my kitchen with the wee ones. That's good enough for me!

E and I made some chocolate muffins that I found on Weelicious.  The original recipe called for sugar, but when I asked about substituting honey, this is what I saw.

So, that's what I did. The batter was quite thick after mixing, possibly due to less oil?

This guy was ready to eat them.

See?

The muffins were a little dry and bland for my liking.  Next time I may increase the honey, add some chocolate chips, or cook them a little less.

He still gave them a thumbs up!

Chocolate Muffins with Honey (Makes 12 regular-sized or 24 mini muffins)

1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 1/2 Tsps Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Salt

3/8 Cup Honey
3/4 Cup Milk
2 Tbsps Vegetable or Canola Oil

1 Large Egg, beaten

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Grease 12 regular or 24 mini muffin tins.
2. In a medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, milk, oil, and the egg. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
4. Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full.
5. Bake 18 – 22 minutes (8-10 minutes for mini muffins), or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Next up!

Photo courtesy of Healthy Indulgences

This is next on my list to make for dessert! (But I think my husband is a little sick of black beans in our dessert!)

What a day!

I am exhausted.  Of course, instead of resting, I find myself blogging.

After our scrumptious breakfast yesterday morning, we spend the rest of the afternoon and early evening with my husband's family and extended family for a reunion.  The kids were tired and wired from playing and not napping.

Today, I made banana waffles for breakfast and then we headed to the Chili Cook-off happening near our home.  We tasted some delicious chili of all sorts and were able to vote for our favorites.  My husband loves chili and was partially in heaven.  I think the whining of our son for a carousel ride kept him from fully enjoying his chili.  


Once we arrived back home, I tried to get the little guy down for a nap without success.  The big guy fell asleep and my husband was off to a Spring Training game with a friend.  I was finally able to get the little one down for a bit.  It was at this point that I decided to make myself chocolate cake in a mug! It came out quite dry and I think it's due to the fact it cooked too long. Once they both awoke, they were in terrible moods.  The eldest whined about everything and the youngest cried about everything.  At this point, I also noticed that the little one had a rash on his forehead, temples, brown, and nose. After an hour or so, I needed to get out of the house before I started whining and crying.

We initially set out to find horses (which there really are none near our home) but changed plans to go get ice cream instead.  There is a great place a few miles from our home, Yollipop, that sells self-serve frozen yogurt - but everything there is either lactose/dairy/sugar/gluten/fat free.  The sugar free flavor today was blueberry and the best part is that it is sweetened with Stevia.

We headed back home to meet up with Daddy and the whining/crying began again and continued until bedtime.


Where's my beer?  I need it.