my apologies

So I realize that it has been quite some time since my last post. I promise that I didn't completely stop using my mixer. I have been having some issues with my computer, in that I do not currently have a working computer. I hope to have the blog back up and running by the end of the month, I have been saving and hope to have enough soon to buy a new computer. In the mean time, happy mixing :)

Cranberry Banana Nut Muffins

So it has been a while since I posted. I realize that, and there is a very good reason for this. I am trying to change my eating habits. I have been looking for healthier recipes that also taste good. This one is amazing. So each muffin has 220 calories and 8 grams of fat, but if you leave out the nuts or use fewer bananas, it will be less. This makes 16 muffins. Enjoy.

Ingredients

2	cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2	teaspoons baking powder
3/4	teaspoon baking soda
1/2	teaspoon salt
4	bananas, mashed
1/2	cup butter, softened
1	cup sugar
2	eggs
1/2	cup applesauce
1/3	cup pecan pieces
2	oz Craisins

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
   
   
2. Cream together sugar and butter.
   
   
3. Add in bananas.
   
   
4. Add eggs one at a time.
   
   
5. Add in the rest of the ingredients.
   
   
6. Bake 25 minutes or until done.
   

Kettle Corn

So I love popcorn, but not just any old popcorn, kettle corn is my favorite. It is pretty easy to make at home too, if you follow these simple instructions.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan with lid over medium heat. Then, toss in three kernels, and place the lid on the pot. Shake the pot and wait for the kernels to pop. Once popped, quickly add in the sugar, salt, and the remaining kernels. Replace the lid, and continue shaking the pot, until all the kernels have popped. Then, remove the pot from the stove, and shake to keep the kernels from burning. Let corn cool and the sugar will coat the corn for a nice crunch, so yummy. I made some tonight and my roommate and I ate it all. So i realize that this is not a recipe that needs a mixer, but it was so good, I had to share.

Mini Breakfast Pies

Mini in size but big on flavor. This morning I wanted to try something that I could make and then take each day for breakfast. Some of the girls at work have been bringing in these beautiful breakfast casseroles each day and it inspired me to try my own. But I know myself and portion control is not my strong suit, so I thought........ ding/light bulb. Why not use a muffin pan to make the breakfast casserole into several mini's. Here is what you need

Egg Mixture Ingredients:

• 12 cup muffin pan
• 1 pie crust (recipe below)
• 8 eggs
• 1/4 c. chopped green peppers
• 1/2 c. frozen hash browns
• 2 oz softened cream cheese/ 2oz shredded cheese
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1/4 c. finely sliced and chopped carrots
• 1/2 c. browned sausage, you can also use leftover cubed ham, or bacon bits
  
• non-stick cooking spray
• salt and pepper to taste
  

Add the eggs and the cream cheese to the mixer and mix on speed 4 with the whisk attachment for about a minute,or until cheese looks incorporated into the eggs. Add all of the other ingredients and mix for

Crust Ingredients

• 1 1/4 c. flour
• 1 stick of butter
  
• ice water

cut the butter into the flour. slowly add enough ice water while mixing to make a dough. roll out into crust.

Spray the muffin cups with the nonstick cooking spray. Press the dough into the muffin cups. (You can use a small cookie or biscuit cutter to cut the dough and line the muffin cups with the dough.) Pour the egg mixture on top and bake in a 400 degree oven 25 minutes or until egg is set. cool 5 minutes on wire rack before removing the pies from the muffin pan. enjoy. You can freeze these and then micro them for a hot breakfast during the week or serve fresh. enjoy.

Monster Cookies

So I have had a few people tell me that these are the best cookies they have ever had. Personally I chose the Paula Deen recipe, I have to say: I think they may be the best cookies ever. My sister in law actually requested that I make them and have them on hand when she comes home with the baby. Here is how you make them. I think I should caution you though they are soo addictive I made them 2 weeks in a row and I am totally considering making them again this week, especially if Ava comes.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies(M&M's)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup raisins, optional
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars.

Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.

Nutty Cheeseball

I know that you are thinking, there is a recipe to make Amie? This recipe is so good you won't be able to stop eating it. So when that happens, remember I warned you. I made this for a party it was so good. It is the traditional recipe from Kitchen Aid, but I used sliced almonds instead of finely chopped pecans. Personal preference I think and it was beautiful. I know what you are thinking, this girl has lost it cheese beautiful. I say we have lost that sense of pride in a job well done, and this was good.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 8oz pkg of cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (this makes it really garlicky, so you might want to use less if you don't like a lot of garlic)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Place all ingredients, except almonds, in the mixer and attach flat beater. Turn to speed 4 and mix about a minute or until well blended. On wax paper shape mixture into a ball. I had enough to make 2 balls. Roll the ball(s) in the sliced almonds. Wrap in wax paper, refrigerate until serving time.

Donut Muffins

So we were given recipes for the Pioneer dance to make and I chose donut muffins, they were very tasty and not too difficult, here is what you need

For the Muffins:

• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 med egg
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 cup milk

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine

Using the paddle attachment, mix together the sugar and the shortening. Add the egg and mix until smooth. Add dry ingredients and turn mixer to stir, slowly add milk and mix until smooth. drop the mixture into oiled muffin cups. Make sure not to fill the cups more than 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove muffins from oven and allow to cool slightly.

Mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl and set aside. Melt butter or margarine. When the muffins are cool enough to handle dip them in the butter and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve warm. This recipe should make a dozen, but I only got 10 out of it.