Tuesday, February 01, 2011

TWD—Great Grains Muffins

Something keeps happening here everyday.

1-28-11 Sunrise

It’s the sunrise.  This picture doesn’t do it justice.  It’s been so gorgeous lately.    It only lasts a short time.  The other day there was a most amazing Western sunrise with the full moon going down over the mountains to the West of us.  I was fumbling with the camera that needed new batteries and by the time it was ready, the moon was just about gone.  Lovin’ the sunrises!

Sunday morning after the sunrise (about 7:15), I made these muffins that were chosen for TWD this week by Christine of Happy Tummy.

I thought it was a little strange that these muffins had cornmeal in them.  There are many more grains you could pick for a “great grain” muffin.  I made some significant changes.  First off, I used all whole wheat pastry flour.  Then instead of butter, I used 1/2 cup of mashed banana, going for a healthier muffin and because I love banana and had a few overripe ones to use up.  I left out any dried fruit and added about 3/4 cup walnuts and 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips.  The muffins are okay, not bad.  I just wish I would have left out the cornmeal since it doesn’t really go with a banana muffin, but it does add an interesting texture.  I heard that as written the muffins are not sweet enough, but with the banana they have just the right amount of sweetness for a muffin.  The recipe made 12 regular muffins and eight minis. 

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Check out the recipe on Christine’s blog and all the other TWD bakers out there. 

Great Grain Muffins--TWD 1-28-11

Every month at school, Taylor is given a cut out of a person that he is then to come up with a new design/outfit/character for.  We’ve had fun coming up with ideas.  In October, we created a Super Frog guy with a cape for a Halloween costume.  November we did a pilgrim.  In December we created a snowman.  Here’s the latest for February. 

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The hair is made with licorice and its nose is a red hot.  We think it’s pretty cute.  It’s always fun to help Taylor come up with ideas and they are usually mostly his.

This month has flown by and been kind of crazy, involving sick kids since about the 14th and all of them taking turns being home from school since then and because, well, I just chose to do other things.  So I regret that I did not make any of the recipes chosen for French Fridays With Dorie in January.  I also found the month got away from me for participating in the cookie chosen for Cookie Carnival.  sigh

I’ll see what I can do for February!  In the meantime, have you seen my latest cookie creation, posted a few days ago?  These Nutella Truffle Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies are heavenly!

15 comments:

chocolatechic said...

These muffins were just. so. good.

I loved them.

Kayte said...

Cute little valentine, both the boy and his work! Love the gorgeous scenery, wow! The muffins look very nice...mine didn't dome much but they sure tasted great. Banana sounds wonderful...hmmmm re cornmeal with it...maybe, maybe not. Guess I should try it to see!

Paula said...

Did you take that picture in your back yard? Oh my goodness. You should start a bed and breakfast, seriously.

Caroline said...

These look amazing! And I'm talking about both the muffins and the scenery!

Leslie said...

Ohhh my.the sunrise is AMAZING!!! you are so lucky to have that view. Those are some giant muffins!

CaSaundraLeigh said...

Wow--I'd kill for that view. It's breathtaking! Thanks for sharing! :-)
And I am not sure I'd like the cornmeal texture in that muffin either. But at least they were edible!

Gourmified said...

Even though I veered off on another type of muffin this week, I still want to make these. I love your addition of banana, too! We LOVE bananas!

Unknown said...

that sky is stunning, we have been having gorgeous evenings here too

Anonymous said...

When we lived in the west I loved the sunsets (maybe I wasn't up early enough for the sunrises). Love the pic of Taylor - what a creative school!

Unknown said...

Wow, stunning sunrise! I'm rarely up early enough to catch a sunrise but when I am it's a real treat. Good call on the bananas in these - I bet that would be great, especially with the chocolate chips I added.

Flourchild said...

You have had a busy month..no wonder you didn't get to all that cooking! I love that you used banana instead of butter..they look so good!
I love your sons school project and the Valentine idea was great!

Anonymous said...

Good idea to sub banana for the butter! I subbed some yogurt, but that doesn't add any flavor. I was surprised by how much you could taste the cornmeal in these. I'd leave it out next time.

Welcome to our crazy blessed life said...

I love that you can mix it up and try different things with these recipes. I hope your kiddos get better! We have been sick too. :(

Leslie said...

Bananas were an inspired addition! I also added chocolate chips (but there aren't many foods I sneak them in to).

Unknown said...

You live in such a beautiful part of the country! I'm jealous!
Love the looks (and sound) of you muffins and Mr. Valentine man is really, really cute! Licorice hair is such a brilliant idea!