TWD—Great Grains Muffins

Something keeps happening here everyday.

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. 

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

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. 

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!