Alainna's Muffins

Lainna gave me this recipe and I love it. I like to add 1-2 peeled and diced apples to the batter.

1 1/2 cup quaker oats
1 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 Tbs. oil
1 egg

In a bowl, combine and mix first 5 ingredients. In another bowl, combine and mix the rest of the ingredients. Combine the two mixtures and mix just until moistened. Don't overmix. (This is where I add some diced apples). Add topping and bake in 400 degree oven for 20-22 minutes , or until golden brown.

Topping
1/4 cup oats
1 Tbs. brown sugar
1 Tbs. butter, light
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Combine ingredients and sprinkle on top of muffins

Black Bean Soup

My sister-in-law gave me this recipe and it was so yummy. I realized after I made it and we ate it that I didn't add the vegetable broth. I thought it was a little thick, so I just added some water to thin it and it was still really good. This is a fast, easy, and healthy recipe.

2 15 oz cans black beans drained and rinsed
11\2 C vegetable broth (1 can swanson)
1 C pace picante
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin
Sour cream
green onions.
Combine beans, broth, salsa,chili powder and cumin and blend in food
processor. Heat over medium heat. Add dollup of sour cream and green
onions on top.

Healthier (& more delicious) Mashed Potatoes

My children love mashed potatoes so lately I have been testing them to see what they will stand for in them. Here are the results:

Spinach -Yes! Just saute in a little olive oil and add to potatoes after boiling and before mashing.

Turnips- Yes! These were undetected yet added a very good flavor. Dice one turnip (because they are tougher) and boil with quartered potatoes.

I also have added carrots. This did not go over well at all and I haven't done it since.

I also like to add 3 garlic cloves to the water before boiling. They will disappear but you will notice the difference.

Always add sour cream or cream cheese once the potatoes are mashed.

Season with McCormic Montreal Steak Seasoning. It makes them so much better.