Pumpkin-Nut Muffins

There is something about having a can of pumpkin in the cupboard that turns on the creative juices . . . at least for me! I like finding uses for pumpkin other than just pumpkin pie. My older daughter, however, would probably exclaim, "What do you mean just pumpkin pie?" as that is a favorite of hers. Bowing to the superiority of a good pumpkin pie, I do want to share a muffin recipe that you can claim as being totally healthy as it has nuts and pumpkin in it. Okay, perhaps not in the category of a life-saving treat but the sugar content is somewhat lower and pumpkin and nuts are good for you, right?

Pumpkin-Nut Muffins

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - your choice!

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the flour, sugars, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix together the eggs, pumpkin, buttermilk, oil, extract, zest, and nuts. Stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixtures and mix until just combined. Don't overdo it!

To make the topping, combine all the ingredients, cutting in the butter until you have a crumbly texture.

Fill each muffin cup with 2/3rds of the batter and top with the Streusel topping.

Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 25-30 minutes depending on your oven and the size of your cupcake pan. Cool before removing from cupcake tin. Taste great warm and aren't bad at room temperature, either.

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can use 1/2 cup whole milk and add two teaspoons of either vinegar or lemon juice to approximate the same thing.

Chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips wouldn't be too bad in your muffins, either.

I'm thinking about trying some toasted coconut added to the Streusel Topping.

Simple works . . .

Sometimes, I get so involved in trying to figure out a Friday dinner that I get lost in the details and an easy solution is right in front of me. I wore my brain out trying to think of what to fix for dinner and then my husband informed me that it doesn't always have to be elaborate - soup and sandwiches would be fine for him. Duh! I now have a pot of vegetable noodle soup simmering on the stove and cheese, bread, and tomatoes waiting to be turned into hot sandwiches.

The relaxation of dinner-time duties freed me up to cut some more quilt scraps today. That is my spare time activity these days - reducing my ridiculous amount of fabric scraps into workable squares and strips to sell. People often want some different input for their projects and what better way than to inexpensively share my extras. It must be popular because I sold both batches immediately.  I won't become a millionaire this way but a few extra dollars here and there isn't to be disdained.

Some fun, some true . . .

"The really frightening thing about middle age is that you know you'll grow out of it."
-- Doris Day

"Democracy means that anyone can grow up to be president, and anyone who doesn't grow up can be vice president."
-- Johnny Carson

"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
-- Albert Einstein

Truth of the Day . .

"Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering and we cannot suffer without love." ~St. Gianna Molla

Fast and Easy Cheesy Chicken

I found a recipe, yesterday, that looked good but lent itself to personal improvement once I decided to allow it into my kitchen. My husband says that he has yet to find out that I've actually followed a recipe but since the food is good, he has yet to complain! Need a Lenten Friday meal? Leave out the chicken and enjoy a different pasta and cheese dish.

Fast and Easy Cheesy Chicken

8-10 ounces your favorite pasta
2 1/2 cups cauliflower cut into small florets
Olive oil as needed
1 small onion, finely diced
4 cloves of garlic, smashed and chopped
1/2 cup white wine
3 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
2 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (In a hurry, used canned chicken!)
Fresh chopped green onions to taste
Panko crumbs*
2 tablespoons melted butter

Steam the cauliflower until just tender.  Cook the pasta, drain and combine with cauliflower and set aside.

Melt the two tablespoons of butter, add the Panko crumbs, and brown in a small frying pan being careful to not scorch them. Set aside.

In a large pot, add some olive oil, the onions, and garlic. Saute until tender. Add the wine and let cook down for a minute or two. Add the milk and bring to a mild simmer so you don't break down the milk.

Combine the grated cheese with the salt, pepper, chili flakes, and cheese. Mix to get the flour dusted throughout the mixture. Add to the milk mixture and stir constantly until the cheese melts and you have a smooth sauce. Stir in the chicken and heat through. Mix in the green onion, top each serving with the buttered Panko or bread crumbs.

*If you don't have Panko crumbs, use bread crumbs.

Recall Notice!

RECALL NOTICE This is totally amazing. Be sure to read it. Talk about clever and to the point! Never heard it put quite like this before RECALL NOTICE: The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been identified as "Subsequential Internal Non-morality," more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include: 1. Loss of direction 2. Foul vocal emissions 3. Amnesia of origin 4. Lack of peace and joy 5. Selfish or violent behaviour 6. Depression or confusion 7. Fearfulness 8. Idolatry 9. Rebellion The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect. The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self control Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (BEST Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes. WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus. DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention! - GOD P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'! Because HE Lives!

Passing on a great prayer request!

I have a prayer request. There's a lady I've known forever. She's very sick. On top of that, she's being abused by those she has given everything to. Lies about her abound, and seem to come from all sides. Just breaks my heart. Seems there's nothing I can do alone. But maybe, if we join in and lift her up together we can heal her. She's well over 200 years old, but way too young to die. Her name is America... and I love her.