Apple Crisp Muffins

Apple Crisp Muffins 1 - My Daughter and I

These muffins are delicious, hearty and not too sweet. We made ours using green apples, if you used a different variety of apple, they would be sweeter. I wouldn’t say they are exactly health food, but with the addition of unsweetened applesauce you use less fat and less sugar than some muffin recipes. They are great for breakfast on the go. The topping is crunchy and sweet and delicious!

Apple Crisp Muffins 2 - My Daughter and I

Apple Crisp Muffins
1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup oil
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups to 2 cups chopped apple, about 2 medium

Crisp topping
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:
Line muffin tin with liners and then lightly spray with cooking spray.
In a large bowl mix together butter, oil, sugars, and applesauce until combined, mixture will look curdled. Add egg and vanilla and mix to combine.

In a separate bowl stir together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Remove 2 T of the flour mixture then toss with the apples in a separate bowl to coat.

Add remaining flour mixture to wet ingredients in two batches, mixing until just combined before adding the next batch. Fold in the apples. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups filling them 3/4 of the way full.

For the crisp topping: mix the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon on top of each muffin and bake for 15 – 17 minutes or until done. Let cool in the tins before removing to a cooling rack.

Makes about 15 muffins.

 

Cindy & Jordan

Treat of the Month- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 1 - My Daughter and I

These. Were. Delicious.

For only making one batch, I sure did get a lot of feedback about them- I received a text, a phone call, and an email, all from different people, all saying how amazing the cookies were. Not to mention the in-person comments. Danae said, “these are as good as my grandma’s” (which is saying something, trust me).

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^^^ This picture was attached to the email I mentioned above that we received from a friend- “We enjoyed the oatmeal cookie recipe. Put in coconut and chocolate chips. Took picture of Cole and neighbors enjoying them.”

A while back we posted a Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookie recipe, which was an absolute hit. So when Treat of the Month time rolled around, I decided to modify the original recipe a bit. Danae loves oatmeal raisin cookies, so I just added a cup of raisins and some cinnamon.

I didn’t think it was possible, but the modifications almost made the cookies better. The jury’s still out about that declaration though. I guess you’ll just have to try both versions and get back to me with your vote  🙂

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 2 - My Daughter and I

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups packed brown sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 whole eggs

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

3 cups Old Fashioned oats

1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350*. Beat together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl after each one. Mix together the flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda in a separate bowl and add it to the creamed mixture in 2 or 3 batches, mixing until just combined. Mix in the oats and raisins until just combined.

Scoop onto a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper spacing them a couple inches apart, and bake them for 12 – 13 minutes. Let them cool slightly on the pan then transfer to a plate or cooling rack.

Using my cookie scoop, I made 3 dozen cookies.

Jordan

Fashion Friday- Just Peachy

Happy Friday everybody!

I don’t think “peachy” is technically correct for today’s title. The colors actually range from pink to bright orange, but I figured that it was all right since everything is cute 🙂 Hope you enjoy!

Easy Striped Sweater

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Mira Loma Floral Dress

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This is so adorable!

To the Top Shorts

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I have a pair of Roxy denim shorts that I absolutely love- I bought them two summers ago and have worn them a ton. These shorts are a bit different, but the color and cut is super cute.

Pastry Taster Top

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Wouldn’t this be so cute with a pair of skinny jeans and boots?

Boho Print Slip Dress

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I love this- it’s just so fun and looks really comfy.

Puppy Screen Tee

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His ears are peach-y so it counts, right?

Love N Surf Cross Back

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This is the most secure bathing suit that I’ve ever owned- I had it in the bright blue a couple of summer’s ago and I really like it.

Marilu Blouse in Coral

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Don’t ask me why the model has a giant X on her hand. I just don’t get it.

But! The top is adorable and I love the detailing on the sleeves.

Jordan

What I’m Listening To Right Now

I thought it might be time to do another music post- so here are a few of the songs that have been on repeat in my room.

(Click on the pink links to listen to the songs)

Brokenness Aside– All My Sons and Daughters

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We sing this once in a while at youth group and I love it. So beautiful and a great reminder about the unending grace of God.

Shelter You Through– Andrew Duhon

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I’m pretty sure I highlighted this song last time I did a music post, but listen to this live version- it is so amazing. It’s not very often when you come across an artist who’s live recordings sound just as good (or better!) than their studio recordings.

10,000 Reasons– Rend Collective Experiment

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This worship band has remade some of my favorite worship songs- this one is a particular favorite.

Quittin’ Kind– Kristin Diable

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Her voice is so amazing. I’ve also been listening to one of her songs called I’ve Been Searching. I have absolutely no idea how you could walk by someone singing like that and not even slow down. That blows my mind.

Times- Tenth Avenue North

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Okay, first- isn’t this a really cool album cover? Second- this song is beautiful.

Home– Jack Johnson

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One of the songs off of Jack Johnson’s most recent album, From Here to Now to You.

Jordan

Chicken & Snap Pea Stir Fry with Soy Sesame Sauce

Chicken and Snap Pea Stir Fry 1 - My Daughter and I

I made this chicken stir fry the other night and my husband said it was the best stir fry I’ve ever made – and I’ve made a lot of stir fry! We had a big basket of sugar snap peas from our garden that needed to be used up so this was the perfect dinner and a great way to use fresh veggies!

Chicken and Pea Stir Fry 2 - My Daughter and I

Chicken & Snap Pea Stir Fry 

Olive oil

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast

1/2 onion, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced

2 cups snap peas

Stir fry sauce, recipe listed below

Drizzle olive oil in large pan. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and cook chicken until nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and pour about 1/4 cup of stir fry sauce over the top of chicken. Set aside.

Cook onion, peppers and snap peas (or whatever other vegetables you have on hand) until tender, adding another 1/4 cup of stir fry sauce while cooking. Add the cooked chicken to the pan with the cooked vegetables, and add the remainder of the stir fry sauce. Stir well and heat through, making sure that the chicken is completely cooked. Serve over rice.

Soy Sesame Stir Fry Sauce
1/2 cup water

1/2 cup soy sauce, low sodium

4 tsp. rice wine vinegar

4 tsp. toasted sesame oil

2 tsp. hot red pepper flakes

2 tsp. sugar

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Cindy