Food

Blueberry Muffins

Who doesn’t want a piece of cake for breakfast? That’s what a muffin is, and that is why I love them. This recipe was given to me many years ago by my mother-in-law. My family loves these moist, delicious muffins that can be customized to any type of muffin you like.

The original recipe uses regular milk but I use buttermilk. It adds to the flavor and texture. Use whatever milk you prefer. I have only made these muffins with regular cow’s milk or buttermilk (made from cow’s milk), so I can’t speak for the various non-dairy milks. I can attest to the effectiveness of the original recipe, and it’s good.

The crumb topping is my addition to these perfect little breads. It’s crunchy and sweet, adding a nice contrast to the softness of the muffin. It’s completely optional, but highly recommended. I usually make half with the topping. Customize the muffins with the fruit of your choice, or keep them plain. Have fun with this recipe.

Happy Eating!

I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Blueberry Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins

Ingredients 

1 egg

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°, line cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl beat the egg with a fork.
  3. Stir in the milk and oil.
  4. Stir in the sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Don’t over mix.
  6. Fold in the blueberries.
  7. Fill each cupcake liner with the batter.
  8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Check after 15 minutes.
  9. Let cool slightly. The muffins are best served warm.

Optional crumb topping:

yield: enough for 6 muffins

Ingredients

4 Tbsp. melted butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp. flour

  1. Melt butter in a small bowl.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
  3. Scoop topping on raw muffin batter before going into the oven.

Notes

Blueberries: Use frozen or fresh. Frozen blueberries will give blue streaks in the batter.

Milk: Regular milk works great, buttermilk is even better.

Fillings: It doesn’t have to be blueberries. Add bananas, chocolate chips, poppy seeds, or your favorite fruit.

Cook time: Every oven is different. Start checking the muffins after 15 minutes. Tops should be golden brown.

Photo credit: Meghan E. White

Food, mustard seed sentinel

Homemade Granola

dsc00234

Walk into any grocery store and there are numerous varieties of granola. Some are good and some are not so good. The taste of homemade granola is superior to store bought. You can customize the granola with your favorite oil, fruits, and nuts. This basic granola recipe is a great foundation to build upon and make it your own. 

Granola is calorie dense and loaded with all kinds of goodness like vitamin E, iron, folate, magnesium and a host of other vitamins and minerals. It tastes so delicious that it doesn’t seem possible that it’s packed with so much nutrition. This is my kind of healthy eating. Good tasting and good for  you. 

Granola is a versatile food. It’s a great snack all by itself. Mix some granola into your favorite yogurt. Have granola with milk for a real breakfast of champions. Add granola to a smoothie, or pancakes, or muffins. Be as creative as you like. No matter what you do with this delightful granola you will enjoy every morsel.

Making your own granola is cost effective compared to the high priced store bought stuff. There is no stirring involved with this granola recipe. Just press it into the pan and bake. So simple and so tasty. You will save money, have a nutritional snack, and feel great. 

Happy Eating!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 

dsc00224

Homemade Granola

 

Ingredients

½ cup vegetable oil

⅓ cup maple syrup

3 teaspoons vanilla

⅓ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

5 cups old fashioned rolled oats

2 cups slivered almonds 

2 cups dried fruit

 

Yields 10 cups of granola.

 

Directions

 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Spray rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. 
  2. In a large bowl whisk together the vegetable oil, maple syrup, vanilla, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the oats and almonds and mix until evenly coated. 
  3. Spread the oat mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to press the mixture firmly until it’s compact. 
  4. Bake for 40 minutes until lightly browned. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning. 
  5. Cool for 1 hour until the granola reaches room temperature. Break the granola into pieces and mix in dried fruit. Store in an airtight container for up to one month.



Notes 

  • Spray your cooking utensils beforehand with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Add-ins: flaked coconut, any dried fruit you prefer, chocolate chips, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
  • Use chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, or any nut you like.
  • Use coconut oil or olive oil if you prefer. 

dsc00215

dsc00221

dsc00222

Go to the link below for this recipe and many more of my recipes on Mustard Seed Sentinel, Meghan’s Corner.

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-homemade-granola