Oatmeal Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

After looking at several recipes for pumpkin cookies, I decided that I would try to modify some ingredients  and create a delicious, soft, chocolaty cookie.

My daughters first response was pumpkin, oatmeal.... and chocolate? Turns out, she loved  them and they are now on the list of " make all the time cookies".

Here we go! 

 Preheat oven to 350' F

3/4 cup  butter softened

1 1/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup cooked pumpkin

3/4 cup flour

1 1/4 cup of steel cut oatmeal~ I used a one with flax, bran & oats~

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp allspice

1 tsp cardomom

1/2 tsp ginger

1 cup of dark chocolate chips

Cream butter sugar until fluffy, add eggs, vanilla and pumpkin. In separate bowl combine all dry ingredients. Add to beaten mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. 

Drop by spoonful on to non stick or greased cookie sheet. Bake for 16 min. 

Enjoy! 

 

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bran Muffins

For the Chocolate lover 

Preheat oven to 400' ~ makes 12 muffins

What you need:

1 1/4 cups bran cereal flakes

3/4 cup dark chocolate almond milk

1 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda & salt

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1 egg

1/4 cup vegetable oil, + enough to oil muffin tin

1 1/2 cups raspberries

Combine cereal and almond milk in a bowl, allow to sit until cereal is softened.

In large bowl combine flour, sugar cocoa, baking powder, baking soda & salt.

Beat egg, oil and raspberries in cereal mixture

Add dry ingredients until combined, add chocolate chips.

Lightly grease muffin tin with vegetable oil. Pour batter into tin.

 Bake for 18- 20  minutes.

~If you really want to go over the top with chocolate, top with your favorite chocolate icing

 and a sprinkle of raspberries~

~  

Vivaldi~ Anticipation & The Cusp of~ Spring

One more night fall, she will be here.
We wait in glorious anticipation of  earthy smells.
Dew on the ground, birdsong and brilliant morning skies.

We yearn for the release of winters charms.
Its long lingering grasp, still embracing, in crisp white frost.

The sun climbs higher, it's warmth, intensifying.
It tells of time, change, dismissal & invitation.
It's rays outstretched, welcoming arms of warmth.

Hear the sounds, they are different now.
The stillness of downy white, its feathers, now ruffled.
Morphing  into nourishing waters, waking the souls of growth.

But wait, a pause, a wink, teasing.
One more white shadow, falling to the ground.
Interrupted.
Struggling, it wanes.
Conquered, by brightness and warmth.

At last, she is here.
Breathe in her new life.
This season of spring.


T. J. Demers
 

   

A Smooth Start

Hello there! 

Sharing this great Cranberry smoothie, a great start to the day! 

What you need:

1/2 english cucumber

1 avacado, peeled and pitted

1 cup of lime yogurt

1/2 cup frozen cranberries

1 cup almond milk

1tsp honey

1tsp cinnamon

Put all measured ingredients in blender & blend until smooth,

 Enjoy! 

Banana Bread Muffin with Cream Cheese Icing

Chick Peas~ Delicious Side Dish

Hello There! 

Here is a " by the seat of my pants" side dish from last nights dinner.

What I used:

2 tbsps of Extra virgin olive oil

2 cups of chick peas

1 large onion

2 cups sliced brown mushrooms

1 medium yellow pepper

2 cloves of garlic chopped
ground black pepper to taste
cayenne pepper to taste~ we like it hot, so I used a considerable amount.
Saute in a pan with olive oil  until onions are clear.

Served with grilled pork tenderloin and coleslaw.
The kids and hubby gobbled this up!

Curried Salmon Cakes

Hello there!

Here's another yummy fish dinner.

What you need:

3 cups of salmon

1 1/2 cups of crushed crackers, panko, or breadcrumbs

1 egg

1/4 tsp cayenne & tumeric 

1 & 1/2  tsp medium curry

1/2 tsp  cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tbsps yellow mustard

Combine all ingredients and make into 12 patties.

Lightly coat a pan with vegetable oil  and cook until golden brown.

Sauce for salmon cakes: 

1/4 cup mayonnaise

!4 cup sour cream

1 tsp curry

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp lemon juice, combine, refrigerate until time to serve. 

Serve with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, and corn.

Enjoy!