cheesy eggs

Cheesy Eggs

Jump to Cheesy Eggs Recipe

I hesitate to post simplistic recipes such as scrambled eggs with cheese, but I’ve been told that’s what people want, so here we are. I was further motivated last weekend by some bland, overcooked eggs covered with nearly plasticized cheese at a restaurant that proudly advertises its breakfast offerings. Seriously, there’s no excuse for that level of incompetence when cheesy eggs are so easy!

Continue reading “Cheesy Eggs”
French toast with strawberries

French Toast

Jump to French Toast Recipe

I recently discovered that my daughters love French toast. One would think this would not be news since I’ve known them both pretty well for fifteen years. The thing is, from the time they were very small, they have kept me on my toes with their ever-changing tastebuds, never wanting me to get too comfortable. As soon as I would figure out that they both loved the freeze-dried fruit packs or bunny crackers enough for me to keep buying big boxes at Costco, they would both lose interest and leave me with a guilty pile of uneaten snacks. It’s safe to say that one or both of them expressed a dislike of French toast at some point, so I avoided it. I enjoy the path of least resistance as often as I can.

Continue reading “French Toast”
chocolate chip scones

Chocolate Chip Scones

I have to make these chocolate chip scones every time I bake any other kind of scones because I have one daughter who insists on nothing less. If you know my two daughters, you might be able to guess which one. While the rest of us enjoy fresh berry scones in the summer and pumpkin scones in the fall, they will not satisfy the one who shall remain unnamed. You might be right to call me indulgent but, truth be told, nobody in my family turns down chocolate chip scones.

Continue reading “Chocolate Chip Scones”
strawberry smoothie

Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie

We are still about five weeks away from peak strawberry season, but I bought a package at Safeway this past week that was pretty good. Otherwise, to get our strawberry fix, we rely on frozen organic strawberries, which is what I used to make this strawberry vanilla smoothie. We purchase the big bag at Costco unless we are fortunate to still have some Oregon strawberries in the freezer. When the season hits, check out this handy guide to freezing your local strawberry harvest.

Continue reading “Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie”
low sugar pumpkin muffin

Low Sugar Pumpkin Muffins

Jump to Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

In my never-ending quest to enjoy more baked goods with fewer consequences, I’m happy to report I have found an ally in monk fruit sweetener. It is the only zero-calorie sugar substitute I’ve tried that sweetens without a terrible aftertaste, and, so far, I find it works well in muffins, cakes, soft cookies, syrups, hot cocoa mix, and freezer jam. I have not had as much luck with things that need to have a crispy or chewy texture, like some cookies and brownies, but I’ll keep trying and let you know when I come up with more recipes that work.

I also used coconut sugar to add a little more complex flavor in this pumpkin muffin recipe, as brown sugar or molasses might bring, but it is optional. One thing to watch for when baking with the monk fruit sweetener is that it can brown quickly, so, for example, the muffins’ edges might burn faster than normal. Just make sure you keep a close eye on them.

Try substituting an all-purpose gluten-free flour or oat flour if you are avoiding wheat.

 

 


Continue reading “Low Sugar Pumpkin Muffins”