Maria Makes Muffins * Minneapolis Clean Eating + Living *

Quinoa Protein Cereal

Hello clean eaters! If you're new to MMM you may want to subscribe via RSS or email. All of my Clean Living Recipes will be sent straight to you free of charge. Thanks for visiting! I posted this picture last week and got lots of requests for the recipe, so I thought I would pop in while the kids finish up their naps to share this very simple recipe that has become one of my go-to snacks. I love to top my Quinoa Protein Cereal with either fresh berries,... Read More

Crockpot Coconut Vegetable Curry

I apologize for the blurry, unflattering photos below. Our new camera should arrive next week, so I will be using my iPhone less for food pics. Even if I did have the DSLR at my disposal, it’s difficult to take an appetizing photo of curry – the reddish pink sauce makes most veggies look brown, which is simply unappetizing! — I very recently became acquainted with the amazingness that is Indian food. It all started last summer when... Read More

Strawberry Mango Kale Salad

This is what it looks like outside right now. Yep. That’s a bunch of snow. God has quite a sense of humor, doesn’t he? The last time MN had snow in April was 2002, the year I graduated from high school. Prior to that, you have to go back to the 1980′s.  Hmmm… something just isn’t right. This is what it looks like inside. Much better! Since we returned from vacation I have felt off in my eating. I am eager for Spring... Read More

Green Apple Pie Smoothies

Between our regular grocery trips, my in-laws trees and our CSA fruit share, we have an overabundance of apples. Of course I have been busy making crockpot applesauce any chance that I can get; however, our new favorite way to enjoy the fall harvest has been Green Apple Pie Smoothies. Matthew has been teething since Luke’s arrival and loves a cold, refreshing smoothie mid-morning. This morning was no exception. Green Apple Pie Smoothie adapted... Read More

Summer Kale Salad

There was a big head of lacinato kale that I purchased at the farmer’s market two weeks ago sitting in my crisper drawer taking up much needed space. I had intended to create simple massaged kale salads for lunch every day last week, but instead opted for salads using CSA greens. This week the beautiful monster was starring me in the face and I knew it was time to use it for something. Enter the Summer Kale Salad. This is a very easy salad... Read More

Maple Strawberry Summer Salad

This was honestly one of the BEST sumer salads we have enjoyed in quite a while! Honestly, it was a completely impromptu, clean out the fridge kind of meal that took all of us by surprise. I love how unplanned meals can sometimes be the most delicious and rewarding. When planning dinner, I knew that I wanted to use up the remaining strawberries we had in the fridge along with some lettuce, cucumber and radish that had been hanging out in the fridge... Read More

Gluten-Free Summer Strawberry Cornbread

Can you believe that we are in the midst of strawberry season already?!? I adore sweet, local berries and am so excited that the season is arriving early and with a vengeance this year. Usually the local MN strawberries are bright red, extremely sweet and very fragile. They can be difficult to handle and bake with because they easily fall apart in your hands and have a high water content. However, this year I had the pleasure of buying a case of... Read More

Grain Free Banana Muffins

Yikes! It is hot and humid. Seriously, last week it was rainy and the mercury barely rose above 60˚. Gotta love MN weather! I wasn’t quite sure how my pregnant body would tolerate the heat and humidity of Minnesota summers, but so far, so good. Matthew and I are both warm blooded and like to sweat, but surprisingly, it doesn’t bother either of us if the air conditioning is off, the fans are on, the windows are open and we are sweatin’... Read More

Birthday Boy Blueberry Pancakes

As I mentioned earlier this afternoon, we enjoyed an amazing stack of blueberry pancakes this morning to celebrate this little guy’s birthday. Matthew, like his mama, loves breakfast! I knew that I wanted to make something special for him this morning to celebrate the big T-W-O and instantly thought of pancakes. A couple months ago, I whipped up Ashely’s Cherry Almond Pancakes and knew that her recipe would make the perfect base for the... Read More

Fun in the Sun

Have you been wondering to yourself, where in the world has that Maria Makes Muffins been?!? She hasn’t posted in weeks! Today I am here to answer that question… With the second trimester in full swing, Matthew and I have had quite a bit to catch up on. It felt like the first trimester moved in slow motion, filled with morning sickness, nausea and fatigue; however, the second trimester is FLYING by! This morning Matthew and I used up... Read More

Whole Wheat Maple Donuts

I had to stop in briefly this afternoon to tell you about the most amazing treat that I whipped up for bible study tomorrow morning. When I signed up for fellowship at bible study I immediately knew that I wanted to bring a healthy baked good. There were a few reasons for my decision: 1. All of the baked goods and sweets at bible study are loaded with white flour, sugar and (most likely) shortening or conventional butter. 2. Most people think that... Read More

What’s for Dinner?

I was honored to find out that my recipe for BBQ Quesadillas was featured on Yummly yesterday in a line up of Cheesy Quesadillas. There are several deliciously tempting quesadilla recipes highlighted that you should definitely try! What on the menu tonight? We are having a quick veggie-filled frittata with freshly baked bread.  Pregnancy cravings just hit and we are stopping at Noodles & Co for Pad Thai!  Read More

Natural Easter Egg Dyeing

Can you believe Easter is only a little over two weeks away? I know that some of you are busily planning your Easter brunch menus, children’s activities and household tasks to be completed before the big day while others haven’t given Easter a second thought. I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to share an experiment that we conducted last year as a family that was not only fun, but I am sure will become a family tradition. Two... Read More

A Pancake A Day…

… may not keep the doctor away, but will definitely put a smile on your face. A few weeks ago while pinning, I saw a gorgeous photo of a german (aka puff) pancake. I immediately wanted one. However, I knew that if I was going to indulge in such a decadent breakfast everyone in our family better be able to eat one. I was on the hunt for a gluten-free recipe and even researched a few ideas. However, the craving quickly passed and I didn’t... Read More

Gluten-Free Pizza

We had a bit of an unusual weekend and decided that instead of kicking off the weekend with pizza night, we would end the weekend with the family’s favorite meal. As you know, I have a recipe for an amazing whole wheat pizza crust that I raved about for months. Unfortunately, we are now gluten-free and a couple months ago a search for the perfect gluten-free pizza crust began. I think that we have a winner! Look at the doughy, perfect crust…... Read More

Forks Over Knives

With the start of the new year and the popularity of get healthy resolutions, Whole Foods hosted a screening of the movie, Forks Over Knives at a local library. I have been wanting to see this movie for some time, but unfortunately were unable to make any of the Minneapolis showings in 2011. We called my parent to babysit and were off on our date yesterday afternoon. photo source I was very excited that Allan agreed to accompany me to the movie, given... Read More

Four Things Friday + Giveaway

1. A couple weeks ago, I was sent a sample of Morrocco Method Styling Dragon Pomade. As you know, I tried the complete line of Morrocco Method shampoos and conditioners this summer, as I tried to go ‘poo-free. I was very saddened when their products didn’t work out for me at that time; however, I was still very interested in finding some of their products that would work for my hair type. When they offered to send me the Styling Dragon... Read More

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Bars

This would be the post that I would share my New Year’s resolutions, if I were the type to make resolutions. However, honestly, I’m not a big believer in resolutions. I don’t need a new year in order to get me in the mood to set goals and reach them. I’m just the type of person who gets something in their head and then does everything possible to achieve my dreams. No new year necessary. However, I do find the New Year to... Read More

Banana Chai Muffins

I am still in love with Ashley’s chai spice blend. Yum! Every week I make a batch of clean and healthy snack muffins or cookies for Matthew to enjoy throughout the week. It’s an easy way for me to ensure that he is getting enough healthy fat, whole grains and fruits/veggies. Plus, I can pop a few in my purse for snacks away from the house without having to solely rely on organic dry cereal. When I saw Heather’s recipe for banana... Read More

A Day In the Life…

Happy Monday! I have 3 loads of of laundry waiting to be folded and Matthew will be up from his nap very soon… yikes! folding laundry + Matthew = laundry all over the house I wanted to give you a taste of what my clean menu looks like on a daily basis. I try to follow Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean Diet Cooler 2 plan as closely as possible every day. I find that the Cooler 2 plan keeps me satisfied and energized while still shedding inches. So... Read More

Gingerbread Two Ways

Matthew and I have been enjoying our Advent Calendar activities. Matthew looks forward to opening the Advent Calendar door and unfolding the little piece of paper every day. I found little clip art photos to represent each activity so that he can recognize what we are doing without the need for me to read the activity out loud… even though I always do. Each day we talk about how God sent his son, Jesus, to save us. I honestly think Matthew... Read More

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…

“…yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 As Christmas nears I find myself getting more and more strapped for personal time. There are so many things that I would like to do, people I would like to visit and experiences I would like to enjoy with Matthew. However, it seems that there are just not enough hours in every day to do all that I would like – which I am ok with. I tend to get caught up in the perfection of... Read More

Thanksgiving: Green Bean, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Green Bean, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Adapted from Clean Eating Magazine A delicious departure from traditional green bean salad. The citrusy tang of the dressing is the perfect compliment to cool chèvre and earthy beets. This salad will leave you energized, not dragging. Gluten-free, dairy-free. Print this recipe. Serves 12 2 bunches golden or red beets with greens, scrubbed well 2 lbs green beans, washed and trimmed 3 tbsp chicken or vegetable... Read More

Thanksgiving: Souffléd Sweet Potato Bake

These sweet potatoes were wonderful! They can be enjoyed sweet, as shown above, or savory, as shown below. To make the sweet version omit the roasted garlic and rosemary from the recipe below and add 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice. During the last few minutes of cooking top with marshmallows and broil until they are puffy and golden brown – watch carefully to ensure that they do not burn. Souffléd Sweet Potato Bake Adapted... Read More

Thanksgiving: Pumpkin Brownie Pie

Pumpkin Brownie Pie Adapted from Oh She Glows This is one of the most decadent desserts I have ever made. The brownie is perfectly chocolatey and gooey while the pumpkin pie filling is better than traditional pumpkin pie. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan. Print this recipe. Serves 8 Pumpkin Pie Filling 1 cup canned pumpkin 2 tbsp arrowroot powder 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup sucanat 3 tbsp unsweetened almond or soy milk 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp... Read More

Thanksgiving: Rosted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans Inspired by Clean Eating Magazine and Ina Garten These are to your grandmother’s brussels sprouts! Even the pickiest of eaters will gobble these up. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan. Print this recipe. Serves 12 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, stems trimmed and loose leaves removed 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp pepper ½ cup pecans 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Preheat oven... Read More

Thanksgiving: Spiced Cranberry and Apple Sauce

Spiced Cranberry and Apple Sauce Adapted from Clean Eating Magazine Perfect for dipping! Matthew dipped his entire dinner into this sauce. A healthy twist on cranberry sauce featuring apples and ginger. The perfect pairing to your Holiday meal. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan. Print this recipe. Serves 12 12 oz cranberries, fresh or frozen and defrosted 1 apple (Granny Smith, Macintosh, Cortland, Gala or use a pear!), cored and diced 1/3 cup raw organic... Read More

Slow Roasted

A couple days ago my mother-in-law made a big batch of spaghetti sauce with her remaining garden tomatoes. I had several pounds of ripe big beef, cherry and roma tomatoes in my basement waiting to be used. This afternoon I decided to roast all of my ripe tomatoes along with minced garlic, quartered onions, baby carrots and celery, drizzled with 4 tbsp olive oil to create a huge pot of spaghetti sauce. I roasted the veggies on baking sheets covered... Read More

Pastries for Breakfast

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 Happy {day after} Halloween from one dragon to another! Life has been busy! We are thinking about putting our house back on the market and have spent the last several days preparing. There has been lots of work outdoors while the weather still allows. On top of that, there are several other major life changes that we are being led... Read More

Gluten-Free Teff Porridge

After having such great success making steel cut oats in my slow cooker, I wondered if the same things could be done with teff, which is our second favorite breakfast grain. Guess what? It worked! Since I suspect that Allan’s digestive issues are caused by gluten, teff has become our go-to breakfast porridge. We usually serve it with scrambled egg whites + 1 yolk a piece. I love spinach in my eggs. The slightly chewy, grainy texture reminds... Read More

Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts

A few things… 1. We spent the morning playing with our friends Renea and Dakota. 2.The house is clean. 3. Matthew only took an hour long nap. Needless to say, it’s been a productive day. However, due to #3, this is going to be a quick post. Yes, these are the Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts that I promised yesterday and last week. Yes, they are just as delicious as the glutenous version. However, I prefer the chocolate frosting over... Read More

The Best Thing I Ever Ate

Have you ever watched the show, The Best Thing I Ever Are? When we had cable, I would tune in to Food Network when I was doing chores… folding laundry, stuffing cloth diapers, etc. Inevitably, the show, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, would be on. I much prefer cooking shows like Giada At Home and 30 Minute Meals, but was always entertained by seeing all of the odd things that people enjoy eating. I have been hitting a lot of home runs in the kitchen... Read More

Gingerbread Waffles

With the celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving last weekend, I have been getting into the holiday mood. Now I know that it isn’t even Halloween yet, but I absolutely love the Holiday Season! Is it sad that I even listened to a few Christmas Songs on my iPhone last week? Yep. It happened. With the new addition of Matthew, last year was our first Holiday Season spent as a family. With all of the holiday busyness, multiple Christmas celebrations... Read More

Apple Cider Breakfast Bake

A couple weeks ago while at the Mill City Farmer’s Market, I picked up a half-gallon of freshly pressed, unpasturized apple cider from Sweetland Orchard. I knew right away that I wanted to use it in my baking. The next day I made a pot of crock pot steel cut oats and subbed in 1 cup of apple cider for 1 cup of water. What a treat! I have also been working on perfecting recipes for unsweetened apple cider donuts (recipe coming VERY soon) and... Read More

Wordless Wednesday: Family Favorites: Pumpkin Donuts

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 Pumpkin Donuts Serve these pumpkin donuts with a side of scrambled eggs for a special weekend breakfast or with a slice of string cheese as a quick grab and go snack during the week. Print this recipe. Makes 6 donuts 1 cup white whole wheat flour 1/4 c sucanat (I used 2 tbsp in this batch) 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp... Read More

Family Favorites: Fruit + Nut Snack Bars

Today has been a crazy day that included trips to both Target and Whole Foods. I think I need a nap. It’s days like today that I need a healthy portable snack for both Matthew and I that does not require refrigeration and can be enjoyed while strolling the grocery store aisles. In the past I would have reached for an overpriced, prepackaged protein bar. Nowadays, I like to save money by making my own. Disclaimer: Yes, I do keep a stash of... Read More

Family Favorites: Snack Muffins

A dear friend of mine, Natalie, has a son who is three weeks younger than Matthew. Prior to becoming a mom, she relied on simple meals to feed herself and her husband; however now that she is feeding a youngling, she has been revamping their diets to focus more on sustainable, organic fare that is quick and easy to prep while an energetic toddler is scooting around the condo. Recently, she asked me for tips, tricks and recipes that she could make... Read More

Pumpkin Time

It has been quite the eventful week around here and it’s only Tuesday! Matthew and I have been checking things off our list left and right… including cleaning the house {finally!}, laundry {very exciting}, food prep {coconut butter, sunflower seed butter, peanut butter, larabars, pumpkin oatmeal protein bars, zucchini breakfast bakes, pumpkin pudding} and finally bought a compost bin and snagged some Missoni for Target {skirt and dishes!,... Read More

Spicy Cumpleaños ::: Mexican Hot Chocolate Cake Recipe

We had an amazing four day weekend together! I can’t wait to tell you all about it. On Friday, Allan took a day of vacation and we went to the MN State Fair. Look for a recap on this escapade tomorrow. Today, I want to tell you about our One Bag Mexican Fiesta that I blogged about last week. As a quick recap, Foodbuzz and GLAD challenged me to host an event that generated only ONE BAG of landfill-bound trash. Participants received a trash... Read More

Eat Your Peas

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you already know about my Mama Pea lady love. While I do not know her personally, her witty sense of humor and lovely stories about her daily adventures are heartwarming and inviting. In a way, her family reminds me of my own, minus the whole vegan part. I am from a family of two girls and a (female) cat, that happens to look a lot like Pea Kitty. So, a lot of Mama Pea’s stories of their... Read More

Kefir French Toast

According to our monthly meal plan for August, on Saturday morning we were supposed to have cinnamon rolls from Mama Pea’s new book. However, for the last week I had been craving french toast. So, our plans changed. Instead I thawed the last loaf of homemade cinnamon swirl bread overnight and we had french toast. Oh me. Oh my. Did we have french toast! Topped with mashed banana, raspberries and mango… and a side of failed frittata.... Read More

Chocolate Cherry Truffle + Giveaway

Today is supposed to be the last day of the oppressive heat and humidity that we have been experiencing here in the upper midwest (and across the rest of the country!). I cannot wait for the storms to roll in and for the cooler, fall-like low-humidity seventies to arrive tomorrow. Matthew and I plan to spend the rest of the week enjoying the weather! This morning it was humid and cloudy, so we decided to do our monthly shopping trips to Valley Natural... Read More

Facon Takedown

I first saw facon (aka tempeh bacon) on Peas and Thank You a couple months ago. At the time I didn’t think much of it; however, as I was making our meal plan for the month of July I decided to make baked eggs that usually include turkey bacon. However, I’m not a big fan of turkey bacon and wanted a quick and easy substitute that was not fatty pork bacon. Enter facon. I knew that my breakfast recipe would not use an entire package, so I... Read More

Soak It Up

Over the weekend I finished Rachel Cosgrove’s The Female Body Breakthrough and was so excited to pick back up the heavy weights yesterday! I felt super energized after my workout and as the day grew to night I began to feel DOMS set in. I still don’t have a foam roller, but ordered this one this morning. It cannot get here soon enough. Matthew and I also made a quick run to Target this morning to pick up a couple other essentials... Read More

Dolce Vita

We had another glorious weekend filled with sunshine, family and amazing food! On Friday night Allan and I went on a date to Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill where we dined alfresco on amazing food including a cosmo for her and a mojito for him (my first vodka since having Matthew). We shared the mediterranean flatbread, mediterranean salad and a beef tenderloin with red potatoes and veggies sans butter. The food was amazing, but for some reason... Read More

Hashbrowns or Pizza?

Last Friday morning before work, Allan asked me if we were having Friday night pizza and I told him, “of course, it’s Friday, isn’t it?” He then asked me what kind of pizza we were having and I told him “you’ll see”. When he arrived home to see me shredding potatoes he was very suspicious. He immediately asked me if we were still having pizza and I told him “yes”. He looked at me perplexed and... Read More

Oldie But Goodie: Little Darlin’ Stir It Up

I had this post ready to publish last night and we lost power. Darn heat wave. Sorry for the delay. — The other day while I was perusing the new Clean Eats and Exercise forum, I got to thinking about my Simply Clean blog. It’s such a shame that I left so much relevant and useful content over there. Every so often, I would like to bring back a Simply Clean recipe in a new series entitled: Oldie But Goodie.  Today, we will talk about vodka… …... Read More

Hotter than the Dickens!

We arrived home late from Albert Lea and I knew that Matthew would be up early, so I prepped overnight oats. Allan’s has whole milk yogurt and 2% milk. Mine had homemade low-fat kefir and 2% milk. Served with a side of fresh farmer’s market musk melon. So refreshing on a HOT day! Starting Saturday, we have been experiencing a heat wave. It has been 90°+ with very high humidity, the heat index has easily been over 100° every... Read More

Oatty Friday

As you know, Friday is breakfast bake day around here. Originally I had planned to make this Blueberry Stuffed Breakfast Bake. However, after scouring the cupboards I found week and a half old strawberries that needed to be eaten, no buckwheat flour to be found and very little milk. So the following is a breakfast bake using what we had in the cupboards and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious. But don’t take my word for it… you... Read More

Road Rash and Breakfast Bakes

For those of you who follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, you most likely saw me live tweeting Allan’s 7 hour long visit to the HCMC ER last night. Allan was on his way home from work on a road that was repaved and graveled earlier that day. He took a left turn on the gravel and his bike slipped out from under him and thew him forward, landing on his hand and face. He sustained extensive road rash across the front of his... Read More

Cuppa Joe

Allan is usually caffeine-free. This post is not. Lately we have had several late nights and early mornings in a row coupled with the intoxicating smell of freshly ground organic Caribou coffee, so, for good reason, Allan has been enjoying a single cup o’ joe with breakfast. When I did our monthly meal plan, I decided that Friday and Saturday’s breakfasts would be special, gourmet meals. On Friday mornings we enjoy breakfast bakes. Thursday... Read More

Two Spoons Are Better Than One

Lately Mister Matthew has been on a utensil kick. If he sees a fork or a spoon he must have it and use it to consume whatever masterpiece that I make for him. The other day he insisted upon feeding himself leek soup with a spork and a spoon. This was the resulting mess. Not much food was actually consumed. To those of you who think that simply handing Matthew a spoon to play with and then using another spoon to feed him would work. It doesn’t.... Read More

Between the Sheets

Hello Pinners! I am so happy that you clicked through and found MMM. The following recipe for Overnight Oats is one of my favorite Spring and Summer breakfasts. Don’t want to add protein powder to your overnight oats or want to make a batch for your kids? I have an updated recipe here that is still full of protein goodness, minus the protein powder. Looking for more clean eats or want to know more about clean eating and MMM? Be sure to check... Read More

For the Love of Leftovers

Allan and I have never been big fans of leftovers. Over the years I have learned to creatively use up leftovers in a gracious manner, but most of the time leftovers are presented at our table in the same state that they were originally created. Don’t get me wrong, leftovers make wonderful quick lunches and fast weeknight suppers. It’s just that some people have a way of magically transforming leftovers into completely different meals... Read More

Chocolate Heaven

We have been on the run lately, so it was essential that I take half an hour and whip up a couple batches of various protein bars and snacks for grab-and-go snacks while in the car, running errands, or going to play dates. During the week , Matthew and I have been enjoying quality time with a couple different groups of moms. Today we joined a new group of lovely ladies that we met through Allan at Lake Hiawatha Park. Matthew and I both had an amazing... Read More

Somebody Call 911!

Listen up! Put down your remote and head to the kitchen immediately (after reading this post) to prep this breakfast for tomorrow morning. You’re welcome ahead of time. Trust me, you will love me in the morning. We had a handful of extra organic cherries that needed to be used up and after seeing the beautiful cake Coco made for her twenty sixth birthday, I knew that I needed to make a delicious cherry breakfast. And so I did. To make morning... Read More

Rhubarb Strawberry Sauce

Today was an amazing day filled with laughter, sunshine and family. I love afternoons spent talking, munching and playing in the sunshine with those that mean the most to me. It was glorious! Last night I was so excited to enjoy a Cooler 2 breakfast that I threw together this simple Rhubarb Strawberry sauce that simmered away on the stovetop while we got Matthew ready for bed. Very easy and super simple. Enjoyed alongside an egg white + 1 yolk spinach... Read More

Frosting on the Cake

Prior to Matthew’s birthday party last weekend I had no clue how to correctly frost a cake. I wanted Matthew’s first birthday cake to not only be a nutritious whole food delight, I also wanted it to be as beautiful as a store bought cake. So, after scouring the internet, reading demos and watching how-to videos I devised a plan. The following is how I created this masterpiece. First I baked two 9-inch almond flour banana cakes from this... Read More

Dough Balls for All!

One afternoon day per week Matthew and I spend quality time together in the kitchen prepping food for the week. I hate washing dished, but I love to cook and bake. So, to indulge my creative side and to minimize clean up I cook in large batches of similar items all in one afternoon. That way I can make all of the items one after another (or simultaneously) using similar ingredients and/or equipment. Saving me prep and clean-up time. Also, washing... Read More

Rhubarb Breakfast Bake

Simply Rhubarb Our garden is overflowing with sweet and sour, ripe rhubarb. And from what I hear, that is the case across the Midwest. So, what should you do with your rhubarb bounty? Why make muffins, of course! My good friend, Laura, wrote to me asking for a rhubarb muffin recipe that was high in protein, but did not use protein powder. She wanted to be able to eat a muffin or two as a complete snack versus having to pair a high carb muffin with... Read More

BBQ Quesadillas

Yesterday was a crazy, hectic day! I hate running errands alone and feel like I spend so much of my time getting ready to get things done that I never get anything done! So, I am trying to pack all of my errands into one afternoon trip per week. That way I save time getting Matthew and I ready to leave and save money on gas, because I can align all of my stops so that they are near one another. So, yesterday we went to the bank to deposit my check... Read More

Asparagus Frittata

Lately we have been enjoying fresh, local asparagus by the bushel. Asparagus is hands down one of my favorite veggies and I look forward to its arrival each Spring. We picked up two pounds of asparagus at the Sunday Farmer’s Market and we spared no time to enjoy it. Matthew likes to nibble the small, tender stalks raw. Allan and I prefer ours lightly charred on the grill. A couple nights ago I made a version of my frittata with grilled... Read More

Pizza Night

Today Matthew and I spent the afternoon cleaning for the two open houses and showing that are taking place this weekend. Since the weather warmed up, we have had a huge increase in showings and hope that coupled with this week’s price reduction will bring in the offers. Know anyone who is house shopping? Send them our way! It’s Friday, so you know what that means… pizza night! However, tonight we will not be dinning on pizza. My... Read More