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Make a Special Valentines Day Card

January 10, 2011 in Gifts by Hanna Trafford

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It always means more when you – or you along with your child – take the time to let your creativity kick in a make a special card for that someone special. And Valentines Day is as good as any other time to do that. Here are some creative ideas that will help you do that:

Thumbprint Valentines Card

You can make this card with even the youngest child – just help them to dip their thumbs into poster paints and show them how to put them onto the card (you may want to do a little practice  session or two)

What You Need:

  • Sheet of pink construction paper
  • Red and pink poster paint
  • Shiny pipe cleaner
  • Markers

How to Make it:

  1. Fold the sheet of construction paper in half and crease to create your card – trim to desired size
  2. Dip thumb in red paint and press onto card at slight angle. Lift and repeat to create the desired design – check out the picture for guidance, but feel free to get creative!
  3. Use the pipe cleaner to create a heart for centre of the card and markers to write your – or your child’s message. You can get even more creative here – use the marker to add arms and legs to the heart and even add a smiling face!
  4. Then just write a message into the centre of the card and you are done!
  5. Instead of construction paper, you can use white or coloured stock for this card

For more cards and Valentines Day crafts, recipes and tips,  check out:

Easy Valentines Day Crafts

 

 

Valentines Day Breakfast Recipes

 

 

How to Pla

n Valentines Day Party

 

 

Valentines Day Dinner Recipes

Best Romantic Movies for Valentines Day

 

 

Hope all this information will help you have a very special Valentines Day – please send in your comments, suggestions and experiences, your input is welcomed and much appreciated

 

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Fathers Day Breakfast Recipes

June 17, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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I think dad does deserve a huge, homemade breakfast on Fathers Day, don’t you? I have put together a menu to make the task as easy as possible for you. And the recipes are simple enough so that you can have your kids helping to make this special treat for dad! And sice you will be getting kids into doing special things for dad, consider helping them make their own Father’s Day card – it will be treasured for years to come!

Fathers Day Breakfast Recipes:

Watermelon Lime Popsicles

Ingredients

  • 5 cups seedless watermelon (about 1/4 of a large watermelon), diced
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  2. Discard solids and distribute the puree evenly among eight (3-ounce) Popsicle molds evenly. Freeze overnight.

Note:

Add 1/2 cup strawberries for a delicious Watermelon-Strawberry Popsicle.

Baked Pancakes and Sausages


Ingredients

  • 1 lb. of breakfast pork sausages
  • 1-3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 5 teaspoons of white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1-1/2 cups of milk
  • 3 tablespoons of shortening, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Grease a 10×15 inch jellyroll pan.
  3. Place sausages in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside.
  4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, white sugar and salt, set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy.
  6. Add milk and shortening and mix well.
  7. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until smooth.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan. Arrange sausages on top of the batter.
  9. Bake for 15 minutes, In the preheated oven, or until pancakes are cooked through. Cut into 10 pieces and serve hot with butter and syrup.

Egg in a Toast


Ingredients

  • 1/2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 slice white bread
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Butter both sides of bread.
  2. Cut a circular hole in the center of the slice of bread or cut out a shape such as a heart for that special touch –  about 2-1/2 inches in diameter.
  3. Heat a frying pan or griddle on medium-high heat.
  4. When the frying pan is hot, place the bread into the pan and let it brown for one minute.
  5. Flip the toast over and let the other side brown for one minute.
  6. Break the egg into the hole in the bread.
  7. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the egg is cooked to the consistency you prefer.

English Muffin Pizzas


Ingredients

  • 8 English muffins, split
  • 1 cup of marinara sauce
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 slices of pepperoni

Instructions

  1. Set your oven on broil.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  3. Lightly toast English muffins.
  4. Place muffins onto prepared baking sheet and top with about 1-1/2 to 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce.
  5. Evenly distribute mozzarella cheese between the muffins and top each with 2 pepperoni slices.
  6. Place under the broiler and broil for about 25-30 seconds or until cheese is slightly brown and bubbly.

Apple Cranberry Crumble


Ingredients

Fruit mixture:

  • 4 cups of apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries, halved
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of corn starch

Crumble topping:

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F .
  2. Grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish (or any baking dish of a similar size).
  3. Prepare the fruit mixture. In a bowl, toss together apples, fresh cranberries and dried cranberries.
  4. Add sugar and corn starch and toss to mix everything well.
  5. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
  6. Make the crumble topping. In another large bowl (or in a food processor), combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut butter into the mixture until it has a slightly sticky crumbly texture.
  7. Sprinkle over the apple cranberry mixture in the baking dish.
  8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the fruit juices are bubbling and the topping is browned and crisp.
  9. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tropical Fruit Salad


Ingredients

  • 2  (20-ounce) cans cored pineapple, undrained
  • 3  tablespoons  of honey
  • 1/2  cup of fresh lime juice
  • 1  teaspoon of grated orange rind
  • 1  teaspoon of grated lime rind
  • 6  medium oranges, peeled and sliced
  • 4  kiwifruits, peeled, halved, and sliced
  • 2  papayas, peeled and cubed
  • Garnishes: 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut, fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup juice.
  2. Cut pineapple into cubes.
  3. Stir together reserved juice, honey, and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl; add pineapple and remaining fruit, tossing gently to coat.
  4. Cover and chill 8 hours.
  5. Garnish, if desired.


Hope you enjoy trying out these recipe and also that your special dad enjoys eating it! If you are looking for more alternatives for that special day, you can be sure that there are more Father’s Day Menu recipes on this website!

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Great Muffin Recipes

June 11, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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You probably already know that i have a real Passion for muffins. To me – they are the best of “comfort foods”. Clear example is a post I dod some time ago, about treating myself to freshly baked apple cinnamon muffins – you can visit the page here:

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

There is almost an unlimited number of muffin recipes and I find that substituting one fruit for another, adding goodies like raisins or nuts creates yet another tasting sensation. I also always sprinkle vanilla sugar and cinnamon on hte top before baking – the aroma is awesome and it is a pleasure to be around the kitchen. My favourite ones in this category are the Sugared Rhubarb Muffins – try them and if you want, add some chopped strawberries to the fruit part – I totally load the fruit in and they are delicious!

Sugared Rhubarb Muffins

And if the above two recipes are not enough – you will want to check out my favourite top 10 recipes – all totally homemade and absolutely delicious!

Top 10 Muffin Recipes:

Hope you enjoyed this regresher on fabulous muffins and if there is a recipe you are looking for, please let me know – I will gladly forward it to you!


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Very Special Tea Biscuits

June 2, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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Here is real treat for you!

One of our favourite places to visit is Pickerel Lake Lodge in Burk’s Falls, Ontario. This beautiful resort has everything you could think of. I call it: “My way of visiting with nature” It is located on Pickerel Lake, short drive from major highway (#11) and it offers very comfortable lodgings from a spacious hotel rooms to queen and king suites (complete with Jacuzzi tubs) to 2-story chalets and incredible log homes for groups of visitors. Indoor pool, spa hot tub, fitness centre, lounge and restaurant overlooking the lake make for easy choice for any occasion. Pickerel Lake Lodge is perfect for events like weddings, anniversaries and business meeting as well.

During our last visit, I sneaked into the kitchen to check out what Chef Rob was preparing for the next day’s Mothers Day brunch. My timing was perfect – he was just taking these incredible tea biscuits from the oven. Of course – he offered me one and I tell you – I wasn’t sure that I could only eat one! Graciously, Tammy – the young lady who assists management of the lodge – shared her recipe not only with Chef Rob but with me to share with all of you. Enjoy it and if you ever have a chance, make sure you visit Pickerel Lake Lodge – you will love it!I have includes a few pictures from Pickerel Lake Lodge so you can see just what a beautiful place it is.

Ham and Cheddar Tea Biscuits

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
  • 1 and a half cup diced ham
  • 1 cup cheese shredded

Directions:

  1. Combine flour, baking powder,salt and sugar
  2. Add ham a cheddar and mix with dry ingredients
  3. Make well in the centre of mixture and add all remaining ingredients, stirring gently until mixed in
  4. Grease muffin tins ,fill at least half full with biscuit batter and bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. You can brush the biscuits with melted butter while they are still warm if you choose to.

Hope you enjoy this recipe and please send in your comments and suggestions – your imput is always very much welcomed and appreciated!

Beautiful Pickerel Lake Lodge in Burk’s Falls, Ontario, Canada

If you want to see more pictures from Pickerel Lake Lodge

just click on the link

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Top Ten Tea Biscuit Recipes

April 15, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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peanut-butter-tea-biscuitsI love making tea biscuits any chance I get. They are quite suitable to be added to any meal and the sweet versions make a great after lunch or a dinner snack. Tea biscuits are incredibly easy and quick to make and that to me that is one of the most appealing attributes – not to mention that the aroma of freshly baked goods is always, always good!

I have posted Prize winning Tea Biscuit Recipe quite a while ago and it was very well received – you can find it following this link:

Prize Winning Tea Biscuit Recipe

Top 10 Tea Biscuits Recipes

 

1. Quick Tea Biscuits

quick-tea-biscuits

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 3/4 cup milk

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400F
  2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
  3. Cut shortening in with pastry knife or 2 butter knives until the mixture is crumbly.
  4. Add milk and stir with a fork to make a soft dough
  5. Knead about 10 times and gently roll out to desired thickness – no less than ½ inch.
  6. Cut out rounds with a cookie or biscuit cutter (I use small juice glass)
  7. Repeat by gently kneading dough into one piece and repeating cutting until you use up all your dough (do not work the dough to hard doing this or your biscuits will be tough)
  8. Place your biscuits on a greased cookie sheet
  9. Bake for 12 – 15 minutes until golden and save warm
  10. You can brush them with melted butter when you take them out of the oven for extra taste.

2. Beer Tea Biscuits

beer-biscuits

Ingredients:

 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 3/4 cup beer

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450F
  2. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt
  3. Cut in shortening until dough has crumbly consistency
  4. Stir in beer and knead gently
  5. Roll the dough out to no less than ½ inch thickness
  6. Cut with round cookie or biscuit cutter
  7. Bake 10 -12 minutes or until golden brown

3. Sour Cream Biscuits

 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons water

Directions

  1. Combine flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder.
  2. Add sour cream and mix together to make a soft dough. You can add water if you need to.
  3. Flour your hands and shape dough into desired biscuit shapes – soft round shapes work the best
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown

4. Cinnamon Sour Cream Biscuits

cinnamon-sour-cream-biscuits

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 teaspoons milk

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450F
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, soda and salt
  3. Cut in margarine and make well in the centre
  4. Add sour cream, 2 tablespoons of milk and raisins.
  5. Stir until just combined – not a good idea to overmix this (you can add more milk at this point if you need to)
  6. Empty dough onto floured surface and gently knead about 10 times.
  7. Pat to no less than ½ inch thickness.
  8. Cut to round shapes with cookie or biscuit cutter, dipping the cutter in flour between each cut.
  9. Place each biscuit onto floured cookie sheet
  10. Bake at 450F for 10-12 minutes or until golden and cool slightly on wire rack after baking.
  11. Stir together confectioner’s sugar and teaspoons of milk.
  12. Drizzle mixture over warm biscuits, then sprinkle with additional cinnamon/sugar mixture if you wish. I like using vanilla sugar and cinnamon mixture – the aroma is awesome!

5. Whipped Cream Biscuits

whipped-cream-biscuits

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

Directions

  1. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Stir in cream
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently about 10 times
  4. Roll out to ¾ – 1″ thickness and cut with 2 inch round biscuit cutter
  5. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake at 425F for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
  6. Serve warm

6. Honey Tea Biscuits

honey-biscuits

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 cup cold butter
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Directions

  1. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and cream of tartar in a large bowl
  2. Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Stir in milk and honey – only until just moistened.
  4. Turn the mixture onto floured surface and knead gently 8-10 times.
  5. Roll out to ¾ – 1″ thickness and cut into round shapes with 2 – 2-1/2 ” biscuit cutter
  6. Place on a greased baking sheet about 1 inch apart
  7. Bake at 450 for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown

7. Cinnamon Raisin Tea Biscuits

cinnamon-raisin-bicsuits

Ingredients

Biscuits:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup raisins

Icing:

  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon and salt.
  2. Cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly.
  3. Add milk and raisins and stir gently only until ingredients are combines.
  4. Turn dough onto floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes (You will want this dough to be nice ad smooth)
  5. Roll to no less that ½ inch thickness
  6. Cut out round shapes about 2-1/2″ in diameter with cookie or biscuit cutter.
  7. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 450F for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
  8. Combine the icing ingredients and drizzle mixture over warm biscuits

8. Upside Down Orange Tea Biscuits

upside-down-orange-bicuits

Ingredients

Biscuits:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons shortening
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange peel

Directions

  1. Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
  2. Cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly.
  3. Stir in milk until just moistened.
  4. Turn onto floured surface and knead gently for 10-12 minutes
  5. Roll out into 12 x 15 inch rectangle and spread with butter
  6. Combine sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over butter
  7. Roll up jelly roll style, starting from the short side.
  8. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
  9. Place upside down in a greased 9 inch round baking pan.
  10. Combine topping ingredients and pour over biscuits
  11. Bake at 450F for 20 – 25 minutes or until lightly brown
  12. Cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, invert onto serving plate and serve warm.

9. Cheddar Puff Tea Biscuits

cheddar-puff-biscuits

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Bring milk and butter to boil in a large saucepan
  2. Add flour all at once and stir until you can form a smooth ball.
  3. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes
  4. Add eggs – one a time, beating well after each addition
  5. Add cheese, garlic powder and pepper, beat again until mixture is smooth and shiny.
  6. Drop by teaspoonfuls  about 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets.
  7. Bake at 350F for 25 – 30 minutes or until golden brown
  8. Serve warm and refrigerate leftovers.

10. Fluffy Whole Wheat Tea Biscuits

fluffy-whole-wheat-biscuits

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 cup milk

Directions

  1. Combine flours, baking powder, sugar and salt in a medium size mixing bowl and mix together well.
  2. Cut in butter until mixture gets crumbly.
  3. Stir in milk until just moistened.
  4. Turn onto lightly floured surface and knead gently about 10 times.
  5. Roll out to about ¾” thickness and cut shapes with round 2-1/2 inch biscuit or cookie cutter
  6. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 450F for about 10-12 minutes until lightly browned
  7. Serve warm

Hope you enjoy these recipes – please send in your comments,suggestions and experiences – your input is always welcomed!

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Breakfast Recipes for Diabetics

February 16, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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If you or your family member are diabetic, here are some great breakfast recipes for you!

Apricot Morning Drink

exps8932_TH2686C68A.jpg

Ingredients:

1 – 16 ounce can of sugar free apricot halves

1-1/2 cups of skim milk

3 eggs

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of liquid sweetener

Grounf cinnamon to taste

Orange slices for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  • Combine all ingredients except the cinnamon in a blender and cover.
  • Blend at medium speed for abour 30 seconds.
  • Pour into glasses and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
  • Garnish with orange slices if desired.

Broiled Grapefruit

agave-grapefruit.jpg

Ingredients:

1 grapefruit

1/2 teaspoon of butter

1 teaspoon of granulated sugar replacement

dash of ground cinnamon

dash of ground nutmeg

Directions:

  • Cut grapefruit in half.
  • Loosen sections with a sharp knife or a grapefruit spoon
  • Place a 1.4 teaspoon of butter in middle of each half
  • Sprinkle each half with 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar replacement, cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Broil 4 inches from heat for 6-8 minutes
  • Serve hot

Italian Scrambled Eggs

weekend-brunch-potatoes-scrambled-eggs-tomatoes1.jpg

ingredients:

1 small butternut squash,thinly sliced and chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 tablespoons of butter

1 cup of meatless spaghetti sauce

4 large eggs

2 tablespoons of water

Directions:

  • In a medium skillet, lightly saute squash and onion in 1 tablespoon of butter until onion is translucent.
  • Add spaghetti sauce and eason lightly with salt and pepper
  • Simmer for about 5 minutes and set aside
  • Beat together eggs and water
  • In a large skillet, scramble eggs in remaining butter
  • Serve immediately

Baked Apple Fritters

Fritter1.jpg

Ingredients

1 cup of honey graham crackers, crushed into crumbs

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

2 large apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces

4 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions:

  • Combine graham crackers with cinnamon
  • Mix apple slices with lemon juice to coat evenly
  • Combine graham cracker and apple mixes
  • Place on greased cookie sheet using tablespoon to form fritters
  • Bake at 400F for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown
  • Serve warm

Buttermilk Waffles

1704102893_159d482e2f.jpg

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of all purpose flour

1/2 cup of dry oatmeal

1/4 cup of cornmeal

1 tablespoon of baking powder

2 teaspoons of natural butter flavour mix

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 egg

1/4 cup of low-calorie margarine

1-1/2 cup of buttermilk

Directions:

  • Combine the flour, oatmeal, cornmeal ,butter mix and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Add the egg and margarine
  • Stir to mix
  • Stir in the buttermilk
  • Cover and allow the batter to rest for 20 minutes or until double in size
  • Bake waffles in preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions

Baked French Toast

yummy_french_toast.jpg

Ingredients

2 eggs, well beaten

1/2 cup of 2% milk

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

6 slices of wholewheat bread

1 cup of bran flakes

1/4 cup of margarine, melted

Directions:

  • Combine eggs, milk, salt amd vanilla in shallow dish
  • Dip bread in egg mixture turning once, and allow time for both sides to absorb the liquid
  • Coat evenly with bran flakes and place in single layer on a well-greased baking sheet
  • Drizzle with margarine
  • Bake at 450F for about 10 minutes or until nice and crisp and brown
  • Serve warm with sugar reduced maple syrup

Hope you enjoy getting these recipes – please share your comments and send in your suggestions – your input is a always very welcomed!

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Valentines Day Breakfast Recipes

February 8, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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eggs-vday-475x357_476x357I think Valentine’s Day is such a nice thing! As much as it is sort of intended for lovers, it is definitely a holiday to celebrate love. And to me, it means celebrating the love you have for your spouse, your family, your children, friends…. and love in general.

One of the nice things to do on this day is to prepare a special breakfast – and here are some recipes that will help you to say “I Love You” first thing in the morning!

Valentine’s Day Breakfast Recipes

Berry Mimosa

BerryMimosa_234x175_rdax_65.jpg

Put a fresh spin on the traditional mimosa — minus the alcohol — with cranberry juice and a fizzy mixer.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice
  • 1 cup raspberry flavoured ginger ale
  • 1 strawberry, top removed, sliced in half
  • Spring of mint

Directions:

  1. Combine juice and ginger ale in a small pitcher; pour into champagne glasses.
  2. Garnish with strawberry slice and mint sprig.

Another idea:

Trade the ginger ale for a raspberry-flavoured sparkling water or berry-flavoured sparkling lemonade.

Mixed Berry Compote

BerryCompote_234x175_rdax_65.jpg

This simple mix of fresh berries will without a doubt sweeten your Valentine’s Day breakfast or brunch meal and added benefit is that it is healthy!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1 cup strawberries
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Sprig of fresh mint

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil.
  2. Simmer for about 10 minutes on medium-low heat.
  3. Add the blackberries and strawberries, stir to mix thoroughly and simmer on low for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the raspberries and butter to the mixture; warm until butter just melts.
  5. Remove from heat; let cool slightly.
  6. Garnish with mint.
  7. Top with fresh whipped cream.

Breakfast Strata

breakfast strata.jpg

To make this tasty dish, you can prepare ingredients the day before, store them in plastic containers in your refrigerator and bake the Strata in the morning!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 3 cups chopped zucchini
  • 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped green pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
  • 12 eggs
  • 4 cups cubed day-old bread
  • 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, saute the mushrooms, zucchini, ham, onions, green peppers and garlic in oil until vegetables are tender.
  2. Drain and pat dry; set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and cream until smooth.
  4. Beat in eggs.
  5. Stir in the bread, cheese, salt, pepper and vegetable mixture.
  6. Pour into two greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dishes.
  7. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Waffles

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There in nothing wrong with having chocolate for breakfast – especially not on Valentine’s Day!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon milk

Directions

  1. Preheat waffle iron.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cocoa.
  3. Stir in milk, eggs and butter until mixture is smooth.
  4. To make hard sauce: stir together softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and milk.
  5. Sauce should be fairly stiff.
  6. Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray.
  7. Pour mix onto hot waffle iron.
  8. Cook until golden brown.
  9. Serve hot with hard sauce.

Heart Breakfast

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Simply cutting out a shape from a piece of bread turns a breakfast standard into a special treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1 slice bread
  • 1 large egg

Directions

  1. Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cutter, or sharp knife, cut heart out of the center of the bread.
  2. In a medium non-stick skillet over medium low heat melt butter. Place the bread, heart stencil and cut-out heart, in the skillet. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bread is toasted on one side.
  3. Flip bread over and add egg to the center of the cut-out heart. Cover skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until white of egg is cooked.
  4. Salt and pepper to taste. Spread heart cut-out with jam, if desired.

Tips & Tricks

- If your skillet is too small to fit the stencil and cut-out heart bread pieces so that they lay flat, the cut-out can be toasted in a toaster.

- If sunny-side up eggs are not to your liking, then once the egg is set turn over the filled stencil and cook about 1 minute more, or until the yolk is set.

Valentine’s Day Pancakes

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Ingredients

Pancakes:

  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/3 cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Maple Raspberry Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup seedless red raspberry jam
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt to combine.
  2. Make a well in the dry ingredient. In the well add the buttermilk, egg and butter. Stir to moisten. It will not be smooth.
  3. Grease and heat griddle over medium low heat. For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto griddle Cook about 1-2 minutes, or until bubbles appear on the top of the pancakes. Turn and cook about 1-2 minutes more or until just cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.
  4. With 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut pancakes into hearts.
  5. For sauce: In medium microwavable bowl cook raspberry jam with maple syrup on high; stir to combine. Continue to heat in 30 second intervals, stirring to combine, until raspberry jam is melted

Cinnamon Toast

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Toast your favourite kind of bread and spread with butter and dust with icing sugar and cinnamon to add a special sweet surprise to your special Valentine’s Day breakfast..

Ingredients

  • 2 slices white bread
  • 2 teaspoons butter or margarine
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Use a toaster to toast the bread to desired darkness.
  2. Spread butter or margarine onto one side of each slice.
  3. In a cup or small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon
  4. Sprinkle generously over hot buttered toast.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and please send in your comments, suggestions and experiences! You input is always very much welcomed and appreciated!

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Homemade Apple Cinnamon Muffins

November 18, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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apple-muffins4-111809I want you to picture this – it is early November morning in Ontario – the sun just came out and it looks beautiful outside. Cold – yes, but fresh and when I look in my backyard, our maple tree still has some beautiful gold leaves. Gorgeous scene against the birght blue sky!

Considering all this, I am thinking that something is missing…. Going outside to enjoy the morning is not really an option – I am not all that fond of cold weather, even if it does look very nice out there!

And then I though – how about making a treat for myself? And what could be better than adding the aroma of apples and cinnamon to the picture prefect morning? I know others will enjoy fresh muffins as well – but for now – I am doing it for myself!

Honestly – try it one day! When you are just by yourself, make yourself something that will make you happy and relaxed ! For me – on this beautiful morning it was adding the aroma (and of course the taste) of freshly baked apple cinnamon muffins!

Here is the recipe – and I took a few picture for you!

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Muffins:

1/2 cup of butter or margarine – softened

3/4 cup of sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 cup of sour cream

1 teaspoon of salt

1-1/2 cups of diced apples

1 cup of all purpose flour

3/4 cup of whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 cup of raisins

  • Cinnamon and vanilla sugar for topping
  • Blend margarine, sugar and egg until smooth.
  • Add sour cream, salt, apples and mix well.
  • Stir together flour, soda, cinnamon and add to the wet ingredient mixture.
  • Mix only to moisten
  • Spoon into muffin pan lined with baking cups and sprinkle with cinnamon and vanilla sugar.
  • Bake at 375F for 20 minutes or until tops are golden.

And here is how it went:


Ready for the Oven

Ready for the Oven

After 20 minutes and great aroma filling my house - they are ready!

After 20 minutes and great aroma filling my house - they are ready!

Ready for warm apple cinnamon muffin and frsh coffee? Yum!

Ready for warm apple cinnamon muffin and fresh coffee? Yum!

Happiness is.....beautiful morning,warm apple cinnamon muffin and a cup of fresh coffee

Happiness is.....beautiful morning,warm apple cinnamon muffin and a cup of fresh coffee

And I have to admit…. I didn’t eat just one! (Two – honest!!!!)


I do hope you enjoyed this and I highly recommend that you try doing something similar for yourself! Please send me your comments, suggestions and experiences – it is what this site is all about – sharing!

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Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pancakes

October 15, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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There is a whole lot you can do with pumpkin and this is the season to do it! So – beside the good old fashioned pumpkin pie, or some delicious pumpkin muffins, how about making a real treat for your family’s breakfast? Here is an easy to make and very, very tasty recipe for pumpkin pancakes for you!

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pancakes:

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pancakes

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pancakes

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1-1/2 cups fat-free milk

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1 egg white, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons canola oil

  • In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients.
  • In a small bowl, combine the milk, pumpkin, egg white and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
  • Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top.Cook until second side is golden brown.

Hope you enjoyed this recipe – your comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

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Top 10 Breakfast Muffin Recipes

September 23, 2009 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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breakfast_muffins-495x292These are my favourites and well tested muffin recipes – all great for breakfast but don’t let that statement limit you – they are great for an afternoon snack or any other time as well.

Here are some basic muffins making tips:

  • Use pre-sifted all purpose flour – if you want to use cake and pastry flour, increase the recipe by ¼ cup
  • Muffin batter needs to be mixed quickly and as lightly as possible – basically only stirring it moisten it together. The batter needs to look lumpy. If you are going to use electric mixer, use it only for putting together wet ingredients.
  • Most muffins can be baked at 375F – any higher temperature will result in leathery texture muffins.
  • If you want big, high muffins, fill your muffin cups to the top. You might want to grease the top of muffins tin as well to prevent sticking and make unmolding easier.
  • All the muffins will freeze beautifully – you just need to cool them completely, wrap them in foil and put into airtight plastic bags. To re-heat them, unwrap and bake at 350F for no more than 10 minutes.

Here is the list of my Top 10 Breakfast Muffin Recipes:

Old Fashioned Apple Muffins

Old Fashioned Apple Muffins

Old Fashioned Apple Muffins

¼ cup of shortening

¾ cups of white sugar

½ teaspoon of vanilla

1 egg, beaten

1 cup of flour

1 teaspoon of baking powder

¼ teaspoon of salt

¼ teaspoon of nutmeg

1-1/2 cups of chopped apples

1 tablespoon of cream

  • Cream shortening and sugar
  • Add vanilla and beaten eggs
  • Stir together dry ingredients and add to wet ingredients, stirring just to moisten
  • Add apples and cream gently
  • Fill greased muffin cups and bake at 350F for 20 -25 minutes

Note: These taste great if you add a cup of grated cheese to the batter!

Applesauce Bran Muffins

Applesauce Bran Muffins

2. Applesauce Bran Muffins

1 cup of all bran

1 cup of buttermilk or sour milk

1-1/4 cup off unsweetened applesauce

¼ cup of molasses

¼ cup of oil

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1-1/2 cups of flour

½ cup of brown sugar

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of baking soda

  • Stir all bran, buttermilk, applesauce, molasses, oil., egg and vanilla together and let stand for 5 minutes.
  • Stir the fry ingredients together
  • Aff bran mixture to dry ingredients, stirring just to moisten
  • Bake at 375F for 20 minutes
Fantastic Banana Muffins

Fantastic Banana Muffins

3. Fantastic Banana Muffins

3 large bananas

¾ cups of white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of baking powder

½ teaspoon of salt

1-1/2 cups of flour

1/3 cup of melted butter

  • Mash bananas, add sugar and slightly beaten egg
  • Add the melted butter
  • Add the dry ingredients and bake at 375F for 20 minutes.
Whole Wheat Banana Muffins

Whole Wheat Banana Muffins

4. Whole Wheat Banana Muffins

¾ cup of all purpose flour

¾ cup of whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of baking powder

½ teaspoon of salt

1/3 cup of oil

2/3 cup of brown sugar

2 eggs

1 cup of mashed bananas

Topping:

¼ cup of white sugar

½ teaspoon of cinnamon

  • Mash bananas. Combine bananas, brown sugar, oil and egg. Beat until mixed.
  • Stir in dry ingredients together and add to banana mixture, mixing to combine.
  • 1/2 cup of chopped nuts can be added to the batter
  • Sprinkle topping on top of batter before baking
  • Bake at 350F for 20 minutes
Honey Bran Muffins

Honey Bran Muffins

5. Honey Bran Muffins

1 cup of natural bran

1 cup of buttermilk

1/3 cup of butter or margarine

½ cup of brown sugar

2 tablespoons of honey

1 egg

1 cup of flour

2 teaspoons of baking powder

½ teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of salt

  • Soak bran in buttermilk while preparing the rest.
  • Cream butter and brown sugar. Beat in the honey and egg. Add the bran and buttermilk.
  • Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  • Add dry ingredients and stir until well moistened.
  • Bake at 375F for 15 – 20 minutes.
Cranberry Muffins

Cranberry Muffins

6. Cranberry Muffins

1 cup of cranberries

¼ cup of white sugar

1-1/2 cup of flour

Another ¼ cup of white sugar

2 teaspoons of baking powder

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

¼ teaspoon of ground all spice

1 beaten egg

¼ teaspoon of grated orange zest

¾ cup of orange juice

1/3 cup of melted butter or margarine

¼ cup of chopped walnuts

  • Coarsely chop cranberries
  • Sprinkle with 1./4 cup of sugar and set aside
  • In a bowl, stir together flour, ¼ cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, all spice and make a well in the centre.
  • Combine egg., orange peel, orange juice and melted butter. Add all at once to the flour mixture, stirring to moisten.
  • Fold in cranberry mixture and nuts.
  • Fill greased muffins cups and bake at 375F for 15 -20 minutes or until golden
Date Muffins

Date Muffins

7. Date muffins

1 cup of chopped dates

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1/4 cup of margarine or shortening

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over this and let cool.

Add 1 cup of brown sugar to one beaten egg and add to cooled date mixture.

Add: 1 cup of bran

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1 cup of flour

Stir to moisten

Bake at 375F for 15 – 20 minutes

Healthy Muffins

Healthy Muffins

8. Healthy Muffins

1-1/4 cup of flour

2 teaspoons of baking powder

2 cups of granola

¼ cup of brown sugar

1 teaspoon of salt

1/3 cup of oil

1 cup of milk

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1/3 cup of molasses

  • Mix together dry ingredients.
  • Blend oil, milk, vanilla and molasses.
  • Pour mixture over dry ingredients and stir only to moisten.
  • Spoon into well-greased muffin cups, sprinkling with more granola on the top.
  • Bake at 375F for 15 – 20 minutes.
Oatmeal Orange Muffins

Oatmeal Orange Muffins

1 cup of oats, soaked in 1/2 cup of orange juice and ½ cup of boiling water for about 15 minutes

½ cup of margarine

½ cup of white sugar

½ cup of brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup of raisins

1 cup of flour

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of vanilla

  • Cream margarine and sugar. Beat in eggs and stir in oat mixture. Stir in raisins.
  • Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and vanilla.,
  • Stir until moistened. Pour into well-greased muffins cups and bake at 350F for about 20 minutes.
Marmalade Muffins

Marmalade Muffins

10. Marmalade Muffins

Peel of 1 grapefruit and 1 orange

1-1/2 cups of buttermilk

1 cup of white sugar

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup of margarine

1-3/4 cups of flour

2 teaspoons of baking powder

½ teaspoon of baking soda

  • Cut grapefruit and orange skins into a blender. Pour in buttermilk and grind fine.
  • Add sugar, salt and shortening and blend.
  • Stir in dry ingredients together in a bowl and pour rind mixture over, stirring just to moisten.
  • Bake at 375F for about 20 minutes.

Hope you enjoyed these recipes – if there is another one you are looking for, let me know and I will get it for you. And remember – your comments, suggestions and input is always welcomed!

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