Sunny Morning Muffins

Hi There,
Today we're having a blizzard in CT so what else is there to do but bake.  I started the day with these great berry muffins.  When I eat them they make me think spring is right around the corner.  I can only hope!!!

Sunny Morning Muffins
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup raspberries
2 Tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 cup flour
pinch cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt

1 ripe banana, mashed
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup canola oil
1 lemon, zested
1 cup chopped walnuts

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.  Put liners into a muffin tin for 12 muffins.
In small bowl mix berries and 2 T sugar.  Stir and let sit for 15 minutes.
In small bowl mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt.
In large bowl mix banana, sugar, eggs, oil and lemon zest.  Stir in berries and nuts.  Do not over mix.
Scoop batter evenly into cups (I use an ice cream scoop).  Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out with a few crumbs but not wet. 

Enjoy!!
Love,
Beth

What are you cooking for Super Bowl?

Hi There,
How have you been?  I took the month of January to regroup and relax.  Brad and I went on vacation and re-energized ourselves.  It's amazing how much the months of September through December take out of us.  Not only is it our busiest time at work, but then add all the holidays, holiday parties, holiday cooking, etc and for us, it spells EXHAUSTION. 

Today is Super Bowl Sunday, one of the most celebrated non-holidays of the entire year.  Each year I try something different.  This year I decided on Shepherd's Pie.  I'm babysitting for 4 of our 5 grandchildren this weekend so I had to think of something easy but yet comforting.  I think Shepherd's Pie fits the bill. 

Basically Shepherd's Pie is anything you want it to be.  You can layer anything that you like.  This is how I make it, but there are many, many variations. 

Shepherd's Pie

One pound ground turkey meat
one cup gravy
two cups frozen corn
two yams, cooked
four cups mashed potatoes
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Saute the ground turkey until browned.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Using a slotted spoon, take turkey out of pan leaving juices.  Place in the bottom of a casserole dish.  Cover with gravy.  Top with corn. 
Take the cooked yams and slice, placing the slices on top of corn.  Top with mashed potatoes and sprinkle with grated cheddar.  Cook at 350 degrees for about 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly. 

**  I have been known to use store bought gravy and instant potatoes but don't tell anyone :). 

Enjoy!!
Love
Beth