Monday, February 21, 2011

Applesauce to the Rescue!

So, Friday night we had some people over and I really wanted to make some sort of sweet.  I thought brownies would be great, especially the recipe I used here.  I did use the original recipe, not the one with Nutella.  (Speaking of, I just bought a very large jar. Yum.)  But when I went to gather my ingredients I realized I was out of eggs.  So I did a quick internet research and came up with, what I was hoping, would be a great alternative.



Applesauce.  I have lots of that on hand.  Or at least I did - our stash is pretty much half gone.

Anyways.

I substituted 1/4 C Applesauce per egg.  I also increased the baking powder by a bit.

The brownies turned out great.  The guys all enjoyed them.

Then tonight I started to make some corn muffins.  Again... no eggs.  Again grabbed the applesauce.  These also turned out great, well as long as you like sweet tasting corn muffins.  I would probably decrease the sugar if I used applesauce in these again.

FYI: The Applesauce I used was homemade applesauce with no added sugar.  Although I'm sure any other applesauce would work too.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Difference of a Year

Pretty sure I did this with Ohlen.  It never ceases to amaze me how much kids change in the first few years of their lives.  It's just crazy.




Yes, this is the same little boy.  I think he looks so different.  And in under 3 months he will be 2 years old already...

Thursday, February 17, 2011

One Down!

I actually accomplished something on my To Do List!!

I needed this to be done by next week - and it really only took me several hours today to accomplish.  It's definitely not a professional job by any means, but it gets the job done, and doesn't look too bad - especially if you don't look real close. :)

Before: It really doesn't look that bad in the picture... but it was pretty dirty and stained.

After:


Edited for more info that I forgot to include the first time.
I didn't use a pattern or anything, I really just laid the original seat over the fabric and cut out what I thought would fit.  I was close at some points.  Then I just folded it over the edge and sewed all around the edge.  I had to do some folding and tucking around the seat area - nothing too daunting.  I also sewed in a few places to try and hold them together so they didn't get all bunchy.  I cut the holes for the straps and then just hand sewed around the openings - probably not the best for longevity, but it will be ok for now.  I also had to do some hand stitching around some of the bottom because I couldn't just sew through because a bar needed to be there.  (I know it doesn't make much sense, but just trust me.) :)  All in all, a pretty simple project.  Like I said - not done the best - and it probably won't last super long - but it will definitely hold up for the few days we need it next week.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins with Lemon Frosting

So I needed something to snack on here at the house.  I really need to get to the store - so my only option was a cookie - or to make something.  I wanted something a little better for me than a cookie chock full of peanut butter, sugars, and chocolate - so I went searching.  I found a recipe for some Muffins that were made with oatmeal and applesauce, they seem like they would be a better option.  (Although I never really did any real research into the matter.)  And I also had some lemons yet that still appeared to be good.  So I thought some lemon frosting would go well with them...  (And thus completely blowing away the healthfulness of the whole thing... oh well...)  I think they turned out really well.  The 3 year old I babysit did not care for the muffin by itself.  Ohlen didn't care to try.  But Noah loves them.

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins - recipe adapted from a submission at allrecipes.com.
     The original recipe calls for cinnamon, I left it out due to the fact that cinnamon is causing me heartburn these days.  It also included a topping, but I left that off as I was planning to use the frosting.


  • 1 1/2 cups instant oatmeal
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 400.  Grease muffin tins, if using them.  (I used the silicon baking cups.)  Whisk together oatmeal, flour, powder, and soda.  
Whisk brown sugar, egg white, applesauce, and milk together until smooth.  Mix in flour mixture until evenly moistened.  Pour into muffin cups.
Bake about 20 minutes.








Lemon Frosting

1/2 c butter
2 large scoops with a large spoon shortening (very scientific, I know)
Juice from 1 lemon
Powdered sugar to consistency and taste (I really have no idea how much I used... I just kept adding until it tasted right)

Beat all together until it gets nice and fluffy and tasty.

I ended up cutting them in half and frosting the middle, and keeping the frosting in the fridge so I can use it as I go.

    





Thursday, February 10, 2011

Texas!

So I went to Texas.
The weather the first few days was like this: (In other words - cold (think 30s), dreary)




But that wasn't the reason for visiting Texas.  HE was!

3rd cutest baby boy I ever did see. ;)

Live long and prosper toes

Proud grandparents :)


Miss this guy already.



Already getting the multitasking down pat - and with chop sticks even. :)

Amazing new Mommy!




Backseat buddy on the way to the coast.

First stroller adventure.

Weather at the end, think upper 60s and sunny

I got to go visit my brother, sister, and their new baby!!  It was a very relaxing trip.  There was mostly eating, lounging, playing Wii, watching TV, and of course loving on the little one.  He is such a good baby!!  (Knocking on wood that he remains that way. :))  We were all ready and willing to take a night shift, but it wasn't needed as he would eat and fall right back asleep. And he does, of course, have wonderful parents.  They, at least to me, seemed to be doing just great!  Adjusting to this new adventure called parenting.  I think they are up for the challenge. :)  I can't wait to see how he grows and changes.  Although I wish we could see him more often, I am so thankful for modern technology and all the ways that we will be able to stay in contact and see pictures and videos. 

Being there definitely has me thinking about June - anticipating all the wonderful things, preparing mentally for the not so fun things. :)  But all of it all so worth it.

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering - there were no body scans or pat downs.  I didn't even see any happening - but then again we did leave out of small regional airports both times.  Love flying out of small airports.  I think we waited in line for security for 5 minutes on the way out and about 30 minutes on the way back.  Quick.



Saturday, February 5, 2011

Fabric Purchases

There was a rash of sales in our area.  I got some fabrics for a Block of the Month thing I'm doing.  Some girly fabrics to possibly make some bibs or other small baby items.  The striped fabric is for a new seat for the umbrella stroller.  Now I just have to get in front of the sewing machine....