Dessert/ Dinner

Good Stuff All Around

Hi! Before I say anything else, I have a recipe that just must be shared!

They were too DIE for! I (very) significantly modified a pretty old Gourmet recipe for blueberry muffins with streusel topping and the result was just phenomenal. These aren’t your typical Starbucks muffins, but who wants a Starbucks muffin anyway when they pack in around 500 calories each?! These are a bit smaller, though you could make them larger if you desired of course. They are almost like little banana breads in a muffin form.

I get asked a lot about using butter in baked goods. Yall, I went to a traditional French culinary school and baked with butter every day for a year and a half. It was how I was taught and its what I do. I think you can significantly alter the recipe to make it healthier while still using a bit of butter. I’m not a fan of substitutions and using apple sauce is a personal pet peeve. True, I do have fun testing new healthy recipes, but butter is tried and true and a little isn’t going to kill you….or make you fat. These still ring in at only 179 calories per muffin, are 100% whole wheat and are chock-full of fruit. Enjoy one today!

Whole Wheat Banana Blueberry Muffins

yields 10 muffins

1.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour

3/4 cup cane sugar

3 tbsp butter

1 egg + 1 egg yolk

1 banana, mashed

1.5 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp cinnamon

2 cups fresh blueberries

1/3 cup soymilk or milk

Preheat your oven to 375.

In a small pot on the stove, melt the butter then remove the pot from the burner. Add the soymilk, the egg, the yolk and mashed banana and whisk well. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar and salt. Add the wet ingredients and stir only until incorporated. Fold in the blueberries gently.

Spoon batter into 10 greased muffin tins. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Of course I refused to wait until they cooled down to dive in so mine fell apart. No matter, I ate it hot with Earth Balance and it was probably the most delicious thing I’ve eaten in a very long time (I say that a lot but its true with this!). Ryan’s favorite baked good ever is blueberry banana bread so I can’t wait for him to taste one of these babies!

I did go to the gym before baking this afternoon. I pounded out a sweaty 20 minutes on the Stairmaster (level 9) followed by some forearm planks and crunches. I love the way I feel my legs getting stronger by using the Stairmaster more frequently! I’ve always been so scared of it because, well, its HARD….but like anything else, it gets easier as you keep at it.

Dinner was, as planned, Wisconsin cheddar paninis with avgolemono soup

I made my panini with Ezekiel bread, a thinly sliced plum tomato and 2 ounces of the cheddar cheese. Unfortunately I was a bit too forceful with the panini maker and I totally smashed the living daylights out of my poor sandwich—it sort of exploded. It still tasted AMAZING though.

Let me tell you, that six year aged cheddar is totally the way to go. It was so sharp it was almost nutty. I froze half so we could savor it longer…I wish I had more and I could make a mean macaroni and cheese!

As for the soup, it turned out awesome as well. I used the recipe for Chilled Avgolemono Soup with Fresh Dill from this month’s Gourmet Magazine. It was pretty easy to prepare and the part that took the most time was straining. If you make this soup, don’t forgo the straining part! When you strain the soup you get rid of all the little eggy bits that didn’t cook into the soup as well as the lemon seeds. However, it was totally worth it—-the soup was like liquid velvet!

Ryan’s looked prettier than mine :(. I didn’t kill his panini as I did mine! Ryan is a bit leery about soups for some reason, but I knew if I put feta on his, he would eat it. He loved it!

(he got a muffin as part of his meal!)

After dinner I watched the preview for The Time Traveler’s Wife. Instantly I was hooked and rushed out on the spur of the moment to go find the book. No, I haven’t read it yet. Yes, I know I’m the last surviving person that hasn’t. I don’t know why I haven’t—I’ve stared at it a million times but just never bought it. However, after that preview I was on a rampage to find it TONIGHT. See, that Dorothea Benton Frank book I got for my trip turned out to be AWFUL. Actually, worse than awful. Sorry Dorothea fans but there was so much fluff in this “novel” I almost gagged. I should have known better…couldn’t even finish it! So tonight I raced into Borders to find The Time Traveler’s Wife and came out with this:

This chocolate is like a major lovefest in my mouth. Its the best chocolate that I’ve ever tasted….the sea salt does wonders, let me tell you! I had a little less than a serving on the ride home. I meant to have a whole serving but I found that three squares was enough–it was so rich!

Ryan is glued to the History Channel and I am about to take a bubble bath and dive into my new books. Tomorrow I find out if I made the Top 10 for Murphy-Goode!!!!!!!!! I’m really trying not to get my hopes up though because I realize its a huge long-shot and so super competitive. Keep your fingers crossed though! If I am picked tomorrow I will be flying out to Sonoma next weekend for the final interview!!!!!

July 6, 2009 By jenna

Bulked Out Big Day

Karen Teague

July 6, 2009 at 8:43 pm

Jenna, your muffins look sooooooooooo yummy, blueberry muffins are my favorite especially those loaded with tons of berries. I agree, there’s something about the taste of real butter when baking, everything is so much better.

Megan (Runner's Kitchen)

July 6, 2009 at 8:45 pm

Mmm, those muffins look great! A few months ago I made blueberry muffins using a Cook’s Illustrated recipe and they were delicious. Eaten warm and slathered in butter of course 🙂

Victoria

July 6, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Looks great. I’m with you on using butter. The taste can’t be beat. I hope you hear good news tomorrow!!

Lori

July 6, 2009 at 8:54 pm

Those muffins look amazing! I am a sucker for all things blueberry.

And you aren’t the only one who has not read that book 😀

Danielle J.

July 6, 2009 at 8:55 pm

Those muffins look soooo good!

You aren’t the last person to read The Time Traveler’s Wife because I haven’t read it either! I’ve started it too many times to count but I just could not get into it. I may have to try again, though, since so many people really rave about it.

Keeping my fingers crossed that you have good news awaiting you tomorrow 🙂

haya

July 6, 2009 at 8:56 pm

i’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!

eatlivetravelwrite

July 6, 2009 at 8:59 pm

Yes the muffins look amazing but I am also ALL ABOUT THE MAGIC LOVEFEST that is Lindt Fleur de Sel:

http://www.eatlivetravelwrite.com/2009/06/best-chocolate.html

Meghan@traveleatlove

July 6, 2009 at 8:59 pm

Mmm sea salt chocolate. We had olive oil and sea salt truffles at a tapas bar recently, and they were to die for!

kailey

July 6, 2009 at 9:00 pm

haha jenna you crack me up. those muffins look delicious, even if you couldn’t wait for them to cool down 😀
LOVE the ezekiel cheese panini!! ezekiel is my favorite bread, besides Martins WW Potato bread.

Rae

July 6, 2009 at 9:00 pm

Ohhh, youre going to love that book! Ive read it so many times! She reminds me alot of Jodi Picoult.

Pamela

July 6, 2009 at 9:02 pm

The Time Traveler’s Wife is my FAVOURITE BOOK EVER. I saw the preview the other day and I’m really excited too – I hope they do it justice! I love Rachel McAdams so I’m sure she will be a perfect Clare. Enjoy!

VeggieGirl

July 6, 2009 at 9:03 pm

INCREDIBLE muffins and EXCELLENT choice on the chocolate!!

Karissa

July 6, 2009 at 9:04 pm

Ahhh! The Time Traveler’s Wife is the best!!!!!! I can’t wait for the movie. ENJOY!

Rebecca Hoover

July 6, 2009 at 9:11 pm

I liked the book as well, I read it several years ago though and I think I’ll want to reread it before the movie. I appreciate your well rounded diet and how nothing is off limits, I think that’s a very healthy approach.

One question about the stair climber (the demon stair climber – I actually have another name for it but it’s not so pc), do you just set it at 9 or do you pick a setting, like fat burner or cardio. Not that I’m comparing my workouts, hehe, not at all.

Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats

July 6, 2009 at 9:11 pm

omg I am drooling over your ENTIRE post!!! Those muffins!!!

Quisha

July 6, 2009 at 9:12 pm

I haven’t read the Time Traveler’s Wife either, but you’re right, the preview does make you want to go out and grab it. I’m definitely getting it this weekend. I must finish it before the movie comes out! :-O

Joelle (The Pancake Girl))

July 6, 2009 at 9:12 pm

Those muffins do look to die for! I’ll be baking those babies soon.. Nice choice with the book “The TIme Traveler’s Wife”- I really want to read it. I just saw a preview for the movie and it looks pretty good!

Lesi

July 6, 2009 at 9:13 pm

I’ll be putting good thoughts your way for the Murphy-Goode job! Everything looks amazing. I always am tempted to buy the cooking magazines, they have such good recipe inspiration! What do you do with all your extra muffins, or do you and Ryan eat them all?

Jess

July 6, 2009 at 9:16 pm

um, those muffins are SOOO on my must-bake list! And I totally agree with you on the butter … I ONLY use real butter. A little goes a long way and it makes everything taste so much better.

Good luck!!

meagan

July 6, 2009 at 9:23 pm

i’m going to try the muffins tomorrow–my boss buys tons of blueberries for us to eat and i’m always at a loss for what to do with them! the time traveler’s wife is an interesting book. i hope the movie does it justice. enjoy your evening! 🙂

Kelly

July 6, 2009 at 9:24 pm

Those muffins look amazing! I am definitely going to have to try and make some of my own. I just a preview for The Time Travelers Wife and now really want to read the book and then see the movie.

Tay

July 6, 2009 at 9:28 pm

Don’t worry, I haven’t read that book yet either – but I’ve been meaning to! And the movie previews look sooooooo good!

I’ve tried chocolate covered almonds with sea salt (from TJs) and they were SUPER good. You’re right – the salt makes all the difference! So I’m sure that chocolate bar was to die for!

Danielle C.

July 6, 2009 at 9:32 pm

The Time Traveler’s Wife is FANTASTIC, one of the best books I read last year and I’ve been waiting for this movie for a looong time (it kept getting pushed back). I do not normally sci-fi or anything that resembles it but this was a nice mix and I couldn’t put the book down (read it in 3 days I think).

Emily (A Nutritionist Eats)

July 6, 2009 at 9:33 pm

Those muffins look delicious and I appreciate your use of real butter in baked goods 🙂
Love aged cheese and your Madison pic’s brought back lot’s of memories, I haven’t been to the farmer’s market in way too long!!

Danielle J.

July 6, 2009 at 9:35 pm

I know I already commented about this post, but as I’m going back through your blog posts I realized that you are doing TNT for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in SF – I’m training for the full, although not through TNT. Fun times!

Pru

July 6, 2009 at 9:35 pm

What a coincidence – today I had Lindt Fleur de Sel in my hand, and was debating between that and another dark chocolate – I ended up going home with the other because there was a 2-for-1 deal. Unfortunately, I’m not really enjoying it – next time I know to go for the salt!

Those muffins look amazing!

Stephanie

July 6, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Those muffins look absolutely amazing! I want one right now. Good luck tomorrow, I hope you make it!

Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)

July 6, 2009 at 9:45 pm

Those muffins look great!

Gloria

July 6, 2009 at 9:45 pm

You’re going to love The Time Traveler’s Wife! I can’t wait for the movie to come out and I haven’t even seen the trailer yet.

Amanda (My Summerizations)

July 6, 2009 at 9:45 pm

thank you X 1000 for sharing your muffin recipe! i love how they look like they’re STUFFED with blueberries! yummmm

Shelby

July 6, 2009 at 9:50 pm

Lovely muffins! They look so packed full of berry goodness =)

I just had a square of the regular 70% dark chocolate Lindt. It was yummy…but that salty bar looks even better!

Katherine

July 6, 2009 at 9:53 pm

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!!!

Help Meghan Run

July 6, 2009 at 9:54 pm

Ah so exciting! 🙂 My fingers are crossed for ya.

HelpMeghanRun.com

Bec

July 6, 2009 at 10:00 pm

I agree that a bit of butter wont kill you and makes things tasty too! Also that chocolate is my fave, we always have a couple bars in the chocolate stash. Enjoy the time traveler’s wife, its amazing.

Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope

July 6, 2009 at 10:01 pm

Those muffins do look delicious! What a fun recipe… especially now that the summer produce is so darn good! 🙂

Wow, I’m loving the looks of that soup. Perfect for your rainy day.

Good luck tomorrow!!! I know you’ll make it in! 🙂

Shannon (The Daily Balance)

July 6, 2009 at 10:08 pm

Muffins look AMAZING! I just got a ton of blueberries, so the recipe couldn’t of come at a better time — thank you for sharing!!!

Sending positive thoughts tomorrow!

p.s. – the time traveler’s wife is my favorite book. ever.

Brooke

July 6, 2009 at 10:11 pm

Those muffins look incredible!! I just have to tell you Time Traveler’s Wife is my most most most favorite book!!! I am so glad you got it! My only advice is don’t try too hard to completely understand the semantics of the time travel itself, I think that catches some people up. You just have to believe it and let go the fact that its a little hard to process and just enjoy the most beautiful love story you’ll ever read….I’m excited for you! I wish I could read it again for the first time!!

Matt

July 6, 2009 at 10:13 pm

Good looking muffins!

Megan

July 6, 2009 at 10:15 pm

Wow those muffins look so good! I can’t wait to try that recipe out… Your dinner looks great too 😀 Its making me hungry, I wish it wasn’t almost 10:30!!

Tammy (Defining Wellness)

July 6, 2009 at 10:17 pm

Jenna, this is too funny! I just finished writing a post about the blueberry muffins I made this morning (which will appear on my blog tomorrow morning), and then I clicked over to see what you wrote about tonight, and sure enough! I had to laugh, though, because I made my muffins with . . . gasp . . . applesauce! LOL. I think the one important thing that our recipes have in common is that they are chock full of blueberries! Awesomeness! Good luck tomorrow! I hope you get picked!!!

Dawn

July 6, 2009 at 10:20 pm

I’m a new reader here and I just wanted to say how much I’m loving your blog. These muffins look delicious. I have everything I need on hand to bake these for breakfast tomorrow…can’t wait to try them!

Maureen

July 6, 2009 at 10:20 pm

I haven’t read the Time Traveler’s Wife yet, but I did just finish April and Oliver, which no one is talking about! Why hasn’t anyone else read it? I’d be interested for you to follow up when you finish reading it and let us all know what you think about the ending. I felt like I was reading a different book at the end than I was at the beginning. Maybe that was the author’s intent, but I always felt like there was something just out of grasp that she was never quite sure of how to say. It could have been another chapter or just another sentence somewhere in the middle, but I was left just wanting that one final push.

Rebecca

July 6, 2009 at 10:21 pm

That is definitely my next muffin recipe. I am making them as soon as I get back to my apartment in Albany in two weeks! They look amazing!

I am always torn about buying books from a bookstore because my mother is a librarian. I always end up doing it anyway. I love Borders!

LK- Healthy Delcious

July 6, 2009 at 10:22 pm

those muffins look A-Mazing! I’m with you – some things like butter and cheese you just can’t sub for. You can use a little less maybe, but applesauce in baked goods? No thanks! Peopel get suck strange hangups over what is annd isn’t “healthy” and forget that sometimes its better to have just a little of something that actually tastes good!

Becky@I Heart Running & Food

July 6, 2009 at 10:23 pm

The muffins look to die for! Once I get some blueberries I want to make something like that. I am from Wisconsin, and I was just home, but I didn’t get to bring any cheese back!! I waited until Sunday…and of course they closed early! Enjoy 🙂

Whitney

July 6, 2009 at 10:29 pm

My mother is google reading over my shoulder and saw your muffins and goes: Print that out! I must have it!

I like any good daughter, did of course. We shall be feasting on muffins, yay!

Christina

July 6, 2009 at 10:30 pm

Those muffins look amazing, I’m definitely going to try them out soon 🙂 Also, I’ve never seen anyone outside of my family make avgolemono so seeing it pop up was pretty neat!

Kaitlin

July 6, 2009 at 10:37 pm

Your muffin recipe looks great! Love reading your blog : )

Kaitlin

Sarah

July 6, 2009 at 10:37 pm

I can’t wait to try those muffins!! Thanks for the recipe. There’s nothing wrong with eating a little butter- I think its so silly when people think they need to ban things from their diets!

Casey @ Double Scooped

July 6, 2009 at 10:42 pm

Soo hard to read your blog without drooling!!

leslie

July 6, 2009 at 10:45 pm

i looooove lindt chocolate. possibly the best in the world.

also, i seriously wanted to just hug you when i read your butter thoughts. i just love your philosophy so much. and those muffins look divine!

Rachel in NC

July 6, 2009 at 10:46 pm

I haven’t read The Time Traveler’s Wife either – but I picked it up today from the library! I can’t wait to read it.

Good luck with Murphy-Goode!

Danica

July 6, 2009 at 10:48 pm

Wow – your entire post made me drool on my computer. How awesome do those muffins look and sound?! I totally agree with you on butter – it’s WAY cleaner as in clean eating than any substitution you can find and a little goes a long way.

Good luck, good luck – I am sending positive vibes that you get the job. Sonoma rocks! 🙂

Tara

July 6, 2009 at 11:09 pm

i have a question: what is the difference between WW pastry flour and WW bread flour? could i use WW bread flour in this recipe instead of the pastry flour? or would that result in a heavier muffin??? thanks!!

emily

July 6, 2009 at 11:12 pm

1. The muffins look amazing, thank you for sharing the recipe, I added it to my ever-growing “blog recipes to try” file.
2. Thank you again! I drank my 1st Amazing Grass (bought with your discount) today and I am in love!

Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write

July 6, 2009 at 11:12 pm

Oh man, the Time Traveler’s Wife. All I can say is get a box of kleenex and keep it handy.

Your muffins look amazing.

Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now

July 6, 2009 at 11:21 pm

Those muffins DO look to die for! And so does that chocolate. I’m gonna need some chocolate soon…

MarathonVal

July 6, 2009 at 11:54 pm

Ok, I have to put in a plug for the TTW. I’m sure it is a fave of dozens of your other readers too, but it truly is my favorite book of all time. PUHLEASE read this book. I say it that way because a couple of my friends found it a bit slow for the first couple chapters and almost gave up, but it is just a delicious read and I think you’ll love it – especially if you are eating that Lindt choc while reading! 😉

Kathy

July 7, 2009 at 12:04 am

I LOVE your outlook on butter 🙂 I wish more people thought that way. Everything in moderation, right? those muffins look delish!

Madelin @ What is for Breakfast?

July 7, 2009 at 12:07 am

Wow your muffins look awesome! Will definately try them 🙂 I have also been meaning to read Time Traveler’s Wife!

Caroline

July 7, 2009 at 12:15 am

Yum! I have been on a major blueberry-banana kick lately (in my smoothies & oatmeal), so this recipe sounds perfect!

Jenna (reader)

July 7, 2009 at 1:18 am

I love your baking philosophy! It is OKAY to savor some decadence once in a while and 179 kcals is no biggie. I have never heard of Avgolemono Soup. What goes in it? Good luck with Murphy Goode! I will cross my fingers…and toes lol

brianna

July 7, 2009 at 1:43 am

I just finished reading The Time travelers wife the other day! Its soooo good! I can’t wait for the movie – i love rachel mcadams so i’m even more excited she is playing clare. Enjoy the book!

Carolyn (sandyfeeteats.wordpress.com)

July 7, 2009 at 6:43 am

just wanted to say GOOD LUCK in the top 10!

lila

July 7, 2009 at 6:52 am

im greek so i can reply to jenne(reader)that avgolemono is a greek word constisting of two words:avgo=egg and lemono=lemon, we use this word to decsribe the special last phase procedure in certain meals(mainly soups)to combine eggwhites and then the rest of the eggs with lemon and sometimes corn flour(1-2tbsp)to create a thick soup, more velvet ..there are several other great recipes with this mixture avgolemono.

Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)

July 7, 2009 at 7:05 am

Oh my gosh…those muffins. So beautiful! YUMMMMM!

I LOVE that book! Can’t wait to see what you think of it! Preview? It’s gonna be a movie!? WOO!

Hope your night was great! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for MG =)

Pam

July 7, 2009 at 7:18 am

I’m really glad that you share what books you’re reading! I’m always looking for a good book. The Time Traveler’s Wife is great! Seriously. You won’t want to put it down!

Lauren

July 7, 2009 at 7:22 am

Mmmm those muffins look amazing – bursting with blueberries!

You’re going to love The Time Traveler’s Wife. I can’t wait to see the movie! Hopefully it’s as good as the book.

Holly

July 7, 2009 at 7:23 am

The Self recipe of the week was also a blueberry banana muffin!! Yours look absolutely divine….and honestly, after reading In Defense of Food, I say go for the butter. It’s whole, it’s real, and I will chose it over any “spread” making health claims from now on. Way to be real 🙂

Best of luck with Murphy- Goode. I would so enjoy following your travels and whatnot out West (and also be incredibly jealous!). Let us know what happens asap!

Krissy - Single Serving

July 7, 2009 at 7:33 am

Those paninis look delicious.

I am a HUGE fan of salt + chocolate. I need to find that ASAP.

I wanted to say – I just made a first attempt at the applesauce substitution in baking and yeah…it didn’t really work. I mean it was fine – but I think for the very few times I eat sweets I feel like there are other ways I can cut back calories.

Good luck in making the top 10! I have my fingers crossed for you!

Emily @ The Experimentarian

July 7, 2009 at 7:56 am

Jenna, your food always looks so good, but today, you totally outdid yourself! Yum x 10 to the blueberry muffins and chocolate with sea salt! Good luck on the Murphy Goode. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for ya 🙂

elizabeth

July 7, 2009 at 8:13 am

Yay! Sea Salt Lindt! Holla!

That is tied with the Chili Lindt bars for my favorite chocolate of all time. It’s so perfect and flavorful… all other chocolate either has too chalky or too waxy of a texture after Lindt.

Husband loves the 99% chocolate Lindt, which is a little too much for me (but it keeps me honest and eating only little bites!) but Lindt just came out with 90% chocolate and I might have to add that to the list with the sea salt and chili chocolate. Why am I thinking about chocolate so early in the morning?!

sirenjess

July 7, 2009 at 8:21 am

Those muffins look amazing. I made Almond, blueberry cookies yesterday and they were awesome.

amanda

July 7, 2009 at 8:21 am

those muffins look great. i am currently doing an internship on an organic blueberry farm in california so i definitely need to try these out! (http://ablueberrysummer.wordpress.com/)

Becci L.

July 7, 2009 at 8:31 am

Those muffins look so great!!! And the chocolate…I have never seen that flavor! I will have to look for it next time I go shopping.

gina (fitnessista)

July 7, 2009 at 9:22 am

chocolate with sea salt?! that looks amazing!
thank you for the muffin recipe- the pilot would love those!

Julie

July 7, 2009 at 9:27 am

I read the Time Travelers Wife a few years ago and it is the ONLY book I have ever reread. Its really good.

Love the muffins!

Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope

July 7, 2009 at 10:13 am

Only 3 tablespoons of butter anyway, so what is the big deal! It seems like most recipes call for like an entire stick! haha

Dawn

July 7, 2009 at 10:29 am

I’m trying the muffin recipe right now…they’re in the oven. I just wanted to alert you that the recipe calls for baking soda in the ingredients list, but baking powder in the directions. I guessed the correct one was soda…hope I’m right! 🙂 Thanks for sharing the recipe.

Ashley

July 7, 2009 at 10:55 am

GOOD LUCK! i knowww youre goign to make it! 🙂 and thanks for the recipe, it looks DIVINEEEEE!

Molly

July 7, 2009 at 1:28 pm

I made these muffins last night and they were delicious! Thanks for the recipe!!

Lara

July 7, 2009 at 1:33 pm

ohhh chocolate plus salt = heaven. Where did you find those?

Amanda @ Cakes and Ale

July 7, 2009 at 2:41 pm

I love your opinion on the butter. Some things are just not worth skimping on! One of the best ways to acheive a healthy, balanced life is to enjoy a little of everything and not stress out about something like a few tablespoons of butter in your muffins!

Jenn

July 7, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Just wanted to let you know I tried those muffins and they will be my go-to blueberry muffins from now on. They were AWESOME! I also posted a link from my site (hope you don’t mind).

Sarah

July 7, 2009 at 3:32 pm

That soup looks great! Soup and a grilled sandwich is one of my all time favorite meal combos 🙂

Judy

July 7, 2009 at 3:45 pm

I agree with you that a little butter won’t kill us — and using applesauce in baked products is also a pet peeve of mine. OTOH, I will often use a banana or pureed prunes with chocolate — that works for me. But I’ve always found baked goods with applesauce to be dry.

I love, love, loved the Time Traveler’s Wife. I read it several years ago, long before there was a whisper of a movie, and have reread it several times over the years. I’ve always been fascinated with the time travel theme.

hkatherine

July 7, 2009 at 4:57 pm

Those muffins look awesome! Quick question though, you say baking soda in the recipe and baking powder in the directions…which one to use? 🙂

jenna
July 7, 2009 at 5:42 pm
hkatherine,

Oops! Baking powder!

sherri

July 7, 2009 at 5:41 pm

Baking muffins made with your recipe as I type… Being disappointed by a new book is no fun. Here are a few great reads to add to your list: Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall & Labyrinth by Kate Mosse.