So much more...

Today we "kicked off" our Summer Schedule.  The children and I have been making a list of our goals to accomplish while we are home together and organizing our plan to achieve it.  Over the next few weeks I will share with you some images of our fun family time.

We had our first of this season cooking class today.

But in reality it was so much more. Not only did it provided an opportunity for us to be together, it included a Math lesson (the children each had a set of measuring cups and they had to identify the fraction I called out or offer an equivalent). And for the boys, a Writing lesson (they had to write out the grocery list).

And just as important a Nutrition lesson.  It is important even at a young age to learn how to keep our bodies healthy.  It is a rare day that one of the kids is not in the kitchen helping me cook.  

We usually have muffins of some kind made.  I usually double the recipe and put 1/2 in the refridgerator and freeze the rest.  A dear friend of mine, Mrs. Smith, shared this recipe of her mother's. These muffins are not only delicious but a healthy option for a snack.  I will share the recipe with you....YUMM!

Mama's Apple Muffins (breakfast or snack)

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 stick real butter softened

2 cups chooped fresh apple

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds)

1/2 cup nonfat buttermilk ( if you don't have any in your fridge try this substitute: 1/2 Tbls lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make  1/2 cup total. Let stande 5 minutes before using).

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and then dry ingredients.

Stir in apples, raisins, nuts and mix well.

Add buttermilk and vanilla and stir just until blended.

Pour in muffin cups that are filled with liners or the pan is sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

(I like to use a large ice cream scoop to fill the muffin tin.  It not only keeps them a similar size the kids have fun doing it with less mess).

Bake 30 at 350 degrees.  Makes approx 30 medium muffins. Freezes well!