Pumpkin-Apple Muffins

Gobbled up too quickly so no photo!  But, these are definitely worth making for a light autumn breakfast treat.  Adapted the recipe from allrecipes.com Ingredients: 2 1/2 c. flour (I use 2 c. whole-wheat, 1/2 c. all-purpose) 2 c. white sugar 1 1/2 t. cinnamon 3/4 t. ginger 1/2 t. ground cloves 1/2 t. nutmeg 1 t. baking soda 1/2 t. salt 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 c. pumpkin puree 1/2 c. vegetable oil (next time I will substitute applesauce) 2 c. peeled, cored, and chopped apple Topping: 2 T. all-purpose flour 1/4 c. white sugar 1/2 t....

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Tomato-Spinach Tortellini

This is a quick, easy dinner that went great with some garlic bread and steamed green beans. I adapted the recipe from allrecipes.com Ingredients:1 (16 oz.) package prepared tortellini1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes1 c. chopped fresh spinach2-3 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (optional)1/2 t. salt1/4 t. pepper1 1/2 t. dried basil2 cloves garlic, minced2 T. all-purpose flour3/4 c. milk3/4 c. heavy cream1/4 c. parmesan cheese Directions: Cook tortellini...

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Test Kitchen Cinnamon Rolls

It's ironic that the busier we get, the more I bake and the less I cook healthy meals.  Baking is therapeutic for me, and my theory is I make yummy sweets to de-stress.  Lately the baked goods have been dominating the blog, so I will attempt to post some savory, healthful dinners next.  For now, Cinnamon Rolls! We do have a cinnamon roll recipe that we live by, so you can try these out and decide which you like better.  These...

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Melt-in-your-Mouth Sugar Cookies

Apparently I've been lazy lately and have failed to take pictures of any yummy things.... I apologize for the lack of visual aesthetics.  You'll just have to trust my words and believe with faith that these are to die for! These are not your average crisp sugar cookies, but instead soft and decadent.  The recipe comes from Mac's grandmother and we love it! Ingredients: 1 c. butter, softened 2 c. powdered sugar 2 eggs 1 c. vegetable oil 2 t. vanilla extract 5 c. all-purpose flour 1 t. baking soda 1 t. cream of tartar 1-2 T. white sugar Directions: Cream...

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Chicken Orzo

This is a light, but filling test-kitchen meal that can be made fairly quickly.  We have enjoyed it both times I've made it, and it also passed the company-test! :) Enjoy. Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 t. red pepper flakes salt and pepper 1 c. orzo 2 T. olive oil 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes (or diced tomatoes chopped in a food processor) 1 1/2 c. chicken broth 3 T. finely chopped fresh basil Direction: Pat chicken dry with paper towels and rub all over with oregano, pepper flakes...

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