One of my favorite things about the holidays is spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking up yummy treats to share with friends and family. Here are a few of our new-found favorites!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
To make them a little healthier, I usually use more applesauce and/or banana as a substitute for some of the butter and use at least 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour. They still are amazing!
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1/4 cup smashed banana or applesauce
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
In large bowl, mix eggs, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla, butter and mashed banana/applesauce until smooth.
Mix dry ingredients (flour , baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt) together and mix into pumpkin mixture.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Fill greased or lined muffin tins about 3/4 full.
Bake at 400 for 16-20 minutes for regular muffins, 12-15 minutes for mini muffins.
Makes 30 regular muffins.
Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup
- 1 1/2 cups wild rice
- 3 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped turkey
- 1 can low sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (or to taste)
Bring water or broth to a boil. Add wild rice and cook according to instructions, about 30 minutes.
Add turkey, soup, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Allow to simmer about 10 minutes, or until desired consistency.
Peppermint bark
- 1 12 oz package white chocolate chips
- 4 regular candy canes
Put chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave at 30 second intervals until melted. Be sure to stir each time.
Place candy canes in a zip lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
When chips are melted, add candy canes and stir.
Spread mixture on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Place in freezer until hard.
Break into pieces and enjoy!
Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy cooking (and eating) together!
