A Little Help Please

I would love to be writing a witty and fun post yet all of my blog-time has been put towards fixing some issues.  I tried to fix the spacing on my header since "Lobster Meets Peach" was longer than the cute little banner.  I thought I had fixed the issue but no I made it worse.  Now the header is gone and the font for my posts has totally changed.

I don't feel that I am ready for a "custom blog" yet but things needed to look better than they do today!  Any and all advice is more than welcomed!!!

I Googled It

Do you ever Google a recipe based on what you have on hand?  I do all the time and it has lead me to some great recipes that did not included a trip to the grocery store.  Win-win in my book!

I had a ton of frozen blueberries and some buttermilk which lead me to this Google discovery.... (Hubby's note- While I still don't think anything can touch the previously blogged about banana bread these muffins are  incredible.) 

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Zest of one orange or lemon* (I did not have any oranges or lemons on hand so I omitted this step)

1 extra large egg*, lightly beaten

1 1/4 cups  buttermilk*

1/2 cup (120 ml) safflower or canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 1/2 to 2 cups blueberries* (I used 2 cups of frozen blueberries)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line 18 muffin/cupcake tins.  

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients.  Start with the flour and end with salt.

In another smaller bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, vanilla and oil.

Just before combining the dry and wet ingredients together, add the frozen blueberries to the dry mixture and quickly mix until all the berries are coated in the mixture.

With a spatula gentle combine the wet and dry ingredients.  Be careful to not over mix since that could make the muffins tough.

Fill each muffin tin with a ice cream scoop.  Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.  (If you are using fresh berries it should take less time.)  

*These are changes that I made from the original recipe.*

I hope that you enjoy these muffins as much as I did!  And I would love to know if you have had any luck with Googling a recipe based solely on what you had at home.....

  

The Cousins

Growing up I was blessed to have a ton of cousins that lived close enough that we saw them a lot while we were growing up. I always looked forward to seeing them when I was young and I still love to see them. In fact I might have been a little sad this past weekend when none of them were home in Avon. I felt like I was missing a chance to see a friend in their hometown.

So I was more than happy to host all of my kiddos' cousins yesterday for a little play date. I just love how happy my kids are to have them over.  In fact they even cleaned the toy pit (read basement) without complaining. Note to self, have the cousins over more!!!

After a long 'photo shoot" there was not really a perfect pic but somehow that works for this group. While at times they might be a motley crew they just melt my heart!

Duct Tape Does It Again!

Yesterday was the first day of our Spring Break but it did not feel like Spring at all.  We woke up to more snow than I ever want to see on Spring Break ever again!  It was not an "outside" day so we spent the time working on crafts.

B was kind enough to let me take a ton of pictures of her while she worked on some duct tape coin purses today.  Secretly, I think she loves being a regular feature on the blog!

First B started by cutting four pieces of duct tape about the same size.  Then she cut a fifth piece which she then cut into thirds lengthwise.

B started making "duct tape fabric" just like she did when she made the duct tape bows.  Carefully laying one piece of tape on top of the other piece to make a seam.

Then B takes the last two big pieces and carefully lines them up.  Sticky side is placed onto sticky side in order to create the "fabric".  

Once B has smoothed out her fabric, she folds the bottom up about 3/4 of the way.

Next B takes one of the smaller strips of duct tape and trims it to size.  B uses this piece to wrap the side of the pouch.  She repeats this process on the other side of the pouch.

Then B holds down the top of the duct tape fabric and holds it in place with a left-over piece of duct tape.  (B wanted to let you know that you could also use velcro with a sticky backing too.)  The duct tape clasp can be open and closed many times.  Duct really is a wonder product!!!

Finally, B raided her father's change tray and filled her new coin purse with her Daddy's spare change (Hubby's note- This was news to me as I edited this).  Maybe if I smile as sweet as she does, I could raid Hubby's wallet and start some re-decorating projects.  Dare to dream right!?!

Jersey Shore

This past weekend B and I took a trip up to Jersey to visit with my family. Before we knew it we were at the Shore since there was no traffic at all.  For all those not from Jersey, we call all of our beach towns "the Shore". Once you at the Shore you might take a walk to the beach like B and I did with my father.

I have to be honest and say that I could not believe all the damage still left from Sandy this past October.  My uncle sent us all updates and photos. My Gram had to abandon her home until right before Christmas.  My mother told me that it was unlike anything she had ever seen at the Shore. With all that info I was still not prepared for what I saw.  

There was none of the old boardwalk left in Avon. None at all! I have walked the boards in Avon for my whole life and it was truly heartbreaking to see that there was nothing left. But in true Jersey Spirit, the beach was louder than normal. All of the cranes were working and the beach had a bunch of construction workers.  

I could have been sad that I didn't get to walk the boards or feel the sand but I was not. The Avon beach front might not be at its best and many small business have a very long road ahead but so many people are working to make the Shore even better than it was before Sandy. We call that being "Jersey Strong". We might get knocked down but we always come back stronger than ever!!!! 

Easter Pretties

Slowly but surely this home is getting ready for Easter.  I was able to brighten up the front table with some pretty pink tulips.  And unlike last time, I did double and triple check to make sure no decorations from St Patrick's Day were still out.  But I do have to admit that while moving the living room carpet around I did find some pine needles from Christmas - oh well!

I also put out some colorful Easter candy in jars and a cupcake cloche that I got from Home Goods.  Is it just me or has Home Goods had some great finds some lately?  I feel like I should be going once a week so I don't miss anything.  But I am sure Hubby disagrees!

Hopefully it will warm up a bit for Easter!!!

You can also find me at From My Front Porch and No Minimalist Here

S'mores Bars

This week my in-laws came over for dinner - they were in need of a "grandbaby fix".  (I have been told that being a grandparent is the best.)  Since I knew that we would be getting take-out for dinner I felt that dessert should be homemade.  I decided to go with Ex-Blogger A's recipe for S'mores Bars.  I have made this recipe both the original way and gluten free.  Either way it is a easy yet super awesome dessert!

S'mores Bars

1/2 cup butter (one whole stick)
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs ***if you are making this with gluten free graham crackers I feel like you will need 2 cups.***
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (L and I were in a chocolate kind of a mood today, so we used 1 1/2 cups)
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  While oven is preheating, cut butter into chunks and place them in 9x13" baking pan.  Place pan into oven until butter is melted.

Once butter is melted, take pan out of oven and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted butter. Evenly sprinkle chocolate chips over crumbs.  Then evenly pour sweetened condensed milk over the chips and crumbs.  And place in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes.  (The condensed milk will get all bubbly on the sides of the pan but have no fear.)

Remove pan from oven and evenly sprinkle marshmallows   Return to oven for 2-5 more minutes.  ***At this point I turn my broiler on and carefully let the marshmallows brown.  But that is just our personal preference***

Allow bars to completely cool before you cut them with a sharp knife.  (I know that is a hard step but they will not cut right unless the bars are totally cooled.)  Then enjoy the gooey chocolaty,  marshmellow-y, carmel-y goodness!