One thing that I absolutely love about this country is that it is so family oriented. Everywhere you go just seems to encourage and support families. Most clothing stores have children sections. Everything is stroller friendly. You basically do not feel odd bringing your child anywhere and I love that. When James and I were looking for places in Edmonton there were quite a few apartment buildings that would not allow children. That is unheard of here. Every time I go for a walk there are children and strollers everywhere. I really do not know how to describe it, but you would sense it if you were here.
Today we took a walk to Frognerparken, which is a park a couple train stops away. I saw at least 4 school groups that were out having a field trip, which I have heard is quite common here. I just love the fact that they seem to value children and family time so much. Even a lot of the jobs and hours are centered around being able to be home when your children are out of school. I am excited for Max to “grow up” in a place where he can feel cherished and not stifled. And, I love knowing that we will not lack in family time.
Apple Lemon Cinnamon Muffins. I have been making this recipe for years. And, I really enjoy it. It is not overly sweet, which I prefer in a breakfast muffin. I like to put strawberry jam in the center because I always like a bit of jam on my muffins and so it saves me an extra step later on. I have taken them on camping trips this way, so that we could have a no fuss breakfast. I have also subbed wheat germ for some of the flour in the past just to add some extra fiber. The other thing I love about this recipe is that you usually have everything on hand so it is great to make whenever the mood strikes.
Apple Lemon Cinnamon Muffins
adapted from Allrecipes
- 2 cups flour
- 4 tsp. baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 10 Tbsp. butter (1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp), room temp. (or melted if need be)
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 cup milk
- 1 granny smith (or similar apple), peeled cored and chopped
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- strawberry jam to fill (or your favorite)
- Stir together flour baking powder and salt
- Cream together 1/2 cup sugar and butter. Add eggs then lemon zest, juice, and milk. Mix well. Stir into dry ingredients until evenly moistened. Fold in apples.
- Spoon half into prepared muffin cups. Top each with a dollop of jam. Top with remaining batter. (They will be quite full but they do not rise much so you do not need to worry)
- Mix 1 Tbsp sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over muffin batter.
- Bake for 15 min. at 425, or until toothpick (or knife) inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool 1-2 min before removing to wire racks or paper towel to cool.
Makes: 12 muffins
So Cheri, Im pretty sure these muffins sound absolutely amazing and I plan to make them sometime. Wow.. hmm i wish I could just wish for them and they would appear. :) oh well I’ll make them soon. :)
Wow these muffins look amazing and not that hard. I’m going to have to give these try!