ashleyd /

Muffins + Mat Make a Perfect Afternoon

This afternoon I was able to successfully complete the rest of my to do list!

I had two perfect bananas just screaming to be used for banana bread. But, I had other plans for this group of ingredients. IMG_0634IMG_0636

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I found this recipe online when I searched for healthy banana bread muffins. Then, by reading the comments on Roni’s site, Green Lite Bites, I saw that it is important to use a food scale when baking in order to ensure the most exact measurements. Who knew?! I used it today and it made a huge difference. I also learned how to sift flour when you don’t have a sifter. According to Epicurious.com it is best to use a whisk if you have one, in order to thoroughly mix all dry ingredients and spread air throughout the mixture.

IMG_0637 IMG_0639IMG_0640These delicious muffins turned out perfectly! They are healthier due to the whole wheat flour, applesauce, and of course some cinnamon for a little dose of health. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who wants a healthy snack on the go. These are now packed in Ziplock bags for afternoon snacks this week to enjoy with a cup of green tea.

IMG_0644 IMG_0642 After enjoying one of these muffins, I knew it was time to stretch out my tight hamstrings with my weekly dose of yoga.

While I love Equinox’s yoga classes, their class times don’t always work with my schedule; especially on Sunday. The clubs near me only have morning or late evening classes which and the morning classes are normally packed. IMG_0645

I realized that I have a great resource in my home that I rarely use: Comcast FitTV OnDemand. It is amazing! I was able to do 3 different classes including a YogaWorks yoga class, Kim Kardashian’s ab class, and a 10 minute relaxing meditation class.

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After spending so much time inside today, Bo and I both wanted to get out of the house. We enjoyed a leisurely walk back to our house after completing a few errands in midtown. We had time to stop in Madison Square Park to enjoy the dogs and beautiful weather!IMG_0651

IMG_0658 IMG_0657 IMG_0654 IMG_0653 IMG_0652I fully intend to spend the rest of the evening on the couch enjoying the Academy Awards with Bo. Have you entered my Academy Award sized giveaway yet?

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ashleyd /

Spicy Meatloaf and Garlic Cauliflower Mash

A cold Sunday night calls for a homemade meal, filled with comfort and warmth. Our Sunday night dinners often beckon in the beginning of a new week, the perfect way to end the weekend together. This afternoon I discovered this recipe on Cooking Light’s website and immediately suggested it for our Sunday night dinner. In fact, they even have a video of it featured here . What is your favorite Sunday night dinner? 
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Paired with homemade garlic cauliflower mash, it was the perfect meal! DSC_0018DSC_0019

 

DSC_0035DSC_0038DSC_0036If you can’t tell, we found the charger for our Nikon DSLR today during our winter cleaning. :) I apologize for the plethora of pictures but I was having too much fun tonight! The meal was absolutely delicious! I highly recommend you try this meatloaf recipe immediately if not sooner.

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ashleyd /

A Pound Cake Worth It’s Weight in Flavor

Pound cake is traditionally made with a pound of each ingredient: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. This is not always the case anymore as the quantity is changed depending on the cake size.

I grew up enjoying every different pound cake flavor imaginable. My mom’s favorite is pineapple pound cake but I’ve always found a plain and simple pound cake to be the most delicious especially when paired with fresh Spring berries. I knew that a simple pound cake would be a perfect dessert for our Derby party as it pleases almost any pallet, is easy to slice and serve, and isn’t messy.

This Southern Living Two Step Pound Cake recipe is foolproof!  It was the most popular dessert featured at our party. By the night’s end there were only two pieces left which were quickly devoured by my co-workers today! I made a few flavor adjustments to the recipe which I capture in italics below.

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Ingredients:

  • 4  cups  all-purpose flour
  • 3  cups  sugar
  • 2  cups  butter, softened
  • 3/4  cup  milk
  • 6  large eggs
  • 1.5  teaspoons  vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract

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Preparation

1. Layer Ingredients and Mix. Preheat oven to 325°. Place flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract (in that order) in 4-qt. bowl of a heavy-duty electric stand mixer. Beat at low speed 1 minute, stopping to scrape down sides. Beat at medium speed 2 minutes.

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2. Pour and Bake. Pour into a greased and floured 10-inch (16-cup) tube pan, and smooth. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

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I hope you’re enjoying my Southern treats! While I understand these aren’t the picture of healthy and nutritious delights, I believe there is a time and place for everything in moderation. 🙂 There were indeed Derby delights done right.

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