Spring is here — I hope it stays til summer comes. I’m planning on getting my garden started soon. We usually start some of our seeds inside until it’s time to plant. Watching them grow gets us through the cooler temps spring brings.
I received these two recipes from a couple of our friends from New Brunswick. Linda and Rachel emailed these favorites to us. Do you have any unique ideas for Easter? Any favorite recipes for Easter Sunday brunch? I look forward to hearing from you.
Cake Mix Blueberry Muffins
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 package of white cake mix
1 package of instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla
Beat everything all together (except for blueberries) until well blended and smooth, around 3 minutes, with an electric mixer, then fold in the blueberries at the end. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake 350 for 20 to 25 minutes.
If you want to have some variations add some lemon or orange zest, around 1 teaspoon. Or you can also add a nice streusel topping by combining 1/2 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts mixed all together evenly. Sprinkle a little on each muffin before baking.
Homemade Brownies
1 cup butter, melted
3 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until thoroughly blended.
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually stir flour mixture into the egg mixture until blended. Stir in the chocolate morsels.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove and cool pan on wire rack before cutting.
I really enjoy this time with you each week and would love to hear from you. Do you have any requests? Is there a recipe you have been looking for or remember from your younger years? Can I help you find it? Do you have any recipes that are special to you that you could share with us? Please contact me at susieqcooking@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
