Ok, so maybe the title is a bit boisterous, but I think these muffins can stand up to the challenge.  They are the best I’ve ever had, so I wanted to share the recipe with you all.  The recipe is from The Blacksmith Inn in Door County, Wisconsin, where we stayed on vacation.  The little bed and breakfast sits right on Lake Michigan, and we even had a hammock on our deck.  Every morning the Inn keepers served a simple breakfast, usually some cheese, granola and a fabulous muffin.  When we got home from our vacation I looked up the Inn’s website to see if they had a recipe book I could order.  Low and behold, they solved all of my problems for me.  Their recipes are online for FREE!!!  (You can click here to download a .pdf with great recipes from the Blacksmith Inn.)

Every time I make these muffins I marvel at how easy it is.  There aren’t any big name ingredients (i.e.: expensive),which keeps costs low.  I am so happy to keep this recipe as a staple in …

Today I kept wondering what I was going to have for lunch on such a hot day, and low and behold I found inspiration in the new book I’m reading.  It was right there staring me in my face…a fresh tomato salad.  So I whipped up my own version and voila! an inexpensive and oh so luxurious lunch.  I had picked up some fresh tomatoes at the Co-op this weekend, four for around $2.50, so I sliced them in to bite size pieces.  I love summer, when tomatoes ooze out juice and are more like a piece of decadent fruit.  I then pinched off some basil leaves from the plant I have on the back porch (totally free).  There is nothing like fresh basil…with its amazing aroma.

My plate started to come together with a splash of balsamic vinegar and some olive oil, which are both common pantry staples.  I even sprinkled some freshly grated parmesan on top.  The entire piece of cheese was around $3, so a light dusting is well worth adding to the salad.  The flavor of parmesan really compliments …

Honey Cinnamon Granola

3 Cups Rolled Oats

1 Bag of Almonds (Slivers)

1 Bag of Chopped Pecans

1/2 Bag of Shredded Coconut (Optional)

1 Cup Honey

1/3 Cup Water

2/3 Cup Canola Oil

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

Combine the dry ingredients (oats, nuts & coconut) in a large mixing bowl.  In a separate bowl mix honey, water and oil.  Pour the wet mixture over the oats.  Stir with hands to combine (this is the best part!).  Next stir in vanilla, cinnamon and brown sugar.  Spread the mixture evenly on two cookie sheets.  Bake at 250 to 275 degrees (depending on your oven).  Flip oats over every 15 minutes with a spatula.  (I set the timer and make a little checklist for myself to make sure I’ve flipped them enough).  Repeat this process for 45 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.  Store in an air tight container.

I like to use this granola as cereal with fresh berries …

I hope the picture of the hot chocolate I made today got you in the mood to make some for yourself!  If it did…here’s the recipe for you!

Yummy Hot Chocolate

1 1/2 Cup Milk

2 Packets of Your Favorite Chocolate Mix (To make it extra rich!)

1/2 tsp. Vanilla

Sprinkle of Cinnamon

Topping:

Mini Marshmallows

1 tsp. Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder

3 tsp. Sugar

In a medium saucepan warm your milk over low heat.  Remove from heat and then whisk in the hot chocolate mix.  Toss in your vanilla and a dash of cinnamon.  Return to low heat and whisk to combine.  Pour in to your extra large mug.

To get the gourmet topping, which makes it just as good as your favorite coffee shop…combine the cocoa powder with the sugar. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the hot cocoa, and add marshmallows until you can’t wait to drink it any longer!  :-)  This is a great gourmet treat for a low cost.  Enjoy.