Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

recipe adapted from Creme de la Crumb

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

makes 24 muffins

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 

dry ingredients -whisk together in a medium bowl and set aside
2 2/3 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

cream together in a large bowl or stand mixer
1 stick margarine (or butter)
1 1/2 c sugar

then add these wet ingredients - mixing after each one to incorporate, but don't overmix.
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon extract (can substitute w/vanilla)
1 1/2 c greek yogurt* (I use Greek Gods honey vanilla)
zest of two large or 3 small lemons
juice from two large or 3 small lemons (about 1/4 c or a little less)

mix in dry ingredients a little at a time until fully incorporated, then add in
1 heaping T of poppy seeds


*Use two 6-oz containers of whatever greek yogurt you like if you don't buy it in big containers like I do.

Grease muffin tins and fill each cup about 2/3 of the way. Bake about 12 minutes, depending on your altitude and oven. Enjoy!

Creamy Fruit Dip

I made this for our first Christmas Party and it was a huge hit --next time I will make a double batch! 

One 8 oz. bar of cream cheese
One 7 oz. jar of marshmallow fluff
1 tsp of vanilla
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Let the cream cheese sit out for a bit to let it soften. Add first three ingredients and blend, then add in sugar and blend until smooth. Suggestions for dippers: apple slices, strawberries, graham crackers, pretzels.

Basic Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas (the riper the better!)

1/4 c melted margarine
1/4 c milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c white sugar

2 c flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Mash bananas in a bowl. Add wet ingredients and mix (hand mixer or stand mixer). Add sugars and mix again. Add the last dry ingredients and mix until just combined (should be lumpy). Pour batter into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for approximately 50 minutes. Test for doneness. You could also add a topping before putting in the oven - my usual is some chopped walnuts sprinkled on top of the batter.

Fruit Salad Variation #1

Mix together in a bowl:
1 container of cool whip
1.5 c vanilla yogurt
1 small package cheesecake flavor instant pudding

Then add:
1 c Frozen Strawberries, sliced
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
1 can pineapple chunks, drained
1 medium fuji apple, diced
1 banana, sliced (add lemon juice to prevent browning)
2 c mini marshmallows

Stir and enjoy! About 8-10 servings.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Got this recipe from a cookbook compiled by my mother-in-law's congregation. I happily took the chance to double the recipe for you. You'll thank me later.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c butter or margarine (I use unsalted butter)
3 c white sugar
2 eggs
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
2 tsp vanilla
5 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
2 c chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugar. Mix in wet ingredients (egg, pumpkin and vanilla). Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl. Gradually mix dry ingredients in. Drop spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.

Mrs. Fields Cookies

This recipe is courtesy of my Mother-in-Law, who has been a Cook much longer than I have.

Cream together:

1 1/2 c sugar
2 c brown sugar
1 lb (2 c) margarine
2 tbs vanilla
3 eggs


Mix together in separate bowl:
6 c flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt


Mix in dry ingredients to margarine/sugar mixture. Add 3 c chocolate chips.

Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

Makes a gazillion cookies. VERY yummy.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick of unsalted butter
1 pkg of cream cheese
1/2 tsp (or so) of vanilla
powdered sugar


cream butter and cream cheese together in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer. mix in vanilla. gradually mix in powdered sugar, about a 1/2 cup at a time until you like the taste. i usually add about 2-3 cups. i keep adding until i can taste the sugar. you can also sift the sugar for a smoother texture.

you can also add in other flavors or colorings at the end. almond extract, peppermint extract and cocoa powder are fun to add (choose one or two).

spread on cupcakes, cakes, cookies, bagels, banana muffins, popcorn, etc.