Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner!

Last night, when I asked John what he would like me to make for him to take as breakfast this week the reply was muffins. Cinnamon apple muffins. We all know what that means: no box!

So this morning, bake a I did. Some tasty (and vegan friendly!)
Cinnamon apple muffins:

• 1 2/3 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• a few hearty shakes of cinnamon
• 1 can of pumpkin
• 1/4 cup applesauce (Cinnamon applesauce would have been great, but I didn't have any in the house. And while my Harris Teeter folks are becoming quite famliar with my daily presence, I didn't feel like getting in the car.)
• 1/4 cup water (maybe less; just watch the consistency. It should be thick but smooth)
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped (Pink Ladys are my favorite, so I use them for everything, but Granny Smith is always a good call as well)

Mix together all the "dry" ingredients (aka: the first 6).
In another bowl, stir together the "wet" ingredients (everything that's left minus the apple).
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just moistened. Gently stir in your apples, pour into muffin cups (this makes about 12). If you're me, you'll sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of each one and then bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.
Yum!













I know it looks like a chunk of butter, but it's actually a piece of apple. Promise.
And don't you live the festive muffin liners? Thank you Michaels!

Now that John's work is only 4 minutes away, he gets to come home for lunch, which is always fun. And today we tried these out:














Veggie corn dogs from Trader Joe's. John was an incredibly good sport to try these on my behalf, and even he will tell you: They were so good! And MUCH healthier than the real deal. Sad news: they contain whey. Not vegan.
Anyway, tonight we are having tortilla casserole which was a recipe shared with me by the best friend in the whole wide world whose wedding I just so happened to meet John at... I think we all know to whom I am referring. :o)
It's easy and yummy and I shall share with you how I make it:
Tortilla Casserole:

• 1 package tortillas - burrito size, cut into small squares (think about the size of the squares on Belgian waffles... Maybe a little larger)
• 1-2 chicken breasts (depending on how much of a meat eater you are... I usually use 1), cooked and cubed.
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 jar salsa (normal size... 16oz)
• "Mix ins" - these are optional and subjective. I typically add in a can of black beans and a can of corn. I have fresh green pepper today, so I'll throw some in
• Shredded cheese to top (optional)

*Note: to make this vegan, you just leave out the meat (or you can use vegan meat substitute, but I usually just add can of soy beans instead: yum!), substitute soy milk or water for the 1 cup of milk, and leave off the cheese (unless you have a Whole Foods nearby and/or access to soy cheese). Ask Goobsie, this variation is just as tasty (if not more!)
Okay, in a large bowl, combine everything except the cheese. Stir it together so everything is mixed and pour it into a 13 x 9 baking dish. Top with shredded cheese if you'd like (I'll be honest - I usually leave the cheese off and put it out as a "side" item) and bake at 350 for 20 - 30 minutes. serve and enjoy! I'll be serving mine tonight with our left over corn nuggets. Oh, and I usually set out sour cream to dollop on top.
Thank you, BFF!
Oh, and dessert? We still have left over Summer Berry Apple Crisp and juice bars and ice cream granola bars... Maybe I'll post a sweet treat a little later though. We did have Sogno at Carrabba's Saturday night and I WILL be recreating that little beauty. So SO good! Until then... Sunshine and sparkles!