Get in the Kitchen!

A few weeks ago, I held a party. 

It was a study party and a housewarming party and, I hope, a success!

Friends brought the drinks and some wonderful gifts of food, and I supplied some casual snacks, assembled with Vanessa's and Kirsten's help! Of course, I was running late, so I can't provide any pictures of my random collection of colorful plates, glasses, and silverware piled high and full to the brim with delicious vittles...

...but here's what I served:

 

Onion Dip with celery and carrots

This was my first attempt at homemade onion dip. I'm a new fan.

Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta

A simple, easy recipe. Just one more reason to love my food processor!

Prosciutto Purses

Savoury and sweet. I didn't bother with the chives or the honeydew. Because no one really likes honeydew. 

Brownies with Cream Cheese

A family recipe with the addition of slightly thinned cream cheese. A first attempt with delicious results!

Of course, the brownies were the most lauded, but chocolate tends to tip the scale in more ways than one. I so appreciated the food items that other brought, including delicious cookies, wine, and chocolate which helped me survive Sandy in style.

While I enjoy cooking and baking for myself, I seem enjoy both the most when I am able to share what I've made. With the exception of muffins; I tend to hoard muffins!

This past weekend, I had a craving for pumpkin-flavored baked goods and bran muffins, and decided to combine both into one massive craving for pumpkin bran muffins. I couldn't find a satisfactory recipe online, so I modified an existing recipe bran muffin recipe.

Laura's Pumpkin Bran Flake Muffins

 

1 and 1/2 cups flour

2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 cup canned pumpkin

2 tbsp. applesauce

3 cups bran flake cereal

Method: 

1. Mix dry ingredients -- flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt -- in a large bowl.

2. Beat eggs in a medium-sized bowl, and add milk, pumpkin, and applesauce.

3. Add wet ingredients to dry; stir until just moistened.

4. Stir in cereal.

5. Spoon batter into muffin pan, filling each cup 2/3 full. If you are not using paper liners, be sure to spray the pan with cooking spray.

6. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Make approximately 15 muffins.

'Tis the season for baking! Enjoy.