Saturday, December 20, 2008

Blackberry Cheesecake Muffins and "Magic Reindeer Food"



A little while back I promised to present you with my "Blackberry Cheesecake Muffin" recipe. I baked a batch of these yummy muffins this morning. I had to photograph them rather quickly, as they began to disappear from the basket so fast. My three (very) hungry children are on their Christmas vacation from school, so I will be baking yummy breakfast treats more often in the next couple of weeks. I really enjoy baking muffins and scones for breakfast, especially when we don't have to rush off in the morning. So for the next couple of weeks, I will start my day with a nice Hot Triple Cinnamon Cream Latte, and plan out my baking strategy for the day. Watch for more of my favorite recipes.
Here is the recipe for "Caroline's Mistletoe Ranch Blackberry Cheesecake Muffins"
Cheesecake topping:
Mix together one 8 0z package of cream cheese,(softened at room temperature) 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon unbleached flour, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, until smooth. Set this aside until ready to use.
For the muffins:
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
1 pint size container of fresh blackberries (frozen will work in a pinch, but fresh works best)
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla; mix well. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Carefully fold in the blackberries. Fill paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Using a spoon, make a small well in the center of each muffin, this is where you will place the cheesecake mixture.
Add 1-2 tablespoons (depending on what will fit) of the cheesecake mixture to the well you created in each of the muffins. Reserve any left over cheesecake mixture for another batch of muffins. The cheesecake filling works great in Pumpkin Muffins too. Bake the muffins at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire cooling rack.
Optional; Sprinkle the muffins with turbinado sugar. I consider turbinado sugar to be glitter for baked treats, it adds a little yummy sweetness and it is festive and pretty.
Enjoy these muffins with hot chocolate or coffee. Please refridgerate any left over muffins.




Here is a little craft that I would like to share, "Magic Reindeer Food"


This past week, I had the opportunity to share this little craft with my daughter Kambria's, Junior Kindergarten class. I had a fun time helping the kiddos make this simple little recipe. The children measured out their own ingredients, they did very well with this craft. I even made cute little bags with blue and white snowflake fabric, so we could wrap them up in something festive and cute. After all, "Presentation, is everything". A special thank you to Miss Monica, (Kambria's very hard working teacher) for allowing me to bring this fun recipe into the class to share.


Recipe for:
"Magic Reindeer Food"

2 tablespoons Oatmeal
1 dash of Red Sugar
1 dash of Green Sugar
1 Generous sprinkle of Blue Sparkle Glitter


Add ingredients to ziploc bag.
Carefully seal the ziploc bag, making sure it is completely closed.
Shake bag gently to mix ingredients together. If giving this a gift include the instructions listed below.



"Magic Reindeer Food"
Directions:
On Christmas Eve,
Sprinkle on the lawn at night,
The moon will make it sparkle bright.
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam,
This will guide them to your home.
Have a Merry Christmas!

Well, I am off to finish a few last minute Christmas gifts. Be sure and check back in a day or two to see what I have been up to.

2 comments:

Heather Forcey said...

I think I am going to try your muffins soon! Maybe I'll run to the store and get the stuff so I can make a batch tonight. Then I can have them for breakfast. Although I am sure I will never be able to get them to be as good as the ones you always shared with us at school!

Mistletoe Ranch Kids said...

I checked in on your blog, your Muffins turned out nice. Let me know if you want to venture in to baking a bit more. I have many recipes I would love to share.