Two Forgotten Green Apples Turned into Muffins

Apple Muffins
Apple Muffins

Two forgotten green apples sat in a fruit bowl as days passed away. Their tart, crisp attitude gave way to soften centers. Their bright skin became oily and dull. They were breaking down from neglect. Finally, they were rediscovered, but it was thought to be too late. No longer good eaten raw, the irresponsible owner placed a foot on the trashcan’s pedal to open the lid. Suddenly, a wild card thought crossed the mind. The melting of butter, measuring ingredients, and breaking eggs into a single bowl commences. The apple’s old skin was peeled away revealing a slightly soften texture and a bruised flesh. Their core was carved away, and the apples were diced to tiny pieces. The pieces were bathed in a cinnamon batter. Scooped into paper muffin cups. Sprinkled with brown sugar and nuts. They were placed into the oven. Two forgotten green apples were reborn as Apple Muffins.

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Buttermilk Pound Cake: Such Sweet Indulgences of Childhood Reminiscences are Well Deserved

As a child, the starting sound of a cake mixer being roared into action would lure me into the kitchen. My father gave me a spatula, and I would scrap the sides and the bottom of the bowl, after each ingredient was added. Behind his back, I would lick the spatula and the spoon rest. The best taste was the creaming of the sugar and butter. The taste test would temporarily cease when the eggs were added. When the flour was added, the taste test would restart. After pouring the batter into the pan and placing it in the oven, my father would allow me to lick the bowl and the mixer’s beaters.

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Fighting Stress with Spice: Curry Chicken Stew in a Slow Cooker

Curry Chicken Stew


If breakfast is the starter meal of a day, then Sunday is the starter meal of the work week. Reviewing the schedule for the upcoming week, it revealed little time for cooking a meal. Sunday dinner needed a recipe for the crock pot. The meal needed to be hearty and large to last a few extra days. The additional stress endured this week will be counteracted with a spicy Curry Chicken stew. Meals with little nutritional value will only feed the stress.

Sunday starts with our audacity to accept a invitation to a wonderful performance. After returning home from seeing Emperor Jones at the SoHo Playhouse, it was a relief to know dinner would be quickly served. As we waited for the rice to cook — 45 minutes for brown rice — we worked on our projects. When the rice was ready and the garnishes were prepped, we ate a spicy stew and enjoyed the evening. During the week, I will remember this relaxing moment in the midst of chaos.

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Nicoise Salad for Redemption

It was a naughty day, for we slept in until the afternoon. A last minute decision was made to go to the gym and run a few miles. On our way out of the gym, we ran into friends who invited us to join them for pizza. It wasn’t the ideal meal to eat after running, but we accepted the offer. An hour later, a last minute shopping decision was spent looking at electronics before going grocery shopping. It was around 8 p.m. when we returned home. Albeit, it was a good day, but neither one of us wanted to return outside to pick up a takeout meal. After eating pizza earlier in the day, greasy delivery wasn’t an option. I decided to make a quick salad that was originally planned for Wednesday or Thursday’s dinner. The menu needed a healthy change to soothe the guilt.

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Appreciating Co-Workers who Support a Chocolate Addiction: Hazelnut, Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

People who keep a well-stock supply of chocolate in their office are my buddies. My co-workers are the reason I can never be truly sugar-free. Yes, I’m playing the “blame game”. The other day, I had the audacity to request peanut butter cups, but I fail to restock their candy tray. As a thank you treat to my co-workers, I initially decided to make a chocolate pound cake. A decadent one. The type of cake that will kill a chocolate craving in one bite. However, when I went running last week, I realized I have to start making healthier meals. I still owe my co-workers some type of treat. Hopefully, the oatmeal cookies will be peacemaker with the co-workers. It’s a sugary, healthy treat. Perhaps, the cookies will prevent my overindulgence of their candy stash for one day.

Sidenote: I usually buy  Callebaut bittersweet chocolate from Buon Italia in Chelsea Market because of the natural vanilla and rich true flavor of chocolate. I also use it when making hot or cold chocolate milk.

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