Chocolate Raspberry Muffins


Chocolate and Raspberry are a wonderful combination of flavors and the favorite in our house. These muffins take that combination and make breakfast a delight. I promise you’ll have a good morning with these in your hands.

Chocolate Raspberry Muffins

Author/Source:

Kelly @ Onceamonthmom.com


Ingredients:

•1 Cups Flour, unbleached, un-enriched preferably organic

•1.5 teaspoons baking powder

•0.75 Cups Sugar

•7 ounces unsalted butter, melted

•0.75 Cups Plain Yogurt or homemade yogurt

•0.5 Cups water

•2 medium Eggs

•0.5 Cups chocolate chips

•0.5 Cups Raspberries, fresh or frozen

•2 Tablespoons Turbinado or Raw sugar

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375.



2) Mix all dry ingredients together, make a well in center.



3) Pour in melted butter, yogurt, water and eggs. Stir well.



4) Fold in the raspberries and the chocolate and spoon into muffin pans.



5) Sprinkle the top with raw sugar. Bake for 30 minutes. Place on rack to cool.



Freezing Directions:

Let cool and place into freezer bags and freeze. To serve: Reheat in microwave for about 2-3 minutes.



Servings: Yields 12 muffins

Breakfast Cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or apple sauce
1 egg
3 mashed ripe bananas
1 cup flour
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups uncooked oatmeal
1/2 cup raisins or craisins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large bowl mix all the ingredients and drop onto ungreased cookie sheet. 
Make them large or small.

Bake 8-10 minutes if using smaller cookies or 14-16 if using ice cream scoop sized cookies.  You do not want to over bake.

Cool and enjoy or once cooled freeze for enjoying later.

Submitted by:  Caroline G.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bread

Ingredients:

5 T butter, melted and cooled completely
2/3 C sugar
1 t vanilla
1/4 t salt
1 C vanilla yogurt
1 egg
3/4 t baking powder
3/4 t baking soda
1 1/2 C flour
3/4 C chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, yogurt and egg.
Mix well.
Stir in baking soda and baking powder.
Add flour and mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips.

Grease a loaf pan, and fill it with batter. Bake bread for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Submitted by:  Caroline G.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Pancakes

Makes 12-16 full-sized pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup raw sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 1/4 cups buttermilk (or make your own...1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon or vinegar or lemon juice - let it sit for 5 mins.  Make what you need).
• 4 Tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 Tablespoons brewed coffee
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, combine beaten eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, coffee and vanilla.

Add wet mixture to the dry ingredients and fold in with a spatula until just combined. Allow the mixture to set for a few minutes to thicken.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt a teaspoon of butter in the pan. Ladle 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and cook pancakes until small bubbles begin to form on the surface. Flip and cook one to two minutes more. Transfer to a serving plate and repeat for the remaining batter.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

To Freeze:

Lay cooled pancakes on a cookie sheet in a single layer and freeze for one to two hours. Remove from pan and stack in a ziptop bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to a month.

To serve: Remove from freezer and warm in the microwave on high for one to two minutes, warm on a cookie sheet in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or heat in a toaster oven.

Submitted by:  Caroline G.
Recipe adapted from February/March 2011 issue of Kiwi magazine.

Inspiration for Freezer Friendly recipes

 

http://pinterest.com/liberty91/freezer-friendly-recipes/

http://freezersupperswappers.com

http://freezerfriendz.blogspot.com

http://onceamonthmom.com

http://30daygourmet.com

http://food.com (type OAMC)

http://moneysavingmom.com

Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Cake mix ingredients:

18.5 oz. Chocolate cake mix
1 T. Cocoa powder, unsweetened
1-1/3 C. Milk
1/2 C. Vegetable oil
3 Eggs
1 t. Vanilla extract

Frosting:

1 C. Peanut Butter, creamy
1/2 C. Butter, softened
2 C. Powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 C. Milk
2 t. Vanilla extract

Prep Day:

Cake: Combine all ingredients for cake mix; beat together until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with oil and pour in cake mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Cake should be done when the center springs back to the touch and the sides are just starting to pull away from the pan.

Frosting: Blend peanut butter and butter with an electric mixer. Add in milk and vanilla; mix together. Add in the powder sugar and beat until frosting is fluffy. This is a thick frosting, but if it seems too thick add in another tablespoon of milk.

To Freeze: Allow cake to cool completely then spread frosting on top. This is a sheet cake so frosting is only applied to the top. Frosting should be spread on thickly, about an inch deep. Flash freeze to set frosting then cover with foil, label and freeze.

Serving Day – Thaw completely to serve.

Source:  http://freezersupperswappers.com/2013/05/02/tasty-treat-thursdays-chocolate-cake-with-peanut-butter-frosting/

This is a great website for all things freezer friendly.  One of the best I have found and refer to often.  I highly recommend it:  Caroline G.

Honey Mustard and Bacon Smothered Chicken Breast

Optimize flavor by assembling and freezing fresh chicken breasts, to be defrosted and baked right before serving.  

 

Recipe Yields: 24 servings (1 breast per serving)
Recommended Packaging: aluminum tins or other packaging of choice

Ingredients and Directions:

24 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
salt and ground black pepper

Work in batches as necessary. Remove any visible fat and gristle from each chicken breast. Place one breast, boned side up, between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Working from the center to the edges, lightly pound each chicken breast with the flat side of a meat mallet to approximately ½-inch thickness.

To assemble uncooked: Place 4 fresh (not previously frozen) breasts (or 1 per serving) in each tin. Continue with directions as follows.

1 pound bacon

Work in batches as necessary. In the same skillet over medium heat (or in oven), cook bacon until crisp. Drain and crumble or chop bacon. Sprinkle over chicken breasts, dividing evenly among tins.

¾ cup Dijon mustard
¾ cup honey
6 tablespoons corn syrup
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 cups shredded Colby or cheddar cheese

In a large bowl, mix together mustard, honey, corn syrup, and mayonnaise. Spoon over chicken breasts and bacon, dividing evenly among tins. Sprinkle ½ cup (or 2 tablespoons per serving) cheese over chicken chicken breasts. Cover with a sheet of plastic wrap, pressing down to cling to food. Apply lid. Freeze.

Reheating Instructions:

Defrost in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°. Remove board lid and plastic wrap. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying.  Bake fresh chicken until done (approximately 30-40 minutes).

Submitted by:  Caroline B.

 

Source:  www.cookingamongfriends.com

Website with some great freezer recipes

http://www.mealplanningmagic.com/category/recipe-freezer-friendly

Cheese Balls

This recipe only takes me 2 minutes to make and is a yummy appetizer to share with others.

Ingredients:

2 packages (8 ounces) Cream Cheese, softened (regular or 1/3 reduced fat)

1 package (8 ounces) Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled) - I omit this from my cheese balls

Crackers to serve on the side

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and roll in three balls (large, medium and small).
Place on a platter in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.

Freezer Instructions:

Assemble cheese balls  and wrap securely in saran wrap and freezer bags. Defrost in fridge a few hours before gifting or using.

I use a carrot for the nose, pretzels for arms and raisins for the eyes, mouth and buttons, but you can also use peppercorns. It is not necessary to have a hat, but since I had oreos and large marshmallows on hand my boys asked me to give him a hat.

Submitted by: Caroline G.

"This recipe can also be rolled in nuts of your choice and in the shape of one or two cheese balls and freezes beautifully!"

Sunshine Chicken

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. chicken breasts, boneless skinless (chopped breast, strips or whole breast)
2 c. BBQ sauce
1 c. Orange Juice

Instructions:

Cut the chicken in bite-sized pieces and combine it with the BBQ Sauce and Orange Juice.
 Bake in a foil coved pan at 350 degrees for 40 minutes before removing the foil and cooking for another 15 mins. 
Check your chicken to be sure you don't overcook.

Freezer Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag. 
Be sure to cover the chicken pieces with your sauce.  Freeze flat.
Thaw at least 12 hours in the fridge.  I recommend taking it out the night before in your fridge and letting it thaw until cooking the next afternoon/early evening. 
Bake in a foil covered pan at 350 degrees for 40 minutes before removing the foil and cooking for another 15 mins. 
Check your chicken to be sure you don't overcook.

Submitted by:  Caroline G.

Easy Crockpot Mongolian Beef

Ingredients:

1 pound stewing meat
2 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, sliced thickly (I omit this as my children don't like onion)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
1/2 cup hoisin sauce

Directions:

Dump everything in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.  If you are going to cook it a bit longer it is advisable to add a little bit more water so it doesn't dry out.  This is delicious with rice and a nice green vegetable such as broccoli, peas or green beans

Freezer directions:

Mix all liquid ingredients and put in a freezer bag.  Add your meat and mix up to be sure the beef is covered.  Seal and date your bag and place flat in the freezer.  Take out of freezer the night before cooking and put in your fridge.  Next morning put in the crockpot.

Submitted by:  Caroline G.

Source: www.allrecipes.com (adapted from)

Chocolate Banana Bread

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 stick butter, melted and cooled
3 ripe bananas, mashed well
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Stir the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.  Carefully fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.  Mix in the chocolate chips.

Pour into a greased loaf ban. 
Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 55 minutes until the bread the riens and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Cool and wrap in plastic wrap and foil or ziploc freezer bag.

Store in fridge or freezer.

Source:  www.moneysavingmom.com

Submitted by:  Caroline G.

Crock Pot Shredded Chicken Breasts for Freezing

Ingredients:

6-12 chicken breasts
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. 
Mix water and spices together and pour over the chicken.
Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours.
Remove the chicken breasts, shred or pull the meat from bones (if you bone in) and remove the skin.
Place meat in individual freezer bags/containers.
Freeze.
Defrost and add to any recipes calling for cooked chicken.

This is great for casseroles, pizza, burritos, pasta, and soup etc.

Submitted by:  Caroline G.

Source:  www.food.com

Sausage Balls

These are easy and tasty. A great make ahead  party appetizer or to serve guests".


1 pound of bulk pork sausage (you can use any flavor or heat).
2 cups of Bisquick or a homemade substitute
3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese


*I added a bit of Worcestershire Sauce to my mixture, however, this is not in the original recipe


Mix all ingredients together using your hands. I would suggest combining the sausage and the Bisquick first and adding the cheese last. You may have to work at it to get everything incorporated, but it will come together.
Roll about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture in a ball. Repeat until done.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.


Freezer instructions: Roll into balls and flash freeze on wax paper on a cookie tray. When the sausage balls have hardened move to freezer bags. Thaw in your fridge and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.


Submitted by:  Caroline G.

Brownie Mix

This looks like a great solution to making inexpensive brownies:

http://fakeitfrugal.blogspot.it/2012/04/fake-betty-crocker-brownie-mix.html

Farmer's Casserole

This is a new favorite in our house.  This is a great dish for a weekend lunch, brunch or dinner for the family.

Ingredients:

3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (24 ounce bag)

3/4 cup of shredded  Monterey Jack Cheese (3-4 ounces)

3/4 cup of shredded Cheddar Cheese (3-4 ounces)

1 cup ham or Canadian-style bacon (5 ounces)

1 can of mild green chilis (4.5 ounce can - optional)

1/4 cup green onions, sliced (2-3 medium)

4 beaten eggs

1 - 12 ounce can of evaporated milk (the full fat kind works best)

1/4 teaspoon of pepper

1/8 teaspoon of salt

Note:  You can use whatever kind of cheese you like.  It is yummy with a shredded cheese mix.

I make mine without the chilis and onions as my children don't like them, but I bet it is fabulous with them included!

Directions:

Grease a 2 quart square baking dish. 

Arrange potatoes evenly in bottom of dish.

Sprinkle with cheeses, ham, green chiles, and green onions. 

In medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, pepper and salt.

Pour egg mixture of potato mixture in dish.

NOTE:  Chill for several hours over overnight in the fridge before baking or immediately cover and place in freezer for future meal.

Serving Instructions:

Thaw completely (if frozen). 

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until center appears set.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 

If you prefer extra shredded cheese can be sprinkled on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Submitted by:  Caroline G.

Cranberry Chicken

Ingredients:

8 ounces of Catalina Dressing (regular or low fat)
1 package of onion soup mix
1 can whole-berry cranberry sauce (16 ounces)
4 boned or boneless chicken breasts

Instructions:

Mix together the dressing, onion soup mix and cranberry sauce. Place the chicken and the sauce in a greased baking dish and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour (until your chicken is done).

This goes really well with steamed rice and veggies.

Freezer Directions:
Mix together the dressing, onion soup mix and cranberry sauce. Place the chicken and mix together in a freezer bag. I then place in another freezer bag and label and date. When ready to prepare thaw overnight in the fridge and follow instructions above.

Submitted by: Caroline G.

"I had a friend request this recipe and thought it was worth posting on here. This is a fabulous fall recipe and delicious".

CHOCOLATE CHIP CREAM CHEESE COFFEE CAKE

Ingredients
* 1/4 lb butter (1 cube)
* 8 oz. cream cheese
* 1 1/4 cup sugar
* 2 eggs
° 1 tsp vanilla
° 2 cups flour
° 1 tsp baking powder
° 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 6 oz chocolate chips

Topping:
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Makes one large bundt cake, or two medium bread-size loafs, or 4 small (individual size) loafs.

Instructions:Mix together * (first 4) ingredients in a large bowl till creamy. Add the ° ingredients, continually mixing. Add in the flour last, and in small increments to aid in smooth mixing. Add milk last. You may not need the whole 1/4 cup of milk, or you may need a little more. Batter should be creamy but not drippy. Stir in chocolate chips using a large spoon.

Spoon mixture into pan(s). If using a bundt pan, fill half full. You will need to slice off the excess to serve, so don't bother filling it overfull. If using bread pans, fill about half to 3/4 full. Sprinkle topping over all. Bake at 350° (F) for 50-55 minutes. Cakes will rise and become golden brown. Test by inserting a knife or toothpick. When done, the knife will come out almost dry.

Note: I like to make the smaller loafs and give as gifts. They freeze well and are good to have on hand for company coming. Wonderful with a cup of tea or coffee.

Chewy Granola Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup melted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups oatmeal
1 cup rice krispie cereal
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional. I don't use as I use salted butter)

Additions - select one of the following:

1/2 cup nuts
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup raisins or other dried fruit

Instructions:

In one bowl combine melted butter, brown sugar, honey and vanilla extract. In second bowl combine oatmeal, rice krispie ceral, flour , baking soda, cinnamon and salt if using. Mix well. Add you additional selected item from list above and mix well.

Combine the two bowls together and mix well. Spread mixture in a 13 x 9 sprayed pan and bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove and cool on the counter and then cut in bars and store in the fridge or freezer.

Submitted by: Caroline G.

"These are tasty and chewy"

FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER BARS

Ingredients:

1 cup of butter of margarine

2 cups of creamy peanut butter

2 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs

1 3/4 cups of powdered sugar

2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (one full bag)

1/3 cup of milk

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter together.
Mix well. Remove from heat.

Add crumbs and powdered sugar, mixing well.

Spread peanut butter mixture in a jelly roll pan (for thinner bars) or 9x13 pan (for thicker bars).

Chill.

When the peanut butter layer is firm, melt chocolate chips with milk over low heat.

Spread over chilled peanut butter mixture. Chill again.

Freezing Directions:
Cut into serving size pieces.

Wrap individually and freeze in large rigid containers or freezer ziptop bags.

Eat straight from the freezer or thaw slightly.

Submitted by: Caroline G.

I just made a batch of these last evening for my hubby. It had been a while and he loves them. They are so easy to make and last as a full batch for us makes 24-26 squares. You can use reduced fat peanut butter and I also use 2% milk. It is a great treat for him to have in his lunch and you just grab it from the freezer.

Source: www.30daygourmet.com

Comments from 30 day gourmet:
Hey, you peanut butter and chocolate lovers! It doesn’t get any better than this! If you can keep from eating them, these are great to keep around for company, after school snacking and for a treat after the kids go to bed!