For the OTHER man in my life :) / Bake-a-thon part 1

In my last post I discussed that I had two men. Well, this one is just for him. I have known John for forever. Our story is literally from "The Notebook". Currently, the love of my life is in Iraq doing his job and staying safe (well he better be). Since, we (little man and I) love him so much we decided to send him a big box of goodies for him for fathers day and just because we love him. I know, I know "awwwwww".



I made two types of muffins, granola bars, cookies and cheese straws to send him. That is quite a bit of baking to do in 3 to 4 days. Additionally, I had to get my first blog ready for "Coffee and Community" which requires me to bake too. So I immediately hit panic mode. For some reason, no matter what it is, I hit up one of my close bffs Annie. I swear from shoes, weddings, moving to baking...Super Annie to the rescue.


Say hi Annie!

Annie is helping me make the Raisin Bran Muffins that we split between the man and the organization interview for the Institute of Leadership Advancement. They were perfect subtle muffins. They were sweet, but not overly so. The raisins gave an excent little pop of flavor. I have also have imparted to my significant other in many, many ways that I am distinctly southern. Italian-southern, if you will. I say "yall",eat grits,put mayo in lots of things, beauty pageants and sorority events littered my past, I make casseroles and cobblers and cheese straws.



I make GOOD cheese straws. I softened it down for my better half, because he is not as into spicy as I am. I would also bake them slightly longer for a crunchier cheese straw.


*Also, invest in a pizza cutter. It will also make your straws more even and create that crispy effect. We have one in storage. I miss it. It doesn't call, doesn't right and it makes me sad.

Raisin Bran Muffins
*Adapted from Smitten Kitchen
1/2 of a 15oz box of Raisin Bran Cereal
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups milk

Mix the dry ingredients all together. Mix all wet ingredients together. Bring both together and let sit for 45 minutes to over night in the fridge. Make sure it gets put in an air tight container. Place in muffin pan, sprinkle with sugar and bake at 350. Yum. Nom nom.


Cheese Straws
1 1/2 cups (about 6 ounces) grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick or 2 ounces) unsalted butter, softened and cut into 4 pieces
3/4 cup flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon
1/2 teaspoon of creole seasoning (for more heat use crushed red pepper and/or hot sauce)

Combine everything in a food processor until a coarse, crumbly dough ball forms. Dust a surface with flour, knead and roll out dough flat. Slice the cheese straws or cut them into shapes or make them cracker shaped. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes.

Stay tuned for mini pecan maple muffins (I mentioned I was southern, right?), almond cranberry orange tea cookies,the most addicting home made granola bars ever and a fabulous faux shrimp po'boy. The po'boy isn't for my G.I. John. That one is all for mama ;).

See you soon blogsphere! Remember to visit the HandsOn Northeast Georgia blog: http://www.handsonnega.blogspot.com/