Enjoy Life....Top of the muffin to ya!

Good morning all. Today I posted on Facebook that I was going to make this the best day I possibly could. Having lost my mom recently the days just seem to run together. So I am determined to pick myself up and try and make today as normal as possible. Baking has always been a sort of go to project that seems to help make all things seem right, so therefore  I baked!

Several weeks ago Enjoy life sent me this incredible box of goodies. I was tickled when I received it and excited to finally be able to give their new "box mixes" a try. I have tried many of their shelf items and am so thrilled that they finally are offering mixes that I can make from scratch and enjoy warm, straight from the oven.                                     

                                                                               

The mixes are not only gluten free, but also free from dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish, and shell fish, so they are very allergy friendly. They are made with Ancient Grains like teff, buckwheat (has no wheat), millet, quinoa, with rice flours being last on the list. They are developed with probiotics which also make them good for your gut....Well enough dousing your brain with ingredient information, I was getting a little brain fog there also...

The muffins were even more than I had hoped for. They were light, fluffy and had a great flavor, unlike mixes based on strictly rice flours, there are actually hearty tasting. I felt like I was doing something special for my body :-)

They rose nicely and were soft and moist. I had to stop at two...didn't want to get too carried away, and I added some frozen blueberries for a extra added treat.
                                                                                

So if you are looking for a great hearty muffin mix, then look no more. Stop by the Enjoy life  site at http://www.enjoylifefoods.com and pick up a box or two. Since this is a brand new item it make take awhile to be found in your local stores.

 

So shop away, and as always have a great gluten free week. See you real  soon....

Sharon "Lee"

Next On the List Is - Blueberry Quenchin Bliss!

I am definitely not a big water drinker, and with the hottest days of summer upon us I needed to find a way to keep myself  hydrated...I find water tasteless, so it does nothing to satisfy my taste buds, or quench my "mental" thirst. I do however realize it is something my body needs to survive. So when I came across this delicious recipe for a blueberry soda I decided to give it a try.

Everyone knows blueberries are not only an excellent source of fiber, but they also contain vitamin C, as well as manganese, potassium, and vitamin K. I figured this way I would be getting the much needed water which I seem to avoid to keep my body healthy, along with quite a few added benefits. I found it was not only refreshing, but quite delicious, and satisfied both needs. With blueberries at the peak of their season it is a drink that is not only good for you, but also cost efficient.

As "Mikey" use to say in the cereal commercial from years ago..."Try it, you'll like it". Oops...did I just give away my age????? The directions are quite easy, and it is well worth the few minutes it takes to prepare. I hope you enjoy...


Ingredients:
 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
9 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 cup granulated sugar

 

Directions for making Syrup:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Slowly bringing to a simmer over medium heat, stir constantly until all the berries have popped, about 10 minutes. Remove pan from the  heat and let cool.
2. Pour syrup into an airtight container, like a mason jar, and refrigerate overnight.
3. To use, take out of the refrigerator and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (in the refrigerator)

To make the drink you will need ice; blueberry syrup from the above recipe; and sparkling mineral water.

Directions:

1.  For one drink, fill a tall glass with ice. Add 3 Tbsp. of the Blueberry Syrup and then top with seltzer water. Top glass with a lemon slice for that extra zing a ling, toss in a few fresh blueberries just for the heck of it,  then stir gently.  It is so refreshing, and great for hot summer days! 

 

 

Sharon