Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberries were the fruit of my youth. In the summertime, they were consumed almost daily. We would chop up the strawberries and mix them into a bit of vanilla ice cream (topped with a generous dose of chocolate syrup, of course). On special occasions, they were spooned on top of angel food cake and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Usually, though, we ate them simply—sliced and sprinkled with a spoonful of sugar to make them sweet and ooze strawberry juice.

I never could resist liking that bowl clean.

One of my favorite bedtime snacks was the classic strawberry smoothie. I would sip them up on hot summer evenings. The chilled drink would always cool me down until I got goosebumps. The taste was close enough to a strawberry milkshake that I felt like I was getting a special treat even though my smoothie was anything but unhealthy.

Mothers are good at tricking you like that.

Nowadays I tend to enjoy them while strolling around outside or for a light breakfast when I'm on the go. One of my favorite qualities of smoothies is the versatility. They are perfect for all hours of the day. Morning, afternoon, or evening, you can always enjoy this understated treat.

This strawberry smoothie is a light, fruity drink that will satisfy any sweet (or health conscious) tooth. The base of the smoothie is low-fat vanilla yogurt and milk. Strawberries and ice provide a nice variety in texture, while a splash of vanilla extract will help round out the flavors. Remember, you control the amount of sugar in the drink. If you're afraid it may be too sweet (or you're watching your sugar levels), add a little sugar at a time until it is just right for you.

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Vanilla Pear Muffins

There are two delinquent birds that like to wreak havoc around my neighborhood. They run up and down the streets without a care in the world. They chase and peck at wandering cats. Small animals run from them in terror. Theses birds are fearless. If I didn't know any better, I would imagine these birds were outlaws on the run from the law, showing man and beast just who's in charge.

In the early hours of the morning, they like to drum on the basement windows with their beaks. The sound is so loud, it resonates throughout the entire house. The first time I heard it, my sister and I were both certain that someone was trying to break in by pounding hammers against the windows. But, no. It was just the birds.

After I caught them in the act, they ran away, pecking each other playfully as if to congratulate themselves on their dirty deeds. These birds know no boundaries. I'm almost afraid of them. I wonder, if I met them in a dark alley, would they chase me around and peck at my ankles?

I hope I don't have to find out.

Since this early morning window pounding has become a regular affair, sleeping in has become a thing of the past. And, while this certainly doesn't make me too happy, I think the results of my early morning baking will please you.

This morning, I made some muffins. While many of you may scoff at yet another muffin recipe being sent your way, I would like to point out that these aren't just any old muffins; these particular muffins are something to write home about.

Instead of telling you what I think of them, I want to share what one of my muffin taste testers shared with me: "The muffins were not only delicious, but tasted unlike any other dessert I have consumed. The flavor of the pear nutmeg muffin has no equal; certainly nothing to which I can compare. The muffin occupies its own pedestal for delectability in the 'tasty and delicious' hall of fame. A truly unique combination of ingredients."

If that doesn't sell you on these, I'm not sure what will.

These vanilla pear muffins are moist, tender, and one-of-a-kind. These muffins have a very unique texture, closely resembling a bread instead of a light cake. The flavors are what really make these muffins shine. Certainly you've had pears and nutmeg together before, but this will change everything you thought you knew about it. Combined with a hint of vanilla, this flavor fusion will blow your taste buds out of the water. Trust me when I say you need to make these muffins as soon as possible.

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Vanilla Almond Cupcakes

This past weekend I took some time off to be with family to go skiing. It's a spring break tradition we started when I was younger and have kept it up since. This year's destination was to Red Lodge, Montana. It's a small tourist town with the quaintest little main street you've ever seen, surrounded by mountains perfect for skiing or snowboarding (and hiking in summer).

The weather was perfect. It was bright and sunny with little wind and I couldn't have asked for anything better. With few clouds, the view from the top of the mountain was unbelievable. The mountains and country seemed to extend on forever. My sister thought she could easily see far enough to reach into the next state. I agreed.

Though the sun was shining, I still bundled up like I was headed into the arctic for the next year. Three layers on the bottom, five on the top, and a neck warmer that covered everything but the tip of my nose (which was the only part of me that sunburned, by the way. Call me Rudolph). Though, it was worth it. There are few things more exhilarating than skiing down a mountain as fast as you can.

After a long day on the slopes, nothing seems better than a plate full of food. The main street is full of original shops and restaurants, including Bogart's (our favorite restaurant). Order the giant plate of nachos. And a margarita (or two). It's the best you'll ever have.

 

The town is also home to the Montana Candy Emporium. It is a renovated movie theater turned candy shop. It sells just about every discontinued or old-timey candy you can imagine, holding it all in rows of barrels. With vintage signs and paraphernalia, this place is really a sight.

We stayed in a small cottage at the base of the mountain. Even though it was without internet (gasp), we found a way to entertain each other. Sometimes it just feels good to get a break from technology and reality, for just a little while.

These cupcakes are light and subtly sweet. The vanilla almond cupcake has vanilla tones with sliced almonds right in the mix. The cake is barely sweet to allow the almond to shine. The frosting is a basic vanilla frosting with a hint of almond extract to cut the sweetness. The flavors in this cupcake really shine—neither the vanilla or almond outshine each other. These cupcakes are perfect for afternoon tea.

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