Think On These Things

Give Me a Sight, O Savior hymn by Katherine A M Kelly

It has been on my heart for a while to consistently make a faith-centered post focusing on some little gem that came from my Bible reading, a quote, a song, a book, a poem or a conversation from the week.

Too often something special touches my heart but quickly gets lost in the busyness of the day.  

I hope to do this each Sunday (posting Saturday evening).

I want to keep it short - not wordy or in-depth. Just something that will remind me of His precious Truths.

If you think you might want to join me, mention it in your comment. If there is an interest, maybe I will set up a link so others can share tidbits of pearls that God is sharing in their lives.

Either way, I hope this will keep my heart focused that I might

Think on These Things.  

Carrot Currant & Coconut Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

It's an Improv Challenge again with Kristen @Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker.

The theme this time... carrots and ginger!

I tossed in a few other ingredients and came up with a moist and hearty muffin filled with lots of goodies.
~*~

Then, after considering all of the nutritious ingredients in this recipe, I made a second batch with the goal of making the muffins a bit more healthy. I reducing the fat by substituting applesauce/oil for the butter and adding whole wheat flour for part of the white flour. You could take this further by using egg substitute and/or using honey for part of the sugar.  I haven't baked with Splenda but that might also be a possibility.

The whole wheat taste is noticeable in the lighter version but it is still moist and even got a better crown than the higher calorie muffin.  And, it got a thumbs-up from my finicky, five-year-old taste-tester and that's saying a lot! I prefer the first recipe.  But then, I personally, would rather have just one bite of something wonderful than a bigger piece of something not as wonderful.
The healthier recipe substitutions are in parenthesis.

Carrot Currant & Coconut Muffins

PRINT RECIPE

Ingredients:

2 large eggs

1/2 cup melted and cooled butter  OR (1/4 applesauce and 1/4 cup vegetable oil)

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup flour OR (1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup white flour)

3/4 cups sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1  1/2 cups shredded carrots

1/2 cup dried currants

1/2 cup flakes, sweetened coconut

1/3 cup roasted walnuts

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray 12-cup muffin pan. 

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cooled butter, and vanilla. Beat with a whisk until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture just until combined. Fold in the carrots, currants, coconut and walnuts. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling three-fourths full.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand for a few minutes; remove from pan to rack; cool completely.  Serve as is, sprinkle with confectioners sugar or add Cream Cheese Frosting.  Store frosted muffins in refrigerator.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 tsp melted butter

3 Tbs. cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1 cup confectioners sugar

pinch salt

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir vigorously until smooth and spreadable. 

healthier version made with part applesauce and part whole wheat flour

Linking to

Fridays Unfolded, Potpourri Friday, Home Sweet Home, Foodie Friday, Feature Yourself Friday, I'm Lovin' It Fridays, Show & Tell Friday, Design Dazzle, Fun Stuff Fridays, Do Something Crafty, Kitchen Fun & Crafty Friday, Sweet Saturday, Strut Your Stuff Saturday, Saturday Link and Greet, Think Pink Sundays, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Petite Hermine, Handmade @Raising Oranges, Sunday's Best @1929 Charmer, Mix It Up Monday!, The Sunday Showcase, Mop It Up Mondays, Made By You Monday, Get Your Craft On Tuesday, Show Me What Ya Got, Wow Us Wednesdays, Home Decor & Organizing Party, Show & Tell @Blue Cricket Design, Whatever You Want Wednesday, Transformation Thursday

My Valentines

Stepping Out

 on the town

and

of my comfort zone

 We attended a beautiful wedding this Saturday of a dear young man that works with John.

His lovely wife was stunning to all and especially to her beloved as she gracefully walked up the isle to him to begin a lifetime together.

Everything about the day was elegant and full of special moments.

We were honored to be able share this day with this
a very sweet couple.

♥
And, yes, I wore red shoes.
I think the last pair of red shoes I wore were Buster Brown's.
I found the little black dress on sale at Christmastime when I wasn't really looking for a dress.  The price was so right I brought it home.
But it needed something.
My sweet, beautiful and fun-loving friend, Susan told me to stop by and she would see if she had some accessories to help me dress-up the outfit.

Just for fun, I brought along a dress my niece loaned me.  A sleek, long black dress with boa feathers that had to be the most amusing dress I have ever tried on.  Yes, I looked like Cruella Deville and left tiny feathers whenever I moved about, but oh, what FUN!

After our laugh (and Susan's suggestion I not wear the boa dress to Bible study) she shared a beautiful silk scarf that was perfect with the dress. So I didn't have to continually fidget to keep the scarf in place, I tied a knot in front.
We agreed a long, silver necklace with chunky beads that her son bought for her worked too.

My sister, my sister-in-law and my daughter, Erin all suggested red shoes.
So off to DSW and guess what I found on the clearance shelf.
Not just a pair of red shoes but also, at 70% off, a red bag.
Still hesitant, I chatted with the lady at the register as I paid for the red shoes and a sensible pair of black patent leather shoes .  This older, soft-spoken, reserved lady told me,
"Wear the red ones.  There's nothing like red shoes."

And to perk up my dashing husband's suit, Abbey and I found a new red tie for him!