It warms my Belly

Happy Friday!

How was your week? Mine was super busy.... After being "out of commission" last week, I managed to teach my classes at the gym and get back to my "other" work to catch up since I've only got 2 more weeks before my last day.

DD was coming in from the Midwest this week as well so I wanted to at least get the house cleaned and some more groceries ---- but never got to it, I just couldn't find any "extra" time. When I'm not at work or the gym, I'm still "training" for the upcoming half-marathon (9 days to go).

I thought I'd share some goodies that I managed to bake this week. I love Fall !!! It always puts me in the mood to be a domestic diva!

First is an Apple Crisp (hubby's request).

Ingredients

• 5 tart apples (I used Golden Delicious)
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup AP flour
• 1/2 cup Quick Oats
• 1/3 cup softened unsalted butter
• 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• organic vanilla ice cream

Preheat oven to 375F. Butter the bottom and sides of the ramekins and set aside. Peel, core and slice apples and arrange in bottom f ramekins (almost overflowing- Don't worry..it will shrink when baking). Combine sugar, flour, oats, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle topping over apples and bake for 20-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Top with vanilla ice cream.

Next is Pumpkin Mini Doughnut Muffins (adapted from Martha Stewart)

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups AP flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup fat free milk

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray mini muffin tray with non-stick spray. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and spices and set aside. Mix together oil, sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin and milk until smooth. Add dry  ingredients and mix until just combined. Scoop batter into muffin tin about 2/3 full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Sugar Coating:

• 3/4 cup organic granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

Combine the first 2 ingredients. Once mini-muffins cool, and working one at a time, dip the top of the muffin into the melted butter, then coat top with sugar mixture. (Option: brush all over with butter). Let muffins cool completely and Enjoy!

Today's plans include running 3.5 miles, maybe some yoga then shopping for a wedding present for a family friend --- TJ Maxx here I come!

Have a good start to your weekend!!!