Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

So today was a lazy Saturday. We had plenty of leftovers (and might I add again just how delicious that mac and cheese was!!), so there was really no need cook. Plus, I had a get-together with some members of my local alumnae chapter, so I really had no reason to make anything (hors d'oeuvres were provided, as was tasty wine). But, I did make breakfast this morning (lemon poppy seed muffins with a delicious cinnamon flavored coffee). Here's the recipe for the coffee:
Thanks to my good friend girlyjock for introducing me to this idea
Prepare your coffee like you normally would, but then add about a tsp of cinnamon to the grounds before starting the brewing - it adds a nice warm touch!

And then for the muffins:

Ingredients:
3 cups unbleached all purpose flour ($0.50)
1 cup honey ($0.50)
3 tbsp poppy seeds ($0.25)
1 tbsp grated lemon peel ($0.75)
1 tsp baking soda ($0.05
2 tsp baking powder ($0.05)
1/2 tsp salt (negl. $)
16 oz plain low-fat yogurt ($1.00)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice ($0.75)
1/4 cup applesauce ($0.10)
2 eggs ($0.25)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla ($0.10)

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400. Grease 12 large muffin cups (or smaller muffin cups and a bread pan, which is what is pictured above).
Combine flour, poppy seeds, lemon peel, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Combine all other ingredients in small bowl until well blended. Stir into flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon into muffin cups, filling 2/3 full.
Bake 25-30 minutes (about 15 minutes if you are making small ones - don't make the same mistake I did and burn the edges by cooking them too long!) (25-30 is also good if you make it in two small bread pans). Cool until ready to serve.

Cost:
Total cost - about $5.20
Cost per serving - about $0.65

Nutrition Facts:
click here


I've been wanting to make these for almost a week now, and short of the slight burning of a couple muffins, the recipe did not disappoint! I highly recommend it, but keep an eye on them so they don't burn!

Mac and Cheese for Grownups

So I mentioned mac and cheese a few days ago, and my boyfriend has been wanting it ever since. I finally gave in, so we're having a tasty mac and cheese for grownups (ie. not from a blue box, with a bit of a kick). It tasted delicious as I was making it, and it's even better when its done!

Ingredients:

Bread crumbs, dry, grated, seasoned
0.3 x 1 cup (120g) ($0.25)

Butter, salted
4.0 x 1 tbsp (14g) ($0.10)

Cheese, low fat, cheddar or colby
1.5 x 1 cup, shredded (113g) ($0.50)

Cheese, mozzarella, part skim milk, low moisture
1.0 x 1 cup, shredded (132g) ($0.75)

Cheese, parmesan, dry grated, reduced fat
0.5 x 1 cup (100g) ($0.50)

Macaroni, vegetable, dry, enriched
2.0 x 1 cup spiral shaped (84g) ($0.50)

Milk, reduced fat, fluid, 2% milkfat, with added vitamin A
2.0 x 1 cup (244g) ($0.50)

Salt, table
0.75 x 1 tsp (6g) (negl. $)

Sauce, ready-to-serve, pepper or hot
3.0 x 1 tsp (4g) ($0.05)

Sour cream, fat free
2.5 x 1 ounce (28g) ($0.75)

Spices, chili powder
2.0 x 1 tsp (2g) (negl. $)

Spices, pepper, black
0.5 x 1 tsp (2g) (negl. $)

Wheat flour, white, all-purpose, enriched, unbleached
0.25 x 1 cup (125g) ($0.05)

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 375. Cook pasta in pot, then drain. Melt 2 tbsp butter in sauce pan, add flour. Mix in flour, milk, mustard, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add cheeses. Mix well, until all cheese is melted. Add drained pasta to mix, coat well. In separate bowl, combine 2 tbsp melted butter, bread crumbs, and chili powder. Dice tomatoes. Pour cheese/pasta mixture into shallow baking dish. Spread diced tomatoes on top, and sprinkle bread crumb mixture on top. Bake for 25 minutes, let stand for 10 before serving.

Cost:
Total cost: $3.95
Cost per serving: $0.50
Note: this is very filling, so if had with a salad, you really only need one serving. We ate about 3 servings between the two of us.

Nutrition Facts:
click here

So in short, maybe not so good for your heart if you eat it every day, but still pretty delicious for a treat once in a while. The hot sauce adds an excellent zing. I highly recommend this dish for anyone who likes macaroni and cheese (or even just cheese...)

On a side note, I got an interview today! It went really well, and I hope to hear in the next couple weeks. I'm looking forward to it!