An Early Birthday Party

Madison's birthday is on the 22nd of December so we traditionally have a party with her friends early before all of the Christmas madness starts.  This year I hosted a baking extravaganza here on Keewatin for five little girls.  It was wonderful and tiring.  They explored the schooner, were swinging in the rigging, held chickens, enjoyed a nature walk, and of course we baked.  We made sponge cakes with honey chocolate icing and double chocolate chunk cookies.  They snacked on chicken wrapped in bacon and a fruit platter, and quenched their thirst with homemade hot chocolate.  We all had a great day.  Take home treats included a bag of baked goodies and a jar of Madison's Mix.

The boat looking beautiful before the party

Happy little girls!

Happy Birthday to you!

Mommy received the first piece of cake!

Presents and yet more swinging in the rigging - they couldn't get enough :)

Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins

Madison was in the galley again this morning.  We were treated to banana chocolate chunk muffins for breakfast!

                                   

Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a medium bowl blend the banana, oil, egg and vanilla together.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir in the banana mixture until just blended. Fold in the chocolate chunks. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling 3/4 full.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

More Baking . . .

Madison is hooked on home economics!

Since she started baking she has turned out some creative crepes with tons of toppings:

CREPES 

Ingredients

         1 cup all-purpose flour

         2 eggs

         1/2 cup milk

         1/2 cup water

         1/4 teaspoon salt

         2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.

Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.

Next on the agenda was Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chunks
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the butter mixture until well blended. Mix in the chocolate chunks and walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or just until set. Cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

We all love Madison's enthusiasm for this new subject and do all we can to encourage her!  :)