Blueberry Whole Wheat Muffin

It's just the kids and I home this week in Kale Eats kitchen.  Don is off visiting relatives in another province for a much needed family reunion.  We would have loved to all go on this trip, but between a full calendar and the cost of a family of four to travel, it was the best decision at the time.

Blueberry Chutney

Well, they did it. The four kids paddled, portaged and hiked their way through Killarney Park. I had my doubts whether they'd be able to do the whole trip without parent intervention, but they proved me wrong. On portages almost a kilometre long, they happily walked with heavy sacks and paddles in hand. On long stretches of lake, they sang, laughed and told stories to paddle their way to the next destination. Despite some cold temperatures and high winds on a couple days, the trip was a great success. We hiked to the summit of Silver Peak on an off day and the kids just marched on without complaint. It reminded me once again to never underestimate what any person can do.

Baked Breakfast Clafoutis

Life. Is. Too. Busy.  I know this and yet our schedule continues to be full.  I can't change what is on the calendar already, but it is my hope that things will slow down soon.  Purposefully doing nothing will be difficult but the rewards will be great.  Pausing to enjoy the quietness of the morning or the laughter of my kids in the backyard are number one on my list.

Greek Yogurt Berry Bran Muffins

Trying to fill the kids' lunches with new items that are both tasty and healthy is an ongoing challenge.  Sometimes I am successful and other times, they figure me out and demand to know where the sugar has gone.  These muffins were a hit with both kids and the adults.  A bit more dense than your average muffin, you can taste the goodness in each bite.  I've replaced the sugar with maple syrup and coconut oil fills in where perhaps butter or vegetable oil would exist in the past.  The recipe specifies Greek yogurt, because that is my first choice to up the protein in them.  I have made them with regular yogurt and even a flavoured one and it works just as well.  Vanilla or strawberry yogurt lends a sweetness and the muffins are a little lighter from the moisture content of the yogurt.

Blueberry Lime Cornmeal Muffin

Today we hosted a young girl from out of town for a few hours.  She was participating in a national camp and needed a home stay for 4 hours before being driven to the airport.  When I picked her up I offered to spend the afternoon however she wished. She shared that she lives in a very small town in Saskatchewan, several hours from any city centre.  With an invitation to do anything, I expected her to say: can I go to the mall?  Instead, she asked "are there any museums or art galleries in this town?"  Wow.  Never underestimate youth.  They will surprise you every time.

Blueberry Whole Grain Ricotta Scone

It will be a sombre week for our family.  We're attending an inquest into the accidental death of a loved one.  Perhaps it will provide some much needed closure or some understanding of how it all transpired.  We don't really know what to expect, but we will go and hope that something positive can come out of it all.