There’s only about thirty minutes till game time and if you’re like me and snowed in all the parties have been canceled. If you weren’t planning to host the party that probably means you’re looking for something quick and delicious to make up for lonely game-watching.
These two recipes will have you sitting comfortably on the couch before kick-off. While the first isn’t as healthy as what I usually post (there’s a whole stick of butter in it) when combined you get a great balance!
Cheesy Corn Muffins
based on Ina Garten recipe, makes 9 large muffins
1 1/2 cups unbleached, all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup medium cornmeal
1 Tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick of butter
3/4 cup milk*
1 egg
1/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese, optional
Preheat oven to 350F.
In a glass measuring cup, quickly melt the butter in the microwave and set aside. Add milk and egg to melted butter when it has cooled and stir to fully combine. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking soda and salt. Pour butter mixture onto dry ingredients and stir till just combined. Stir in grated cheese. Fill greased or lined muffin cups to the top. Bake 20-30 minutes depending on your oven. Cool on wire rack and enjoy.
Feel free to mix in other items to create new flavors- diced jalepeño peppers, cooked corn kernels, taco seasoning to the dry mixture, etc.
Nutrition Facts, approx: 242.5 calories, 11 g fat, 6.5 g saturated fat, 51 mg cholesterol, 445 mg sodium, 3.5 mg potassium, 32.5 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 12.5 g sugar, 4 g protein… Hey, I warned you 
* I used a mix of skim milk and hazelnut milk but any version of milk you use will work fine.
“Cop Out” Black Bean Chili
makes 8 servings
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped bell peppers
2 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 can tomatoes
1.5 cup frozen corn
2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup water
Heat oil in a large saucepan. Once hot add onions and peppers and allow to sit for 5 minutes on medium heat. Do not stir them as you want the flavors to develop. With a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen vegetables. This is where the base of your flavor is. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Cover and let simmer for 25+ minutes. The longer this cooks the more developed the flavors will be. Save it for half time and munch on chips and guacamole till then 
Alternately, you can make this in the crock pot by adding all the ingredients and cooking on low for 4-5 hours, then on high for 1 hour. Feel free to add whatever other vegetables you have on hand.
Nutrition Facts, approx: 135 calories, 4 g fat, .5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 520 mg sodium, 280 mg potassium, 24 g carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 2 g sugar, 5 g protein
Life Update: Things are still super busy but this weekend, being forced in I got a lot of work done, got some relaxation in and definitely gained some perspective. I also cooked more than ever- homemade bagels, banana muffins, and elaborate dinner and these two dishes. I’ve also been thinking about challenging myself with a cooking project but I’m still trying to get into the swing of exercising regularly with my schedule which I definitely need to do before embarking on my proposed project 
I have this overwhelming sense of guilt about my life at times.
French Toast with Blackberry Syrup
I can’t quite explain it but I can’t seem to make time for all the things I want to make time for.
French Toast Sandwich- great way to save slighty freezer burned bread, just pop in the toaster and slather on Maple PB
I have to graduate. I have to pass my Teacher Certification exams. I have to take the GREs. I have to get into a quality masters’ program. I have to find a way to finance this program. I’d like to get a car. I’d like to finish my taxes. I’d like to get adequate rest. I’d like to be 22. I’d like to remember to call my family and not get distracted by adulthood before it’s too late in the evening to call. Oh yeah. I have two jobs too.
My students (K) made a "car" for their "family" to visit the grandparents in "Texas"
I’d love to devote my time to this blog… but right now it just overwhelms me and makes me feel guilty. I don’t even want to comment on other people’s blogs because I haven’t updated this one.
They even remembered the spare tire- it's a long trip you know!
It leaves me in the unsure place… I’m still working this out in my head.
Hey Friends… It’s been a long time no?
I’ve just been dealing with a lot- re: my student, my life, my job, my school, my future. I’ve come home every night exhausted but unable to sleep then woken up every morning between 4:30 and 5 am, unintentionally, just ready for the day. The only day I didn’t do that was Sunday and only because I went to bed around that time 
I think it was very healthy for me though. I realize more and more daily what I should be focused on and whom I should be focused on.
It’s quite freeing in fact.
I’ve also found myself falling back in love with my juicer. So much so that last night I had juice for dinner because it was consuming my thoughts!
Even though I made a resolution to blog daily, I’ve always thought that one should revisit and revise ones goals. I’m not ready to do that yet but I’m also not feeling guilty for taking the time to breathe. Believe me- 16 intense students from 8am to 330p and another 14 from 330p to 630p daily, plus killer classes, and normal life stuff requires breathing sometimes!
But today I had to update for two very important reasons.
ONE- My student is out of the hospital! Thankfully, she is doing much better and even though things were extremely scary for us all we are all so thankful that she is on the road to recovery. I talked with her today and she seemed like her old (talkative) self. She invited me to their hotel to jump on the beds with her. Apparently, the Red Cross is looking for housing for them. I have also been really touched by our school community that has come together to support this family! Yay… *My* School )
TWO-
The sale is tomorrow. Please consider bidding or at least posting about the bake sale to spread the word!
Later loves and thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for my student and in advance for what I’m sure will be an incredible outpouring of love by the blogging community tomorrow!
