Whole Wheat Banana Blueberry Bran Muffins

Yes another muffin recipe. I have been cottaging and camping alot these past few weeks and have found muffins to be a great breakfast or snack while on the hiking trail or sitting on the dock with a coffee. The addition of blueberries makes for a fresh change on traditional banana muffins.

Whole Wheat Blueberry Banana Bran Muffins

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup Bran Cereal
1/4 cup buttermilk (add more if needed)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
2 eggs
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9 X 5-inch loaf pan with Cooking Spray or a muffin pan.

In large bowl, stir together flour, cereal, sugar and baking soda.

In another bowl whisk together banana, eggs and oil. Using wooden spoon, stir banana mixture into flour mixture. Do not over mix. Stir in blueberries. Spoon into prepared loaf pan or muffin pan.

Bake in centre of oven for 50 to 55 minutes for a loaf and 20 min for muffins or until tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Taste of Wellington

A few weekends ago I was able to enjoy a wonderful urban food experience called the Taste of Wellington. This festival was held on Wellington Street in Ottawa and all the amazing restaurants, bakeries, catering stores and food shops provided delectable food samples.

The samples were more than samples, as in some cases the portions were full meals. There was diversity in foods including gastro-pub fair, ethnic foods such as Indian, Thai, Italian, Japanese, French and Greek to the local market providing samples of seasonal fruits and vegetables. There were also other shops offering up free yoga sessions, free skin care products and massages, along with art galleries showing off their new exhibits while musicians played funky jazz music.

These establishments provided the food in exchange for donations to a charity, so it was a worthwhile venue.

Here are some of the wonderful tastes of Wellington I went to:

Thyme & Again featured marshmallows coated in coconut and amazing turkey meatballs with blueberries.

Absinthe had gourmet burgers with homemade chutneys.

Nicastro's featured mini porchetta sandwiches on crusty loaf with roasted garlic and rosemary.

Bagel Shop had sesame bagel topped with corned beef.

Bill's Bistro had pull porked on a baguette.

Three Tarts Bakery had nainamo bars and mini cupcakes.

The Royal Oak featured chicken curry with flatbread.

Sushi Umi had of course sushi. Cute asparagus wrapped sushi.

There were so many other places to try from burgers at the Metro, fresh fruit from the Parkdale Market, pasta from Parma Ravioli, pancakes from a breakfast place etc....there was only so much food I could try in one afternoon. But I will certainly be back next year to try more amazing foods from these great restaurants.

The 19th Hole: Steak and Potato

I was on vacation last week. Rather than my typical hiking and camping trips I was content to just relax at home. The weather was fantastic allowing me to get in gardening, painting, running, cooking, hanging out with friends and family and yes some golf.

I only get out a few times a summer, so it is pretty hard to improve my game with little practice and well let's face it little patience!!! During my week off I was able to get out two times and was very happy with my last game. Although I a long ways off from breaking 100, I definetly felt improved.

The best part of a round of golf is the 19th hole. Whether it is to celebrate a good game or drink away your pathetic excuse for 4 putting on a green, it is a great way to end the game.

My favorite place for the 19th hole is on my deck. My husband and I had a couple beers and opened a bottle of wine to enjoy with a perfectly grilled T-bone steak and baked potato.