Caramel Apple Muffins

Didn't get the chance yet to go apple picking - hopefully this weekend.  Still went to the market though and got some fresh apples.  So good!!

The colors of Fall are starting - more baking to come for sure!



The apples were delicious.  Ate a lot of them fresh - but felt like using some for baking some too! Decided to try out caramel-apple-muffins - they were delicious!! Didn't make the topping from the recipe as I thought they would be sweet enough as is.  Maybe next time!







Caramel Apple Muffins

2 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar (used a little less)
2 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom (didn't have but would love to try it next time!)
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup milk (used low-fat)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped peeled tart apple (used a cup)
12 caramels, chopped (used about 10)

For the topping: (didn't make the topping)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, spices, and salt.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, butter, and vanilla.


Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the apples and caramels.


Combine all of the topping ingredients in a small bowl.


Fill muffin pan cups 3/4 full, and then sprinkle the topping over the batter.


Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let cool in the pan 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.

South Street - Philadelphia

I think my favorite street in Philly was South Street.  So much to see, shop and eat!!


Such fun buildings


So many colors










This ATM machine is too much - didn't know there was such a thing as a Psychic ATM!!


A welcome skeleton in front of a shop

Philadelphia - Doors and More

I have a thing for doors, old buildings and alleys... especially when they have character!!

So much to see in Philly - so many alleys


So many colors


and so many doors!

Philly Cheesesteak

This was our second time visiting Philadelphia and I decided this time that we would try the Philly Cheesesteak!!  We decided to go to the most famous places to try it out.  We had the choice between Geno's and Pat's - we went to Geno's as the line was longer (so I thought it might be a bit better?!)
It was about 12 and the place was packed!




We decided to share one sandwich - and glad we did because they are pretty big!




My first bite - can't say that I loved the cheesesteak - it was OK. :)


We still looked in front of Pat's to see the difference and saw that many people went to both places to try out both cheesesteaks!


Loved this sign!

4 ingredients - Mini Nutella Cakes

I love foodgawker and tastespotting - I love to browse the different blogs when I see all the beautiful photos of all that food!! I have posted a few blog posts on both sites (if you click on my badge foodgawker on my blog - you will see these posts).  If you love photos and food - you will love foodgawker!!



Today is Sunday - dark and cloudy day.  Managed to go for a short walk this morning and a longer one this afternoon.  I also tried this today:

Didn't have a kettlebell - but used a 5 pound weight.  Oh my - my thighs hurt right now!!

Since I worked out - I could bake!! :)


 When I saw these on  foodgawker - I clicked on the link - mini-nutella-cakes-revisited - perfect and easy recipe!!


Mini Nutella Cakes
Yield: Approximately 14 mini nutella cakes (made 12 mini cakes)

Ingredients
1/2 cup Nutella spread
1 large egg
5 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (used 70% dark chocolate)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line or grease mini cupcake/muffin pan.
2. Put the Nutella and egg in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth and well blended. Add the flour and whisk until blended.
3. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins (about 3/4 full) and sprinkle with the chopped chocolate.
4. Bake about 10 minutes. Set on a rack to cool completely.



Ordered these little cupcake liners from goldaskitchen - aren't they cute for Halloween??!! :)
 
Can't be easier than this!!

Ben + me + Philly = Love!

I think this is the only photo of us together.  It was taken by a nice German guy that offered!

Margarita Cupcakes with Lemon Glaze

I love anything with lemon - Corona, lemon bars, lemon soaps, and of course, lemon cupcakes!!





Even better - love icing with lemon!!


Made these to bring to a BBQ.  They were enjoyed by all!  Especially drizzled with the lemon icing!!



Adapted from the book "Cupcakes Galore", Margarita Cupcakes with Lime Glaze... except I used lemon!!  So now they are

Margarita Cupcakes with Lemon Glaze
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus pinch for the egg whites
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs, separated
2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons tequila (used lemon juice instead)

Lemon Glaze
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon tequila (used low-fat milk)

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Mix flour, baking powder and salt together and set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add lemon rind and tequila (or lemon juice).
4. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff but not dry. Gently fold whites into batter.
5. Fill cupcake papers a little over 1/2 full. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool.
6. To make the glaze: in a medium bowl, mix the lemon juice, powdered sugar and tequila (or milk) and beat until smooth and blended. Stir in yellow food coloring (if desired). Brush cooled cupcake with glaze and sprinkle with coarse sugar.  Decorate with a jellied lemon slice.
Makes 15 cupcakes.

Philadelphia - Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth's Alley is popularly known as the USA's oldest residential street – it dates back to the first days of the eighteenth century.

Today thirty-two houses, built between 1728 and 1836, line the alley. They form one of the last intact early American streetscapes in the nation.
(taken from elfrethsalley)

Love this little street - we went there real early so we were the only tourists there (us and a German guy that took a photo of Ben and me that I will share soon).