I had one of those days yesterday where I found it really hard to get into my work zone. I’m having a hard time regaining focus this new year. So, I did what always works when I need to clear my mind, and I took the dogs out for a walk. Houston weather is back in the 70s (for about two days), so the sun was shining, and we got some fresh air.
We’ve been using the “Gentle Leaders” on the dogs, because we’ve had a bit of problem with pulling. They are a game changer when it comes to strong dogs who pull or lunge. They work very similar to a horse harness, and you simply guide the dog by redirecting its head. They can still open their mouth and eat with the gentle leader on. In fact, I always train with treats so they feel comfortable in it. I won’t use it forever, but until the pups can learn to walk a bit better on the leash.
Once I got back to my office, I found it a bit easier to focus. The walk sort of worked as double duty for me. My Apple Watch goal for the month is to go 152.2 miles, which averages out to just under 5 miles each day.
And, remember my goal to read more, well I put that into practice last night, and I finished a book that’s been lingering on my nightstand for about three months. It was “Hostage” by Clare Mackintosh. It was a thriller that involves a hijacked plane – the ending was one I didn’t see coming.
Healthy Eating
I’m trying to be better about using all of the groceries I bring into my house. We were wasting a lot last year. So, when I was off last week, I went through my pantry and drawers to toss some items that were expired and refresh my memory of things I needed to use. Ya’ll – I had to toss quite a few things. So this year, I really want to be better about using up everything that we buy. I found some leftover dried apricots and a bunch of nuts, so I decided to make a trail mix by adding in some remaining dark chocolate chips I had.
I’ve also been trying some new meals, and I recreated this coconut lime chicken the other night, and it was absolutely delicious. I’ll share the recipe next week.
Jam Surprise Muffins
And, I thought it would be fun to share a bonus recipe with you today that you can make this weekend. We were gifted about 5 jars of homemade jams and jellies this year. I love that people are so creative in their kitchen, and while I haven’t tried making my own jam or jelly, I sure do like to use it. My uncle made this homemade guava jam, and I knew I wanted to make my Jam Surprise Muffins. I used to make these when I a little girl, and it has been years since I got busy in the kitchen to make these.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 3 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- A jar of your favorite jam or jelly
- This recipe makes 12 muffins, so fill your muffin pan with 12 muffin liners.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder and salt).
- Slowly add your wet ingredients to the dry (eggs, milk and butter).
- Just stir until combined (don’t overstir)
- Fill your muffin liners until they are half-full with the batter.
- Then, put about 1/2 tsp – 1 tsp of the jam/jelly of your choice in the center.
- Fill your muffin liners to the top with the remaining batter.
- Pop in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the tops of the muffins begin to brown.
These muffins are so delicious. You can also freeze and heat up at a later date (just pop in the microwave wrapped in a paper towel for about 30 seconds).
