Freedom to Choose!

"I champion the right to be myself.
Dare to be different and set my own pattern.
Live my life and follow my own star."~Wilford Peterson


"The last of human freedoms - the ability to choose one's attitude in a given set of circumstances."~Viktor E. Frankl





     Isn't it great that we can make our own choices and make our own quilts.  This table runner is one that I designed and made to use up some scraps and buttons that I've had for a long time.  Perfect for Valentine's Day!

     I was happy to find out that Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year.  It'll be perfect for  sleeping in and then a nice breakfast.  Here are a few recipes great for a Valentine brunch.

Oatmeal Apple Pancakes

1 cup old-fashioned oats                                            2 eggs, beaten

½ cup whole wheat flour                                            1 cup plain yogurt

3 Tbsp. sugar                                                              ½ cup low fat milk

1 Tbsp. baking powder                                                1 Tbsp. canola oil

½ tsp. salt                                                                   1 cup shredded apple

¼ tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. nutmeg

In a food processor, process oats into flour.  In a large bowl, combine oat flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.  In a separate bowl, combine beaten eggs, yogurt, milk and canola oil.  Chop the apple into small pieces in a food processor.  Stir apples into flour mixture.  Fold egg mixture into flour mixture and stir until ingredients are combined.  Pour ½ cup of batter for each pancake onto heated griddle that has been coated lightly with canola oil.  Cook until browned and flip pancake over and continue to cook until browned.  Serve warm.  Makes about 10 pancakes.  This is delicious with buttermilk syrup.

 

 

Buttermilk Syrup

     1 cup butter                                                  2 Tbsp. corn syrup

     2 cups sugar                                                  2 tsp. baking soda

     1 cup buttermilk                                           1 ½ tsp. vanilla

In a large pot, combine butter, sugar, buttermilk and corn syrup.  Bring to a boil and let continue to boil for about 3 minutes.  Remove from heat and add baking soda and allow it to bubble up.  Add the vanilla and stir.  Mixture will thicken as it cools.  Serve on pancakes, waffles, ice cream, etc.

Individual Egg Frittatas

3 pieces whole wheat bread, toasted                          1 dozen large eggs

Two green onions, diced                                                salt and pepper                                  

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled                           1 roma tomato, cut in 6 slices

    or ½  cup ham, cooked and diced                              1 Tbsp. parmesan cheese

½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese      1 tsp. dried parsley or basil                 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a 6-cup jumbo muffin tin with cooking spray.

Tear toast into small pieces and layer in bottom of each muffin cup.  Sprinkle diced green onions on top of toast crumbs.  Layer crumbled bacon or diced ham on next.  Sprinkle cheddar or mozzarella cheese on next.

 In a large bowl with a pouring lip beat eggs.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Pour egg mixture slowly into each muffin cup until ¾ full.  Top with a slice of roma tomato and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  You can add a little dried parsley or basil on top for a little color.

 Bake for 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Remove from the oven and let stand for 2-3 minutes.  Serve hot.  Makes 6 servings.

 

     This is one of my all time favorite books.  I love the thoughts and life of Viktor Frankl.    We are the benefactors and can gain from the hardships of his life.  His sufferings were not in vain.