Valentine’s Day is approaching and with it the thought that spring might be kind of..sort of..mostly near. Not that snow isn’t impossible, I mean it snowed on spring break last year, but the warm fuzzy feeling of Valentine’s Day just translate to warm days and green returning.
I was never one to decorate for Valentine’s, but an impulse pillow buy led to another and some vintage Valentine postcards found their way home and next thing I know…full on Valentineo decor…and I like it. Come on inside and experience the LOVE!
Adding some hearts and cards to the coffee table. Love is in the air. Sweet angels on the mantel. Quilt hearts in the foyer. Leaping for love.
I love collections. I really think I gain a lot of insight into a person by what they collect and how they display what they collect. I wonder what my collections display about me? I’m always looking for new inspiration when I visit my favorite antique markets and eBay merchants. Some collections have been procured over many years, some are relatively new interests. All of them make me happy. Collections don’t need to be pricey, although if you can afford high end art or diamonds, feel free to indulge. I have noticed I do collect simple household items from a long gone era. I think there is always a story behind each item. Once upon a time they were brand new and a source of joy to an owner, or many owners…I am just one more person to love and cherish my time with them.
Round belly teapots! How many cups of tea were poured on social calls. Vintage factory spools. I would love to see what they helped make. Wine keys used to be a favorite wedding gift. I wonder if they were actually used to open a bottle in celebration.I have a fondness for milk glass and ironstone jelly molds. My people off on a snow adventure
What could I bake today? I was definitely in the mood for something tasty to come out of my oven. I didn’t have the motivation or energy…it was a long week…to head to our local grocery store, so I was limited to what I had on hand. Leftover ricotta cheese? Lemon juice? Lots of spices? I know, I know it sounds impossible, but I could work with this. My discovery? Yummy hot muffins! Bonus…my house smelled absolutely divine!
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 3/4 cups Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon all spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, honey, and vanilla. Add the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and juice, beat until smooth and creamy. Add the whole wheat flour (or any flour combination), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, all-spice, and salt. Mix on low-speed until just combined, being sure the batter is completely mixed.
3. Divide the batter among the prepared pan. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
A Day of Small Things... 