apple cinnamon baked muesli

So can we like, be real for a sec? The thing about being a blogger, is people only get to see the things that you choose to put out there- the pretty things, the good days, the yummy recipes, and the beautiful pictures. What you don't see are the REAL things that go on behind the scenes, the crappy days, the recipes that end up being thrown away, and the pictures that, even though you took 120 pictures, the lighting just wasn't right. I feel like I only write the funny cute things, but none of the stuff that's actually… going on in my life. So let's be real. I wanna talk. I don't know why, but it hit me this weekend that… I really don't have many friends. And it's getting old. Sure, I have three close friends and they're OHMYGOSHTHEFREAKINGBESTEST. But over the last year and a half since moving to Namibia, I haven't really clicked with anyone. And I think for the well being of a person, they NEED that person that they click with- they can cry with, laugh with, dance with, and be crazy with. I have a weird thing where I don't cry often, but when I do, it just comes in a random flood of emotions and the gates break open and the tears come pouring. Sunday night at youth group, during worship, I all of a sudden couldn't sing the lyrics. My eyes started feeling like they were about to pop out of my head from holding back all the tears that were threatening to spill. After worship, my nose was running and one of the leaders came up to me and asked me if I was feeling sick. And at that question, I just let go. I burst into tears. I sat down and just… couldn't stop. Then one of my best friends came up, asked if I was okay, and asked if I needed to talk. I nodded my head and we headed outside. I told him what was going on. I feel excluded. and lonely. Things have gotten mixed up and I've been hurt. I was sitting there thinking I have no friends when I had a wonderful one sitting right there, letting me cry my eyeballs out, and encouraging me to the best of his ability. Sure, I could sit here feeling sorry for myself, OR I could be thankful for the gosh dang awesome people God HAS put in my life and do my best to meet new people. So that's what I'm going to do. I'm struggling, yes, and have been feeling like I'm on the verge of tears all weekend. My eyes burn from crying so much, and my mind is confused by a million and five things. But I'll get through it and at the end, I'll be a better person because of the trials I've gone through and the courage I've taken to step out of my comfort zone. So what the heck does this have to do with breakfast? Well not much. Other than the fact that when I'm stressed and feeling like a pile of dog crap, I go into the kitchen and whip up something yummy, and for those few minutes, everything's ok. Be cool. Eat food. 

apple cinnamon baked muesli

2 c. muesli

1/2 c. sunflower seeds

1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking powder

2 eggs

3/4 c. milk

1/4 c. honey

1 c. applesauce

2 small apples

In a small bowl, combine the muesli, seeds, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add eggs, honey, milk, and applesauce. Pour batter into a greased 9x7 pan. Bake at 375ºF for 20-25 minutes. 

strawberry apple almond crisp {for one}

It's Saturday! And ya know what that means?

Sleep. 

TWO cups of coffee. {ima rebel.} 

Chillaxing. 

Food Network. 

Peace + quiet. 

BREAKFAST. 

Good breakfasts that are a little fancier than your typical mid-week morning meals. 

WEEEEELL… Maybe not. 

As I've mentioned before, I'm becoming more and more of a morning person. 

And breakfast is definitely my favorite time of the day. 

I love all the possibilities there are for wonderful, healthy, filling breakfasts. 

Oatmeal or eggs are my usual go to breakfasts- something that will keep me full and content until lunchtime. 

In the mornings, I don't really have time to sit over the stovetop flipping pancakes, but THIS. 

I can get behind this.

This breakfast SEEMS like a fancy weekend breakfast, but seriously. 

It's not. It could not be any easier!

All you do is grab a couple ingredients, throw together a simple almond crumble, dump that on a bowl of strawberries and apples, microwave it for a few minutes, and HELLO! 

Breakfast… is seeeeeeerved. 

You can bet your bottom dollar this crisp is going into the breakfast rotation. 

Not only is this crisp delicious and SO easy, BUT it makes a single serving just for YOU to savor, it's gluten-free, AND dairy-free! 

The bomb dot com right there. 

Sit outside on the porch with a cup of coffee, a good book, and your little strawberry almond crisp and your life just got awesome. 

Happy weekend, friends!

strawberry apple almond crisp {single serve, gluten-free, dairy-free}

1/2 large apple, chopped into chunks

3/4 c. strawberries {fresh or frozen; I used frozen and quickly thawed them by running them under some warm water}

4 1/2 tbsp. almond flour

small handful of almonds, roughly chopped

2 tbsp. quick cooking oats

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tbsp. dark brown sugar

1/2 tbsp. soymilk

1/2 tbsp. honey

In a small bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, almonds, cinnamon, and dark brown sugar. Add milk and honey and mix with a fork until a crumble forms. Place apples and strawberries in a microwave safe bowl and top with crumble mixture. Microwave on high heat for 2-3 minutes- time will vary for each microwave.

apple cinnamon raisin granola

On Thursday, my family and I are driving down to Cape Town, South Africa to meet my grandparents who we haven't seen in a YEAR! I'm SO excited! I think the 17 hour drive through the boring, hot dessert will somehow be worth it. I mean, I get to look forward to the beautiful ocean, time with family, insane shopping, an overabundance of seafood and other yummy stuff, time away from my crazy hectic life {2 weeks off of school? Umm, yes please.}, AAAAAAND McDonald's! I never ever ever ever ever thought I would crave that crap. Ever.

 

My iPod's little earphone thingy doesn't work anymore, so I won't be able to listen to music on the way there which totally stinks, man. My grandparents are bringing a new one with them though, and OHMYGOSH I'm so excited. Instagram? I think yes. I've also been having to run without music for the last two months. Seriously, do you know how hard that is? Running without music for me, is like… running without running shoes. It just does not. work. However, I think I've turned into my own running playlist if you know what I mean… Gotta motivate myself somehow!

Anyways, since we're going to be laying around on the beach, reading, and sipping ice cold coke zeroes, that means I'll be in bikini. My poor little tummy hasn't seen the light of day in a year and a half. Look away, Cape Town! I don't want to blind you with my neon whiteness! Sadly, blondies and layer cakes aren't really the best pre-beach foods to be eating. {dude, I wish.} I thought I'd whip up some granola for a tasty, waist-happy breakfast! 

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Granola

3 c. oats

1/2 c. dark brown sugar

3 tbsp. olive oil

1/4 c. honey

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

3 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. diced apples {about 2 small apples, 1 large}

3/4 c. raisins

Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, olive oil, and honey. Add in the spices, vanilla, and apples. Stir until combined. Pour granola onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until just browned, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Once the granola is done baking, add the raisins. Cool slightly before moving to an airtight container to store. 

P.S. After we get back from Cape Town, we'll be spending time with my grandparents in our town and also traveling a little around Namibia. I'll do my best to sneak in a recipe or two, but just a heads up, I won't be back to my normal posting for a few weeks at least. I can't wait to come back and share some pictures of the trip with you all :) 

Oatmeal Apple Crumb Bars

Ok. So I know everyone in the States is experiencing fall right now. Like leggings, UGGS, apple orchards, and pumpkin spice latte weather. Y'all have no idea how lucky you are! If anyone wants to figure out a way to send all that in a care package {including the apple orchard}, just let me know. Thanks much. Anyways! Given that apples are pretty much the ONLY fall flavor I can get my paws on here, I figured I'd supply you guys with a few fall-like recipes. 

For the base of these bars I used my favorite oatmeal raisin cookie recipe {minus the raisins}, and then everything else was pretty easy to throw together. The apple layer is just sliced up apples coated in a little bit of flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The nutmeg gives it a little kick and really screams "FALL!" Then for the crumble topping, I, well… Made an average crumble topping- butter, sugar, flour, and another little dash of cinnamon. I can't get enough of the stuff! 

And there ya have it! A perfect quick, easy, and delicious fall recipe! 

When I made these last weekend, I packaged them up in two different containers. One to bring for my friends and one to leave at home. Honestly, they just kinda disappeared. I saw my friends going back for seconds and even thirds! I'd say that's a good sign ;) 

That afternoon we watched the Vow and then went swimming. Have you guys seen that movie yet? So stinking adorable, I could hardly stand it. Everyone was looking at me throughout the movie to see if I was like hyperventilating or what, because when I watch chick flicks, I make weird squeaky noises. I know, I'm weird. I actually read the book {written by the real people} awhile back, and found that the movie was actually quite different although a lot of things still stayed the same. I'd totally suggest reading the book!

Anyways. I'm sure you want the recipe now, don't you? 

Oatmeal Apple Crumb Bars

Oatmeal Cookie Base: For the base, I used my favorite oatmeal raisin cookies dough, minus the raisins, and then pressed it into a greased 9x9 pan. You could use any oatmeal cookie recipe though.

Apple Layer: 

3 medium-sized  apples 

1/4 c. flour

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon 

1/2 tsp. nutmeg {feel free to amp up the nutmeg, if you wish!}

Thinly slice the apples. In a bowl, combine the apples with the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until evenly coated. Spread evenly on top of the oatmeal layer. 

Crumble Layer: 

1/3 c. butter, melted

1/4 c. sugar

1 c. flour

dash of cinnamon 

Combine all ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly on top of the apple layer. Bake at 400ºF for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before slicing.

Apple Cinnamon Scones

Today we're going to my brother's soccer tournaments which will go pretty much all morning and into the afternoon. I'm hoping to finish some cupcakes that I started yesterday but wasn't able to finish… Stupid. I'm sure they'll be great with our special little dinner tonight though! And I hope to post them SOOOOON so all of you can drool over them. :)

Anyhoo… Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there including mine! :) I made these scones last night so we could have them for breakfast today before we ran out the door, popped 'em in the fridge, and baked them this morning. DEEEEE-LICIOUS with chunks of apples and cinnamon in every warm bite. Yum!

Apple Cinnamon Scones
Recipe From//Simply Scratch

YIELD: 8 scones

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups All Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting

1/4 cup Sugar

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon Fresh Nutmeg, grated

1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda

1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

1 stick {8 tablespoons} Chilled Unsalted Butter

2 Apples {like golden delicious or honeycrisp}, peeled and shredded

1/4 to 1/2 cup Whole Milk, plus more for brushing

1 tablespoon Sugar, for sprinkling

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl combine the first 7 ingredients. Then cube up the chilled butter and add to the flour mixture. With a pastry cutter{or if you're oh-so sophisticated as me, I will allow you to use a fork. haha}, blend the butter and the flour together until small crumbles form. Add in the shredded apples, stir. Gradually add the whole milk, stirring until the dough forms.

On a lightly floured surface knead the dough 8-10 times before forming into a rectangle. Cut eight wedges and place on prepared pan. Brush with a little milk and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Serve warm with butter.

Have a beautiful day everyone! 

Hugs, 

Sophie

Single Serving Apple Crisp

MMMM… Who doesn't like a nice hot apple crisp on a cold

African morning? Never thought you'd here cold and African in the same sentence, huh? 

Me neither until we got here… The morning get pretty chilly! 40's-50's for sure. Great

sweatshirt and fuzzy socks weather;) 

I forced my self to run this morning… You know, it's really not easy

getting out of bed when you- for some odd reason, wake up at 6:15 

and you hear the pretty little birdies outside your window singing their little songs

and it's super cold. But I did it. And I felt really good after I ran. It's just the

getting-out-the-door part that nearly kills me.

So after I took my shower and got all freshened up, I decided to reward myself with

a somewhat healthy and stinking delicious breakfast. 

The recipe that I used actually said to put it in the oven for 30 minutes…

I was like "YAH RIGHT!" so I decided to microwave it instead, and it worked

perfectly perfect. 

P.S. How ADORABLE is that little "Le Creuset" wanna-be? I got that

at one of my favorite stores "Mr. Price"… Let me tell you, that store is a little

bit of heaven for me. When you walk in there you most definitely would have 

no idea you were in Africa. The store is filled with loads of cute bedding {I got most of the

things that are in my room from there}, other house stuff, and lots and lots of dishes. 

I got A LOT there for only about $15! :) 

Talk about getting side-tracked…

APPLE CRISP!

Ahh it was so good! When I set it down and took the lid off, it 

filled my room with the most amazing aroma ever. 

Apple-y, cinnamon-y, caramel-y goodness! 

Single Serving Apple Crisp

1 small apple

2 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tbsp. oats

1 1/2 tbsp. flour

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1 tbsp. butter

Thinly slice the apple and place in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tbsp. brown sugar, 1/2 tbsp. flour, and 1/8 tsp. cinnamon. Coat the apples with the dry ingredients and place in a small baking dish. Mix together the rest of the dry ingredients and the butter; put on top of the apples. Microwave for 60-90 seconds. 

Check out some other single serving recipes!

Link up to Sweet Saturdays {#5}

I noticed I've gotten a few new followers {EEEK! So close to 100!!!} 

And I'd like to thank you all for coming on over! Learn a little bit more about The Baker! 

I'm so excited to get to know y'all! 

Have a lovely day! 

-Sophie 

Apple Pie Muffins

I made these this morning {before I was even dressed and ready for the day… Yes,

I'm that devoted to my baking. ;)}

when my mom said she "could go for a muffin right now"…

Boy, did I have just the right thing! 

These muffins are all kinds of deliciousness. For reals. 

It's like a little apple pie in a muffin… Hence the name! hahaha:) 

My preference was to cut the apple in big pieces, so 

there's chunks of appley-goodness in every bite. YUMMER! 

Oh and beware. They're kinda super addicting… 

Don't say I didn't warn you. :)

I love having stuff like this just laying around in the kitchen to nibble 

on whenever I'm in there…Which is pretty much all day. 

I don't know if thats good or bad? 

Maybe all those single serving recipes actually are a little healthier… :) 

Apple Pie Muffins

From: My Baking Addiction

2 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice {I used cinnamon}

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg

1 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c. brown sugar 

2 c. peeled Granny Smiths {I used 3 apples}

And of course you'll have to have some topping…

It really gives it that "pie" effect! 

Topping:

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. flour

1/4 c. oats

1 tsp. cinnamon

3 tbsp. butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350ºF and prepare 12 muffin cups. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, butter, vanilla, and brown sugar. Pour mixtures together until combined. Gently fold in apples and pour into muffin cups. In a small bowl, make topping and sprinkle over muffins. Bake for 25 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Bon Appetite!

OH OH OH OH! Be sure to stop

by this week's PARTYAYYYY!

Apple Spice Cookies!

I made these guys last night... Super yummy!!! 

They weren't ooey-gooey like some cookies are, 

but they were more soft and cakey, making them sort of different. 

I loved them and I think everyone else did as well(:

1 c. AP flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cloves

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 c. unsalted butter

1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce 

{I used some delicious homemade stuff my mom made!}

1/2 c. raisins 

{I used craisins as well as some walnuts.}

1. Heat oven to 375ºF

2. Sift flour, salt, and spices together.

3. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and vanilla extract.

4. Stir baking soda into applesauce and combine with creamed mixture.

5. Gradually mix in sifted dry ingredients, stir in nuts and raisins.

6. Drop by tablespoons full 2 or 3 inches apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake 12 minutes or until done.