self-glazing almond poppyseed muffins

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
4 oz vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup milk
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons poppy seed

1 T butter, melted
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Heat oven to 375°F. Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper baking cups (or spray cups with cooking spray or grease with shortening).
In large bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar, the oil, egg and almond extract. Beat in yogurt and milk with spoon until blended. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and poppy seed until well blended. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 14 to 17 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Brush with melted butter and sift powdered sugar on top.
Remove from pan to wire rack. Serve warm or cool.
Makes 12 muffins

my mom's pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe

1 1/3 cups sugar
1/3 cup shortening
2 eggs, well beaten
1 cup pumpkin
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup water
2 cups chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup chopped pecans

Cream sugar and shortening until fluffy.  Add vanilla, eggs and pumpkin. Sift dry ingredients together and add to the mixture.  Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.  Pour into greased and lightly floured 9x5x3" loaf pan.  Bake at 350* for about 75 minutes.  Makes one large loaf.

NOTE:  I'd check the bread after baking for about 1 hour--my mom's notes are sort of unclear on the baking time.

my mom's granola

Carolyn's Granola

4 cups oatmeal (quick oats)
2 cups coconut
1 cup wheat germ or flax seeds or ground flax seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup nuts (almonds)
1 cup honey
1/2 cup butter or oil
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 tsp vanilla

optional:   1 cup craisins
        1 cup chopped pecans

Heat honey and butter together in saucepan.  Mix dry ingredients together, then add vanilla to heated liquid mixture.  Pour liquid over dry mix and stir.  Bake on cookies sheet for 20 minutes at 325 degrees.

I imagine you could decrease the amount of oil/butter by half or so.

I have fond memories of waking up to the smell of this granola.