Sunday, June 21, 2009

indulgences

This isn't about sin or purgatory. So much in life is precious and should be cherished, even indulged upon. Yet, so much is taken for granted.

indulge: to take unrestrained pleasure in
-Merriam-Webster Dictionary


Today is Father's Day. I live in Virginia and my father lives in Texas. We see each other once a year, if we're lucky. Today I undulged in the love I have for my husband, the father of my children. Sometimes I take him for granted. Today I decided to get up and make him breakfast rather than going out.

I decided to try and copycat a recipe for the scrumptious donuts at The Apple House. They're these wonderful, sinful little apple, cinnamon morsels of pleasure. Far be it from me to deep fry anything, as I don't do it very often. I decided to go on the hunt and see if I could make something similar. We have some Aunt Jemima Whole Wheat pancake mix, and wouldn't you know it, right there on the box is a recipe for Pancake Muffins.



It calls for:

* 2 cups Aunt Jemima® Whole Wheat Blend Pancake & Waffle Mix
* 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
* 2/3 cup 2% milk
* 1/3 cup honey
* 1 egg, slightly beaten
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 tsp. vanilla extract


The honey we have has congealed into a crystal-like concoction I decided to abstain from using. Instead I used Maple Syrup. I substituted a 1/2 cup of the WW mix for Bisquick. I added 1 tsp of cinnamon rather than a half. We use Non-Fat Skim milk, so I added in a little margarine. I also added in finely chopped apple. Once they were done I let them cool for a few minutes while tending the bacon, hashbrowns and eggs. I melted some margarine and mixed some cinnamon sugar together. Once the muffins had cooled enough to handle I dredged them in the melted margarine and rolled them in the cinnamon sugar. They actually turned out to be quite a nice substitution for the donuts, maybe even a tad bit healthier. They were a teensy-weensy dry, but that can be rememdied with an addition of a little water.




Once everything was ready the guys and I sat down and indulged in a good meal, and each other's company. This afternoon we went and saw The Hangover and indulged in a laughter.










We must live for the few who know and appreciate us, who judge and absolve us, and for whom we have the same affection and indulgence. The rest I look upon as a mere crowd, lively or sad, loyal or corrupt, from whom there is nothing to be expected but fleeting emotions, either pleasant or unpleasant, which leave no trace behind them.
~Sarah Bernhardt