Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins

About a month ago, we decided we needed to have a healthier option for mornings that we are all having to go in opposite directions, and needing our tummies to stay full! Enter these awesome muffins. Don't get me wrong, I love the boxed muffin mixes, but there is something so nice to know you are eating something with lots of nutrition, not just sugar. I originally came across this recipe in "The Taste of Home" cookbook, and love that it is easy to throw together.
 
 This is one of those recipes that is good to keep on hand. I have made a few batches of these muffins now, and freeze whatever is extra for future crazy mornings. They freeze great, and make it so I don't always have to worry about breakfast for the hubby, he can just grab one of these out of the freezer before he heads to work. I love them, for the same reason, before I have to take kids, and the kids love them because they don't know they are a good for them. :)

They don't take much effort, and have such a nice texture when they are done. Try them out this weekend for brunch, I promise you won't regret it!!

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins: makes 12 muffins
1 c. oatmeal, not instant
1 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 c. milk
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
In a small bowl combine the dry ingredients, and mix well. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until moistened. Line your muffin tin with muffin cups, and fill them 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan to a wire rack. Serve.

Sausage Queso Dip

With football season in full-swing, I thought I would share an EASY, delicious party food. We love this queso dip! It's nummy, as my 2-year-old says, and it good for all ages. If you've ever eaten at Chili's this is kind of like their queso, without the fat, cost, and WITH more flavor.

This recipe could not be easier. It is literally one both my kids help me put together, and stir while everything is melting together. Hooray for food our kids can help us make!

Seriously, though, you'll not regret taking this side to your next tailgating party, or whatever other gathering you have coming up.

Sausage Queso Dip:
1 lb. Sausage, cooked
16 oz. Velveeta cheese, cut in cubes
16 oz. salsa, this homemade version, or your favorite store brand
Crumble and cook sausage over medium heat in large saucepan until browned. Drain on a paper towel then return sausage to saucepan. Add Velveeta to sausage. Cook, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted. Stir in salsa. Serve with warm tortilla chips or toasted baguette bread, over a baked potato, or whatever else you'd like! Enjoy!  

*I do halve this recipe, most of the time, unless we have A LOT OF PEOPLE OVER! I still cook all the sausage at once, then remove half and freeze it for another time, or recipe.