Peach-Thyme Muffins

Peach-Thyme Muffins

Anyone else lovin' these summer peaches??!! I'm blessed to live in Georgia where the peaches are extra sweet and this peach-thyme combo is awesome! I found this recipe in a cookbook: The Part-Time Vegan - 201 Yummy Recipes That Put the Fun in Flexitarian by: Cherise Grifoni. I'm trying out several recipes from this cookbook in order to review it for BookSneeze. This recipe is a for-sure keeper!

Ingredients:
2 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. white whole wheat flour
3/4 to 1 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. baking soda
1/2 c. peach jam
1 1/2 c. almond milk
1 tsp. lemon extract
1/4 c. fresh thyme
1 c. peaches, diced
honey for drizzling

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Combine both flours, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Set aside.
3. In a different bowl, whisk together the jam, almond milk, and lemon extract. Make sure to mix well!
4. Slowly add the wet mix to the dry mix. Stir as you go.
5. Fold thyme into mixture.
6. Fold peaches in gently.
7. Grease muffin tins with vegan margarine and add batter so each cup is about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 25 minutes and then cool. Very gently remove from tin and drizzle with honey. Enjoy!!

Carrot Orzo

Carrot Orzo

Karen Brosius, Columbia, S.C.
Southern Living, JUNE 2010

This turned out very delicious! It was my first time cooking with orzo but now I look forward to more orzo recipes!

Ingredients

* 8 ounces carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
* 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 1 cup Parmesan cheese
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh or dried chives
* 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or dried thyme

Preparation

1. Process carrots in a food processor 15 seconds or until finely chopped.

2. Combine 2 1/2 cups water and broth in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave at HIGH 5 minutes or until very hot.

3. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until tender. Add orzo and garlic, and cook 1 minute.

4. Slowly stir hot broth mixture, salt, and pepper into orzo mixture. Cook, stirring often, 15 to 18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, chives, and thyme until blended. Serve orzo immediately. Garnish, if desired.