Maple Muffins--A recipe from the Candlelite Inn

These muffins are so good, enjoy them any time.

2 cups flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
 1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, butter, syrup, sour cream, egg and vanilla. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two thirds full. Sprinkle topping over the batter.

For the topping: 3 tablespoons flour; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons cold butter. Combine all in a small bowl.

Bake in a preheated 400 degree over for 16-20 minutes or until muffins are done. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. Yield: 16 muffins.

Sweetness is in the Air

It maple sugar time here at the Candlelite Inn and throughout the State of New Hampshire. The weekend of March 26-28, sugar houses will be opened to the public for viewing on the making of maple syrup. You'll see first hand the process of the making and also enjoy some tasty treats that the sap producers will provide. Here at the Candlelite Inn, you'll enjoy a 3-course breakfast with recipes featuring maple. After a day of touring, back to the Candlelite Inn for maple hot chocolate and maple cookies. You can't forget dinner. If you like chicken, then The Appleseed Restaurant http://www.appleseedrestaurant.com  has their signature dish, Appleseed Chicken Breast. This tasty dish is made with NH maple syrup, apple wedges and cheddar cheese. Sooooo good.  Upon departure our Maple Breakfast Basket will be given as a pleasant reminder of the sweet weekend you spent here at the Candlelite Inn.

Valentine Recipe from the Candlelite Inn

Are you looking for something special for Valentine's Day and it's quick and easy to do. Try Strawberry Heart Puffs. And what is good about this recipe, you can make as many as you like. This is what you will need:

1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
1/3 cup strawberry jam or preserves
Whipped cream
4 large strawberries, sliced into 4 slices
1 square semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unfold pastry and cut into 16 hearts with a 2-inch heart shaped cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Cut each heart horizontally in half and spread 1 teaspoon jam onto the bottom half of each heart; top with whipped cream and strawberry slices. Cover with tops of hearts and drizzle with chocolate.

Enjoy! Happy Valentine's Day.