Yummy Fig Appetizer

Fresh figs, halved
Almonds
Honey
Balsamic Vinegar
Sour Cream

Ok, so if this seems like a weird combination of ingredients....it is! But it works.

Place the figs cut side up on a baking sheet and place a whole almond or several almond slivers inside. Place under the broiler for just a few minutes until the almonds get toasty and the figs are warm. Let them cool a few minutes and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle them with a little honey and balsamic vinegar and place the sour cream on top or on the side if you wish.

Awesome Frozen Java

This is a great frozen coffee treat!

1 c strong coffee
1/3 c sugar or sugar substitute
3 c crushed ice
2 c vanilla ice cream or fat free frozen yogurt
1/4 c milk

Dissolve sugar into the coffee and add all ingredients to a blender and mix it up. Makes about four 12 oz. servings.

Mocha version: reduce sugar to 1/4 c and add 1/4 c fudge topping or chocolate syrup
Caramel version: reduce sugar to 1/4 c and add 1/4 c caramel topping

This tastes wonderful and can be as fat free or indulgent as you really want depending on your preferences!

THE Best Blueberry Muffins

1/3 c sugar
1/4 c butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
2 1/3 c flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c milk
1tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c fresh or frozen blueberries
STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/2 c sugar
1/3 c flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 c butter or margarine, softened

1. In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter. Then add the egg and mix well.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Add flour mixture to the sugar mixture alternately with the milk.
4. Stir in the vanilla and fold in the blueberries gently.
5. Fill 12 greased or paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full.
6. Make streusel topping by cutting in all ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and then sprinkle over the muffins.
7. Bake 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.

These are the best muffins I have ever had and I can't take all the credit. We will just say that my kitchen was a test kitchen and the proper credit goes to Mary Anne McWhirter from Pearland, TX. This recipe for Blueberry Streusel Muffins was submitted to www.allrecipes.com and is wonderful!

I do have to tell on myself a bit....I did something while making these muffins that I have never done. While preparing the streusel mix I dumped the flour right on top of my entire sugar container instead of into the mixing bowl. I just sat there and stared at it for the longest time not believing what I had just done. I then proceeded to fish out the flour VERY carefully and transfer it to the mixing bowl. Needless to say the sugar didn't get measured very properly but it came out great. I hope you enjoy it.