What to do on an icy day

(I had great pictures to go with everything today, but for some reason every time I try to upload them, the internet freezes up and I have to reboot the modem. Thus, you get the picture-free version.)

We find ourselves in the midst of yet another ice storm. Sophie and Ginger have found their spot for the day--in front of the fireplace.

Noah is taking a break from working on the details of his next movie, to indulge in some comic book relief. I think it's Dilbert..

Micah is in his favorite spot, which is in front of the computer. Wonder where he gets that? He's working on the cast list for the Pilgrim's Progress movie the kids are working on with another family, and then he plans to get on Webkinz, his favorite place to be.

Tracey brought his work home and set up an "office ala tv tray" in our room so he could have some solitude. There is no way he could work from home; he's way too accessible! I've already interrupted him several times with computer problems, he came out for a scone, and he stepped in with a discipline issue.

And me? I decided to work with flour today. I have been wanting to make up my own pancake mixes for some time now. I like to provide healthy breakfasts as much as possible, but usually don't have the time to grind grain in the morning and wait for something to bake. So, I made six pre-assembled pancake mixes, a batch of scones, and a batch of carrot raisin apple muffins. They'll all go in the freezer for quick breakfasts. I also put a loaf of bread in the breadmaker to go with our stew this evening.

Recipes, you say? You want the recipes to all my creations today? What is it with women and recipes? I love 'em too. I get so bored with the same meals, that I'm trying new things all the time. So here's the ones I used today:

Pancakes

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp sugar

(I like to add cinnamon and nutmeg as well)

I combined the above ingredients in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, I'll add:

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla

2 Tbsp melted butter.

Oatmeal Sconuts

2 cups old-fashioned oats

2 cups flour (1 w/w and one white)

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 cup butter, cut up

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 lg. egg

cinnamon-sugar

(I added 1 cup white chocolate chips today)

Heat oven to 425. In food processor, combine oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg; pulse to blend. Add butter; pulse until coarse crumbs are formed.

In sm. bowl, beat buttermilk with egg. With processor running, add egg mixture and pulse until dough forms. Scoop dough by 1/4 cups onto cookie sheet. Flatten each mound into a 2 1/2 inch round. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Bake 15-17 min. or until golden on bottom..

Carrot Raisin Apple Muffins

3 eggs

1 cup oil

2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour (whole wheat or white)

1 1/4 cups suga

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

2 cups grated carrot

1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped

1/2 cup raisins

Ini a bowl, beat together first three ingredients. In separate bowl, mix together the remaining dry ingredients. Add flour mixture to egg mixture just until combined; add carrot, apples, and raisins. Spoon into greased muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes..

Savory Steak Soup

1 1/2 pound round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup + 2 Tbsp butter

1 cup flour

8 cups water

1 onion, sliced

1/2 cup celery

1 carrot, sliced

10 oz. frozen vegetables

4 Tbsp beef bouillon

Brown meat in 2 Tbsp butter. Drain and set aside. In a Dutch oven, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour. Slowly add 2 cups of the water, stirring constantly until smooth and thick. Add onion, celery, carrot, mixed vegetables, bouillon, meat and remaining 6 cups of water. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, at least 2 1/2 hours or until steak is tender.

I use whatever vegetables I have on hand, and plan to throw in some barley as well. I also omit the celery because my husband hates it, and decrease the amount of onion.

Bon appetite!