This recipe uses a brownie box mix and adds peanut butter and who doesn’t like peanut butter and chocolate? This is very simple to put together and never fails to please. My grandsons loved them and so did my German class attendees.
HEAT oven to 350°F. Coat bottom of 13 x 9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
PREPARE brownie mix batter according to package instructions using oil, water and eggs. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
MICROWAVE peanut butter in medium microwave-safe bowl on HIGH 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto brownie batter and gently swirl with tip of knife.
BAKE 29 to 32 minutes or until set in center. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
This recipe sounded weird to me. Use olive oil to make a sweet almond cupcake. Well, I was very surprised – couldn’t taste the olive oil and the flavor is similar to the more expensive box mixes.
2TBLcitrus juicefrom the same citrus fruit as the zest
¼tspalmond extract
¼cupalmondsliced
Instructions
Preheating your oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cups into 6 cups of a muffin pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
In a separate measuring cup, whisk together the wet ingredients: olive oil, milk, egg, citrus zest, citrus juice, and almond extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently stir the mixture just until combined. Don't overmix the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups. Each cup should be about three-quarters full. Evenly top each muffin with the sliced almonds. Then, lightly dust the tops with extra sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the muffins cool slightly in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Can be served cold or warm (warm is better).
This recipe originally came from the Big Green Egg website but it has been slightly modified. My grandson, who is a picky eater, really likes the flavor and asks for seconds. We like to serve it with a homemade BBQ Sauce.
Five to six pounds of meat is way more meat than we can eat in a single setting we generally freeze about 1/2 of it.
Set the BGE for indirect cooking at 235 degrees using apple wood for smoke flavor.
Mix all of the dry ingredients and season the brisket liberally. Cook the brisket fat-side down for 1 hour and then flip it to fat-side up. Cook to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
Lay out a big double-thick layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil and lay the brisket on it fat-side up. Pull up the sides of the foil and pour on the coffee as you close up the package. Be careful not to puncture it or you'll have to start over.
Place the brisket packet in a 235 degree oven. After another hour, begin checking the internal temperature. When it reaches 200 degrees, remove from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes, wrapped. Remove the brisket from the foil. If desired, skim the fat from the liquid and serve the remaining juices as a sauce. Slice the brisket about 1/4 inch thick , across the grain, to serve.
Once you have tried this recipe you’ll never go back to making Risotto on the stove top. The Instant Pot makes this so simple. While the risotto is cooking in the Instant Pot you can go about making the remainder of your meal.
Press the sauté button on the Instant Pot. Add and melt the butter. Add the onion and stir fry for 3-5 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and rice and cook for an additional minute. Add ½ cup broth and stir for 2-3 minutes until it is absorbed by the rice.
Add the remaining 1 ½ cups broth, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Lock lid.
Press Pressure Cook and adjust time to 10 minutes. When timer beeps, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Quick release any additional pressure until float valve drops and then unlock lid.
We flew to Phoenix from Appleton to the Mesa airport for this trip. The direct flight was excellent. It was a breeze to secure the rental car from Alamo (through Costco) before heading out to Dave and Ann’s house in Sun City West. The traffic was horrendous even at 7:00pm at night. A charcuterie board and wine awaited us when we arrived. Stay: Dave / Ann
November 14, 2025
After coffee and chatting with Dave and Ann we made a 50 minute drive to Pinnacle Peak Park in Scottsdale where we hiked 2 miles RT where excellent views of the valley were had. Trail (4 mile RT, Scottsdale). In the evening we all headed to the Stand Up Live Comedy Club for a hilarious night of stories from three comics. The MC was Patrick Keene, followed by Pauly Casillas (from Tucson, AZ) and then the headliner Kyle Kinane. Stay: Dave / Ann
November 15, 2025
Again after coffee and chatting Lori and I headed to an Artwalk at Trilogy in Vistancia. It was not a large art show but we did find a 3-D dice tower and Uno card holder to purchase as gifts. Since it was sunny and clear skies we headed to Lake Pleasant and hiked 4 miles RT on the Maricopa Trail. We were disappointed with the trail because it never got close to the lake. The drive to the Discovery Center was very roundabout and just as we headed to the car it started to rain. Ann prepared an excellent chicken dinner for us. Stay: Dave / Ann
November 16, 2025
Luckily there was a Packer bar nearby which was only a 5 minute drive so we could watch the Packers beat the Giants with other Packer fans. After the game we headed to a Goodwill store but didn’t buy anything (lines were too long). In the evening we taught Dave and Ann to play Reganwerman. Stay: Dave / Ann
November 17, 2025
The highlight of the day was a Food Tour booked via Viator. The food tour along Roosevelt Avenue (known as the RoRo district). The first stop was at Taco Chelo where we sampled Sonoran Taco followed by a stop at Arizona Wilderness DTPHX (a brew pub) to try a steak burger, Wilderfries in duck fat. Loria and I also purchased a cider sampler. The third stop was at Pomo Pizzeria for a slice of Margherita Pizza with Pomo Lemondrop alcoholic drink. The final stop was at Match Market and Bar where we sampled dumplings from Lovebite Dumplings followed by a Tuxedo Cake and ice cream. Lori went to a different Goodwill where she made a couple of purchases and we taught Dave and Ann the game of Skyjo. Stay: Dave / Ann
November 18, 2025
We said goodbye to Dave and Ann around 11:00 and drove to our hotel (which wasn’t ready yet) so we hit yet another Goodwill where Lori made another purchase. Supper was at Red, White, and Brew with Tim and Susan Pickering before relaxing for the remainder of the evening in the hotel. Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix/Gilbert
November 19, 2025
We lazed around in the hotel room before leaving for the Mesa airport (15 minutes away) at 11:00. The flight home was uneventful.
This trip started when Lori flew to Seattle in the evening and caught the hotel shuttle to the Ramada Inn in Tukwila Southcenter to await Carl getting off the trail.
August 20, 2025
Kathy Travanty flew to Seattle (from Milwaukee) in the AM, caught the shuttle to the Ramada Inn to wait with Lori. Carl and John got off the trail at 10:30, went to the Pancake House at Snoqualmie Pass before heading with Ed and Liam to the airport. Carl and John were dropped off to rent a car before heading to the Ramada Inn to pick up the girls. From there we headed to a Holiday Inn Express in Bothell WA and John and Carl got cleaned up. We met Ed and Liam (they stayed at a different motel) at the Crab Pot, Bellevue for a celebratory dinner. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Bothell WA
August 21, 2025
John and Kathy went hiking while Carl and Lori stayed at the hotel so Carl could dry out his tent and equipment and do a load of laundry. We all left the hotel at 1:00 to do a wine tasting and tour at The Winemaker’s Reserve. Very interesting business model doing custom wine making and bottling for different companies. We got a tour of the “back room” where all the magic occurs. There were oak kegs, huge stainless steel tanks, concrete tanks and traditional clay tanks. They also had the equipment to do crushing of the grapes and a bottling line. None were active when we were there.
The highlight of the day was at Chateau St. Michelle where we attended a “Somm Dinner” which taught us about wine tasting and pairings with food. Very intimate, four couples. After the Somm Dinner we came back to the motel before walking to Grazies for appetizers. STAY: Holiday Inn Express in Bothell WA
August 22, 2025
To save time driving we decided to take the ferry from Edmonds WA to Kingston WA. We were lucky to arrive at the ferry terminal just as they were beginning to load the ferry so we didn’t have to wait long. We drove directly to Lake Crescent to hike the trail on the north side of the lake. We did a total of 7 miles at a quick pace and watched folks jumping into the Devil’s Punchbowl. There was a Sea to Sound bike ride taking place – lots of bike riders!
We drove to our motel, Riviera Inn in Port Angeles, WA and checked in. Older motel, clean with no A/C. Since it was unseasonably warm we were expecting a warm night in the room. We then walked to the ferry terminal (so we would know where it was the next day) and had dinner at Kokopelli Grill. Carl had the 12 oz steak and excellent mac and cheese! On the walk back to the hotel we stopped at Harbinger Wine Bar for a glass of wine. STAY: Riviera Inn in Port Angeles, WA.
August 23, 2025
Fortunately the room cooled off and we got a decent night of sleep. Headed out on foot at 6:45am to go to New Day Eatery for breakfast and then to the Black Ball Ferry Line terminal to catch the ferry to Victoria. The ferry ride was uneventful. We arrived to sunny, unseasonably warm temperatures.
John and Kathy headed to Butchart Gardens and Lori and I walked to the starting point for the Victoria Guided Food and History tour booked through Viator. Adam was the owner of the company and our guide. He was knowledgeable and interesting. We visited many places, Philips Brewing for beef meatballs with arrabbiata and salsa verde, Friends and Family Bake for Ube Ensaymada (purple buns), Just Matcha Tea Shop for Matcha Lemonade, Shanzee’s Biscuit Cafe for sweet biscuit with Nutella and Grilled Banana, savory biscuit with sausage gravy, bacon, cheddar cheese and green onions, and garlic grits, Chimac Korean Fried Chicken for boneless chicken, original and Garlic Soy, Roger’s Chocolates for chocolate.
All four of us got on the 3:00pm ferry back to Port Angeles. Again, we stopped at Harbinger Wine Bar for a drink. The bartender (and a couple of customers) suggested that Next Door Gastropub would be a good place for dinner. We walked there and Lori and I only had side Caesar salads since we were not too hungry. The walked back was along the Olympic Discovery Trail. STAY:Riviera Inn in Port Angeles, WA.
August 24, 2025
Left the hotel at 8:00 and stopped at Jazzy Joshua’s Restaurant for breakfast before heading to Heart O’ the Hills campground and doing a 5 mile out and back hike on Heart O’ the Hills trail. Lori got stung by a hornet on the hike. We then headed to our hotel in Tukwila WA. Relaxed in a nook in the hallway with John and Kathy and had some wine before heading to Grazies Restaurant. Upon return we sat outside (it was cool enough by then) and finished our bottles of wine. STAY: Ramada Inn Tukwila Southcenter
August 25, 2025
Lori and I took the hotel shuttle to the airport at 9:30 to catch the light rail to Pike’s Market area. John and Kathy headed out to Snoqualmie Pass to do a hike. We were really early for our food tour so we walked to Seattle Glassblowing Studio and watched two customers do a glass project with a professional. Very interesting. Our guide for the Viator Taste the Sea – Guided Seafood Tour at Pike’s Market was Carolyn Manning. Lots of great seafood and stories about the market development. Took the light rail and airport shuttle to the hotel before heading to BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse for appetizers and drinks with John and Kathy. Back to the room and early to bed because we had to get up at 4:00 to head to the airport via UBER. STAY: Ramada Inn Tukwila Southcenter
All good plans are made to be changed and this is one of those. Originally we had planned to hike from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass. However, when we arrived in Seattle, WA from Green Bay, WI the weather forecast called for severe thunderstorms for Seattle and even worse where we planned to hike. Our good sense prevailed over our manly egos and we stayed in the hotel for two days and modified our plan. On this trip were Liam, Carl,Ed, and John
August 16, 2025 – Miles Hiked: 7 Cumulative Miles: 7
Spent last night in a motel. Got up, had motel breakfast and drove an hour plus to hit the trail at 8:45. There was light rain so we started in rain jackets which we removed in 30 minutes when the rain ended. Since it was a Saturday there were lots of day hikers. The Kendall Katwalk presented itself a little after noon, shrouded in clouds and fog just like the previous 2 times I crossed the Katwalk. Our campsite was at Ridge Lake, not the best of sites, but OK. Liam found two trees for his hammock.
August 17, 2025 – Miles Hiked: 10.6 Cumulative Miles: 17.6
It was chilly enough last night that I had to put on socks. We hit the trail at 7:30 under an overcast sky which cleared around noon. The trail had a lot of up and down, fortunately, the last 1.5 miles into camp was all downhill. Ed was out of gas when he and I arrived to camp. John and Liam had tents up and Liam was in his hammock.
We camped on the peninsula of Spectacle Lake where there was a pit toilet. It was quite a climb to get to it but not much of a view. The trail from the cutoff to the Lake was not maintained and there were several areas where one needed to “climb down” the trail. In camp that evening and after considerable discussion we agreed to head back tomorrow instead of taking a zero day. The plan is to only hike about 3 miles tomorrow but to take some of the elevation gain from the last day.
August 18, 2025 – Miles Hiked: 3 Cumulative Miles: 20.3
We knew today was going to be a short day so we didn’t leave camp until 10:30. We camped near an unnamed pond. The trail was all uphill which didn’t prevent us from getting into camp at 1:00 where I spent a relaxing afternoon reading and napping.
August 19, 2025 Miles Hiked: 7 Cumulative Miles: 24.6
We again camped at Ridge Lake – in almost the same tent sites as the first day. Mostly uphill but still got into camp at 2:00. Both Carl and Liam set up their hammocks. Lots of time to share drinks and stories at dinner. We are all looking forward to the Kendall Katwalk and views, which are said to be gorgeous. There was a cool breeze so we all got our puffies out.
August 20, 2025 Miles Hiked: 7 Cumulative Miles: 31.6
Well…. There was an ominous start to this vacation. Last night at 9:00pm (we were getting up at 2:30am to pick up Barb and Michelle before heading to the Appleton, WI airport for a 5:00am flight) we got a message from Barb that she had been to Urgent Care with high blood pressure and was being advised not to travel to Costa Rica. Barb called Michelle to see what she wanted to do (couldn’t get through).
Finally turned off the lights at 10:30pm and had poor sleep until 1:30am when Lori decided to check her phone. Barb and Michelle were both going to cancel the trip. Lori spent the next hour or so changing airline booking and cancelling Viator tours that had been planned (we’re still doing them, except for the horseback riding tour). Flight departed Appleton on time and arrived in Charlotte on-time?. It took forever to taxi and get to the gate – time was ticking on the 45 minute connection for our flight to Costa Rica.
While standing in the aisle on the plane we got notice that our next flight was boarding! And, of course, we were about as far away from the boarding gate as possible. We speed walked (and ran when we could) to our gate. We got there as they were calling final boarding and were some of the last folks to board. Now, would our bags make it? We were amazed at the speed of the bags being unloaded in Costa Rica. By the time we made it through customs and immigration (no delays, very efficient) the bags were already off the carousel waiting for us! Yeah.
Our pre-arranged private driver, Yorlen, was waiting for us. We booked with Fortuna Expeditions. Yorlen was very knowledgeable of the area and a safe driver. He stopped at the Logo Arenal Costa Rica Cafe and Macadamia restaurant so we could have lunch. We split the traditional dish of Casado, a hearty plate featuring rice, beans, plantains, chicken (of us), and a salad. It was excellent as was the lemonade Lori had and the pineapple and mango smoothie Carl had. Minor difficulty finding the VRBO.
Settled in and unpacked by 4:00. Walked the short 8 or 9 blocks to the grocery store recommended by the VRBO rep to purchase mainly water and wine. Came back to the house and played games (to stay awake) and had a glass of wine before turning in early.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
A lazy day for us. Went to Open Kitchen for breakfast, walked downtown and got back to the VRBO before the afternoon thunderstorm that lasted about 3 hours. Went to Restaurante Travesia which was less than one block away for a nice beef tenderloin dinner, which we shared.
Reflections in the pool, just before the rainHeavy rain
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Walked to town and had breakfast at Tayakiry. I had a breakfast sandwich and Lori had very sweet french toast – both excellent. Our adventure for the day was packrafting down the Tres Amigos River which is nearby La Fortuna and we did 8 kilometers of it. We were picked up by our guides (we were the only ones rafting) and taken to the river. Along the way we stopped and he got us fresh sugar cane juice and we were able to sample guava beans. Lori and I capsized once, both at the same point, and got rained upon as well. All in all an excellent adventure. Back to the VRBO for a hodge podge supper and to go thru the 400 or so pictures our guide took of us on the river.
Pack Rafing on the Tres Amigo’s RiverPack Rafing on the Tres Amigo’s RiverPack Rafing on the Tres Amigo’s RiverPack Rafing on the Tres Amigo’s River
Thursday, April 24, 2025
An early start today. We walked about 7 blocks to the Red Lava TSC tour company office and arrived at 6:45am. After three more stops to pick up folks (10 total) we headed to Mistico Park Hanging Bridge park. We crossed 6 hanging bridges (all very safe) and our guide pointed out numerous animals and insects. We then went on a 1 KM (roundtrip) hike at El Silencio, Mirador and Senderos Arenal Volcano, had lunch at a local restaurant and finally to a hot spring park. All this and we were home by 3:00pm. On the way home we purchased bread stuffed with ham and cream cheese and one with strawberries and cream cheese for supper and dessert. Lazy evening at the VRBO since we were both tired.
Hanging bridges guided walkThis tree is a sign of a mature forest. Towering over everything but with sparse leaves to let sunlight to the lower story.
Friday, April 25, 2025
Another lazy day! Lori did laundry (quite the ordeal) and Carl went for a walk. We ruled out the La Fortuna Waterfall hike and swim and a night hike tour based upon what we did yesterday and what the guide told us about the night hike.
Saturday, April 26, 2025
We were picked up at 10:30 by our pre-arranged driver at the Open Kitchen at 10:30 for the 3 hour drive to San Jose. As luck would have it, in San Jose the traffic was horrible and added an hour to our transit time. Checked into Hotel Presidente, unpacked, and then headed to the meeting spot for our food tour (booked through Viator). The meeting spot was at Los Presentes statues, depicting the hard working peasants that helped create the coffee industry in Costa Rica.
The tour was a bit of history as we walked the downtown area before arriving at a private house where we (us and 8 others) were treated to making two cocktails. Forget the name of the first drink, the second was a mojito. We then had a family style mini dinner with several different types of Costa Rican food.
Food tour leader making cocktails, that we then made for ourselvesTouch boob for love, tummy for health, finger for wealth, and butt for sex.
Sunday, April 27, 2025
At 10am we walked to the National Theatre to purchase tickets for a tour. We purchased the 2:00 pm tickets for the English language theatrical tour. Explored a bit of the downtown area before heading back to the room. Attended the Theater tour which was excellent before heading to the Central Market for special ice cream and a late lunch only to find out the market was closed. Back to the hotel where we had supper in the restaurant. Since we needed to catch a shuttle to the airport at 2:30am we went to bed around 7:00pm.
National Theatre of Costa Rica tour with actorsNational Theatre of Costa Rica tour with actorsNational Theatre of Costa Rica tour with actorsThe view from atop our hotel in San Jose
At 10:00 pm both our phones dinged. That can’t be good and it wasn’t. Our 6:00 am flight was now delayed till 1:00pm and wouldn’t get to Appleton until the next morning. Spent the next 1.5 hours changing our shuttle to the airport, cancelling our flight with American Airlines (they a failing grade in my estimation), getting a refund and booking with Delta who had a reasonable departure of 1:20pm.
Monday, April 28, 2025
Breakfast at the hotel before catching a shuttle to the airport.
