Double Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Today was my school’s freshman Spirituality Day, so the first half of my day was spent praying, learning, and thinking about God.  The second half of my day was spent finishing homework, running, visiting my elementary school, and baking! 

It was a very good day!

My Mom was out for an hour or so running errands today, so naturally I took that time to do two of my favorite things: running and baking. 

Today’s run was nothing special (only a 1 mile sprint) but the baking was delicious. 

Double Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Adapted from Cook’s Recipes

“Having grown up with cinnamon raisin bread I have a “thing” for anything of the cinnamon variety.  This cinnamon bread isn’t just healthier, but it’s also tastier!”

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 – 1 cup sugar (depending on taste, I used 2/3 cup and it had a mild sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk (or 1 cup  milk+ 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.  Set aside.
2. For Bread: Measure all ingredients in order given in a large mixing bowl, stir until combined.  Pour into prepared pan and smooth the surface.
3. For Topping: Combine all ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle onto bread batter and using a knife, cut in with a light swirling motion to give a marbled effect.
4. Bake for about 50 minutes.  Let cool.

Yield:  1 loaf (12 slices)

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I loved this bread.  So did Phil, and my Dad.  My Mom thought it needed a little more sugar and Fluffy…well…let’s just say she managed to get a little nibble too.

Bad dog!

I already had two slices for an afternoon snack and I’m planning on having some more for breakfast tomorrow.  I can’t wait until breakfast.

Mmmmmm…I love cinnamon. ♥

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In other news, today I went back to my elementary school to watch Mikey‘s 4th grade show.  It was so cute!  He had a speaking part and didn’t have a bit of stage fright.  He takes after his cousin.

After the show they also had refreshments.  I managed to nab some homemade Funfetti cookies before the 4th graders could get to them.  They were so good!  I smell a remake!

Questions of the Day:

1. Do you like cinnamon? Loooove it!
2. Do you know any cookie Funfetti cookie recipes?
3. What is your favorite elementary school memory? (or favorite school memory of all time!)

Hope you had a great Wednesday Dr. Seuss and Banana Cream Pie Day!

PS – Tomorrow Katie and I are planning on going on a run together. We’re planning on 3 miles. (My longest run in months!) Wish me luck!

February/March Goals

WHOA! I cannot believe that it is already March 1st.  It feels like February 1st was yesterday!

Since it’s the first day (well, actually the 2nd) of the month, I figured I should check up on my February goals and then set some new ones.  Gotta keep up my New Year’s Resolutions!

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February Goals – Recap

1. Do at least one fun thing every weekend! Throughout February I actually got out a lot more than usual.  I went to school basketball games with friends, I went to Cotillion, and worked out with friends.  Overall, I think I did a great job!  A-
2. Eat less sugar!  The first two days of the month I went completely sugar-free and loved it.  I felt so much better with less sugar that I continued it through most of the week, but after a while I started to slip, and was completely fine with it.  I don’t want to cut out all sugar anyways, but I just think I could have controlled myself better around things like Tropical Mango Bread and Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies.  C+
3. Stop procrastinating!  This was another one that I did really well with in the beginning and then began slacking at the end.  I have been starting my homework right when I get home from school instead of spending an hour on Facebook though!  B-

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March Goals

1. Eat less sugar!  I feel like this is going to be a continued effort on my part, so I’m going to post it as a goal again. 
2. Use what I have!  Our pantry is filled to the brim with various flours and other baking necessities, yet I still find a recipe where I need something else that I will probably never use again.  This month I want to start using up ingredients that I have on hand before I go out and buy others.
3. Find time for yoga!  Now that I am able to run again, I find myself neglecting yoga and stretching.  While I was injured I fell in love with yoga and don’t want it to be forgotten (again!)  Since spring track starts in a few days and I will be running almost everyday, I’m going to aim for about an hour of yoga a week.

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Sorry for another wordy post!  I promise I’ll be back to regular, photo-filled posts soon! 

Questions of the Day:

1. Do you set monthly or weekly goals for yourself?  If so, what are they?
2. Do you ever find yourself slacking on your goals?  What do you do about it?

Have a great Wednesday!