Applesauce Muffins

Ingredients:

1-3/4 cups flour

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

2 eggs

3/4 cup applesauce

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Mix the flour, baking powder and salt together. Beat 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the applesauce. Add the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened.

Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Dip the warm muffins in 1/4 cup melted butter and then in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Serve warm.

Yields: 1 dozen muffins

Tuscan Green Beans

Ingredients:

6 quarts water

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into

2-inch pieces

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup sliced onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium tomato, chopped

1-1/2 Tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions:

Bring the water to a boil in a stockpot. Add the beans; reduce the heat. Simmer for 4 minutes or until tender-crisp; drain.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saute pan. Stir in the onion. Cook over medium-high heat until tender, stirring frequently. Stir in the garlic; reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the beans and mix well. Stir in the tomato and rosemary.

Simmer, covered, for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with the salt and pepper. Serve hot or at room temperature. Excellent with grilled tuna or chicken.

Serves: 4