Whew. I just came in from round four of shoveling during this historic storm. We already have about 8", and we are going to get at least another foot. That's on top of the weekend's 27" dump. I think the Olympics would be better off being held here next week!
The shoveling has been brutal so far: heavy with rain and slush, a layer of ice underneath making a foothold impossible. Luckily, I have a big strapping 18 year old son to help me (of course without a single complaint....) as well as two helpful 8th grade girls, my daughter and one of her best friends. I need all the help I can get. What worries me most is hearing the trees breaking all around the yard. Not little limbs, but entire huge branches, weighed down by the sleet and heavy snow. The phone lines are working intermittently, and power outages are sure to ensue around the area.
Still, I am having fun. I love the snow, and I even like the peacefulness of shoveling, the workout and the lovely wonderland scenery. I wish I lived somewhere that gets this kind of snow all winter.
Growing up in Poughkeepsie, spending lots of time with relatives in Albany, and going to college in Rochester, have trained me to enjoy this authentic winter weather. I remember "helping" my dad shovel; I can still see our street in a whiteout. It is such a happy image. And I remember walking through Albany when the snow was too deep for driving, bundled up to the point of restricting limb bends, and hiking along to visit relatives. Part of me was scared, but my mom and dad made it a thrilling adventure. In Rochester, a foot or more could fall, and the city wouldn't blink! We looked forward to impromptu late night snowball fights and sledding as study breaks.
So I want to preserve the fun during a dramatic storm like this. I'm going to sled with the kids in a little while, and I want to strap on my cross country skis and head around the neighborhood. The girls have been into the Valentines craft box this morning, and I LOVE that they still enjoy it, even though they are cranking Rhianna and Jay Z as they glue and glitter!
We all have to preserve our strength for the remaining shoveling, so today I made Liza's favorite muffins (an old Bon Appetit recipe which I modified a bit). They are healthy enough for breakfast and special enough for a snack. She and her friend are headed out to sled now, and when they come in, there will be hot chocolate, homemade marshmallows, and
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins!
Preheat oven to 350. Line 12-15 muffin tins with muffin papers.
Mix together dry ingredients: 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup wheat germ, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. salt.
In a big bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3), 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla extract.
Add dry ingredients and stir until barely combined. Stir in 3/4 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate ones are great).
Fill the muffin cups to the edge with batter. Bake about 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack. These will make someone's winter day!
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