During my birthday yesterday, I started thinking about my childhood parties while looking out at the ocean waves, especially the ones I hosted in middle school. For those years, I requested that my friends skipped the traditional wrapped presents, and I asked them to bring fun “girlie” things, like sparkly nail polish, fruity-scented body spray, and colorful hair ribbons instead.
Once they arrived, we spread out everyone’s contributions on our dining table and sorted them into six piles, each containing a little bit of everything. Once convinced the goodies were evenly distributed, we carefully packed them into gift bags and tucked pastel tissue paper into the tops.
The next day, my mom and I drove those presents over to a friend’s house for her to bring to work. She ran a house for young and teenage girls with broken families who needed a safe place to stay while their parents sorted out their lives, and it felt incredibly rewarding and uplifting to know those gifts made a big difference in those girls’ lives.
Just like back then, I didn’t ask for any presents this year. I already feel as if I’ve been given one of the best gifts of all…
YOU! ♥
You started reading my blog and trying my recipes… You shared the treats you made with your family and friends… You told them where to find the recipes and gave them the links… You took snapshots of the goodies you made, left sweet comments on my blog, and shared those pictures with me through email, on Facebook, and on Instagram. In doing that, your interest and support for Amy’s Healthy Baking has enabled me to turn it into my full-time job, and I’m so incredibly grateful!
So to say thank you, I’m putting the spotlight back on you today! Here are some of the recipes that you’ve baked and pictures that you’ve shared on Instagram. I feel truly blessed each and every time you do that; it really means the world to me. ♥
I can’t wait to see what you try next! ♥
Would you like to see your picture in my next Sunday Spotlight? Then share it with me on Instagram using #amyshealthybaking and tag @amyshealthybaking IN the photo itself. (That guarantees that I’ll see the notification from you! ? ) I’m so excited to see what recipes you make!
I just made your Chocolate Rasberry Banana bread. It did not turn out. I follow the recipe I used good whole wheat flour. I think that I will not use whole wheat flour again. As many times that I have tried it I now realize that I don’t like the texture, taste and it is so dry.
Has anyone every expressed the same thoughts?
Thanks Amy it is certainly not your recipe it’s my taste opinion.
What brand of whole wheat flour did you use Carmella? Not all brands are made the same, and some taste more dry and “wheat-y” than others. I highly recommend either Bob’s Red Mill or Gold Medal. Those are my two favorites! It’s also really important to measure whole wheat flour correctly, as instructed by the link in the Ingredients list, because whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture than all-purpose. 🙂
Thank you Amy for your reply. The brand of whole wheat flour is Ceresota. I thought it was a good brand.
I will try again to use the brands of whole wheat flour that you recommend.
You’re welcome Carmella! I’m excited to hear what you think with either of those brands. I really hope you love the banana bread much better with them!