Compassionate Women - Page 4 of 34 -

Apple Pie Muffins

December 27, 2018 by Jillian Leave a Comment

Even though it’s warm and sunny today where I live and I’m wearing shorts and a tank top, it’s technically winter and I wanted to post a recipe that has winter vibes ☕️

I’ve been making a lot of chocolate chip cookies lately and wanted to mix it up a little. So I took the same basic batter I use for that recipe, incorporated apple, and made some delicious muffins that taste and smell like apple pie! The best part about it is that when you’re preparing the apple mixture on the stove, your house will smell like an apple cinnamon candle! These muffins are really filling, too, because they have healthier ingredients than your typical muffins. They are great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert!

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Old Hidalgo Pumphouse & World Birding Center

December 24, 2018 by Jillian 1 Comment

Last June I visited the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse in Hidalgo, Texas, a town that lies right on the border of Mexico in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Reynosa sits just on the other side of the Rio Grande River. Hidalgo was founded in 1852 and was first named Edinburgh, after the birthplace of Hidalgo’s founder. It became the county seat and the name was later changed to Hidalgo, which literally translates to “son of something” or loosely, “gentleman,” because it referred to someone of noble rank. The Hidalgo Pumphouse dates back to 1909, when it was built to service over 40,000 acres of land that needed irrigation, and was in operation until 1983 when a newer pump plant was opened nearby.

I went to visit the Old Pumphouse on a hot Thursday afternoon. It has been converted to a museum, and like the other parts of the lower valley, attracts birds because of the tropical climate, so it also functions as a birding center. I was the only visitor there, so it was quiet and peaceful, and I was surprised by just how beautiful it was. History and nature are two of my favorite things, and being able to combine the two is even better!

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“Spicy” Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

October 12, 2018 by Jillian Leave a Comment

Awhile back, like an entire year ago, RawSpiceBar sent me a free 3-pack of their spices. One of them was a packet called German Gingerbread, which contained a mixture of ginger, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, black peppercorns, cloves, mace, and star anise. I had been wanting to use the spices, and decided to add a little bit to my regular chocolate chip cookie recipe. I figured they would probably be delicious or disgusting.

Luckily, they turned out delicious! The Gingerbread Spices add a little kick to the traditional recipe, and also give them a warm, wintry, holiday feel. Not to mention, they have a soft, chewy texture with just a bit of crunch around the edges. If you want to try something different, these “Spicy” Double Chocolate Chip Cookies will do the trick! Oh, and they’re healthy!

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Adventures of a First-Time Lobbyist in Washington, D.C.

August 25, 2018 by Jillian Leave a Comment

Since I’ve become a Political Science major, my desire to visit Washington, D.C. has increased by monumental (see what I did there?) proportions. It’s always seemed like a really cool, interesting city. Well, guess what? It totally is!

I was contacted by the regional director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby back in May to see if I would like to attend their annual international conference in D.C. They wanted someone to represent my district in Texas and they were willing to cover my plane ticket and hostel. Not only would I get to attend a conference with lots of seminars and workshops that discussed all sorts of environmental topics, but I would also get to lobby on Capitol Hill!

I said yes, and I’m so glad that I did because it was really fun and a great experience. I can’t wait to go back to D.C., and in the meantime, here are some highlights of my trip!

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Homemade Almond Butter

August 3, 2018 by Jillian Leave a Comment

Homemade Almond Butter has become a staple in my house. I make it about once every week or two, and it’s cheaper and much tastier than buying it at the store! This almond butter tastes perfect with sliced apples, on a sandwich with banana, or even as a sauce on dark chocolate – yum! And I have a couple of secret tips to make sure each batch always comes out delicious!

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