Happy Valentine’s Day!
I probably don’t say it enough, so this seems like the perfect time to remind you that…
…I love you!
And I really wish I could give each of you one of these to prove it.
Really, one day, when I’m an old lady, sitting on the porch in my rocking chair, and my grandkids come by my side to ask me all those questions about what it was like when I was a mom with four rambunctious boys running in circles around me, (assuming that I’ll have any memory left in me–) I promise that you’ll be part of my story. You are the community of friends that I am literally walking through this season of life with. Your comments are often the greatest encouragement I receive in a day. Your visits are usually the closest I get all day to actually sitting down and “visiting” with a friend. You mean a lot to me.
After mentioning to Dave how much one of your comments meant to me recently, it was Dave who said “You should invite her family to visit and we could teach her kid to surf!” to which my jaw dropped. (Dave being the private, no need for extra people type. :)) But the fact is–He has watched this community develop…He realizes that this place where I write out my heart, and tell my silly stories, and where I am stretched to grow and learn..has become incredibly special to me.
And it’s all because of YOU.
SO to Wendy and Sandy and Kendall…to Tami, and Greg, and Urban Wife, and Heather, Lucy, Danielle, Shannon…and to so many more: (those were the names that ranked highest on comments in my end-of-the-year report from the blog,) Thank you. If you stop in regularly, or even occasionally, and help to make my little piece of the blogosphere all that it is…Thank you.
I love you.
And if you were here, sitting on my porch (no rocking chair yet,) having a real-life visit, I promise I’d serve you up a couple of these, with a nice cup of coffee. Because not only are they moist and sweet, with just enough berry throughout…but they lean towards the HEALTHY end of the donut-spectrum. (What are friends for?) Moistened with yogurt, and topped with a strawberry jam frosting, these are packed with love.
Sprinkles are optional.
Except to my boys.
Who consider sprinkles the main thing.
Baking cake donuts is so easy, I can’t believe i just bought my first donut-pan two weeks ago! Three batches later, I’m just getting started. I love that you can create healthy options with baked donuts! (side note: If you want to make these right away, and don’t have a donut pan, follow the same instructions and make them into muffins…just bake a little longer! Then go get a donut pan!)
And have yourself a HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
QUICK NOTE: Before you leave me…and while we’re still talking about Valentines Day…(we are, aren’t we?)
I want to officially invite you back soon for what I anticipate to be a super fun surprise. I got an idea just after posting my last video, and I’m really excited about it. All I need is a little cooperation from the man of the house, and some video magic…(Fingers crossed.)
*T-shirt, $2.99 from thrift store, because my mom told me “you have to have a Valentine’s shirt.” haha. Moms are always right.
See ya then!
XOXOXOX
Grommom
Strawberry Yogurt Donuts
Ingredients
- DONUT INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 8 ounce container of strawberry yogurt vanilla or plain would be fine.
- 2 eggs
- 4 Tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter softened.
- STRAWBERRY FROSTING INGREDIENTS
- 2 Tablespoons strawberry jam
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar or more if needed by consistency
- **I added red food coloring for Valentine effect 🙂
Instructions
- For donuts:
- Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Spray donut pan (or muffin pan) with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk, yogurt, egg, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Slowly mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients--just until combined.
- Carefully spoon the batter into a 6-donut pan. Fill the donut cavities about 2/3 full. Bake 8 to 11 minutes until donuts are set and golden brown. They will spring back when touched. (note, you could add food coloring to make the donuts more Valentine-pink/red as well.)
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from pan, about 5 minutes
- Frost, sprinkle, and nom nom nom....
The donuts were a hit! We took them on a play date. Well, I should say we took those that made it to the play date. My boys loved coloring the icing. Thanks for an easy recipe.
Following your blog is one of my simple pleasures! Sending love and thanks your way! Bought the donut pan…..
excellent! That’s a great start. Let me know how you do with the donuts. Bless you!
oh my word, those donuts look heavenly! 🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day Monica! I agree with your friend Wendy above, you bring warmth to those of us living in harsh winter zones (CO), not only with your beautiful island pictures but with your words of encouragement and advice. Whenever I tell my husband a story I read on your blog I start by saying “you know my friend that lives in Hawaii?” and he laughs because he knows we’ve never met in person, but I tell him I feel as if you are my friend!
Have a wonderful day!
XOXOXO
Lucy
Yay! Thank you Lucy…and YES to friends. For sure! So glad to have you around! aloha!
You are the sweetest! I love what you said about this community being like visiting with a friend. That’s what it feels like when I read your blog. 🙂 And these donuts…this weekend I’m buying a donut pan. I have been craving donuts (weird, for me) for weeks now so clearly this was perfect timing. Thanks for sharing! xoxo
Baking donuts is one of my absolute favorite things! Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m wishing I was in Hawaii right about now. All this cold weather and snow. I’m over it. 🙂
The bangs! You’re killin me with those bangs! I want some! And I am currently texting friends to see who has a donut pan so I can avoid going to the store. Those bad boys are SO getting made tomorrow.
I’m drooling!! Why did you wait til I was gone to make those nummy things?! I do appreciate that you said Moms are always right. About time you realized that (or is it that you’re a Mom now too?)! Still love the shirt.
hey mon…I am gonna try these. but I am gonna make them with coconut oil instead of butter and throw in some almond flour ….and I use coconut sugar too….Christy and I have been doing some healthy baking and it’s been so tasty. loving your video series idea…I am right there in my life right now. trying to ask jesus to clean house in my life and walk me through getting rid of the stuff that is weighing me down and that He and I can change together. it’s been good. but I cant wait to keep watching your videos and reading ’cause I am feeling totally stuck on how to get Gods word in my kiddos. I have been praying that they would love the truth lately and thirst for it. loved seeing your face….wish I could sit and have a donut and coffee with ya. much love, kindy
Happy Valentine’s Day! Those donuts look amazing. Yum! Where did you find the donut pan?
Sorry–should have mentioned…Target! 🙂 Thank you, and aloha!
Aw, shucks. Right back at ya, girl! Sending you and your terrific family lots of love from New Jersey where we are in the midst of yet another snowstorm!! xoxoxo Your posts have so much warmth to them–emotional, inspirational, educational–in addition to the gorgeous tropical island backdrop that is your life. 🙂 This warmth means a great deal to me, on many levels. I enjoy every post. And the donuts look delicious, can’t wait to try the recipe!!! Happy Valentine’s Day!!