First Day of School

Today was our first day of school. I wasn't ready for it. I was stressed in fact. The budget in California is horrible and as a result school funding is being cut right and left. Many, many teachers were pink slipped and didn't get rehired for the school year. Supply funds have been slashed as well.

A consequence of all this, is that the state and district no longer think that small classes in the lower grades are important. Kindergarten, first and second grade have in the past not had any more than twenty students. Supposedly, they were going to cap classes at 25. Bad news: I have 26. Good news: only 24 showed up. Bad news: I might be getting a new one tomorrow. More Bad news: They are the most ill mannered group of children I have ever met. Good news: I have four great students from last year and there are a couple of other nice kids, including Harrison, David and Starr's son, to help make me believe maybe there is a chance for this class.

Curtis and Alyssa were excited for school today. Curtis was a bit nervous, because he would be going into the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Gifted and Talented Class. He thought he wouldn't have any friends, all the kids would be bigger than him, it would be too hard, etc. Alyssa was just excited. She has been telling anyone who would listen this summer that she is a first grader. So here are the official pictures of the first day of school:

Lemon Streusel Muffins

I got this recipe from www.sisterscafe.blogspot.com a long time ago and finally made it for the secretaries and the custodian at school. It is always a good idea to keep them on your side. They deserve to be recognized for all they do, plus they do nice things for you if they like you.

I have to say it worked, because as a newbie at this school I kind of have crappy furniture in my classroom. Mr. Mike, the custodian brought me a brand new filing cabinet for me this afternoon and took away my old, rusted in places one.

So here's the recipe with the change I made:

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1/4 tsp baking powder

2 eggs

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup melted butter

1 Tbsp lemon zest (I have truly learned that lemon zest is important. It makes all the difference in the recipes I have used it in. I suggest using a microplane zester. )

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (the recipe called for 2 tsp, I liked it with 2 Tbsp)

For the streusel:

3 Tbs. flour

3 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. cold butter

For the glaze:

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, melted butter, zest, and yogurt. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry. Mix just until combined. Let batter rest for 5 minutes. Grease or paper line muffin cups and fill cups 3/4 full. In a small bowl combine streusel ingredients, using a pastry blender or your hands, until it resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle over the batter. Bake muffins at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes and remove to a wire rack.

Mix together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a thin glaze. Drizzle over the warm muffins.

This makes 12 muffins.

These were great. I loved them. The secretaries loved them and raved about them. Mr. Mike (the custodian) loved them. My kids loved them too. Make these as soon as you have fresh lemons. You will be happy you did.