In it, the Postables postpone their Christmas journeys, so they can track down a little girl who wrote a letter to God. Although they can only help her hospitalized pregnant mom through prayer, they’re determined to help the child be a shepherd in her first Christmas pageant. Since the family can’t leave the hospital, the Postables do everything possible to put on a blessed Christmas pageant at the hospital. There’s an angel, a Christmas miracle, beautiful metaphors about the true meaning of Christmas, a realization about family and friendship, adorable, quirky romantic moments between Rita and Norman and even a Christmas owl. If you love Hallmark Christmas movies (A Very Merry Mix Up, Let It Snow, Snow Bride, Matchmaker Santa, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Annie Claus is Coming to Town, The Christmas Card, The Nine Lives of Christmas and A Boyfriend for Christmas are among my favorites – yep, I’ve seen many;.) or the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series of films, this is an absolute must watch!
One of the funniest moments in the film is Norman’s reaction to Rita’s healthy cookies and brownies. Cheryl, one of my closest friends, is soooo much like Rita it’s uncanny. And her husband is probably more like Norman than I know. But while Cheryl also loves to make healthy treats, hers actually taste great. Below, is a recipe from Cheryl for healthy and delicious banana nut muffins.
And if you’re looking for Christmas gifts for friends who enjoy reading, Cheryl is also one of my two friends who are awesome authors. You can visit Cheryl’s Amazon page here to learn about her heartwarming romance and inspirational chicklit books and Donna’s Amazon page here to learn about her heartwarming children’s books. And if you’re looking for a virtual stocking stuffer for a friend or family member who likes to knit, you’re invited to check out my pattern story here.
Mission #6: Make a healthy, delicious treat – like the one below – for a friend or family member!
Cheryl’s Banana Muffins
These muffins are so tasty, you’ll hardly believe they have zero added sugar (and are gluten-free to boot). Plus, they’re super easy to make!
1/3 cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 medium, ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/3 cups almond flour
1/3 cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
2-3 tablespoons water
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, etc.)
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin tins or line with paper baking cups.
Put melted butter in medium-large bowl and stir in eggs and vanilla until blended. Add mashed bananas and stir again. Stir in remaining ingredients, except water and nuts, until blended. Add enough water (approx. 2-3 tablespoons) to give the batter a fluid, but still spoonable, consistency. Stir in nuts.
Spoon the batter into the muffin tins. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until muffin peaks are golden brown. Let cool before removing paper baking cups. I like to store these muffins in the fridge once they’re cool. Makes 18-20 muffins (somehow, this recipe always makes 19 for me!).