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Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Reviewing Growing Bamboo In Our Garden

A Guide to Bamboo Varieties, Soil Conditions and Care.

Bamboo is such a beautiful and versatile plant. It adds a certain grace and elegance to the garden. As it is generally a tall, green and elegant plant it gives a garden an added dimension and is also very useful. Bamboo is an excellent screening plant for any ugly structure and gives privacy and shade in the garden.

I love the shape of its plentiful leaves and the smooth canes which depending on variety may be of a gorgeous colour. I love the wonderful sound as the wind blows through its foliage.

There are so many types available some suitable for most gardens, some very exotic.

However with Bamboo, maybe more than many other plants it is important to understand the different varieties and the care they require in order for it to be an asset to your garden and not a difficulty.

Varieties of Bamboo

Bamboo comes in various varieties, but they can broadly be classified into two types: clumping Bamboo and running Bamboo and it is vital to know which one you are buying or have inherited in your garden.

Clumping Bamboo

As the name suggests, clumping Bamboo grows in tight, compact clumps. This makes it easy to control and contain. This type of Bamboo is ideal for small gardens or areas where you want to prevent it from spreading too aggressively. Some popular clumping Bamboo varieties include Bambusa multiplex, Fargesia spathacea, and Chusquea culeou. We have a clumping bamboo with beautiful black stems and fresh green leaves with an arching habit and is very well behaved.

Running Bamboo

Running Bamboo tends to spread rapidly through underground rhizomes. The clue is in the name and that it is not easily contained. If not properly managed, it can become very invasive indeed and start popping up all over your lawn and borders and even into neighbours gardens.

Running Bamboo is really much better suited to larger landscapes or areas where its growth can be restricted. It is possible to grow it in a large container where its growth is restricted but I would even play safe and ensure the pot is placed raised on an area of hard standing so that the roots cannot get through to ground easily. Popular running Bamboo varieties include Phyllostachys aurea, Phyllostachys nigra, and Phyllostachys bambusoides.

Care Of Bamboo

Soil Conditions

Every successful plant story starts with the soil conditions being right for the plant. Bamboo is pretty adaptable and can live in a wide range of soil conditions happily and successfully. However it likes most a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is important to note that it really dislikes waterlogged poorly drained soils. We have heavy clay soil but ours lives at the top of a slope which means that it is well drained. So before purchasing a Bamboo it is wise to check your soil structure and type to see if Bamboo will be happy there.

Watering.

Most Bamboos like moist but not waterlogged soil. We found that our Bamboo required regular watering when establishing as a young plant. As with many plants it is better to give a deep watering once a week than a light watering more often. Once established we find there is no need to water as regularly. It is simply a case of watching the weather and watering often and deeply only in dry spells.

Feeding.

Bamboo thrives best with a regular feed in the growing season. This is especially true if we are growing it in a large container or have poor soil. If we are gardening on rich soil you may well need to do a lot less feeding. Our soil is rich and so we now do not need to feed very often. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser when the bamboo is growing will help to promote healthy growth.

Position Of Bamboo

The position Bamboo will thrive in depends on the variety you buy so it is always best to check the details for each plant. Some Bamboo species prefer full sun, others can cope with partial shade. We planted our Bamboo in a sunny south facing position and it is very happy there.

It is vital to research how much space each particular type of Bamboo you are interested in requires. Clumping Bamboo is generally well behaved and can be planted closer to structures or other plants. Ours is near a fence and other plants and does not cause any issues at all.

However running Bamboo should be given lots of space to spread sited far away from your house and other buildings and your neighbours. Give a running Bamboo even more space than you think it needs and do make a barrier to inhibit its spread. Alternatively grow it in a large, very sturdy container.

Bamboo generally grows tall and does cast gorgeous dappled shade and enchanting shadows on any fences and walls. However that does mean that plants living nearby must enjoy living in dappled shade, or even slightly heavier shade so we must choose the plants around a bamboo carefully for all to be happy.

Pruning and Maintenance Of Bamboo

Regular pruning of any Bamboo is really essential to remove any dead, damaged and diseased canes. An unpruned bamboo can also very quickly become crowded and look less attractive. With pruning this allows for better air circulation within the plant and inhibits the spread of diseases.

Pruning a large Bamboo can sometimes feel a little overwhelming so we always start by removing dead or damaged canes at their base. Then we move on to prune individual canes in order to bring light into the plant. I would advise standing back every few cuts to check how the plant looks and how much more you want to prune out.

It is important to prune each cane at ground level. I have seen Bamboo chopped off halfway so it ends up being three or four foot high and it always just looks odd to me to reduce the height of this graceful plant. We prune by thinning out the canes at ground level, which produces a manageable plant with a very graceful habit allowing air and circulation through and a healthier plant. I also like to prune off the lower leaves thereby showing off the really beautiful colour of the canes to full advantage.

We use our tall prunings as supports for other plants. They are very strong and can be cut to a desired length. We prune from the ground and then allow them to dry then they are used all over the garden to act as supports for other climbers. We often tie four or five of them together to form a wigwam shape for climbers to grow up.

If you do not have a Bamboo plant you can buy these very useful Bamboo sticks. They are very good for growing tomatoes, beans and peas and supporting young plant growth.

Mininfa Natural Bamboo Stakes 3 Feet, Eco-Friendly Garden Stakes, Plant Stakes Supports Climbing for Tomatoes, Trees, Beans, 25 Pack

Containing A Running Bamboo

If you are planting running Bamboo, it's crucial to install a barrier around its edge to prevent it spreading too far and wide. Use a very tough barrier such as metal at least 18 inches deep to try to control the rhizomes. Even so do keep a watch on it as it can easily escape.

Personally, I would only grow running Bamboo, beautiful as it is, in a large container on a patio, never in my garden. We do not have a large garden and have buildings and neighbours close by so it really is not practical. For us we would always grow a clumping Bamboo for its grace and beauty.

Bamboo At Kew Gardens.

We were lucky to visit Kew Gardens, London and see some of the Bamboos in the Palm House there. They were truly amazing plants, so tall and with such beautiful canes and leaves. Here are a few photographs I hope you enjoy.

Close Up Of A Bamboo Cane At Kew Gardens

Bamboo is A Beautiful Addition To The Garden

With a little knowledge and care Bamboo can be a beautiful graceful and welcome addition to the garden. I love its gorgeous foliage and the relaxing sounds and how it sways in the wind.

As most are evergreen you see its beauty all winter and it looks lovely covered in frost or snow as it does when the sunlight shines through it or the raindrops gather.

Bamboo is an excellent screening plant to cover up an ugly fence, the bins or just to give you more privacy in a part of the garden or away from the neighbours. Just make sure you get a suitable variety for your garden and check carefully what type you are buying.

Monday, October 2, 2023

Reviewing the Keychain LED Flashlight by Olight

Recently, I've spent some time with folks who require high quality, everyday tools and I noticed that many of them were referring to their Olight brand flashlights. I started paying attention to what they were saying about the brand. I'm so glad I did. My recent Olight order included the i3E EOS Keychain LED Flashlight as a free gift and I couldn't be happier.

The i3E EOS Mono-Output Keychain LED Flashlight by Olight

This small and convenient flashlight is great for hiking, camping, fishing, walking in unlit areas, sudden power outages, dark areas of parking garages, lighting locks instead of fumbling to insert your key in the dark, and much more.

The specifications are listed as:

LED Light Source Type
Powered by one AAA battery
Twist to turn off and on
90 lumens and 44 meters/144 feet beam distance
Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminium and anti-scratch anodizing
Waterproof rating: IPX8
Run Time: 70 minutes (NiMh battery) and 45 minutes (akaline battery)
Currently offered in 7 different colors

To be honest, I had to look up the definition of the IPX8 waterproof rating. I learned that:

"IPX7 and IPX8 are specific levels of Ingress Protection (IP) ratings that define the water resistance of electronic devices. IPX7 denotes protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, while IPX8 indicates protection against continuous immersion beyond 1 meter depth." - Keystone Compliance

My Personal Thoughts about the Olight Keychain LED Flashlight

In the distant past, I often purchased flashlights based on their price tag. Those flashlights were often made with plastic parts and would chip or break. They quickly ate through batteries. Or would stop working from some internal malfunction. More recently, I've started to purchase flashlights that are more durable but are still at the lower end of pricing as far as flashlights go. I've been very happy with my two flashlights that I currently use around the house and for chores. I keep one of those flashlights in my bedroom and one near the front door.

As the days are growing shorter, I am leaving the house in the pitch dark. I am determined to not leave my porch light on all day just so I can see my way to the truck in the morning. That leaves two options, use a flashlight or stumble to the truck in the dark. If I use my chores flashlight, I have been forgetting it in the truck and then don't have it available the next morning. Having a mini flashlight attached to my keychair is a PERFECT solution.

I imagine I won't only use this handy flashlight in the mornings to get to my truck. If I am driving in the dark and pull over to check something (e.g. it sounds like something is happening with my tire) I have a quick source of light.

Recently, my office building has been experiencing multiple, but brief so far, power outages. I have quickly learned that when the power goes out my office is pitch black. Fortunately, I have just had to sit still for a few minutes until the power flickers back on. But now I am prepared for a lengthier period of darkness if need be.

This light is not meant for hours of hiking in the dark as there is only one level of light (not a choice between high and low beam) and the battery life is 45 to 60 minutes. But it is perfect for brief situations in which you need light.

Best of all, I received this little flashlight as a free gift. I have heard that Olight runs specials and giveaways from time to time. And in this case, existing customers only needed to log in and add this flashlight to the shopping cart to secure a free light. How fun is that? I had already been planning on ordering some of their small flashlights for the reasons I mentioned above. A free light and bonus points that they offered one in orange!

This tiny light, not much larger than my post office box key, is perfect in size and accessibility. It would make an awesome gift and is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer. It comes in nice packaging and with a "Quality 5 Year Warranty Promise".

This tiny flashlight can be found on the Olight Website and is also currently listed on Amazon.

Related Links:

I recently reviewed the two flashlights that I've been using for chores and around the house. If you want to read what I think about the JobSmart and Diehard flashlights you can see that here.

Sylvestermouse Cynthia reviewed the Coleman LED lantern and you can read that review here.

Sam Monaco reviewed a way to keep all of those batteries organized with the Battery Daddy Organizer. You can read that review here.

Tracey Boyer reminds us of the importance of having a Safety Kit with you for emergencies. She includes a flashlight in hers. You can read about that here.

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Sunday, October 1, 2023

The Quirky World of Feng Shui: Is Your Bed in the 'Coffin Position'?

Hi again - Will you shiver with fright? Here is another haunted Feng Shui principle to get stuck in your head!

With over 25 years in the real estate world, I've stumbled upon all sorts of interior decorating do's and don'ts. But for this blog post, we will dive into the mysterious realm of Feng Shui and its peculiar concept - the 'Coffin Position' for your bed placement. Don't fret; it's not as ominous as it sounds!

Bedroom Bedlam: The 'Coffin Position' Unveiled

I'm no Feng Shui guru, but I've had my fair share of chats with folks who swear by its importance. So, what exactly is this 'Coffin Position' hullabaloo?

If your bed lines up perfectly with your bedroom door, congratulations, you've got yourself a 'Coffin Position' bed. This means your feet point straight to the door; according to Feng Shui, that's a big no-no. Apparently, this eerie alignment drains your energy while you snooze. Spooky, right?

Believe it or Not: The Power of Belief in Feng Shui

Before you panic, remember belief is a potent force in our lives. If you're a Feng Shui enthusiast, the position of your bed is the key to a good night's sleep. So, let's not brush it off too quickly!

Positioning Your Way to Zen

Now, if you're thinking, "Okay, I'm sold on this Feng Shui stuff, what do I do?"

The Feng Shui experts suggest adjusting your bed so your feet don't directly point at the door. It's as simple as that!

A little tweak in your bed's position can work wonders, and the best part is you get to decide how to make it happen.

My Feng Shui Bedtime Epiphany

I couldn't help but check out the bedrooms in my humble abode after stumbling upon the term 'coffin position' (a tad creepy, don't you think?).

Lo and behold, not a single bed in my house aligns with the dreaded door. It's pure coincidence, I assure you! It seems like I've unknowingly been following Feng Shui's rules all along.

Phew! Crisis averted.

Maybe not; it feels like my energy is drained every night anyway! For nearly all of 2023, I've felt totally exhausted!

Breaking the Rules...Or Not?

Now, you might wonder, "What's the worst that could happen if I disregard this Feng Shui rule?"

Well, the logical side of you might scoff and say, "Absolutely nothing!" After all, we're not superstitious, right? Or are we? Some folks avoid walking under ladders, fear stepping on cracks, and treat mirrors like fragile relics.

To each their own, I say!

😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈

In the end, what matters most is your personal preference. If you're a Feng Shui believer and want to dodge that 'Coffin Position,' go for it.

If not, you've got a good chuckle out of it. Decorate your space your way, my friends! 🛏️✨

🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠

Feng Shui Explained…

Feng Shui Basics – Understanding and Implementing Feng Shui into Your Home Decor

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Saturday, September 30, 2023

Book Review of Relentless, a Dean Koontz Novel

Relentless, published in 2009, is a completely compelling suspense thriller that is fearless and funny.

Synopsis of 'Relentless'

Cullen Greenwich, known as “Cubby” is a successful and happy man. He is a bestselling novelist and knows how lucky he is to be making a living doing what he enjoys. The love of his life is his wife, Penny, a children's book author and illustrator. Together, Penny & Cubby have a brilliant six-year-old son, Milo (affectionately called 'Spooky' for his genius abilities in math and science), and an unusual non-collie puppy Milo insisted on naming Lassie.

Life in the Greenwich household is happy and serene until Cubby receives a bad review on his otherwise well-received newest book. The bad review is penned by a much feared and seldom seen critic Shearman Waxx. Cubby knows he should ignore the review, Penny & Milo know this; even Lassie knows. And he plans to do just that. Then he happens to learn where Shearman Waxx is taking his lunch and Cubby wants to just get a look at this mysterious recluse whose mere opinion seems to affect careers, and maybe even a life.

But Waxx isn't what anyone would expect and what seemed to be an innocent encounter turns into an escalating terror. It seems Waxx gives criticism but doesn't take it and he has ways of dealing with those who cross him. Soon Cubby and his family find themselves desperately struggling against a relentless sociopath and on the run for their lives.

Summary

In Relentless, Dean Koontz brings us another unforgettable tale involving evil, fate, and the power of love. You will be cheering for Cubby, Penny, Milo and Lassie and their extended family and friends as they set out to free themselves from the force that is Shearman Waxx.

Relentless, a Dean Koontz Novel Book Cover

Relentless, available on Amazon
in several formats

For Several More Dean Koontz Book Reviews,

click here.

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*Book Review of Relentless written by Wednesday Elf

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Friday, September 29, 2023

A Haunting at Havenwood by Sally Britton Reviewed

"A Haunting at Havenwood" is the 6th book in the Seasons of Change series.

I do love it when I find an entertaining series where every book is a unique historical romance adventure. Each of the Seasons of Change books has been quite enjoyable to read, but I have only chosen to review my favorites of this series.

By the title alone, A Haunting at Havenwood promised an unusual plot. Once I started reading, I stayed up all night. I simply could not put the book down! Yes, I paid the price the next day, but it was worth it.

Seeing ghosts in a graveyard is not a rare plot, nor is the idea that the ghosts communicate with someone. However, the idea that they might encourage a descendant to travel to an ancestral home and then continue to accompany him throughout his time there is a rather intriguing concept for a historical romance novel. Because the ghosts spoke to each other as well, the phantom couple was rather endearing as they revealed information about their own relationship and lives. I liked them as well as any of the other characters in the book.

A Haunting at Havenwood

Erasmus "Ras" Grey is a wealthy, single gentleman who provides for his mother and sisters. He enjoys writing Gothic novels under a nom de plume, which he uses to protect his family from criticism or gossip. Ras doesn't like social gatherings because he tends to stutter if he gets nervous, which often happens around women. When he recently started hearing voices that told him to go to Havenwood, an ancestral home that he still owns, he decided time alone would be just what he needed. He had not visited the "hunting lodge" in quite some time, but he had always loved it and the seclusion it offered.

Upon arrival at Havenwood, located next to the village of Harbottle, Ras settled in for a quiet stay. He didn't want anyone in town to know he was there because he had no desire to entertain or to accept visitors. Havenwood had a small staff that lived there and cared for the lodge year-round and he let them know he needed them to keep his visit a secret.

A Haunting at Havenwood
(Seasons of Change Book 6)Check Price He continued to hear the voices, but it wasn't until he responded to them that the ghosts of his great-grandparents appeared to him. After that, he became accustomed to having them pop in and out when they desired, giving him tidbits of information, but encouraging him to find the treasure that awaited his discovery.

Ras enjoyed taking his notebook and walking around the woods that surrounded the lodge. He had not expected to encounter anyone in the woods, but when he happened upon a young woman in the cemetery, he stood a good distance away, under the shade of the tree. When she spoke to him, he answered with as few words as possible because he didn't want her to hear his stutter. When she turned to leave, he moved back behind a tree where she could no longer see or talk to him.

__________

After Louisa Banner's father died, her mother ran through their remaining money quickly. Mrs. Banner decided to visit an old friend for a while, but Louisa was not invited. She was sent to live with an aunt she had never met, in a village she had never visited.

Far from society or anything familiar, she was uncertain what was expected of her; who would be her friends; what were her prospects for the future; what if her aunt didn't want her either. So many concerns filled her mind as she arrived in Harbottle with only her maid and a few pieces of luggage.

When the door to the Manse opened, Louisa was welcomed with a warm embrace from the aunt she had never met, into a house that actually felt like a home. Perhaps, everything would be okay after all.

Louisa was captivated by the tales of the old castles in the area and the stories of hidden treasure. When she was encouraged to walk around the area, she felt a sense of freedom that she had never experienced before. She wandered aimlessly until she came upon a graveyard and that is where she met a new friend, "her ghost".

As the days went by, Louisa returned to the cemetery to met with "her ghost". She started investigating the history of the area and asks lots of questions. Like everyone else in Harbottle, she hoped to discover the hidden treasure.

______

The grandparent ghosts continued to talk to Ras throughout the book. Even though they did not send him to Ravenwood to meet Louisa, they did encourage the romance between them. The conversations between the two ghosts were rather comical. They were like an old bickering couple, but it was clear they loved each other deeply.

My Opinion of "A Haunting at Havenwood"

I loved this combination of romance and mystery. As I mentioned earlier, it is rare to have ghosts in a romance novel, but the concept worked perfectly. The author did an excellent job of weaving a connecting thread through every layer of the plot. I felt I had a few new friends in the end, including the ghosts.

Previously Reviewed from the Seasons of Change Series

Books by Sally Britton Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com

Read More Book Reviews at
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Thursday, September 28, 2023

Visit Missouri-Review of Faust Park

Butterfly House

There are many interesting parks in the St. Louis metro area and I enjoy visiting them. On a beautiful September morning I toured parts of Faust Park with a photography group that I mentor. Faust Park is located in Chesterfield, Missouri which is in St. Louis County. On this visit we spent our time in the historical village, but on other occasions I have visited some of the many features of the park. It is complete with a playground, picnic areas, walking paths, a lake and so much more. In this post I will give you some of the highlights of the park and share my photos with you.

History of Faust Park

The land that is now Faust Park was originally owned by Frederick Bates who was the 2nd governor of the state of Missouri. In 1819 Bates built an estate on the property and called it Thornhill. That building still stands and is open for the public to see what life was like in the 1800 and 1900's.

In 1968 Leicester Busch Faust acquired 100 acres of the land and opened it to the public as a park. By 1995 the park area had doubled in size.

St. Louis Carousel

The St. Louis Carousel was built in the 1920's and for years it delighted visitors to the Forest Park area. It was in an amusement park called the Highlands. In 1963 when there was a fire at the Highlands forcing it to close, the carousel was moved to Faust Park. Today it is housed in a building at Faust Park and is a delight for kids of all ages. I have taken all four of my granddaughters there at different times and they always enjoyed riding the majestic horses.

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

In 1998 the Butterfly House opened in Faust Park. This beautiful building, which is pictured at the beginning of this post, houses a wonderful collection of butterflies. I worked for several years as a volunteer at the house and I was able to guide the public as they toured the Butterfly House. I learned a lot about butterflies and various insects and enjoyed photographing the butterflies. Here is a link to some of my photos and an article on photographing butterflies.

Photographing Butterflies

Historic Village

The historic village at Faust Park consists of a collection of nineteenth century St. Louis County homes and buildings. They all were in danger of being demolished and were rescued and moved to the village at Faust Park by the St. Louis County Parks Department. The buildings date from about 1840 to 1900. You can read more information about the village at Faust Park Historic Village

There was not a formal tour going on the day we visited so we wandered through the village taking photos and enjoying the historic buildings. As we approached one of the houses a worker for the parks department offered to give our group a tour of that home. It was the Davis House, and we were able to go inside on the main floor where she gave us a bit of information about the house. Here is a photo I took of the outside and one of the front parlor.

Below you will see a photo I took of the 1800's General Store.

There were several other homes in the village. Here are three of them. You will note that each is a completely different style from the others.

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Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Quick, Easy & Delicious Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins — Low Carb Recipe

I posted a photo of these quick & easy Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins on social media recently and many people commented asking me for the recipe. So, by popular demand, I'm sharing and reviewing my quick and easy recipe for these mouthwatering, keto-friendly, low carb Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins.

My husband loved these so much he couldn't wait for me to make them again!

I wanted a quick and easy recipe for weeknights, so I used Good Dee's Corn Free Bread Mix, which is excellent and has clean, wholesome, healthy ingredients.

However, you could easily make this recipe with your favorite low carb or conventional cornbread or corn muffin recipe instead of the prepared Good Dee's Corn Free Bread Mix, if you prefer. You can also substitute another favorite shredded cheese for the cheddar. See Recipe Variations, below, for more information and variations.

Enjoy!

Recommended Tools and Equipment

I like to use reusable silicone baking cups AKA muffin tin liners lightly sprayed with avocado or olive oil for these cheddar corn dog muffins. Baked goods are released from these cups very easily, and they help keep leftover muffins or cupcakes fresher during storage. These silicone liners are also very easy to clean, especially if you spray them lightly with oil before adding the batter.

The silicone liners I use for this recipe (I have two types) are the GIR: Get It Right Premium Silicone Cupcake Liners Reusable Non-stick Baking Cups, which have a slightly larger capacity than my heavy-duty standard silicone baking cups and also have helpful tabs for lifting muffins or cupcakes in or out of the pan without accidentally touching or marring the tops. The set I have is in the Strawberry Swirl colorway (shades of red, pink, and pale gray), but they also come in a pretty Frosty Mint colorway (shades of dark and pale blue and green).

The handy tabs on the large GIR silicone baking cups make it easy to lift the filled liners in and out of the muffin pan.

I prefer to use these silicone baking cups as liners in a nonstick muffin pan, which helps distribute the heat evenly and helps keep the muffins shaped nicely, while the nonstick pan finish helps prevent any stray bits of batter or cheese from sticking. Chicago Metallic is an excellent brand; I have a couple of specialty (jumbo and mini) muffin pans from them and they're great. Since my standard nonstick cupcake pans are getting a bit long in the tooth, when it's time to replace them I'll be buying the Chicago Metallic Commercial II Non-Stick 12-Cup Muffin Pan.

I use a three-tablespoon scoop to measure out the batter, using one rounded scoop of batter for each muffin cup. I have a set of Norpro stainless steel measuring scoops that I love and use all the time, and the 50MM (3 Tablespoons) Norpro Stainless Steel Scoop is perfect for this recipe.

Ingredients for low carb cheddar corn dog muffins

I use Good Dee's Corn Free Bread Mix along with eggs, butter, apple cider vinegar, cornbread flavoring, cheddar cheese, hot dogs, and avocado oil spray in this recipe, but you can also substitute other ingredients (see Recipe Variations).

Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Servings: 12 (one muffin per serving)

Ingredients

For the Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins:

Avocado or olive oil spray (for greasing muffin pan liners)
3 large eggs
3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon Amoretti Sweet Corn Extract or 20 drops of OOOFlavors Corn Bread Flavor Concentrate Unsweetened
1 package Good Dee’s Corn Free Bread Mix
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3 hot dogs, fully cooked (I recommend Applegate Farms brand The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs)

For the optional dipping sauce:

2 Tablespoons sugar-free ketchup (Primal Kitchen regular or spicy unsweetened ketchup)
2 Tablespoons sugar-free raspberry jam (ChocZero No Added Sugar Raspberry Jam)
1 Tablespoon teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease 12 silicone muffin cup liners and place in a muffin tin.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vinegar, and cornbread flavoring or sweet corn extract. Stir in the Good Dee’s Corn Free Bread Mix until well combined.
Reserve 4 Tablespoons (1/2 cup) of the grated cheese and mix the remaining cheese into the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the greased muffin tin liners.
Slice each hot dog into four sections. Place one section on end in the center of each batter-filled muffin cup, then sprinkle each muffin with 1 teaspoon of the reserved shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake until lightly golden, approximately 18 minutes. Do not overbake or the muffins will be dry.
Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove the silicone muffin cup liners and serve, with or without optional dipping sauce.

Optional dipping sauce:

Mix the sugar-free ketchup (Primal Kitchen), sugar-free raspberry jam (ChocZero) and Dijon mustard. Serve 1.25 teaspoons of dipping sauce with each cheddar corn dog muffin.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: one Cheddar Corn Dog Muffin (without optional dipping sauce)

Calories: 189

Fat: 16.3 g

Sat. Fat: 5 g

Cholesterol: 70.3 mg

Total Carbs: 6.3 g

Net Carbs: 1.3 g

Fiber: 5 g

Sugars: 0 g

Added Sugars: 0 g

Sugar Alcohols: 0 g

Protein: 8.6 g

Recipe Variations

If you want some hot dog in every bite, consider dicing the hot dogs and mixing them into the batter instead of inserting 1/4 hot dog into the center of each muffin.
If you're not a fan of cheddar, consider substituting another cheese such as shredded Swiss, provolone, or gouda.
If you want to make this low carb cheddar corn dog muffins recipe entirely from scratch instead of using a mix, try the Keto Corn Dog Bites recipe from All Day I Dream About Food but mix in the shredded cheddar before scooping the batter and add the shredded cheese topping before baking.
Alternatively, you could substitute a conventional corn muffin mix or recipe for the corn dog batter if you aren't watching your carbs.