Thank you for all your love, thoughts and kind words. During these dark times, human connection is vital.
For me, writing is also necessary. As we sit and wait to hear about Baby Ryan's progression, I type and craft stories about girls eating croissants. I enter into a world that I have dominion over--a world I craft with my own mind. No thoughts, no actions, no words can exist without my approval. And as you can imagine, this power is particularly appealing when the real world feels like it could shatter at any moment.
The doctors are hoping to take Ryan off of his ventilator today. He slept peacefully last night, and his fever broke after a few worried hours. His older sister and brother are traveling home to Colorado to be with our family and friends. We hope and pray that Susanne, Craig and Baby Ryan will be following close behind them.
When I woke up this morning, I knew I wanted to do two things: bake and write. Making a plateful of brownies or muffins or rolls was about the only thing I could muster energy for. As I stood in my kitchen, my bare feet against the cool tile, I knew I wanted to make something in honor of my sweet nephew.
Baby Ryan loves oatmeal. His mom makes him a bowl every morning, and she sprinkles cinnamon and freshly sliced fruit on top. He is a big baby with a big appetite, and he devours his breakfast within minutes.
And so I made these muffins in honor of Baby Ryan's favorite breakfast meal. I only wish I could share them with him.
For me, writing is also necessary. As we sit and wait to hear about Baby Ryan's progression, I type and craft stories about girls eating croissants. I enter into a world that I have dominion over--a world I craft with my own mind. No thoughts, no actions, no words can exist without my approval. And as you can imagine, this power is particularly appealing when the real world feels like it could shatter at any moment.
The doctors are hoping to take Ryan off of his ventilator today. He slept peacefully last night, and his fever broke after a few worried hours. His older sister and brother are traveling home to Colorado to be with our family and friends. We hope and pray that Susanne, Craig and Baby Ryan will be following close behind them.
When I woke up this morning, I knew I wanted to do two things: bake and write. Making a plateful of brownies or muffins or rolls was about the only thing I could muster energy for. As I stood in my kitchen, my bare feet against the cool tile, I knew I wanted to make something in honor of my sweet nephew.
Baby Ryan loves oatmeal. His mom makes him a bowl every morning, and she sprinkles cinnamon and freshly sliced fruit on top. He is a big baby with a big appetite, and he devours his breakfast within minutes.
And so I made these muffins in honor of Baby Ryan's favorite breakfast meal. I only wish I could share them with him.
Pears, toasted oats, cinnamon and buttermilk are the key players in this simple, fall muffin. The streusel sprinkled on top results in a moist muffin with that perfect sweet crunch. One of these treats could be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or even a dollop of ice cream as an evening dessert.
When making muffins, remember to not overmix your batter. Just stir with a large wooden spoon until your ingredients are just combined. The less you stir, the higher your muffins will rise.
When making your topping, be sure to use cold butter. If your butter is too warm, the topping will congeal into a messy mass. This is not ideal for sprinkling.
When eating your muffin, sit down in your favorite chair with a book or magazine that will let your mind wander away from all your stress, anxiety or fear. Or even better, when eating your muffin, sit with someone that you love, talk about the beautiful things you see in your world, and remember all those that need an extra dose of hope.
When making muffins, remember to not overmix your batter. Just stir with a large wooden spoon until your ingredients are just combined. The less you stir, the higher your muffins will rise.
When making your topping, be sure to use cold butter. If your butter is too warm, the topping will congeal into a messy mass. This is not ideal for sprinkling.
When eating your muffin, sit down in your favorite chair with a book or magazine that will let your mind wander away from all your stress, anxiety or fear. Or even better, when eating your muffin, sit with someone that you love, talk about the beautiful things you see in your world, and remember all those that need an extra dose of hope.
Oatmeal Pear Muffins
1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cups Granulated Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Cloves
1/3 cup Oil
1 Egg
1/3 cup Buttermilk (or regular milk)
1 Pear (chopped)
1/3 cup Rolled Oats
1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
1/3 cup Flour
3 TBSP cold Butter
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees farenheit. Line or grease a 12 tin muffin pan. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients.
2. Using a liquid measuring cup, measure 1/3 cup oil, add the egg, and then add enough milk to reach the 1 cup measuring line. Beat slightly with a fork.
3. Pour your wet ingredients into your dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, sugar and flour. Cut butter into the mixture with a fork. Process until crumbs form.
5. Divide muffin batter evenly into the 12 muffin tins. Sprinkle your crumbs over top. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow to rest in pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.
Always,
Monet
Anecdotes and Apple Cores
PS. I have a facebook page....please "like" me (if you do, of course)
1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cups Granulated Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Cloves
1/3 cup Oil
1 Egg
1/3 cup Buttermilk (or regular milk)
1 Pear (chopped)
1/3 cup Rolled Oats
1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
1/3 cup Flour
3 TBSP cold Butter
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees farenheit. Line or grease a 12 tin muffin pan. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients.
2. Using a liquid measuring cup, measure 1/3 cup oil, add the egg, and then add enough milk to reach the 1 cup measuring line. Beat slightly with a fork.
3. Pour your wet ingredients into your dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, sugar and flour. Cut butter into the mixture with a fork. Process until crumbs form.
5. Divide muffin batter evenly into the 12 muffin tins. Sprinkle your crumbs over top. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow to rest in pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.
Always,
Monet
Anecdotes and Apple Cores
PS. I have a facebook page....please "like" me (if you do, of course)
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