Sometimes in life, we just need a blueberry muffin.
Or maybe it’s scrambled eggs and toast, a warm cup of milk (hemp of course), mac and cheese (with squash maybe), or perhaps a slice of the best cheeseless cheese cake there ever was.
Last week, I had a blueberry muffin kind of week. I had posted briefly about what went down and then removed the post, thinking there was no need to go through all the details. I know the love is out there for me and that, my sweet lovers, is plenty.
In short, I was in a wee bit of a car accident. The kind that makes people stop and stare in shock. Without getting into the details, still a little too traumatic for me to want to explain, my car was totalled, the other driver was charged on the spot, and witnesses proclaimed it a miracle that I not only survived, but was relatively unscathed. For this, I am most grateful.
As I make it a practice to continue moving forward in life, never dwell on the negative, accept the present as it is and all that jazz, I have simply been taking care of myself, and allowing others to help me out too.
Have you ever noticed that when things get a little rocky in life, sometimes we start to crave a little sweetness? That my lovers is where these blueberry muffins come in. They’re not an everyday thing but there is something just so homey and comforting about slicing open a fresh baked blueberry muffin, slathering it in organic butter (or almond butter or whatever) and taking a big steamy bite with the little bursts of fruity sweetness. Were I not just five feet tall, and also a nutritionist, I would have eaten a dozen for every meal.
But, of course, I know better. With any injury, too much sweetness is not a good thing. We need protein and anti-inflammatory foods to heal, and of course the good fats to feed and fuel the nervous system. With that being said, a little sweetness is also okay. Good for the spirit is good for the health.
A few muffins, some slices of toast, and hot tea were all a big part of my last few days. I am most definitely on the mend. My time is being consumed right now with massage, and chiro visits, and acupuncture, but as I said when I was healing from Crohn’s, this still beats a thousand times over being in a hospital bed, attached to machines and that very well could have been the outcome.
Simply a small blip in the summer bliss but onwards and upwards we go for more fun in the sun and soon, soon, soon, a VERY exciting announcement. That’s where I was headed when the accident happened. To a meeting to confirm deets about this exciting new adventure I am about to embark on.
Have you heard the old wives tail that a car accident before a big meeting is a sign of good luck? Let’s start it right now!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup gluten-free brown rice flour
- ¾ cup gluten-free buckwheat flour
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 egg or egg substitute (see below)
- 1/3 cup applesauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 cups wild blueberries
- 1 Tbs chia seeds, ground + ¼ hot water. Mix thoroughly and allow to sit for 10-15 mins until thickened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- Line muffin tin with liners (let’s aim for unbleached shall we?)
- Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
- Add the maple syrup, applesauce, egg, water, vinegar, oil and vanilla.
- Mix batter together.
- Add in the blueberries, gently folding the batter.
- Pour in to muffin tin.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick, inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Question Of The Day: What do you find yourself craving when life gets a bit rocky? How do you deal with it?
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Oh no…so sorry to hear about this little bump in the road. Sending you lots of healing energy. xo
Thank you! Hope you had a beautiful holiday.
So glad to hear that you are okay. It must have been a scary and unsettling day!
Take care of yourself and give yourself some time to heal. Tea and blueberry muffins are the best comforts.
I’m glad you’re doing okay. Life is far more fragile than we would ever like to admit. I agree, a little sweetness serves a need in times of stress. I have also found a huge dose of hugs seems to help. Let me know if you need one.
xo
I could you know- and we’re long overdue for a lunch!
Meghan, so glad to hear that you are ok. I know you will heal quickly, because I know that you are in good hands
. Just take some time for yourself. I think you’re onto something with that old wives tale. Reminds me of my wedding day, when it poured buckets (in December!) and my grandmother told me it was good luck to be married on a rainy day. Here I am, almost 24 years later, and she proved to be absolutely right. No doubt whatever you are “cooking up” will be a huge success! Be well.
I am in great (and well trained hands!)
[...] Blueberry Muffins And A Side Of Gratitude http://meghantelpnerblog.com/2011/07/25/blueberry-muffins-and-a-side-of-gratitude/ [...]
Wishing you a healthy recovery Meghan.
Thank you so much!!!
Meghan, so glad to hear that you’re ok. May your little bubble of bliss continue to protect you.
And here’s a nice thought: Today, all over the world, dozens of kitchens will be wafting warm blueberry muffin breezes in dedication to your wellbeing and healing
That is a nice thought!
I’m also sending you more love and continued healing and happiness your way Meghan!! I can’t wait to make the muffins!
Thank you!
Lots of healing vibes and virtual hugs being sent your way! I’m also looking forward to making those blueberry muffins!
Thank you! And the muffins are delicious. Now that I live in your neighbourhood- I am accepting any muffin-like donations on my door step
That I can do!
Holy crap Meghan,
So glad you are ok!!
excited to hear about your exciting new adventure;
you’ve got way too much of a positive influence on this world to leave yet!
xoxo
Thanks sunshine!
[...] to your iPod to listen when you’re on your commute to work, in the bath, at the gym, baking blueberry muffins, or while breastfeeding…whatever’s taking up your time these [...]
Oh Meghan,
I, too, would reach for something like a warm muffin with vanilla hemp milk to wash it down! I very much understand your post. 7 years ago I, too, was in a car accident that totalled my car but left me unscathed. After this was when I decided to plunk out the cash for yoga teacher training…and I’ve never looked back, as you know. So, yes, sometimes these things can happen and we can move forward with even more grace and gratitude for life.
So glad you are well and taking care of yourself. Sending tons of energy your way!
love,
Jenn
Thanks Jenn- All part of the story of out lives I suppose. Still working on getting over the trauma to see the dramatic goodness that must surely be right around the corner.
So glad all has ended well, and we get the benefits of your craving for comfort food!
I’ve just picked up some coconut flour, and wonder if that can be changed out with the buckwheat flour with no adjustments?
The coconut flour would be much too dry and heavy. You could replace the almond flour though
Oh, no Meghan! I’m so glad you’re ok. Good thing you have lots of superfood nutrition pumping through your veins and you’ll heal in no time
I’m so excited about all of your new adventures!
xoxoxo
Oh wow! So glad you’re OK. I’m gonna try that recipe for sure and think of you while I’m eating them. Just like I do when I eat your Superfood chocolate cups.
Oh, Meghan! ::hugs:: I’m so glad that you’re healing. I really like you, even though we’ve never met, and I’m glad you’re still here. Totally feel ya on the “Getting over the trauma” part of healing. I was in a lousy car accident last year–totaled car, but I was relatively unscathed–and had involuntary, mini-panic attacks whenever a car next to me looked like it might change lanes (As had occurred right before the accident). I kept driving and breathed through them, and became great(er) friends with my massage therapist and chiro. Glad you have a good support team around you at this time and a place to call home that’s separate from your office. Please rest well!
Wow, I am so glad you are okay and relatively well after what sounds like a very scary experience. I know the feeling of wanting and needing comfort foods and I will give these muffins a try next time I want something warm and delicious that’s a bit sweet.
Just wanted to add that I made the muffins this evening. I couldn’t find my muffin tins so I just greased a cake pan with coconut oil and put the batter in that instead. It cooked a little longer than 30 minutes (40, maybe?) but was excellently satisfying and so delicious. It was comfort food to me for sure.
Thanks again for sharing.
You old wives tail is true. Very true. I got in a car accident on my way to write a university exam. I was able to make it to the exam and I wrote it; my hands trembling the whole time. After the exam I talked to the prof to see if I could do a make-up paper, but turns out I aced the exam. See – lucky! I’m just glad you were in a car and not on your bike.
Take care.
Meghan! I am just reading this now. I hope you are okay and your spirits are remaining high. Car accidents are the pits and thank goodness you walked away relatively unscathed from this one. Lots of love and thoughts of you xo
Can you use anything else besides maple syrup to cut the sugar content?
thanks!
Use less
Or honey.
I just made these but used chickpea flour instead of the buckwheat since it’s what I had on hand. Delicious!
Monday, monday…so good to me! http://t.co/l8wJhBY1