No Need for the Muffin Man....

Do you know the Muffin Man?
The Muffin Man, the Muffin Man.
Do you know the Muffin Man,
Who lives in Drury Lane?

In the Olden Days, back in England, there was actually a muffin delivery man. And when the English say "muffin" they mean what we Americans call "English Muffins." Not cupcake-esque muffins, namesake of the infamous low-rise-jean "muffin top" issue.

No need for a Muffin Man around here, because I now have a surplus of English Muffins. Once I learned how to make a decent free-form loaf of sourdough bread from wild yeast, I was encouraged to attempt fancier things. My cousin Janna (aka my baking coach) led me to this wonderful English Muffin recipe. Even though she is a five-hour-drive away in San Francisco, the US sourdough capital, we are frequently comparing the rise and fall of our loaves and swapping dinner inspiration.

This recipe was surprisingly simple, with only one real rise. I didn't have a round cookie cutter so I cut them out using the edge of a drinking glass.

You don't even bake them! They are made more like pancakes:

I will never look at an English muffin the same way. These are one of the best things I've ever made. Let me know if you want a sourdough baby/pet/starter so you can make your own.

I put half away in the freezer and left some out to admire. I served them up this morning in a makeshift version of Eggs Benny with spinach, a poached egg, and a yellow sauce made with lemons, mustard, curry powder and a bit of mayo.

If you are interested in an *American* muffin, I also made these yummy apple muffins. I used mealy old apples from the back of the fridge and they turned out really well. They were delish like an indulgent coffee shop treat. Please, friends, never use a muffin mix again!

Open Your Eyes

I love living by the ocean.

I'm a dabbler. This is why teaching elementary school appealed to me far more than being a single-subject teacher. I have many interests and go through obsessive hobby phases like tennis, jewelry-making, or long-board skateboarding. Most recently I'm consumed by digital photography, making bread from wild yeast, ceramics, and learning about plants. Though I never "go pro" or really even excel, I feel like these experiences help me grow a new understanding of how things work. They all become a part of me. Not surprisingly, choosing a major in undergrad was really difficult for me. I settled on English literature, feeling like it was most inclusive and complemented my interests in both history and art. Plus, reading and writing are other favs!

My hobbies these days help me to remember to live in the moment and give me a sense of purpose.

They danced by the light of the moon...

While I've always loved picture taking, I'm getting into night photography for the first time. The clear desert skies combined with lack of city lights make for great star-gazing weather. I love the challenge and magic of a low-light-setting. The moon was almost full.

Pottery requires intense concentration and a relaxed sort-of mind/body coordination. I have to smudge my name on the bat because I completely forget what I make between sessions. These bowls still need to be trimmed on the bottom but I whipped them out so quickly I was shocked. Last semester I'd spend hours just trying to center one blob of clay. Documenting growth is rewarding!

Yes, I am!