Author: Ang Anderson

Spring Remembrance

Posted on by Ang Anderson

“If I keep a green bough in my heart, then the singing bird will come” – Chinese Proverb

The birds have been singing their joy-filled songs for a little while here in the woods of Minnesota, even in the midst of inclement weather.  This year, the official greenery that signals spring has been quite slow to make its grand and long anticipated appearance.  I dare not say how many times I have looked outside my window to see snowflakes falling in the last seven days.  Large, heavy, cartoon-like snowflakes.  Last Wednesday, I am afraid it was too much to bear.  It snowed all day.  The depression of it all weighed heavily on my heart.  When one waits so long for winter’s cold bones to once again be covered in the fleshy beauty that God has created, it is difficult to bear Mother Nature and her cruel hand of irony.  Birds singing.  Snow on the ground.

But today, my lilac bush is budding.  The evidence snapped in the picture above. Today, the greenery officially stepped back into our world and the sun flashed her most radiant smile.  All seemed to be right with the world again.  Finally.

Today also marks the day, seven years ago, that my uncle Jim passed away.  The lovely memories I have of him are tucked away for me to pull out any time I fancy, with distinct reminders of him sprinkled in daily life.  His smile, his laughter, and his infectious good nature were a blessing to all who knew and loved him.  He was my Godfather and I miss him.

One week from today marks the day, 34 years ago, that my paternal grandfather (Jim’s father) passed away.  I was only two years old at the time so I do not have memories to cherish, but I know my father does.  So, I hold this time of year in serious reverence and admiration of their lives. I hold my father in a cocoon of endearment upon the loss of his brother and his father.  I wish that I could wish them back, for their time here with us was too short.

Our spring usually seems all too short as well.  If you blink, you might miss it.  But that doesn’t mean that we don’t enjoy it with gusto!  And I don’t mean to imply that loved ones and spring are the same.  But I believe when we are gifted life and beauty, we are meant to enjoy them as blessings for however long we are able to behold them.

There will be harsh, difficult, and cruel times.  There will also be moments of new life and blooming growth.  Just as we keep spring in our hearts during the long winter, we can cherish the spirit of our loved ones to aid us through our darkest days.  So, today, in remembrance of two honorable figures in my history, in celebration of  their lives and the life of my budding lilac bush, I wish for you greenery – in your life, your world, your garden, and your heart.

Mini Maple Pancake Muffins

Posted on by Ang Anderson

I saw these sweet little muffins on Bakerella‘s website awhile ago and have been waiting for the right moment to try them. I am happy to announce that this morning presented the perfect opportunity. We had recently been gifted some homemade maple syrup from Grandpa Anderson. Mmmmmmm….

Yes, he taps his maple trees and gives us syrup! He has a special place in our hearts for this amazing feat.

As per usual, Easton wanted pancakes for breakfast. I showed him Bakerella‘s post on the Mini Maple Pancake Muffins and asked him if these would work today. He asked,  “How long is it gonna take?”. I replied, “About the same time as the pancakes to mix up and then eight minutes to bake in the oven.” He agreed that the timeframe was satisfactory and went to watch Curious George. I began mixing up the batter much like I do the pancakes we have nearly every day. I also found myself excited to use my new mini-muffin pan! I am a big fan of the very kid friendly, bite-size perfection that the mini-muffin produces. So, this was our breakfast this morning and they were a hit!

I didn’t have buttermilk or feel like doing a substitute so I just used regular milk and it worked just fine. Bakerella‘s photos are exquisite and I urge you to check them out. These were a nice change from our usual breakfast and, of course, the kids enjoyed dipping in the syrup. Easton told everyone we encountered today how his mom had made him these chocolate chip muffins.  *heart swells*

I do have to be completely honest. I am still salivating over the Chocolate Pastry. I know, I’m weird like that. But pastry or muffin? You’ll have me at pastry every time. I have been pondering my fascination and think the memories they evoke are part of the pull.  Plus, they are just ridiculously good. But, then it also occurred to me that maybe my kids would have memories of me making these little muffins. I envision them saying, “Remember when mom used to make those little chocolate chip pancake muffins that we would dip in Grandpa’s maple syrup?”

So, as much as I would personally prefer the heaven-sent chocolate pastry and my memories of France, I am happy to be making new memories for my babes. I urge you to do the same! Muffin, pastry, cookie, pie, cake. Just go forth and bake!!

Tortilla Pie

Posted on by Ang Anderson

I’ll admit it.  I am a sucker for any recipe with the word ‘pie’ in it.  It causes my taste buds to be very interested.  As usual, dinner was up in the air tonight until about five o’clock.  So, I decided to give this Tortilla Pie a whirl.

I didn’t exactly follow the portions but I did use the recommended ingredients.  I served with some sour cream and guacamole because I believe sometimes a girl has got to live on the wild side.  Plus, I have never met a Mexican dish that did not go well with those two little babes.  More than the suggested amount of salsa found its way in.  What can I say?  I love salsa.  We also used significantly more cheese.  We are naughty like that. 

The great thing with this dish is that you can take as much or as little time in preparing it as you would like.  I used rotisserie chicken and store-bought salsa because I was pressed for time.  My little, local grocery store did not carry the black bean dip so I just drained a can of black beans and used those.  They worked just fine.

We were too hungry to wait for me to take a photo so this picture is courtesy of Oxmoor House.  They obviously made their own salsa because mine did not have those outstanding, gorgeous tomato chunks.

This dish has endless possibilities and you could easily omit the chicken to make it vegetarian friendly.  Change it up however you see fit.  Leave a comment with your adjustments if you are willing to share. 

Let’s hear it!  Three cheers for pie!!