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Sunday, May 11, 2008

Raspberry Lime Muffins for Mom, Awards and a Giveaway!

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Happy Mother's Day! I bring you today muffins for mom - the mom in this case being me, but I would serve them to the mother's I love without any hesitation. As my DH said this morning "these are a keeper." High praise from him indeed. You see, years ago, he would just say, "yeah, it's good" and leave it at that. Since he was basically my only usual audience for trying new things out on, I pretty much harassed him until he would give me more "constructive" criticism. So, now if I make something and he doesn't like it, I know he will tell me. About the only thing he doesn't like lately though is chocolate. Too bad for him, but more for me!

CELEBRATE! Rather than share any long, involved stories about the mothers that I love on this day though I just want to keep it simple and short and sweet so that you can just think about your own mom and the women in your life that are important to you, whether they are mothers or not. Why? Because, though I think it is great that there is a day to celebrate mom (hey, I'm no fool, I like any holiday that gives me the chance for gifts) I happen to know many nurturing, loving, incredible "phemomenal" women who are, just by sheer technicality, not mother's in the conventional sense of the word. I like to think of mothers as all women - young, old and inbetween. Afterall, I think that the nurturing instinct that is in all women is to be celebrated.

AWARDS: I've been saving up this day to make a special post with some awards to some very special bloggers who have touched my life and inspired me this winter. Today, I celebrate these amazing women and equally amazing and funny guys, and invite you all to celebrate them with me. There are so many others that are not on this list, simply because they have already received these awards or because I could only choose a few or because, bottom-line I haven't found them yet.

You see, a while back, Chriesi from Almond Corner and Melanie from My Kitchen Cafe were both kind enough to award this little blog I started with awards. Chriesi gave PheMom an 'E' award for being an Excellent blog and Melanie gave it a Blogging with Purpose Award. Very cool. Very, very cool. Why? Because, when I started this, I remember thinking that I was going to do it, even if no one wanted to read it, but oh, I really hoped that it would be entertaining for more than just me. Afterall, I started this New Year's Eve because I was lonely and bored and 2 1/2 months into what has become our 7 months of seclusion. As I write this, I am still waiting for the go ahead from the NICU where Cole was born last October (7 weeks early). All they keep saying is "after Mother's Day." Ironic much? Yeah, I thought so too.

So, I now have the privelege and pleasure of introducing my choices. As I mentioned, there were so many that I wanted to give this award to (as evidenced by the really long list of my favorite blogs I've found or had time to add to the list on the sidebar of this blog)!

HOW IT WORKS: Now, I know there are rules for the 'E' Award somewhere, but I am now typing one handed with the baby sleeping on my other arm, so this is whatcha' get. I will let these lovely folks know that I've awarded them with much love in my heart and that they can do the same to 10 others - here, my rules forward digress. I know for a fact that some of the "loved ones" below don't particularly care for meme's and that is totally fine with me. I know their hearts are in the right place and that is more than enough. (You, yes, you, you know who you are - you don't have to worry about passing this on - just know you are loved and that I just wanted to letcha know). Should you want to pass it on, then by all means, nab the badge from here and spread the love by commenting to your choices that you are awarding them an 'E.'

Without further ado, I am passing the 'E' Award for Excellent Blogs on to:
Stephanie at Dispensing Happiness
Kate at The Clean Plate Club
Melanie at My Kitchen Cafe
Tempered Woman
Gabi at The Feast Within
Blake of Blake Makes
Aran at Cannelle et Vanille
Manggy at No Special Effects
Maggie at Dog Hill Kitchen
Stephanie of A Whisk and Spoon

Now, for the Blogging with Purpose here are my "nominations."

Blogging with a Purpose:
Barbara at Winos and Foodies
Joy the Baker
Bron Marshall
Helen at Tartlette
Libby at The Allergic Kid

Award-winners, here's what you can do if you would like to nominate any other blogs:
1. nominate 5 blogs which haven't had this award before
2. each of the blogs must have a purpose
3.the nominated blogs should link back to this page
4. the logo from the award can be put on their blog and to link back to this blog!

Easy enough, huh?

THE GIVEAWAY: Now, if you've made it this far, to show my gratitude and appreciation for being here, all you have to do to have a chance at winning a $25 gift card to Sur la Table is to leave a comment here telling me why you love reading blogs. I know why I do, but I think it is fun to find out what appeals to others! I also want to thank you all for coming here and commenting - you will never know how much it means to me that you are here! So, comment away through May 15th and then I'll use a random number generator to choose the winner.

So, now, I'll give you the recipe (finally, I know). I simply adapted the recipe for Orange Berry Muffins in BFMHTY by Dorie Greenspan. In case you still don't have this book (and seriously, if you don't, what are you waiting for?!) I've noted the changes for the original below as well (see how nice I can be).

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Raspberry Lime Muffins
(Adapted from Orange Berry Muffins - Source: Dorie Greenspan “Baking: From My Home to Yours”)
Ingredients:
Grated zest and juice of 3 limes (1 orange)
About 3/4 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
3 Tablespoons honey
1 stick (8 Tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raspberries (blueberries) - fresh, preferably, or frozen (not thawed)
Decorating sugar, for topping (optional) (I used "raw" turbinado sugar)
Additional - 1/3 cup sliced almonds, for topping (optional)

Getting Ready:
Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter or spray the 12 molds in a regular-size muffin pan or fit the molds with paper muffin cups. Alternatively, use a silicone muffin pan, which needs neither greasing nor paper cups. Place the muffin pan on a baking sheet.
Pour the lime (orange) juice into a large glass measuring cup or a bowl and pour in enough buttermilk to make 1 cup. Whisk in the eggs, honey and melted butter.

In a large bowl, rub the sugar and lime (orange) zest together with your fingertips until the sugar is moist and the fragrance of orange strong. Whisk in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and, with the whisk or a rubber spatula, gently but quickly stir to blend. Don’t worry about being thorough - the batter will be lumpy and bubbly, and that’s just the way it should be. Stir in the raspberries (blueberries). Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. If you want to top the muffins with decorating sugar and almonds, sprinkle on the sugar after the muffins have baked for 10 minutes (I actually just sprinkled both of them on before going into the oven). When fully baked, the tops of the muffins will be golden and springy to the touch and a thin knife inserted into the center of the muffins will come out clean. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing each muffin from its mold.

48 comments:

ikkinlala said...

That sounds like a wonderful recipe - I wish I had limes right now!

I love reading blogs for a lot of different reasons. I learn new things and enjoy reading funny stories and seeing pretty pictures. I also get to see perspectives from outside my small town, which can be really helpful.

Barbara said...

Holly I'm honoured to receive an award. Thank you. I'm giving one straight back at you for all you have done in awareness raising of issues.

steph- whisk/spoon said...

happy mother's day!! and thanks so much for the award...i'm honored!

HilLesha O'Nan said...

I love reading blogs, because I like to find out about new and interesting things. I also enjoy reading funny stories, because we all can use a good laugh. :)

Manggy said...

Ah, we can always count on Dorie :) Thanks very much for the award Holly! Happy PheMothernon's Day! :D

I'm not sure I'll be able to use a Sur La Table card as my next trip to the States will probably be around October, but I will say that I love browsing blogs for:
1. inspiration
2. laughter
3. friends :)
You guys are the coolest!

Anonymous said...

I read it for the pictures & recipes.

dolls123[at]gmail[dot]com

Gretchen Noelle said...

Delicious sounding muffins...if only I had raspberries! I like reading blogs, well...it started out as curiousity, then a feeling of I could do that...know I read and write...I read because I feel connected to people, want to know what is going on in their lives and read their great recipe ideas!

kamewh said...

I love reading blogs because I love reading other people's stories and learning fun new things! I also love recommendations and recipes!

Libby said...

Holly, thank you so much! The award means even more coming from you, since you've used your blog so effectively to support the MOD.

Why do I like reading blogs? I get to connect with others who have similar interests and, well, problems. How else am I going to find someone who is trying to bake without eggs and dairy, or is trying to keep an allergic child safe? (And the DB'ers? Just wow.) Libby

katy said...

The muffin looks yummy! I read blogs for a glimpse into different lives and it's fun.

Di said...

Happy Mother's Day! Your muffins look yummy. I've been wanting to try that recipe, since it's one of the ones I missed before I joined TWD. I was also thinking of trying it with raspberries since I don't like blueberries. Which leads me to why I like to read blogs... I love seeing all the different things that people come up with! It's great inspiration to try things that I might not otherwise. It's one thing to read a recipe and think that it looks good. It's another to read a review from someone who has actually made it already.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this recipe! I love reading blogs for a lot of reasons. The biggest one I think is because with 3 little ones at home it's almost like having an (admittedly one-sided!) big person conversation. :) I keep in touch with friends, hear about another person's day, or a fave recipe, or just share some thoughts with the world. Blog entries are so personal it really feels like you get to know your blogging friends intimately. It's great to make lots of "friends" and share your life in your blog too!

Deborah said...

Happy Mother's Day to you! I hope that you are able to venture out of the house soon!

About blogging - all of the food is great and really gets my creative juices flowing, but the thing I love so much about the food blogging community is the support that everyone gives. You just don't find it the same anywhere is on the internet!

Kristen said...

Those muffins look so delicious!!! I will have to try them. I love reading food blogs because I love to see how people are inspired to create new things. I love learning about the back stories or family histories about the food that people cook and how they are passing on their legacy through food. I just love food!!!

Toystory said...

I read blogs because I live a sheltered life. I have a job and a home and a family -- need I say more? I don't go may places, do many things out of the ordinary - and they help me interact with the world "out there" somewhere -- thru my computer. I learn many things, see may differnt viewpoints and experience new things - thru others blogs.

Michelle in Colorado Springs said...

Why I read other blogs to see what other people are doing, to get inspiration, to laugh.

Renee said...

I love reading blogs to get new ideas for meals and desserts in addition to seeing variations on the 'classics'...

Ellen said...

i love reading blogs, not only for inspiration, but to find unique recipes that include helpful tips, more detailed instructions, and most importantly, plenty of praise!

Melanie said...

Thanks, Holly! Double fun to receive that on Mother's Day when I'm already being catered to by my family.

I love reading blogs for the inspiration it gives me to try new recipes and food. Plus I've made some good blogging friends and it's a fun way to stay in "food-touch."

Helene said...

Happy Mother's Day to you Holly!
Thank you for the award, I am trully touched. Why do I read blogs? For the laughters, knowing different worlds, cultures, cuisine and because it makes me feel like there is humanity out there and kindness.
Keep up the good work!

Kari said...

Those muffins, I can imagine eating early morning when I get online. With a nice cup of coffee. Yum.

I read blogs because Im curious about how people think, live and their opinions on just about anything. It's pure intrigue to me. And I've met some great friends along the way.

Gabi said...

Holly,
Thank you so much for the award- I am truly honored! :)

For me, food blogging is a way to create and connect with others who have common interests, to support and be supported, to learn from others and also pass on what I have learned. The people I've met are so outrageously generous and create a community across culture and geography. Cooking is a basic need and an elevated art at the same time. For me it erases boundaries and creates bonds. I feel friendly towards those who share bits of their lives and want to share a bit of mine too. Besides that I love the beautiful pictures and new interpretations of dishes that everyone comes up with- you're all just so dang talented!

Happy Mother's Day!
xoxo
Gabi

Jennifer Moore said...

I love reading blogs to see what people cook in different parts of the world, for inspiration in my card-making endeavors, and for the stories people tell. I happen to like all your chocolate experiments and I know my husband is a big fan of chocolate too.

judygr64 said...

I really enjoy reading blogs for a variety of reasons...I like the "personal" feel you get from blogs rather than a general web site. I love finding out about and seeing pictures of pets, kids, recipes, etc. I also like that a lot of blogs have links to small businesses and reviews of products. I love blogs!

Thanks for offering the Sur La Table g.c. too!

kate said...

holly!!! thanks so much for the E award. it's so sweet. i'm so grateful and happy to have found you in the blogosphere!

and i'd love to win the GC, of course. when i'm reading blogs i look for pretty photos. it's true. i am a sucker for really great food photography. good recipes, snappy writing and always, i love to read what moms have going on in the kitchen for and with their kids.

CB said...

w00t! I lurve giveaways!

I love reading blogs for alot of different reasons. Let me count at least 5 the ways...
1. I feel like its a window into friends' lives so that we can informally keep in touch.
2. I like getting a "real" person's perception on recipes before I try to make/bake them.
3. I lurve giveaways! (Did I mention that already?)
4. Its a fun nouveau techie nerd way to meet new inspiring people that have similar interests as me.
5. My husband loves that our food doesn't come from microwave or delivery anymore. LOL

Thanks for hosting! :)

Bron said...

Thank you so much Holly, I too am truly honoured by your award...thank you!

I adore blogs for many reasons - new inspiration, for fun, laughter, friends, to learn and understand new cultures... food is a great way to get to know people!!

ababe28 said...

They look yummy!!!
Blogs are just interesting...especially to see what input others have to offer!
ababe28(at)hotmail (dot)com

Rachael Hutchings said...

I love reading blogs as a constant source of inspiration. Also, living in a culture so different from my own, I use blogs as a way to feel connected.

Anonymous said...

The muffins look good! been on a muffin kick lately, nd I needed the kick in the butt to try these. *grabs her book*

Oh gosh, why do I love reading blogs? Y'all will think I'm a totl dork here for being this cheesey but... they're life savers for me. Extremley socil but awkwardly shy, making friends ain't been the easiest thing for me to do. Some of y'all can probably relate to that. Blogging is so different, so much more comfortable ya know? It's not like trying to crash a party, here we can make a little something and grit our teeth and shove it out there before thinking better of it... and then suddenly there's another voice answering back with a kind comment, an encouraging word. We can peer out of the shadows and read about how other people have the same fears, make the same mistakes and realize we ain't the only ones who are shy. Suddenly we find that we're the encouraging voice helping somebody else with problems we thought only we had! Everything ends up brighter, friendlier, and less alone when we know we can connect with these other amazing souls as easilly as typing in a few words.

Ok, the recipes do it for me too. Because honestly, I really love to eat. Ahem. *turns pink and hides after gushing*

Anonymous said...

I love reading blogs because you not only get new ideas but you can see peoples different personalitites as well. It's so fun!

Steph said...

Sweet recipe! I love reading blogs because it makes me feel connected to total strangers that have the same interests as me. I love having a hobby, and I love to see how other people interpret food!

ambrosia ananas said...

I love reading blogs to learn more about cooking. I love finding all the recipes, tips, flavor combinations, and mouthwatering pictures. It helps me think about cooking in a way I wouldn't otherwise.

Cannelle Et Vanille said...

Thank you so much for the award Holly! I am flattered that you thought about me and happy mother's day to you too!
Sorry it took me a while to come to your comment section... after camping life is always a bit crazy.
And as for why I read blogs... I love to learn from others, I love good photos and eye candy, I like the feeling of being inspired, I love sharing...

Linda said...

I love reading blogs because they are so real, fascinating, informative, humorous, etc. You can find anything you want in a blog. Thanks for the giveaway.

Jenny said...

Congrats on your E award!
I read blogs because, yes, I like to see what other people are cooking, but also for inspiration and motivation. Since I started reading blogs, I have made so many things that I never thought I would have been able to do before hand, and have pushed myself beyond my own comforts to do more. I'd like to think that there might be someone out there who is getting the same type of motivational inspiration from my blog.

Tarah at Genesis of a Cook said...

Mmm, those look so yummy! I could really go for one this morning! Wonderful.

Katie said...

Love this recipe. It sounds great. I read blogs because they inspire me. They inspire me to do better, cook with new ingredients and to just keep going

Erin said...

Mmm...those muffins look delish.

I love reading blogs because it keeps me informed and creative. As a culinary school student, I'm always looking for new ideas and challenges. And thanks to so many talented food bloggers, there are always new and amazing things out there!

I love it.

Brilynn said...

Blogs are a huge source of inspiration for what I do in the kitchen. I love to see what other people are making and to try new things. I started reading them one day and now I can't stop.

Tempered Woman said...

You are really too kind~ my blog is far from excellent. Thanks for including me in such an amazing list. Those other bloggers def humble me on a daily basis. ;-)
And what up with muffins?!?! Sound like Joust material to me!

Anonymous said...

I love reading blogs because of the things I learn and the friends I make along the way. :)

I'm also holding a Give-Away here:
http://bakersbakery.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/ckc-may-give-away/

RecipeGirl said...

Wow, what a great post. I had no idea you were going through all of that with your little one. What kind words you have to offer others!

Why do I read blogs? Inspiration. Sometimes I get up i the morning and I just feel tired of cooking. After a quick scan the blogs, I feel energized and ready to make anything! Loneliness... my husband travels nearly every week on business- leaving me to care for our home and our child. Blogging has filled that sometimes lonely void.

A wonderful bonus has been making so many friends with similar interests all over the world. I know that others have taken it upon themselves to meet in person and become real friends... I hope to have that opportunity someday too.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a yummy adaptation to the orange blueberry muffins.

I read blogs for inspiration/ideas. I can't exactly put it into words very well, but it's like having millions of people's experiences at your fingertips.

Topher said...

I love reading for new recipes to try at home for my family.

Unknown said...

I love raspberrys and muffins are my addiction, cant get enough of the light and flaky or solid and rich, lol. I love reading blogs (especially food blogs) because people relate to the subject like I do, I love love love food and the culture that goes with it, its like a giant group of friends where everyone comments on each other or gives advice and opinions on the things that matter most to me or that make me laugh. its awesome all around, good people, good articles and great food!

mimi said...

love the raspberry and lime flavor combo! i really want to try these once raspberries are in season.

and why do i read blogs? because i'm bored at work! haha, no really ... i only read food-related blogs. i had no idea i'd ever become interested in food, but like women, food is so nurturing, giving, and sharing. sure, i like how food tastes. but for me, it's all about sharing it with others. so that's why i like reading other blogs, i get a little virtual share. oh yeah, and i love food porn! :)

Maggie said...

Thank you for the award!!

I love reading blogs because it's such an amazing experience to have ideas and information given with a personal touch.

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