Blue Cornmeal Muffins, Fried Pepper Egg & Roasted Garlic Greens
by Brooke on January 31, 2010 
10 comments »
10 comments »
I almost just gave you my Grandma Ballif’s phone number.
Because, you see, if you were to ring her up right now
{Right.Now. as in 2 a.m., or 6 p.m. or twelve o’clock midnight}
She would answer the phone as she does everytime.
As she has since the beginning of time.
At least, as she has as long as I’ve walked this golden-green earth.
*
Good Morning.
*
That’s what she says.
Not “Hello” or “Marjean here” or even “Ballif residence.”
*
Good Morning.
*
Even if it’s really, quite technically a good night.
Even if it’s really, quite technically a bad night.
Even if her head is throbbing or the washer is broken
Or a fence needs mending
And she has to wait for someone to stop by and help
Because Grandpa died some years back
and farm life can get lonely for a grey-haired grandmother.
*
Loneliness and heartbreak.
Grandma has seen her fair share.
And, yet.
When the hallway phone with the spiraled cord rings
She defines each day,
Every afternoon,
Even evening
not by what has been or what will be
but by what she will make of it.
*
Good Morning.
*
*
Blue Cornmeal Muffins
Soft and sweet, and laced with cinnamon and cayenne, these muffins–made with blue cornmeal (found in the bulk aisle of Whole Foods)–are not just subtle and savory, they are also the most tremendous colour you’ve ever seen in a baked treat. The palest blue, reminiscent of Doheny beach, a sunrise sky, the muted shade of a spruce tree. You’re going to adore them. Served on the side of Fried Egg & Garlic Spinach, you’ll be more than delighted to say hello to a new day.
2 eggs
1/4 c. honey
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. light olive oil
3/4 c. blue cornmeal
3/4 c. flour
1/4 c. cranberries
1/4 c. pistachioes, chopped
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 c. milk
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until smooth and well-mixed. Spoon into muffin tins lined with cupcake wrappers or into a generously greased & floured square muffin tin. Bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees for 18-22 minutes, or just until the top of the muffins spring back to the touch. Serve slathered with ample amounts of fresh honey butter. Makes 6 muffins
*
Fried Pepper Egg over Roasted Garlic Greens
It’s hard to find a breakfast recipe that is both incredibly indulgent-tasting, and astonishingly good for you. This is one of those rare flavour combinations. The runny yolks of a spiced egg combined with the garlic-soaked wilted spinach is sure to win you over. If you’ve never liked spinach, this recipe may just make you a believer.
2-4 c. fresh spinach, well washed & chopped
1 t. roasted garlic, diced
1-2 eggs
Salt
Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
2 T. olive oil
In a large skillet, heat olive oil to medium-high on the stovetop. On one side of the skillet, begin cooking garlic, add greens until wilted. On the other side of skillet, fry egg with ample amounts of salt, pepper and cayenne. Serve over warm, wilted spinach with a fresh side of Blue Cornmeal Muffins.
*
Good Morning.
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screwdestiny on February 1, 2010 at 1:01 am
What a lovely breakfast. Thanks for the recipes!
Memória on February 1, 2010 at 3:03 am
What a positive postitive post and lovely woman. This is just what the world needs on a Monday morning. The breakfast looks hearty and delicious.
freckletree. on February 1, 2010 at 3:55 pm
i would like to call your grandmother and give her a hug right through the phone . . .
thanks for sharing.
DB on February 1, 2010 at 6:14 pm
What a wonderful thing to read today! Your grandmother has an incredible view of life. I have learned a great lesson today…..thank you.
amy on February 1, 2010 at 8:50 pm
that writing. that was great writing. I'll bet there's blue cornmeal on the east coast too, maybe even violet. You come visit and we'll go looking together.
Geezees Custom Canvas Art on February 2, 2010 at 11:27 am
Great recipes…what an incredible Grandma!
Eliana on February 2, 2010 at 9:02 pm
What a great way to start any day. This looks incredible.
Emily on February 4, 2010 at 9:26 am
Your grandma sounds wonderful! And this breakfast looks fabulous – thanks for sharing a new recipe. I can't wait to try those hearty muffins and the garlic spinach already has my mouth watering!
Kennon on February 9, 2010 at 7:32 am
What a wonderful, strong woman to grow up alongside! And, what a yummy breakfast. I can't wait to try these muffins.
Jamica on February 9, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Oh, Brooke! I love this post! And I love your Grandma for helping you to be the person you are today! I could live on fried eggs alone (maybe I wouldn't live very long… but I'd be happy) and spinach is always a special treat- even my kids love it! Thank for the post and the recipes!