Blue Cornmeal Muffins, Fried Pepper Egg & Roasted Garlic Greens

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.

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Good Morning.

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That's what she says.

Not "Hello" or "Marjean here" or even "Ballif residence."

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Good Morning.

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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.

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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.

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Good Morning.

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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

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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.

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Good Morning.