Life is busy. No matter who you are, there are things to do, places to go and sights to see. Due to my interests, goals, and commitments, I have been trying lately to simplify my life. And due to family illnesses, Brian and I have also been trying to incorporate more wholesome foods into our diet.
Lately I had been craving bran muffins. Yes, me and my cravings...So, being the baker I am, and also finding myself with extra free time, I decided to make my own. I have been avoiding complicated recipes lately and have been baking simply to enjoy the comfort foods that will ensue. The muffins were a perfect walk in the park. All the ingredients were easy to find, and the recipe had no special requests. The whole time I was baking, I dreamt of incorporating these muffins into daily breakfasts or healthy afternoon snacks. And I couldn't wait to taste them. Well, when they were finished, they were bland. And first off, they were not as dark as other bran muffins I have seen. But, with some added butter, and time, I came to really enjoy them. (And get used to muffins without a ton of added sugar.) And Brian wouldn't stop raving about them as well. But come on, they're just bran muffins right?
It wasn't until I had made my second batch, (upon Brian's request), that I realized the charm of the bran muffin. Not only are they full of wholesome goodness, and are healthier to eat than blueberry, poppyseed, etc. other muffins. But they surrounded me with a feeling of security and nostalgia. They brought me back to simpler times. When Brian and I would stand in his mom's kitchen and eat buttered rolls from the table after school. Back when all we worried about was our next test, or what we would do on the weekend.
All of this in a muffin?
Well, of course as life goes on, it also gets more complicated. But I think that's also part of the charm. To be able to spend a quiet moment in time, with a simple muffin.
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/classic-bran-muffins/Detail.aspx
