Banana Berry Muffins

  Here are a couple of things you may not know about these muffins at first glance.  For one thing, they're healthy, as they contain quite a punch of fiber from 1/2 cup of ground flax seed.  The original recipe calls for oat bran, which is totally acceptable.  I've also used wheat germ.  Pretty much whatever healthy grain you've got, throw it in.  You'll never know!  Same goes for the berries, whatever you have, use it!

Raspberry Lemon Grapefruit Soufflé Pudding

  I made this pud on a rain day.

  I zested lemons and beat egg whites while thunder rumbled and rain slapped against the panes.  I prayed that the power would be merciful so I had time to bake this in our electric oven.  And, yes, the power has gone out in the middle of me making something.  I try not to remember that.

Coffee Bacon

  This, my friends, is not for the faint of heart.

  First of all, you should know that I'm not a coffee person.  And while this bacon isn't totally coffee-ed up, I could definitely taste it.  It was enough to make me not really like it, but my dad loooooved it.

God Bless

  If you've been wondering where I've been, this cake should explain much.  The past couple of weeks have been crazy, and this weekend was the finale.  Or perhaps just the beginning of graduating craziness.

  I made another giant cake yesterday.  A vast improvement since last time, wouldn't you say?  My piping definitely still needs work, but you can't just buy practice.  This chocolate beast was for my Catholic neighbors, and I figured the whole "God Bless" thing would actually be a good theme for this post.

  I had my last ever piano recital today.  Usually I'm a nervous mess around these things, but this time I was remarkably cool.  I sat down with a clear head and gave it my all.  And when I stood up to bow, applause just erupted.  I stood in front of the mic waiting to announce the next piece, but they wouldn't stop clapping.  I guess I could've taken another bow, but I didn't know what to do...except smile gratefully.  I've never seen anything like it at our recitals before.

  It was a brilliant way to end five years of study, and it's a moment I'll never forget.

  There have been a lot of such little endings.  Things I've been doing for four years that are just done now.  All gone.  People move on, more things happen, and you live life.  It makes me incredibly sad, but at the same time I can't wait to see what's next.

  Overall, I feel blessed.  And so crazy tired.  I hope to get some recipes up here soon, but know that the kitchen is never a dull place here.  Only this space has been neglected.  I miss it.  I haven't been able to work up motivation for it in a while.  I don't remember the last time I picked up a book either. My brain is in so many other places, and right now all I want to do is sleep and hang out with my closest friends.

  But I'll be back.  There's a part of me that always has to write and create, even when I'm not really feeling it.

  God Bless.