It has been a busy few weeks with some great family moments and a first-time experience.
Berries from the garden, a birthday with my mother and my grandson, a play I went to see him in, and the first time I have ever seen a sitting president speak in person.
Table of Contents
Garden muffins
My wife made muffins from scratch with the berries from my garden. They are black raspberries, not blueberries, picked from the same patch I have been working all summer.
Here is her recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 extra large eggs (large eggs will work too)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups black raspberries
Streusel topping (optional)
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- sparkling sugar for the top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and butter a muffin tin, or line with muffin tin liners.
- If you are using the streusel topping, make it first. Combine the ingredients with your fingertips until it is crumbly and the butter is completely incorporated. The mixture will be dry. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, sugar, buttermilk, and extract. Get everything well combined.
- Whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then fold in the flour. When the flour is almost all incorporated, fold in the berries.
- Fill your muffin cups quite full, and then sprinkle lightly with streusel mixture. Add sparkling sugar on top of the streusel. Bake in a preheated oven for about 25-27 minutes, or until risen and just turning golden. Different ovens vary greatly, so check these on the early side.
- Cool slightly before turning the muffins out of the pan. Devour warm, with plenty of butter.
Mom’s birthday and Grandson’s play
We took my mother out for her birthday, and my grandson came along.
I have a picture from that afternoon I will share below.
I also went to my grandson’s play. There is also a family photo from the day that I am glad we took.
Family time like this has been a throughline for me lately.
The president
The other thing worth mentioning is that I saw the president speak.
I have never seen a sitting president. And frankly, he stood the whole time so I guess that is still true. It was pretty cool. When I was in college I saw Former President Ford give a speech. That was less memorable. Hearing POTUS talk about the economy reminded me of what San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said about labor markets and AI at the Forum Club earlier this year. The Forum Club’s 50th anniversary season has been incredible. I’m glad I joined!
Conclusion
Check back soon for more updates on the garden, the family, and whatever the summer brings next.