Breakfast Buckle and a Birthday
So my blog’s birthday came and went. I was never the type of person to bake my blog a cake (although I think it’s awesome that some of you do) but I have to say, I was surprised when I realized the other day that it’s been just over a year since I started. How’d that happen?
Birthdays are cool for a few reasons. First and most importantly, cake. Second, cards and family and friends and a check from your grandma. If you’re a member of my family and you happen to be home at the time, you get to wear the beat up, pink glittery birthday crown. That thing’s been around the block. Let me tell you. But the other cool think I notice as I get older is the element of reflection when birthdays roll around–thinking about the past year and how you want the next year to pan out.
I began A Sweet Spoonful never having published a piece of writing but always wanting to. I started it late one night on a complete whim figuring at least it was one place where I’d see my work in print. Now, one year later, I’d call myself a writer. I started out with small local publications, peeing my pants with each acceptance letter and now you can occasionally find me in national rags and, if you flew Frontier this winter, you saw me in your trusty in-flight magazine. I talked about fried chicken and grits and all my friends who read it had a good chuckle.
What else happened? I made some amazing blogging friends. Have you met her or her or her? How about her? I sold my little cream-colored Vespa and regret that I did. I baked my first ever yeasted loaf of bread, fell in love with Seattle, traveled to China, and saw my youngest sister graduate from college. One of my best friends was killed in an accident and I learned what mourning is. I flew to Boston to dance my booty off on her would-be 30th birthday. I made jam. I rented two U-Hauls, switched jobs, and bought a used gray VW rabbit that does the trick. I was dumped, cried for weeks and didn’t really sleep, hid at my mom’s house, came out of it all alive and kickin’ and realizing I’m so much better because of it. I went to a few photography conferences and started taking lots of photos. Almost daily. I visited many a restaurant and bakery, taught a class on blogging, and discovered Pimm’s. And soup dumplings. And radishes and butter.
So what’s next? That list above? I could’ve never in a million years predicted 95% of it. I encourage you to make a quick list of your past year. Even if it’s not your blog’s birthday or your real birthday–just because. Just because it’s a quiet weekday summer evening and it’ll make you feel kind of rad, I think. I’m so grateful for this blog and for all of you who show up, actually read the darn thing, and occasionally comment. Hallelujah. You know some of the sad stuff up there on that list above? This blog helped me get through that. Your comments helped push me along. You’ve held me accountable to bake, to spend more time in the kitchen, to write, to think critically about books and movies and the world around me. I’m so grateful for that and for you. Really.
So instead of cake today, we have a buckle. Remember when I introduced you to slump? Well, here’s a remote cousin. I love this thing. Not everyone eats it for breakfast, but today I’m deeming it o.k. A buckle is essentially an old fashioned single-layer cake with berries poured into the batter. The berries generally sink to the bottom and the top of the cake “buckles” a bit. This recipe is made a little differently with berries and oats scattered on the top as well. Double whammy.
This buckle is made with buttermilk and oat flour, and bakes up surprisingly light with a browned, crisp top. I mixed up some Greek yogurt and a little agave for the top. Breakfast is seriously served.
Blueberry Breakfast Buckle
- Yield: 8-12 servings
- Prep time: 15 mins
- Cook time: 45 mins
- Total time: 1 hr
This buckle is made with buttermilk and oat flour, and bakes up surprisingly light with a browned, crisp top. I mixed up some Greek yogurt and a little agave for the top. Breakfast is seriously served.
Adapted From: Rustic Fruit Desserts
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. Using a handheld mixer with beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar together on medium high speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. Scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla. Next, stir in the flour mixture in three additions alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Essentially, you want to begin and end with the dry ingredients and scrape down the bowl a few times as you go.
Fold in half of the blueberries and spread the batter into the prepared pan. Distribute the remaining blueberries over the cake, then sprinkle the oats and turbinado sugar over the top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and firm to the touch. Stir yogurt and agave together in a small bowl and set aside in refrigerator. Let buckle cool.
To serve, spoon a dollop of yogurt over cake and drizzle a little extra agave if you’d like. Buckle will be good for 2 days if stored in plastic wrap at room temperature.
Healthy Comfort Food
Thai Carrot, Coconut and Cauliflower Soup
People describe raising young kids as a particular season in life. I hadn't heard this until we had a baby, but it brought me a lot of comfort when I'd start to let my mind wander, late at night between feedings, to fears that we'd never travel internationally again or have a sit-down meal in our dining room. Would I ever eat a cardamom bun in Sweden? Soak in Iceland? I loved the heck out of our tiny Oliver, but man what had we done?! Friends would swoop in and reassure us that this was just a season, a blip in the big picture of it all. They promised we'd likely not even remember walking around the house in circles singing made-up songs while eating freezer burritos at odd hours of the day (or night). And it's true.
Oliver is turning two next month, and those all-encompassing baby days feel like a different time, a different Us. In many ways, dare I say it, Toddlerhood actually feels a bit harder. Lately Oliver has become extremely opinionated about what he will and will not wear -- and he enforces these opinions with fervor. Don't get near the kid with a button-down shirt. This week at least. He's obsessed with his rain boots and if it were up to him, he'd keep them on at all times, especially during meals. He insists on ketchup with everything (I created a damn monster), has learned the word "trash" and insists on throwing found items away on his own that really, truly are not trash. I came to pick him up from daycare the other day and he was randomly wearing a bike helmet -- his teacher mentioned he'd had it on most of the day and really, really didn't want to take it off. The kid has FEELINGS. I love that about him, and wouldn't want it any other way. But, man it's also exhausting.
Cheesy Quinoa Cauliflower Bake
I just finished washing out Oliver's lunchbox and laying it out to dry for the weekend. My favorite time of day is (finally) here: the quiet of the evening when I can actually talk to Sam about our day or sit and reflect on my own thoughts after the inevitable dance party or band practice that precedes the bedtime routine lately. Before becoming pregnant for the second time, I'd have had a glass of wine with the back door propped open right about now -- these days though, I have sparkling water or occasionally take a sip from one of Sam's hard ciders. Except now the back door's closed and we even turned on the heat for the first time yesterday. The racing to water the lawn and clean the grill have been replaced by cozier dinners at home and longer baths in the evening. You blink and it's the first day of fall.
Stuffed Shells with Fennel and Radicchio
I'd heard from many friends that buying a house wasn't for the faint of heart. But I always shrugged it off, figuring I probably kept better files or was more organized and, really, how hard could it be? Well, I've started (and stopped) writing this post a good fifteen times which may indicate something. BUT! First thing's first: we bought a house! I think! I'm pretty sure! We're still waiting for some tax transcripts to come through and barring any hiccough with that, we'll be moving out of our beloved craftsman in a few weeks and down the block to a great, brick Tudor house that we wanted the second we laid eyes on it. The only problem: it seemed everyone else in Seattle had also laid eyes on it, and wanted it equally as much. I'm not really sure why the homeowner chose us in the end. Our offer actually wasn't the highest, but apparently there were some issues with a few of them. We wrote a letter introducing ourselves and describing why we'd be the best candidates and why we were so drawn to the house; we have a really wonderful broker who pulled out all the stops, and after sifting through 10 offers and spending a number of hours deliberating, they ended up going with ours. We were at a friend's book event at the time when Sam showed me the text from our broker and I kind of just collapsed into his arms. We were both in ecstatic denial (wait, is this real?! Did we just buy a house?) and celebrated by getting chicken salad and potato salad from the neighborhood grocery store and eating it, dazed, on our living room floor. Potato salad never tasted so good.
Smoky Butternut Squash and Three Bean Chili
If your house is anything like ours, last week wasn't our most inspired in terms of cooking. We're all suffering from the post-election blues -- the sole upside being Oliver's decision to sleep-in until 7 am for the first time in many, many months; I think he's trying to tell us that pulling the covers over our heads and hibernating for awhile is ok. It's half-convincing. For much of the week, instead of cooking, there'd been takeout pizza and canned soup before, at week's end, I decided it was time to pour a glass of wine and get back into the kitchen. I was craving something hearty and comforting that we could eat for a few days. Something that wouldn't remind me too much of Thanksgiving because, frankly, I can't quite gather the steam to start planning for that yet. It was time for a big bowl of chili.
To Talk Porridge
Porridge is not the sexiest of breakfasts, it's true. It doesn't have a stylish name like strata or shakshuka, and it doesn't have perfectly domed tops like your favorite fruity muffin. It doesn't crumble into delightful bits like a good scone nor does it fall into buttery shards like a well-made croissant. But when you wake up and it's 17 degrees outside (as it has been, give or take a few, for the last week), there's nothing that satisfies like a bowl of porridge or oatmeal. It's warm and hearty and can be made sweet or savory with any number of toppings. The problem? Over the years, it's gotten a bad rap as gluey or gummy or just downright boring or dutiful -- and it's because not everyone knows the secrets to making a great pot of warm morning cereal. So let's talk porridge (also: my cookbook comes out this month! So let's take a peek inside, shall we?)
Lorna
What an eventful year. The buckle looks great!
Kasey
Wow, I can hardly believe that it's only been a year! I feel like your blog has been a regular part of my online life for ages. Your voice is so approachable and your recipes always make my mouth water. Happy blogoversary, Megan! And many more.
Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite
You have achieved so much in this past year Megan. I still remember when we connected for the first time a year or so ago. I am glad I "met" you online and cannot wait to connect in person soon! Happy Blog Birthday and I am certain you will have many more!!!
Asha@FSK
Congratulations on turning a year!! :)) WOW! that's a lot of accomplishments in 12 short months.. hats off to you! and keep up the good work! :)
Maddie
Isn't it cool to have documented an entire year of your life here? It's like a less embarrassing version of a diary. :) You've been through a lot and achieved a lot, and I'm really glad to have stumbled upon your site. You're a beautiful writer!
Caroline + Lisa
Happy belated! this (and you!) are awesome!
Chez Us
Very proud of you! And honored to be mentioned in your post! I remember reading that "dump" post and I remember telling you, it would all work out for the better! It has, look at what you have done!!!!
Love the photos too ..... keen eye!
D.
Shannalee
(a) I cannot believe you'd never published anything before a year ago. CANNOT BELIEVE IT! You are a born writer, my friend. This blog only proves what is obvious.
(b) Happy blog birthday!
(c) I love that you took us through the ups and downs of your last year in this post, and you are so right that it's good to do that sometimes. We have so much to be thankful for when we look back! Just thinking about it right now makes me smile.
Also - I know I say this a lot, but I'm so so glad to have found your blog, which is now one of my favs.
megang
Thank you, Shannalee! And as you know and as I say often, I'm so happy to have found your blog, too. Yours is one of a select few that I eagerly await each week for the substance, not just the recipes. I know you're going to go far this year as a writer too, and I can't wait to follow along!
Janet
I'm so thankful for your blog, not only because I adore reading it and it inspires me and always makes me smile, but also because it made us friends!
"Now, one year later, I’d call myself a writer." - You certainly can, and an amazing one at that!
A very sweet and happy birthday to your blog!
Dana
Congratulations on a truly stellar year. What a joy your blog is. I toast you with many more years to come.
megang
Thank you, Dana! What a thrill to know that you read and enjoy it (as I do yours)! Thank you for your sweet comments.
Anne
Blueberry oaty buckle looks great for almost any time of the day. Cheers!
Mimi
Congratulation on your 1st Birthday. You certainly have had a busy year. Your writing is truly enjoyable looking forward to year 2.
Mimi
Alicia
I've only just started reading your blog lately - and I've spent countless minutes reading all your old posts. I hope this next year holds more for you that you'll be smiling all year round. You've also done some things that have taken courage! This recipe also looks delicious. I think I'll have to try it out with the blueberries in the fridge.
Pop Gordon
Happy blog & buckle Birthday Megan. Geez it was a turning point year wasn't it. You did swell. Let's make this the year that Marge meets the Bay.
The Diva on a Diet
Happy Blog Birthday, Megan! I'm so touched by this wonderful post. I love the way you've reviewed, and in many cases accepted, the events of the year in such a beautiful way. You're right, we should all engage in such reflection!
Here's wishing you a wonderful new year of blogging!
Oh, and the buckle looks scrumptious too! :)
Staci
I have SO enjoyed your beautiful blog, Megan, and have shared it with many friends. You have inspired a new appreciation of food, writing, and photography. Bravo, my friend! Xo
Denise | Chez Danisse
It seems this is just the beginning. It was fun reading about your past year. Just yesterday I was jotting such a list outlining my last decade. I'm not sure I like being able to speak in terms of decades. I suppose it's better than the alternative. Happy Birthday, A Sweet Spoonful.
kickpleat
I like the sound of your buckle and your year has certainly been eventful! Happy birthday to your blog (actually, that sounds weird), but congratulations that you've put yourself out there and it's been nice to read along. And I have to say that I have the same jadite pan (but yours is so much nicer looking as mine has gotten a bit brownish).
megang
Ha. It doesn't sound weird to talk about a blog like a person, doesn't it? Thus the reason I didn't bake my blog a cake. Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comment. Isn't that jadite pan awesome? Mine's actually kind of brownish as well so I must've gotten its good side. Happy almost Friday!
megang
Whoa. First, love that my dad comments on the blog. Second, thank you all, so, so, so much for your sweet comments of encouragement. I'm blown away, grateful, and smiling.
Denise, Janet and Kasey: this blog helped me to find you guys Wow. That's rad.
Staci: So happy you enjoy it, and so thrilled you take the time to stop by!
Maddie, Asha, Mardi, Lorna, Caroline and Lisa, Alicia, Mimi and Ann: I know I forgot someone. But wanted to give you all a big personal shout-out and thank you. I love that you take the time to say hello. It means a lot.
Happy almost Friday, everyone. See you back here next week. xxo.
El
Happy birthday to you and your blog. Thanks for the cake!
Adriana from Baking Powders
First of all, congrats on all the achievements this year!
then, that buckle looks delicious and I think I'm gonna try to make it with whole-wheat flour and cherries...
last but not least, i've just fallen in love with your blog!
Aimee @ Simple Bites
What a year, Megan. I need to sit down and look back at mine; thanks for the encouragement to do so.
High five for making it through the tough times. Here's to the year ahead and all it brings!
Dana
Happy blog birthday! What an accomplishment!
The buckle looks really good, I wouldn't be able to say no to cake for breakfast.
MomGordon
"One night, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided...." Harold and the Purple Crayon lives on!
Shaheen {The Purple Foodie}
I just can't get my eyes of that baking dish of yours. And the blueberry buckle looks splendid!
Lis
Megan, Congratulations on living your year to the fullest. This post inspires me to keep writing. I have a feeling I will return to it often. Thank you!
Lis
Thella
love your recipe. love your blog and photos as well. i've been following you even before i started my own food blog. even your off-food topics are a nice read. a fellow foodie tagged me as a versatile blogger but i really think the award fits you more. hence, i forward the versatile blogger award to you along with my other favorite blogs :)
Jacqui
what a year, megan! so glad i found your blog -- your words and photos and recipes are a delight. here's to the next year!
Danielle
Oops did I miss your blog birthday?? Well, it's still the birthday month so 'technically' I didn't miss it ;) I am so glad that we got to know each other through our respective blogs. I really enjoy your posts and am excited about what the coming year will bring for you!
lori
Hi Megan,
You are such a gifted writer. I loved this post and can totally relate. I hope this next year brings you more highs than lows.
Lori