Something More Muffins

I am becoming deeply domestic. I’ve just pulled warm muffins from the oven with a cat-patterned mit.

I am humming over the stove again. Oh no. Remember Ex’s Egg Sandwiches?

But don’t worry…I think it’s okay (I am saying that more to myself than to you). This time it’s different. There is no resentment, no daybreak disappointment, no last ditch effort to fix something way broken with perfectly fried eggs and homemade English muffins, no wishing things were better, because – at least for now, with this guy – things are going well. And fingers crossed they continue to.

Maybe I don’t know what we are or where we are going, but I don’t necessarily need to, though maybe I’d like to. I’m not a girl who HAS to DTR; I’m just DTF (down to fun…obviously…). But, if I am being honest, there’s more going on here… there’s mornings, there’s feelings, there’s muffins. (Why are my palms sweating?)

I’ll admit, it’s nice to have someone to take care of again. A face to admire in the red-orange glow of sunrise light. A snore to break the sometimes seemingly impenetrable silence in my white-walled apartment. Hair to run my hands through and a forehead to kiss.

I dig his wake up grumble. The sound he makes when he reluctantly opens his eyes. He’s a creature. I am flattered by the sincere, or feigned for my benefit, expression of surprise when he finds me wide awake, whisking, folding, baking and brewing coffee. I love when we brush our teeth together.

More, unlike my last, this guy doesn’t expect it. He isn’t spoiled. He genuinely seems to appreciate it. I don’t feel like the girl I once was, the baked good queen bartering for affection. “Here’s a cookie, please love me!” There is no agenda. It’s just sleepy eyes, twisted sheets, instant coffee, and a half-naked guy I think – I know – I definitely like (and dare I be bold and say he might like me too?), willing to split a muffin.

Ah yes, the muffin. That’s what you came for. Dark, decadent, studded with chocolate, crisp exterior-ed, soft-centered and perfect to fill my face with on a lazy Sunday morning with someone who is certainly not no one. They are tasty, even drool-worthy… like… well… you know…. what happens before the morning. Each time I make them I am reminded of him and how carefully he chews.

Maybe he’ll be horrified. I’ve just admitted to my 61ish followers that he gives me butterflies. Or perhaps, in my case, he’s rustled my moths. And that, for what it’s worth,  I’d like to believe he’s not nothing, more than something, even if not everything just yet. Make sense?

Well whatever, here’s my recipe:

Measure out all ingredients.

Whisk together the flour, cocoa, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and coffee.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and vinegar.

Mix together until combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips.

Look at that thick batter!

Scoop into buttered and floured muffin tins and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Bake in a 350° F oven for 18 – 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Well aren’t these just a few of my favorite things – the guy, the muffin, and the one good bra I own that gives the illusion of boobs.

I hope you’ll make a batch for your person and enjoy a lazy morning too!