Many people tell me that they are here for my recipes; some because they want to eat plant-based, some because they have an intolerance or allergy or want to cut back on this or that, for health benefits or to try something new. Some are here for inspiration and some because it is a family friendly/focused space. These are all lovely, valid and positive reasons to be here. And I am so glad and grateful that you are. But before we get to the recipe today, I have something to add and I hope it will be received in the spirit in which it is intended, i.e., one of love and compassion.
To me, this is true on an individual level and a collective/societal one. I definitely do not have all the answers to the world’s ills, but if I am really about positive change and contribution (as so many of us are/want to be), if I advocate healing, if I want to improve as an individual, if I genuinely want the world to be a better place, then I cannot remain complacent in the face of gross injustice. Only by facing the ugly, uncomfortable underlining “why” of it all, can we collectively begin to look at redressing social inequality stemming from systemic racism and ALL the pain and devastation it causes. Nothing changes if nothing changes. And tolerating racism is racism.
It makes me uncomfortable to think about injustice, let alone to think about what unconscious part I might play in keeping those wheels turning myself. It pains me to watch confronting documentaries or to read articles detailing human misery (or atrocity of any kind). The news makes me anxious and so I will go through periods where I actively avoid exposing myself directly to it, rather having snippets filtered through to me via the echo chamber of social media and the people with whom I engage on certain platforms (whose views are largely similar to my own).
I admit this. I am not proud of it. I use my hyper-sensitivity, or predisposition to anxiety, to justify retreating to the bubble I create for myself. Outside of this bubble, things get uncomfortable.
But when I look around for myself and take a moment to process what is going on, what is far worse than my momentary discomfort – a discomfort that I can choose to escape from – is accepting a world where rotten-to-the-core systems keep people literally living in fear for/losing their lives as a result of the colour of their skin, deep-rooted prejudice and gross negligence on the part of people who could change the narrative if they would listen, open their eyes/hearts/minds and step up to do what is right.
If I say “black lives matter”, I take nothing away from my own self-worth or the value of anyone else. I am saying black lives matter 1) because they do to me and 2) because if “all lives” are to matter, then black lives must be included in that narrative.
This blog primarily offers recipes and my personal lifestyle musings/experiments that might appeal to people with certain dietary needs, or hobbies, interests and preferences. But my desire for “improvement” goes far beyond breaking sugar addiction, better gut health, having a well organised closet or getting my toddler to eat vegetables. These are all good things, no doubt. All valid. But while I have a voice and a platform via which to share it, I will. I have always wanted this space to be one for positivity, personal growth and betterment- mainly my own. And redressing social inequality is important to me, and thus a part of that, too.
I thank you for sticking with me and reading my thoughts on this. In gratitude I give you the recipe for these deceptively wholesome, deliciously satisfying Apple & Chocolate Breakfast Muffins. They are inherently vegan, can be made gluten-free and offer a quick and easy baking project that will set you up for a week of yummy breakfasts or afternoon teas. Please understand that this is a token gesture of my appreciation. And know that I do hope more good comes of this post than a batch of muffins.
Hugs to anyone who needs them.
, Marisa
If you would like to contribute to positive change, please consider:
Taking action here –
ADHOC Black Live Matter resources
Signing this petition –
Justice for George Floyd
Donating here –
Black Lives Matter
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
Following my friends and fellow creators* –
Kim-Julie Hansen
Best of Vegan
Stephanie of Vegan, What?
Haile Thomas
*You will get so much more than just good recipes and “lifestyle inspo”. Please read what they have to say and check out the resources they suggest too.
APPLE & CHOCOLATE
BREAKFAST MUFFINS
Vegan, refined sugar-free, gluten-free option
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp chia seeds, preferably ground, + 3 tbsp water
180 ml (3/4 cup) unsweetened apple puree/apple sauce (+ a little extra if needed to thin the batter)
120 ml (1/2 cup) grated apple
60 ml (1/4 cup) maple syrup
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
180 ml (3/4 cup) all-purpose, spelt or gf all-purpose flour
240 ml (1 cup) bran flake & oat fruit muesli or muesli of choice (can be gf)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
60 ml (1/4 cup) chocolate chips/chopped nuts/seeds of choice
1/4 cup extra muesli or chopped nuts
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line muffin tin with paper muffin cases or grease the muffin holes with a little extra oil.
- Make a chia egg by combining the ground chia seeds with the 3 tablespoons of water and set aside.
- Combine flour, 180 ml (3/4 cup) muesli, additions of choice (such as choc chips), cinnamon, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
- Pop the apple puree into a bowl and add the grated apple, chia egg, maple syrup, olive oil and vanilla stirring well to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and fold through gently until combined. Do not to over-mix.
- Fill each muffin cup almost to the top, sprinkle over the extra muesli (or chopped nuts) evenly and bake the muffins for around 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove the tray from the oven and allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack completely before serving as they are or frosting them with 2-3 tsp of choc-nut spread (such as vegan home-made Nutella or my Brownie Batter Fudge Butter).
To make a Muffin Sundae, pop a couple of muffins into a dish and add a couple of scoops of oat milk ice cream.
