I boarded a plane for Colorado last night and sat next to a 19-year-old girl, who held a worn copy of a Flannery O’ Conner short story collection in her lap. She had a blue streak in her hair and wore knee-high leather boots. This was the first time, in many months, that I had traveled without Ryan, and it was oddly comforting to sit next to someone that reminded me of my younger self.
At 19, I fell into a world I was much too young to understand. I think this happens to many of us, but I still felt singular and proud. The universe had trusted me with previously undisclosed secrets, and I reveled in cheap wine, creative friends, and long walks down endless Denver streets. During this time, I decided I wanted to become a writer, or more aptly described: I decided I could no longer ignore the art form that had chosen me.
At 19, I had my heartbroken (don’t we all?) and then fell deeply in love. I lived in a building built in 1904 and met one of my best friends riding on a city bus. The Colorado air was crisp but forgiving. My cheeks always flushed red after a long walk, yet the color suited me, almost as if I had carefully applied a compact blush.
Six, almost seven years later, and I find myself missing those days and the naivete that I’ll never regain–because I did end up losing so much in the years to follow. But I also am proud of where I am now…and I see how I fostered my gifts and dug through the muck that had to be cleared in order to let my true self shine.
Did I bake at 19? I’m sure some of you might ask. And I think I did, but only a little. At that time, I had yet to find this source of simple comfort, and so I coped with life in other ways. And so when I sat next to my friend on the plane yesterday, I wanted to ask her what made her happy and what made her scared. I wanted to help her find ways to push through the darkness we all are asked to confront and offer her hope for the months and years to come.
Of course, I didn’t say much more than hello and where do you live and who are you visiting. But as I she walked off the plane last night, with a violin and a bright paisley suitcase, we both smiled at each other. And I imagined she felt the connection too, and this made me feel a little more alive.
These avocado muffins serve as the perfect base for a hundred different combinations. I can’t wait to add blueberries, or maybe a cup of chopped nuts, or a handful of toasted coconut. These avocado muffins are moist and dense, thanks to two Reed avocados and 1.5 cups of whole milk yogurt. Don’t skimp on your ingredients–use the highest quality flour, sugar, and dairy you can find. Especially if you don’t plan on adding any fruit or nuts or chocolate. I adapted this recipe several times until I found a winning combination. Replacing butter or oil with avocado isn’t as simple as you might think. There is a delicate balance to be found (and isn’t this also true of most things in life?).
Avocado Muffins
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 TBSP baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ripe avocados (about 1/2 cup mashed)
1/4 cup canola oil (or melted and cooled butter)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1.5 cups whole milk yogurt
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and line or grease two muffin pans (this recipe yields around 18 large muffins).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a smaller bowl, stir together mashed avocados, oil, eggs, vanilla extract and whole milk yogurt.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, remembering that too much mixing will result in a tough muffin.
5. Using a spoon (or the much-preferred ice-cream scoop), divide batter into muffin pan. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until just lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Gorgeous muffins! I have seen avocados put in so many unique places recently. I have to start trying it out. Nice post, beautifully written, as usual 😉
I haven’t baked with avocado in a long time but I just adore the earthy, creamy notes that come out. These muffins look like the most wonderful way to start the day.
Oh how I wish I was 19 again 🙂
I occasionally see people who remind me of my younger self and I always want to reach out and talk to them. But rarely do.
These muffins are splendid!
I definitely don’t wish I was 19 again–34 is much better, & MUCH less stressful. 🙂 But I do wish I had a couple avocados, so I could make myself a batch of these!
It’s amazing how similar and mirrored our lives are to one another. I was in the place I believe you are describing, heartbreak at 19 before finding my best friend at 20, finding my creative calling but going through that muck for a while, and the pride we both have today in ourselves. I know I’m proud of you! This comes along with the appreciation we have to recognize how we, the persons today, were formed or sculpted rather. I can finally say I’m appreciative of some of those dark times. I hope that girl finds her true and glorious self. I’ve been seeking the benefits of avocados in my diet over the last 6 months-can’t get enough of a good avocado-so this right is up my alley! Safe travels!
Such a thoughtful (and thought provoking) post! I definitely wouldn’t wish to be 19 again, but it would be fun to have a little visit with my younger self!
I love your post my friend – made me think about the years to come for me 🙂
And your muffins look tempting!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Great story!
And cannot wait to make this recipe! Thanks!
I have two avocados left on my counter, and I was just trying to figure out what I was going to make with them. I love the idea of adding them in a muffin recipe, it must make the muffing so moist and delicious:-) YUM! Hugs, Terra
these look delicious, I LOVE avocados 🙂
Gosh, how creative Monet. I would never have imagined putting avocado in muffins. What a great idea. I’m sure the avocado provides the moistness you are looking for too!
lovely story! it reminds me of being 19 too! I love the idea of avocado instead of butter it sounds so good for your skin and better for your waist line!
A very very interesting article! I’ll try to track that continues
here! Thank you.
Very well written information. It will be helpful to anybody who usess it, as well as me.
Keep doing what you have been doing – i will definitely read
more posts.
Such an interesting recipe. I have been wanting to try baking with avocados for ever now but haven’t yet. Your post inspired me to try it soon!
Hi Monet! Love, love, love everything about this post-from the heartfelt writing to the over the top yummy recipe which I would love to try;-) Thanks my dear Monet for sharing with me;-)
I love that you replaced the butter with avocado! That is so smart. It makes me wonder what other recipes I can do that with. The creaminess of avocado is divine. It is one of my absolute favorite foods… nature’s butter, really. Have a beautiful weekend!
It’s amazing how we can connect with near strangers. And speaking of amazing, these muffins look to die for. I love avocado (who doesn’t?), and I’ve never thought to have it in a muffin before.
What a beautiful post, your words are honest and they made me think of my 19 year old self. Oh to be 19 again! I am glad I am not the only one eating avocados in everything….and now I want to put them in muffins! Thanks for sharing.
There were times I would have liked to go back and swat myself for stupid choices but I’m an an age now where I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything that happened made me the person I am now.
Love these muffins and would love to see blueberries in them.
Great muffin, perfect to go with my morning tea. When I sit next to someone on a plane, I sort of feel them out to see if they want to be left alone or if they would like to talk. The last time we flew, the woman next to me and I really hit it off, and I felt like I had known her for years. My kids were laughing at me because they think I talk too much..lol
i’ve never had my heart broken, but then again, i’ve never been in love, either!
meanwhile, i love avocado in every form, and these muffins look great. terrific recipe and post, monet!
Oh Monet…I have yet to bake with avocado…but you have me so intrigued! These look luscious on their own. I might like to try these with some fresh summer berries! Beautiful!
Thіs sort of wanting to cоme to а difference іn her or his lifestyle, іnitial typically Los angеles Excess weight wеightlοѕs scheme is really
a laгge runnіng in because it reacheԁ that
strivе. wеіght lоss
my ipad have some display problems and i cannot fix that the damn thing.
,
ωow, can’t believe hoω faѕt times past bу, can’t
belіеve it’s friday οncе agaіn
anԁ that ωay, fгiday beer night with friеnԁѕ, he
he
I just love to read new topics out of you blog.,*-’-
Pingback: Homepage
I have tried twice this muffins and they are always bitter, i put ripe avocado but the same happens… can you please tell me what is wrong with my ingredients… thank you :)))
Pingback: Homepage