Two more months.
That’s what’s left of 2014, a year that has passed by so quickly, so full of events and friendships and ideas.
We’re in November, and I’m not sure how exactly to believe it.
We’re in my favorite month of the year, one filled with birthdays and festivities and spring days singing with life and bright with the colors of this beautiful season.
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And yet, in this month of November, as my 29th birthday draws near, marking my last year in my twenties; as I inch closer to yet another Christmas away from my family and friends from home, I can’t help but feel a longing for the country in which I was born.
The city where I first learnt to walk, to write, to exist, and where the people dearest to my heart live. The place which will always be mine, first and last.
In the almost five years since I’ve relocated away from Singapore, I don’t usually get homesick easily.
But as each year comes to its close, whenever we enter into holiday season – birthdays, Christmas, and New Year’s, there are days just like today that I yearn for home – whatever that means.
I think about the house where I lived in before moving to Argentina, and my third-floor bedroom with the balcony and its gorgeous night sky view.
I recall the sight of my mum poking her head into my room, just to say hello before leaving for work; the view of my dad reading the morning paper over a cup of milk tea and his breaksfast; and the sound of my siblings’ laughter and easy banter.
I miss spending my birthday and Christmas with my family, both direct and extended, and going for long drives with my best friends, or just sitting at the breakwater at East Coast Park, watching the waves crashing on the shore.
Today, I needed to feel close to home. I put on a playlist of Christmas songs, and with my headphones plugged in, I feel my soul feeling a little warmer, a little nearer and just that bit comforted by things that are familiar.
The sun’s shining beautifully outside my window, after an earlier morning downpour, and as I look outside, I’m reminded that “La Vita è Bella” – life is beautiful.
And while my loved ones are far away, I’m comforted by the fact that they love me as much as I love them. And for now, until we see each other again next year, that’s enough for me.
Sending everyone of you that I’m thinking of these blueberry cornbread muffins – small bites of golden cornbread intertwined with spring’s sweetest blueberries, best eaten with a generous drizzle of honey on top.
Missing all of you and sending my love. XO.
Gluten-free Blueberry Cornbread Muffins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 16 muffins 1x
Description
Small bites of golden cornbread intertwined with spring’s sweetest blueberries, best eaten with a generous drizzle of honey on top.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup coarsely ground cornmeal
- 3/4 cup gluten-free flour blend (I used 1/4 cup rice flour, 1/4 cup corn flour & 1/4 cup tapioca flour)
- 1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon sugar (or a little more if you prefer the muffins slightly sweeter)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/3 cup milk
- 2 eggs, lighten beaten, at room temperature
- 8 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 2 cups of fresh blueberries (if you use frozen, make sure to drain them of excess water)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 425 deg Fahrenheit (220 deg Cel)
- Lightly grease a muffin mold
- In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, gluten-free flour blend, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Whisk in the milk, eggs and butter until well-combined
- Gently stir in the blueberries into the batter
- Divide batter equally between the cups in the muffin mold
- Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserte int the middle comes out clean
- Allow cornbread muffins to cool for 10 – 15 minutes before removing from muffin mold
- Serve warm with butter and a drizzle of honey
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Snacks
- Cuisine: Gluten-free
Hello my book star!! Looking forward to having kopi with you in SG and hearing more about the book writing!! haha take care and have an awesome birthday ahead 🙂 btw, those cupcakes look like the bomb!!!
Hello my dear Joyce! are you and Reuben still traveling? How long will you be on the road before heading back to SG? Hope you guys are having the best time of your life (I know you are). Take care!! And yes, when I’m back in SG, let’s go for kopi!
We always belong to the place where we grew up I think.
These cornbreads are fantastic Feli, love the contrast with blueberries! Yesterday I made a peach blueberry upside down cake, and am so glad spring fruits are popping up everywhere. Spring is my favorite season. Have you seen how amazing the jacarandas are? hugs my friend, and let’s meet next week, what do you say?
Paula!!
Spring is my favorite season too. The jacarandas are so beautiful! I only just realized they are called jacarandas when I googled the word! Next week is a little complicated cos I have Juan’s bday and another thing going on. How about this week – say Thursday?
My goodness, Flea! These look INCREDIBLE. The blueberries have the loveliest hue.
I miss you very much, and I cannot wait to see you in 2015. That for now, is a joyous thought and brings so much cheer.
Big big hug from over here <3
I miss you incredibly much too amiga!!! 2015. It’s a date.
hugs fel
Thanks Mel!! Hugs back! Hope you are doing well! 🙂
We love you dearly and miss you too. Reading your post bring soft tears to my eyes as we eagerly look forward to your return in 2015
Loving every bit of the blueberry cornbread muffins you sent us. I am going to bake some to eat and think of you doing the baking and eating while I enjoy them.
Loving you heaps! 🙂
Sending you loads of hugs and kisses from home 🙂
Mum
★★★★★
Can’t wait to see you guys next year too!!!! BIG HUG and LOTS OF LOVE.