The Hollyhock

A year ago I was scrolling Facebook feeling guilty. Laden with recurring migraines, headaches, anxiety and depression (at the time unknowingly) I had very little energy. The energy I did have went to my children and getting through the day.

The box garden bed my husband had made me sat empty that year. The year it was built the bed was lush with cherry tomatoes and green peppers. Because it is better if you grow your own food, right? Because heaven forbid you rely on a grocery store or worse, feed your family a box of chicken nuggets! At least if you throw in some homegrown food with your chicken nuggets you might get an honorable mention at the non-existent parenting award show.

The summer of emptiness, I planted hope. I scattered some seeds with a prayer. A gesture of guilt from not being able to plant vegetables and be what social media feigns as a good summer mom. I have wanted hollyhock for as long as I can remember. This summer those seeds bloomed. They stand tall and proud. Strong and healthy. Like me.

Whatever you are sowing this season, may it reap joy. May effort not rob you of the beauty of simplicity. And, finally, may your definition of joy come from within and not a scroll.

It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. 
-1 Corinthians 3:7-9 NLT

Isolation Baking

I'm more of a bake-from-a mix girl. I like simple recipes that don't require exotic ingredients. I've been waiting for a gluten-free base muffin recipe that doesn't let me down to fall into my lap. Gluten-free muffin mixes are expensive! This is one I am loving. It comes from GoGo Quinoa Hot Cereal of all places. So when our friends dropped off some gluten-free goods during our season of hardship (specifically Chris's pulmonary embolism), they actually gave us a gift to last a lifetime!

So far I have substituted different types of gluten-free flour mixes, substituted oats for the hot cereal mix, thrown in ground flax, chia seeds, sunflower seeds or chocolate chips. I haven't done a sugar substitute, yet. They turn out every time. Even if you double the recipe which is often a gluten-free no-no. Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Muffin Base Recipe

Gluten-Free S'more Krispie Squares

This one turned out too delicious not to share. It came about with some kitchen experimentation.

Use the basic gluten-free Rice Krispie recipe found on the box of cereal. Add a handful of chocolate chips and chopped Mi-Del Gluten-Free Ginger Snaps to the mix before spreading. Mix in well. Spread into the pan.

Then, melt chocolate chips. I melted them in the microwave using 30-second intervals and stirring so as not to burn the chocolate. Spread on top. I then crushed some of the cookies in a bag and sprinkled on top. Finally, I ended with a chocolate drizzle.

Yes, the waistlines are a little thicker over here so don't judge us as we emerge from isolation!