Alex Bakes

This evening's post is inspired by our resident baker, Alex. He was digging around our recipe drawer and came up with something slightly sweet and made with strawberries.

STRAWBERRY MUFFINS

2 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon... sift these together.

In a separate bowl beat together...
2 eggs
1/2 cup Canola oil
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sliced strawberries (fold in last)

Blend together the wet and dry ingredients, until the dry ingredients are moistened. Gently fold in the strawberries. Spoon into muffin pan lined with paper muffin cups and bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. When the muffins cool top with strawberry cream cheese: 8 ounces cream cheese swirled with 2 to 3 tablespoons of strawberry preserves.


These are the same beautiful muffins Alex made for me last Mother's Day.

I couldn't just let these get gobbled up in the typical fashion, so we made an impromptu tea party. We haven't made a tea party since we were Neptunites, living by the sea. I brought out our tiny tea cups (I think they are meant for espresso) and we spread a pretty square of fabric on Maria's little table. Alex chose a glass floral tray for his frosted muffins. While the water boiled I warmed up the teapot, and then prepared a chai tea mixed with some milk.

I love the look of polite joy that settles on children's faces when they are welcomed to a formal event. Maria recognized the tea party theme immediately and she clasped her hands in patient and respectful awe.


She was very happy to see her table transformed and to find tiny cups, just the right size for her.

Maria served herself milk and we added a few drops of hot chai.


I like our mix and match tea service. It suits us.


Here is the rose saucer that Janice brought me when she knew I needed a lift.


Everything took on an air of calm refinement. We took small bites and we took little sips. We savored the quiet and happy gathering.


William says he doesn't remember our tea parties at Neptune. Alex remembers I served them juice in tea cups.


Max likes chai tea, and drinking from our pretty cups.


Maria was uneasy about getting cream cheese on her hands. She found her solution.


Thank you for our tea party and muffins Alex. Everything was delicious.