8/18/09

Turning Poor Planning into an Opportunity!



Meet my Guest:  

Ellen B from The Happy Wonderer


It feels like I've known Ellen for years, when we've never actually met. There's a standing invitation for Ellen to stop by anytime, as she travels up and down the I-5 (she owns 2 homes on the West Coast).  I think you'll love her blog.  She's a true hospitality-sister at heart! And one of my favorite posts of Ellen's was when she made my Mango Crockpot Chicken. Love her pictures - so yummy!


Here's Ellen ...


I'm thrilled to be guest posting for Sandy. I think I started reading Sandy's blog before I even had a blog. I was raised by a mom who modeled hospitality and still entertains at 85. The fresh ideas I learn from 4 Reluctant Entertainers blog are an inspiration to me. Sandy and I live in neighboring states when I'm in California at the condo or in Washington at my home. Someday I'm hoping to meet Sandy face to face if not on this earth then in my mansion in heaven at a banqueting table.



I have a Blueberry Bush at my home in Washington and I picked some fresh blueberries and decided to make muffins. I got all the dry ingredients together, then I got the wet ingredients ready only to realize we were all out of eggs. The oven was preheated the trays were ready so what to do? I trekked over to my neighbors in my slippers and comfies and asked to please borrow an egg. She was very gracious and invited me in and gave me an egg. I got to meet her 16 month old granddaughter who she was caring for, also.



After the muffins were baked and out of the oven. I picked out two and trekked over to my neighbors again and offered her the 2 muffins. She was delighted and said I could borrow an egg anytime. I was happy to receive from my neighbor and bless her in return. 


My poor planning turned into an opportunity to keep connected with my neighbor.


The recipe I used for these Blueberry Muffins can be found here


Sandy and I would love to hear about your favorite ways of cooking with blueberries?

17 comments:

Maria said...

Wonderfully sweet post, muffins and photos :) The collages are great! I just downloaded Picasa 3 a couple of weeks ago and can't stop making collages!
all the best, Maria

Dorothy said...

Now, that's hospitality!

I love blueberries so very many ways its hard to pick just one. Hmm, maybe blueberry buckwheat pancakes. Or blueberry picnic cake. Or maybe even blueberry muffins!

Christi said...

What a lovely idea. We love blueberries here, and they are usually eaten fresh or used in muffins. Not very adventurous I'm afraid!

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Mmmmmm we love blueberries at our house in muffins, pancakes and especially pie! :) I think I just might try these blueberry crumb muffins. Great post!

Tracy said...

I just love and her post... and she did brilliant here. Muffins have a way of bring people together. You have a lovely blog here. :o)

ellen b. said...

Thanks for letting me guest post Sandy! I waved while I drove through your city on Sunday! I told Dear that someday we need to do the I-5 drive in a leisurely fashion and not the bonzai kill your body way we normally do!! Blessings...

Kathy C. said...

Those look so YUM! :) Handsdown, muffins are my favorite way to use blueberries, but I have also made blueberry scones and those are great with afternoon coffee or tea. :)

Gina said...

The muffins look great! And what a great reminder that hospitality isn't always about having people over to our homes....it's about extending our lives to others.

We love blueberries in pancakes, or stirred in oatmeal, and they're always great by the handfull...I think we'll take them anyway we can get them!

Judy said...

I popped over to check out your guest this morning...and stayed to do some browsing. So many good ideas!

Willow said...

Sweet story! You have a lovely neighbor.

Cook with blueberries? I just eat them fresh on top of my morning cereal or mixed in a green salad.

I've heard rumors that you can make blueberry scones.

Niki Jolene said...

I have to say that I have never, ever asked my neighbors for an egg or a cup of sugar. My hubby and I always joke that is something you only see on tv.

Good to know it's a possibility in this day and age!

:)

GiBee said...

I love to make Blueberry Lemonade!!

Melissa Miller said...

~Gorgeous phoptos and the muffins look soooo yummy! :)

Sandy said...

I just love Ellen B! And I wish I had some of those muffins in my freezer! YUMMY.

Thanks Ellen, for being my guest today!

Maureen said...

Lovely post! Cooking Light published a blueberry cake recipe years ago, and it's my favorite summer pound cake to make. So delicious!

Suzann said...

Love this post. Love blueberries. In muffins, pancakes, breads, yogurt, ice cream...

Jan D-M said...

Oh! I missed a couple days and only just saw this post. How convenient--a friend just dropped off two quart-size bags of freshly picked berries and i was looking for a muffin recipe. Thanks, I'm trying it tonight.

My favorite ways to eat blueberries are by the handful, as muffins and as fresh blueberry pie (uncooked). I don't care for baked blueberry pie. I'll have to post the recipe for that one. It's delish!