Category Archives: Bananas

Understudied Orange-Spice Banana Muffins

un·der·stud·y/ˈəndərˌstədē/ Noun: (in the theater) A person who learns another’s role in order to be able to act as a replacement at short notice. Verb: Learn (a role) or the role played by (an actor): “he had to understudy Prospero”. some wish to be a ★ but i am content to be… the understudy for…

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KristyJanuary 17, 2012 - 7:37 am

Your sketch is just gorgeous! You are one talented woman Smidge. :) And I never really thought about being an understudy – but it sure is fitting. Fabulous muffins too.

niasunsetJanuary 17, 2012 - 7:49 am

I loved. You are amazing and creative lady. Your post always impresses me… Beautiful writing, sharing, drawing and photographs, recipe… Thank you, dear Barbara, with my love, nia

Joanne OzugJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:10 am

Orange spice banana? That is such a neat and fresh flavor combination. I was going to make banana bread soon because I have some overripe bananas, and now it’s going to have an orange spice twist! Thanks!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:19 am

Thanks, Kristy, I love to paint but sometimes it’s better to keep it simple:) and use a small sketchbook! I have a large canvas waiting… but it’s a bit overwhelming every time I look at it!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:20 am

It was actually an excellent flavor combination, Caroline really has some of the best baking ever!!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:20 am

You are so creative as well, nia… thanks so much! xoxo Smidge

spreeJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:21 am

You set the mood, like you set the table, Smidge, with such thorough and thoughtful care. This is one exquisite and delicious post, in every sense of the word(s). I want to stay right here…

LauraJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:24 am

Oh, this sounds so good! And looks good, too. Really, your work is a feast for the eyes and… in all ways.

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:26 am

Thank you, Spree… If you were here, there’d be a second cup and muffin on that table:) xo Smidge

sallybrJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:27 am

I guess I am going to be your understudy in food blog writing!

Awesome post, beautiful, touching, just perfect!

(the muffins are great too… ;-)

Chica AndaluzaJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:28 am

The sentiments in this post are lovely – perfectly put and I know that you have lots of understudies out here reading your posts!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:29 am

Thank you so much, this recipe was definitely a “keeper”! xo Smidge

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:29 am

That’s sweet, Sally, but I think, no, I know that we understudy each other;)

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:30 am

Thanks so much… I am so pleased to be a follower of yours!

ChgoJohnJanuary 17, 2012 - 8:51 am

What a delightful post, Smidge! I was literally smiling from start to finish, just as I do whenever I visit you here. Witty, thoughtful, beautifully illustrated. Yes, a real delight!

My Life After Kids (Kathi)January 17, 2012 - 9:10 am

I have just bookmarked yet another of your posts. I can’t keep up with your fabulous recipe suggestions! Loved the poem, too. Coincidentally, the ladies and I were just talking about being “under-studies” at our retreat!

susielindauJanuary 17, 2012 - 9:17 am

I bet that your house is perfectly staged! You could do a book on that alone~

Gretchen O'DonnellJanuary 17, 2012 - 9:23 am

These look fantastic! And your photos are always so mouth-watering. I also love your write-up…and the understudy idea. It’s kind of scary, thinking about our kids watching us so much…uff da.

Rufus' Food and Spirits GuideJanuary 17, 2012 - 9:25 am

You posts are always so inviting. I can just smell these.

thekalechroniclesJanuary 17, 2012 - 9:41 am

Hey, look at you! I see a beautiful food sketch in that sketchbook. Blow it up and add it to the blog (or just scan it).

bitsandbreadcrumbsJanuary 17, 2012 - 9:45 am

What a lovely thought….we are all understudies in life, learning a new part. Love your sketchbook, photos and writing…truly you are gifted!

ceciliagJanuary 17, 2012 - 11:07 am

These sound sublime and the composition of the image you gave us is so beautiful.Tthere is always something so peaceful, yet elegant and so eloquent about your photgraphs! Lovely lovely. c

CarolineJanuary 17, 2012 - 12:03 pm

You really are beyond talented, lady. That sketch is gorgeous…and the muffins sound lovely! Wonderful combination of ingredients. :)

spicegirlflaJanuary 17, 2012 - 12:12 pm

You are so truly creative in every way! What a lovely way to spend a quiet afternoon, a cup of tea, a sketchbook and your muffins!! Beautiful Smidge!

hotlyspicedJanuary 17, 2012 - 12:59 pm

Lovely words Smidge. I agree with you. I feel like I’m always in the understudy role too. I haven’t been to that website so I’m off to check it out now.

Just Add AttitudeJanuary 17, 2012 - 1:16 pm

I love the the poem and I especially love your painting. You are abundantly talented and creative. ;)

ClaraJanuary 17, 2012 - 3:24 pm

Gorgeous muffins, and what a lovely poem! I love the way you transitioned the recipe.

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 3:56 pm

And your comments always leave me smiling as well:) Thanks so much!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 3:57 pm

Well, they can be enjoyed by just looking, too! Isn’t that a neat coincidence? I hope you enjoyed your retreat:) xo Barb

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 3:58 pm

I do enjoy “staging” my home, but at the moment, it looks like a disaster around here:)

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 3:59 pm

Hahaha, yeah, it’s the old adage, “be careful what you do, little eyes are watching you!” (not sure if that’s old, but it rhymed and sounded like it, lol)

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 3:59 pm

Yes.. the kitchen did smell heavenly, if only I could have these baking every morning… before I got out of bed!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:00 pm

Thanks, Sharyn :) I must be a bit timid, liked that it was just tucked in the corner.. as I begin doing more I promise to share:) I love your paintings, btw!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:00 pm

Thank goodness we are.. I get to visit your blog and feel inspired:) xo Smidge

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:01 pm

Coming from a wonderful photographer like you, this is a true compliment! Thank you, c!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:01 pm

If only I had hours in a day to sit and sketch and bake.. how happy would a life like that be?? Thanks for your compliments, Caroline!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:02 pm

It is a great way to spend the afternoon… especially when it’s so darn cold here. It takes so much effort to bundle up to go out!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:03 pm

You will really enjoy her recipes.. I love the barbecue chicken pizza she made today:) I’m still drooling…

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:04 pm

It was fun to draw because it was so tiny… workin’ my way up to the big canvas loitering in my study… egad! What was I thinking buying that thing?! Thanks for your lovely words…so kind!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:05 pm

I try to blend the two… without being artificial. I’m beginning to think that the actual recipe just lends itself to something. Maybe it all muddles in my head until the perfect combination comes together:) Thanks so much! xoxo Smidge

Eva kitcheninspirations.wordpress.comJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:28 pm

Love the illustration and the photos, really nice! And I have to say, what a cute puppy!!! The muffin recipe sounds very tasty and I really like it that they are not overly sweet. Great combo of flavours. I have my very first giveaway on my blog and would love it if you would enter, it’s really easy. http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/restaurant-review-ici-and-my-very-first-giveaway/

thekalechroniclesJanuary 17, 2012 - 4:33 pm

Thank you, Smidge. If I could sketch like you I would be really pleased.

Kay aka BabygirlJanuary 17, 2012 - 5:24 pm

I always enjoy your writings and your photos. And I absolutely love these Orange-Spice Banana Muffins you have on display. I am getting so hungry just thinking about them :)

SarahJanuary 17, 2012 - 6:48 pm

I don’t know what I love more, the recipe or the photos and sketches. You’re writing is beautiful….

jo-lynJanuary 17, 2012 - 6:54 pm

beautiful poem, beautiful sketches, beautiful muffins! talented smidge! =)

jeanneJanuary 17, 2012 - 10:01 pm

Your blog posting are always so thoughtful and well laid out. An absolutely warm and inviting place to stop in for a little inspiration. It’s like coming home! I think I will make these for brunch next week. I think I see an inspired blog in the making!

kathryningridJanuary 17, 2012 - 10:02 pm

Another winning post, my dear–all of your earlier commenters today have already said so much that I would say to this one, but as always I thank you for it. As you’re commenting on learning and taking inspiration from others, it’s only appropriate to add that I shall have to buckle down and get sketching again myself, perhaps building up to the larger canvas that I too have waiting for me! Thank you for another great spirit-lifter.
xoxo,
Kathryn

rsmacaalayJanuary 18, 2012 - 12:03 am

Wow very artistic and creative post, I love the photos, writing as well as the recipe

TandyJanuary 18, 2012 - 12:51 am

these would be perfect right now for my breakfast :)

promenadeplantingsJanuary 18, 2012 - 2:06 am

So creative, on all levels :)

Bam's KitchenJanuary 18, 2012 - 5:49 am

A blank canvas makes always me shudder but for you, it just opens up a world of possibilities. Keep those creative juices flowing. Take Care, BAM

Just A SmidgenJanuary 18, 2012 - 10:43 am

Thanks so much, Eva, I will go have a look in a minute:) I love giveaways! I forgot to say that I added slightly less sugar and it still tasted great (about 1/8th of a cup less)

Just A SmidgenJanuary 18, 2012 - 10:44 am

So am I!! They are all gone now and I’m trying to go a few days without sugar.. so hard for me!!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 18, 2012 - 10:44 am

me either:) I think I would have to put them all at the top of my list!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 18, 2012 - 10:45 am

Thank you, lovely talented jo-lyn:)

Just A SmidgenJanuary 18, 2012 - 10:46 am

Well, that’s how this one started over at Sweet Pea’s page:) Good luck! And thank you!!

Just A SmidgenJanuary 18, 2012 - 10:46 am

Ooooh… I can’t wait to see what you will have sketched and painted!!

ChristinaJanuary 18, 2012 - 1:19 pm

Your sketch is so amazing!! I am so glad that you enjoyed the recipe. I will have to make them into muffins next time I have ripe bananas hanging around! :)

trixfred30January 18, 2012 - 2:22 pm

These posts are in a league of their own – you need to create a book or something. As for understudy – its the story of my life (blub, wail etc)

HetterbellJanuary 18, 2012 - 2:59 pm

I loved the poem, the sketches, the photos and the recipe. You’re certainly a very multi-talented lady. :)

CourtneyJanuary 18, 2012 - 3:33 pm

I am seriously impressed – with all of it – art, composition, poetry, cuisine. Wow.

thedrivencookJanuary 18, 2012 - 7:43 pm

Great pics/sketches! And those muffins looks delicious.

littlemiaoJanuary 18, 2012 - 8:02 pm

There is so much beauty in this post!

Misk CooksJanuary 19, 2012 - 1:12 am

This is a truly charming post. I read it yesterday and again today, and it’s still just love lying and tender. :)

Just A SmidgenJanuary 19, 2012 - 2:51 pm

Misk… You’re just so kind, thank you so much:) xo Smidge

EricaJanuary 21, 2012 - 4:09 pm

I love this post – such understated, warmly bright beauty!

The HookJanuary 23, 2012 - 6:55 am

Pretty creative post, young lady! You should be very proud of the finished product.

Aimee@clevermuffinJanuary 23, 2012 - 9:08 pm

Smidge! These photos are un-believe-able! So beautiful. They’re going on my pinterest profile now …;p

Three Cups of Chai Cake – Courage, Compassion and Connection

It is connection that gives meaning and purpose to our lives… in fact we are neurologically wired to seek connection with others. Some of us fear that we are not worthy of connection, that’s the inner voice that whispers “I’m not good enough” or “It’s too good to be true.”

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Kay aka BabygirlSeptember 4, 2011 - 12:46 am

Oh wow, these Three Cups of Chai Cake look amazing. I can’t wait to try it out. And your photos in this post are so touching. I think we all need Compassion, Connection, and Courage in out daily lives.

thefooddoctorSeptember 4, 2011 - 2:56 am

I loved reading every word of your post..thank you for sharing those thoughtd
and your cake sounds amazing..I love all the flavors in it

cityhippyfarmgirlSeptember 4, 2011 - 9:37 pm

What a wonderful post.
…and the cakes sound delicious.

Giulietta | AlterkitchenSeptember 9, 2011 - 1:23 am

You’re totally right: “It is connection that gives meaning and purpose to our lives”!

And these little cakes in a jar look fabulous!

Just A SmidgenSeptember 10, 2011 - 9:08 am

They were yummy… thanks:)

Just A SmidgenSeptember 10, 2011 - 9:09 am

Thank you so much…

Just A SmidgenSeptember 10, 2011 - 9:10 am

It was an amazing video lecture… it touched on something that I had worked out by myself but Brene articulated it so much better than I could…

Just A SmidgenSeptember 10, 2011 - 9:11 am

Thanks for connecting ;)

thecompletecookbookSeptember 11, 2011 - 1:18 am

What a lovely post and so beautifully photographed and a great recipe as well.
Have a happy Sunday and thanks again for stopping by my blog.
:-) Mandy

Just A SmidgenSeptember 11, 2011 - 12:07 pm

Thanks Mandy… I always love finding new blogging friends:)

“Just Right” Banana Muffins

With summer now just peaking around the corner, I decided it was time to take a little “peak” at the swimsuit I would be sporting wearing under a coverup at the lake.  Consequently, I decided it might be a great idea to forego baking decadent deserts such as those I had indulged in this past…

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itsybitsybriannaJune 14, 2011 - 9:12 pm

sounds perfect
please stop by and say hi
xoxo
bB
http://www.itsybitsybrianna.wordpress.com

[...] “Just Right” Banana Muffins (justasmidgen.com) [...]

Sunny Fruit Salsa on a Murky Saturday Morning

My despondent dog stood getting soaked for 10 minutes this morning, all the while pondering whether or not it was worth it to make the brave dash through the torrential downpour to his dog run.    In defiance of this abysmal rain… I submit to you a vibrant Fruit Salsa Recipe, thanks to Annie (only slightly…

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richard andrewsJune 11, 2011 - 12:15 pm

tried it delicious thanks

barbjbJune 11, 2011 - 12:52 pm

Glad you enjoyed it!

M e t a