bake something fun, share it with the world, and you could win a set of porcelain dessert bowls
The winner of the June 2020 Challenge is Kelly from Rochester, NY!
It would not be an understatement to say that May was the most difficult month of my life. On April 30th, my husband and I received a phone call that our 24 year old son had taken his life. The news devastated us in a way that I still can't find the words to describe. We were debilitated. We were also in the middle of moving out of our home of 16 years.
Our family swept in and took over, moving the rest of our belongings, cleaning the house, feeding us, and listening as we cried and shouted and asked the question that still plagues us, "WHY???" They stayed by our side for days, helping us gather the strength to get up in the morning and keep moving. I don't know what we would have done without them.
Last month is a bit of a blur. We somehow found the strength to do the many things you must do with when you are responsible for disassembling a life left in the middle. We settled into our new home - a 5th wheel toy hauler that we are genuinely in love with with, that will eventually allow us to travel across the country. We've cried more than we ever thought possible. We've clung to each other and our two daughters. We've raged. We haven't stopped asking "why?"
Bit by bit, I am starting to get back to work and back into the routine of our life. Slowly. At the beginning of May, I thought there was no possible way I was ever going to be able to talk about recipes and baking ever again. It seemed so unimportant.
But then I shared what had happened to us with all of you and received an outpouring that brings tears to my eyes each and every time I think about it. Every time I think about you. YOU - fellow bakers, most of whom I have never met, showered me with such love and compassion that it overwhelmed me in the best possible way.
Thank you. You have shown me that baking is about caring for each other. It's about bringing pleasure to all our normal, horrible, and wonderful days. It's about doing something you enjoy just for the sake of enjoying it. It can even be about connecting. And connecting is important. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Let's talk about this month's challenge recipe...
(The winner of the last challenge was announced on the April Bake Club Page.)
Sour Cream Streusel Blueberry Muffins
Is there anything more homey and comforting than a soft, warm muffin covered in streusel? Bake a batch and share them with people you love. ♥️
These are everything I want a blueberry muffin to be. They are light and tender, but also substantial and filling. They can be made with either fresh or frozen blueberries. They are rich and buttery, and laced with the flavors of vanilla, almond, and a touch of lemon. But, my favorite part? These blueberry muffins are are topped with a handfuls of buttery, crispy, brown sugar streusel.
The secret to getting a LOT of streusel to remain on top of your muffins as they bake is to use Tulip Muffin Liners. Tulip muffin liners stick up above the muffin pan by several inches so you can not only fill them with a generous portion of batter, you can top the with a deliciously thick layer of streusel. Having said that, you can certainly bake these muffins using regular muffin liners. The recipe includes baking instructions for both.
The June Bake Club Prize!
A set of 6 Annovero Porcelain Dessert Bowls and a KitchenAid Ice Cream Scoop. Because it's summer and I can't think of a better way to serve ice cream (or any bowl and spoon dessert) than in these lovely painted bowls.
How to Participate in the June Bake Club Baking Challenge
#1. Sign Up to Join the Bake Club.
You’ll receive an email each month when a new recipe challenge and prize is announced. This is also how I’ll know how to contact you if you win.
When you sign up for the Bake Club, you’ll be required to put in your name and email address. If you’re selected as the winner, I’ll send you an email and ask you where to send your prize.
(If you’ve signed up in the past, you’re golden. It's not necissary to sign up every month.)
#2. Bake this month’s challenge and show it off!
Snap a picture of your masterpiece and post it to Instagram, tagging it with #OfBatterAndDoughBakeClub.
You can also upload your photo to the Of Batter and Dough Facebook Page.
Or, send your photo to me in an email: rebecca@ofbatteranddough.com.
By sharing your photo you’ll be automatically entered to win this month’s prize. Bake the challenge recipe and submit your photo before July 1st.
#3. Want a bonus entry?
Leave a comment and a rating for these Blueberry Muffins and you’ll receive a bonus entry!
questions about the bake club or this month’s challenge?
Leave a comment below or send an email to rebecca@ofbatteranddough.com and I’ll get back to you just as soon as I can.
Linda says
I just read your blog and want to join with others to extend my heartfelt love for you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. It is profound. So hold on to each other and know that so many of us care.
Rebecca Blackwell says
Thank you so much Linda. I appreciate it so much. ♥️
Brenda Perez says
My heart goes out to you and your family. Baking is therapy for me and I’m so excited to try this months challenge.
Rebecca Blackwell says
Thank you so much Brenda. ♥️ Thank you for joining the Bake Club! xo