Five years ago, I married my best friend. We left our homes and moved to Chicago where he began graduate school. A couple months in to the journey, I started this space. He was working and studying all the time. I quickly learned a weekend outlet was necessary for me to survive blips of boredom, and cleaning the condo wasn’t cutting it.
I started a blog. Not a baking blog or a food blog or a craft blog. Just a general blog chronicling my journey into becoming an independent married woman. Not that I knew that was happening in the background. As you can probably guess, it quickly turned into a food blog with a heavy dose of baking.
I fell in love with the farmer’s market. Walked there by myself nearly every spring and summer Saturday morning. Saw and ate rhubarb for the very first time. Listened to the eclectic band of all ages playing in the background—from the little boy on his violin to the grey haired, bearded man with the banjo. This space was rich with culture and diversity. I dreamt of bringing my littles there one day.
Two and half years in to blogging, I caught the bug. The kind that keeps your mind obsessively running with ideas. I claimed this space as my own. Really claimed it. I designed and “branded” it the best that I could, working with a cheap wordpress template. I was a trained designer with absolutely no web experience at the time. I bought a dot com. Made my tagline “made from scratch” since I found myself saying that phrase with every recipe. And picked up a DSLR, slowly, painstakingly teaching myself to use it. I fought with the poor light in our tiny, not-as-clean-anymore condo. And learned how to write a good recipe.
I compared myself. I failed a lot. And learned even more. I got a Twitter account and started “meeting” people in this incredible blogging community. I tried to explain to my real life friends, that online friends were in fact real too. Instagram rocked my picture taking world and helped with composition that always seemed to plague me (and still does).
Four years in, we said goodbye to our first home, Chicago, and moved to Connecticut for my husband to begin his two-year fellowship. I sheepishly started my own company designing and branding blogs with Erin, weary that I could actually work for myself and survive financially. I continued to ride in the seat of safety and worked at a firm in the area. Gleaned and learned a ton there. Four and a half years in, I took that business full-time and a week later found out we were carrying our first little.
And here we are, five years in. On Saturday my husband will graduate with his doctorate in clinical psychology. I write this with tears in my eyes, partly because I’m pregnant and partly because I’m so proud and amazed. Amazed that this defining part of our journey is coming to a close and so proud of my husband for finishing well. Amazed that this space carried me through this time. Amazed that this girl, filled with so much self doubt yet enough courage could. Could become an independent married woman who went to the farmer’s market by herself, had her first taste of rhubarb, started a blog, and now a company. If you asked me prior where I’d be in five years, it wouldn’t be here. But I’m so thankful for here. For all it’s lessons, successes, tears, laughs, awkward moments, and failures. The journey has been much like rhubarb—bittersweet. But the notes of sweetness seem to be ringing a little louder right now. I’ll take it.
This recipe makes for a great quick-bread or muffin. This is also my new go-to crumble recipe. It hold it’s shape nicely throughout the entire bake. The batter is thick yet yields a moist dense crumb, just the way I like my muffins. The muffin itself is not too sweet which pairs nicely with the crumble. Feel free to substitute in other fruits.
Ingredients
Scale
Crumble
1/4 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. brown sugar, packed
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of sea salt
1 1/2 tbsp. unsalted butter, diced
1 1/2 tsp. pure maple syrup
Muffins
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 c. white whole wheat flour
1/2 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 c. rhubarb, diced
1/2 c. strawberries, diced
1 large egg
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1/4 c. pure maple syrup
3/4 c. whole milk plain yogurt
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line muffin tin or bread pan with parchment paper.
Make crumble. In a small bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Dice butter into mixture and incorporate by hand. Mix in maple syrup until a crumble forms. Set aside.
Make muffins. Melt stick of butter by microwave or stove. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Wash, dry, and dice rhubarb and strawberries in a uniform size. Set aside. To the melted butter, whisk in egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, yogurt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add butter mixture into the flour mixture stirring until just combined. Batter will be thick. Fold in fruit and 3 tablespoons of the crumble.Using a spring release scoop, evenly distribute batter in prepared tin or pan. Top with crumble carefully pressing into batter. Bake mini muffins for about 15 minutes, regular muffins for 17-20 minutes, or bread for about 35 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving
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Just came across your blog today and so glad I did. Loved this post and inspired by your journey. Congrats on all you and your family have achieved 🙂 -Meredith
Melissa! I’m super thrilled at all the exciting events happening in your life!! Congrats to your hubby finishing and you just being so wonderful and doing amazing things with this blog!!
Beautiful, Melissa! You have so much to be proud of! Reading this on a Monday morning was incredibly needed. You inspire me day in and day out. Cheers to you, your hubs, and your little lucky lady xoxo
You write beautifully, and you have such a great, encouraging story. Congrats to your hubby, and hope you’re feeling well! Pregnancy does seem to cause a few more tears than normal…
I am so proud of you both and glad to call you my friend, Melissa! Can’t wait to follow along in your new adventures. I’m so enamored with the strawberry rhubarb combination, these muffins look amazing.
Lovely post Melissa. So much can happen in five years! Five years ago I was pregnant with my first little… and so much has happened since. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you next. xo
What a sweet insight into your life! Thank you for sharing. A huge congratulations to your husband – but also to you! It’s so interesting and eye-opening to look over our own personal past and realize where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. I love you for your sense of self and how it shines through in your blog. You are so good at what you do (in all aspects) because you do it sincerely. And oh, I just cannot wait for you to be a mom. You are going to be incredible.
Crongrats! I enjoyed reading this so much! I have so much to learn and hopefully in five yours I will be as wise as you are about life and bogging! Love the muffins! I NEED to try rhubard!
I love the success of this chapter in your journey and the timely recipe featuring rhubarb. Your story reflects the transitions that often occur in our lives while the rhubarb signifies the dawn of another season as well. Masterfully done, and congrats to you!
beautiful words and sentiments. congrats to you and your husband on your addition! i know how much hard work goes in to getting a doctorate in clinical psychology, as my mom was in school for it most of my young life. i know she felt as if she couldn’t have done it without the support of her family, which is how your husband must feel about you. congrats again, what a wonderful time in your life!
Congratulations to you and your husband! It sounds as though both of you have reached a great place in your lives, and are now looking down a new road, ready for new adventures. And these muffins…so tempted to make them this minute.
What a sweet post. We’ve met twice and you always seemed to me as a honest, sweet and brave woman. Congratulations on all the big milestones! Looking forward to more from you and that we meet again soon.
Congrats to you and your husband on your big accomplishments over the years!!! You have so many more happy times ahead of you!!! These muffins are calling my name – I love all of these ingredients and I’m sure they taste AMAZING!
Amazingly beautiful post + reflection on the past 5yrs. I feel similar in so many ways [minus being preggo] and can very much relate to your words. So happy to have found you through this amazing world of bloggers. What you do here is unique, inspiring, and always impressive. Keep it up, lady, and congrats to you both! [Chris and I have our 5 year next month! :)] xo
I loved this post – it’s amazing what can happen in just five years! My husband is getting his phd in clinical psychology right now too … about to start his internship / residency this summer. And congratulations to your husband! I feel the exact same way about being so proud : )
congrats! Love reading your words. Such a great story and I love that when we risk, there is reward. Excited to watch your guys story as it continues to amaze, impress and surprise you as your family grows.
Yay Melissa! And huge congratulations to your husband! What an accomplishment!!!! (As someone just about to head into her fifth year of a doctorate, I know how trying it can be, both as the person working on it, and as their companion who has to deal with the repercussions. Not easy!) You’re doing amazing things, and I know you will continue to do so! Also, I totally woke up craving rhubarb crumble muffins this morning and thinking about where I would look for a recipe. And here you are making gorgeous ones. Love!
I love a good story, and yours is definitely that. Congratulations to both you and your husband on the doctorate. So many exciting things ahead for you both!
Great post. Good story. Progress and personal growth are so welcome in our lives and make for good blogs… Good news for all who are making their way in the world. Your recipes, photos, and site are dynamite! Keep up the great work.
Congrats to you and your husband and your upcoming little one. Life is hard, and it’s hard to come out of our comfort zones. I just started my journey of my passion for baking and photography about three years ago. I have been scared, sad, mad, annoyed, angry, happy, at wits end, and everything in between. But I wouldn’t trade the emotions, lessons, or people I have met, online and off for the world. Love your blog, love your recipes. Happy you took the leap
It’s amazing how much can happen in five years and you’ve certainly made some big jumps! Congrats on all of the positive things happening for you 🙂 These muffins look delicious!
Just came across your blog today and so glad I did.
Loved this post and inspired by your journey. Congrats on all you and your family have achieved 🙂
-Meredith
My friend made these muffins and kindly shared some with me. Yum! So moist and not too sweet. Perfect 🙂
Melissa! I’m super thrilled at all the exciting events happening in your life!! Congrats to your hubby finishing and you just being so wonderful and doing amazing things with this blog!!
I loved reading this….so beautifully written, Melissa! Congrats on all the milestones you’ve reached, and cheers to these scrumptous muffins!
Beautiful, Melissa! You have so much to be proud of! Reading this on a Monday morning was incredibly needed. You inspire me day in and day out. Cheers to you, your hubs, and your little lucky lady xoxo
These look amazing! Thanks for the lovely recipe! 🙂
You write beautifully, and you have such a great, encouraging story. Congrats to your hubby, and hope you’re feeling well! Pregnancy does seem to cause a few more tears than normal…
Awww such a lovely post..You did amazing dear!!
Wow – what a beautifully-written journey. I’m sure there were tough times, but you’ve made it seem like a true celebration.
Congrats to you and your husband on accomplishing so much in the past five years, and happy news about your little one!
I am so proud of you both and glad to call you my friend, Melissa! Can’t wait to follow along in your new adventures. I’m so enamored with the strawberry rhubarb combination, these muffins look amazing.
Such a simple, yet beautiful story. 🙂 Congrats to you and your hubby!
Great seasonal recipe, looks awesome with this crust, regards
I loved reading this Melissa and getting a little peak into the last five years of your life. You’re such an inspiration.
I absolutely loved reading this – what an awesome story, and you have come so far. Congrats on the baby, and good luck with the next 5 years!
You’re an inspiration. It’s people like you that inspire me, and give me something aspire to. Thank you!
Lovely post Melissa. So much can happen in five years! Five years ago I was pregnant with my first little… and so much has happened since. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you next. xo
What a sweet insight into your life! Thank you for sharing. A huge congratulations to your husband – but also to you! It’s so interesting and eye-opening to look over our own personal past and realize where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. I love you for your sense of self and how it shines through in your blog. You are so good at what you do (in all aspects) because you do it sincerely. And oh, I just cannot wait for you to be a mom. You are going to be incredible.
Congratulations! A very inspiring and heartwarming story.
Crongrats! I enjoyed reading this so much! I have so much to learn and hopefully in five yours I will be as wise as you are about life and bogging!
Love the muffins! I NEED to try rhubard!
Love that crumble, delicious muffins!
Beautiful words. Congratulations on all your accomplishments.
I love the success of this chapter in your journey and the timely recipe featuring rhubarb. Your story reflects the transitions that often occur in our lives while the rhubarb signifies the dawn of another season as well. Masterfully done, and congrats to you!
beautiful words and sentiments. congrats to you and your husband on your addition! i know how much hard work goes in to getting a doctorate in clinical psychology, as my mom was in school for it most of my young life. i know she felt as if she couldn’t have done it without the support of her family, which is how your husband must feel about you. congrats again, what a wonderful time in your life!
Lovely post! Congratulations on that long chain of successes!!!
What a great five years! So much growth in so many aspects, and a great place to have landed in today. Congrats!
Congratulations to you and your husband! It sounds as though both of you have reached a great place in your lives, and are now looking down a new road, ready for new adventures. And these muffins…so tempted to make them this minute.
What a sweet post. We’ve met twice and you always seemed to me as a honest, sweet and brave woman. Congratulations on all the big milestones! Looking forward to more from you and that we meet again soon.
Love these… what a neat idea for the muffin cups
Congrats to you and your husband on your big accomplishments over the years!!! You have so many more happy times ahead of you!!!
These muffins are calling my name – I love all of these ingredients and I’m sure they taste AMAZING!
A great recipe.a lovely post.a wonderful blog.what a journey.
Amazingly beautiful post + reflection on the past 5yrs. I feel similar in so many ways [minus being preggo] and can very much relate to your words. So happy to have found you through this amazing world of bloggers. What you do here is unique, inspiring, and always impressive. Keep it up, lady, and congrats to you both! [Chris and I have our 5 year next month! :)] xo
I loved this post – it’s amazing what can happen in just five years! My husband is getting his phd in clinical psychology right now too … about to start his internship / residency this summer. And congratulations to your husband! I feel the exact same way about being so proud : )
congrats! Love reading your words. Such a great story and I love that when we risk, there is reward. Excited to watch your guys story as it continues to amaze, impress and surprise you as your family grows.
Such sweet words and full of love, congrats to your husband!
Yay Melissa! And huge congratulations to your husband! What an accomplishment!!!! (As someone just about to head into her fifth year of a doctorate, I know how trying it can be, both as the person working on it, and as their companion who has to deal with the repercussions. Not easy!) You’re doing amazing things, and I know you will continue to do so! Also, I totally woke up craving rhubarb crumble muffins this morning and thinking about where I would look for a recipe. And here you are making gorgeous ones. Love!
What a beautiful post. It’s amazing what could happen in 5 years. All the best to you in the next five. Gorgeous muffins!
This whole post made me smile. Congratulations to you guys, both for what has already come and what will. So happy for you!
Wonderful. Congratulations to you and your family!
I love a good story, and yours is definitely that. Congratulations to both you and your husband on the doctorate. So many exciting things ahead for you both!
Great post. Good story. Progress and personal growth are so welcome in our lives and make for good blogs… Good news for all who are making their way in the world.
Your recipes, photos, and site are dynamite! Keep up the great work.
this is such a great post! Congrats on the little one and your husband’s graduation 🙂
I love a good crumble on my muffin. These look fab!
Beautiful… the muffins, the story, and the journey that will continue to unfold! Congratulations!
I love this story! Makes me smile and so happy slash proud for slash of you. Wish we would have overlapped in Chicago!
I wish we could have met too!
I literally just made strawberry rhubarb muffins!!! Great minds think alike! Your version looks delicious.
This is such a beautiful post. And what a beautiful, happy world your baby is going to arrive into 🙂
Congrats to you and your husband and your upcoming little one. Life is hard, and it’s hard to come out of our comfort zones. I just started my journey of my passion for baking and photography about three years ago. I have been scared, sad, mad, annoyed, angry, happy, at wits end, and everything in between. But I wouldn’t trade the emotions, lessons, or people I have met, online and off for the world. Love your blog, love your recipes. Happy you took the leap
Amen, amen, amen!
It’s amazing how much can happen in five years and you’ve certainly made some big jumps! Congrats on all of the positive things happening for you 🙂 These muffins look delicious!
Thanks Nicole!