I didn’t go to school to study it. I’m guessing you didn’t either. (On the off chance that you did and can somehow still tolerate this space, I apologize for all the cringe-worthy sentence structures.) Yet somehow we’re all editors. I guess we’ve always been editors to a degree—choosing what we share and what we don’t. But now it’s forever stained into the internet—into your blog, your Instagram feed, and Facebook wall. It’s neatly housed in one space—to be read, to be enjoyed, to be critiqued as a body of work reflecting your life.
This space—it’s my space. I feel like a six year old when I say it. I don’t have to share it like I do my bowl of oatmeal every morning. Though its contents are the same, the little person adjacent to me wants my bowl. So we share. It’s one less thing to clean, I guess.
This space—it’s happy and as pretty as my camera knowledge will allow. I’m not sure that you’d stop by if it were any different. But it’s edited, extremely so. I shoot on a white Ikea table top that I carry around like a 1980s boom box. I share the recipes that work, and the stories that make me smile.
But I don’t normally share everything else. The days where motherhood is so hard I want to run away. The days when I have to remember that I promised “for worse” and so did he. The days when I hover over the delete button to my social media accounts because I want to be anonymous to everyone except my family, friends, and neighbors. The days that Alexander declared terrible, horrible, no good, very bad.
I’ve had a string of them lately, and they’ve gotten me good. They’ve gotten me down.
In college, I had my MCL repaired. I tore it so many times playing soccer that it was acting like a stretched out rubberband, one that had lost its elasticity. This string of hard days has left me feeling like that.
There’s a page in one of Hal’s favorite books (and mine as a wee one), Quick as a Cricket, that always gives me pause. “I’m as brave as a tiger.” There’s a little boy holding a leash to a very large tiger. The juxtaposition of size and species tells its own story. In his other hand, he’s holding a flashlight, illuminating the darkness. I don’t know who or what you believe in (some days I’m not so sure either), but I like to think there’s someone far bigger and greater than me. And that he’s telling me: wake up and try again.
I prefer to ride the high of the happy days and to etch them into this space, but it’s the dark ones that ground me and remind me of something bigger than me. Gosh, I hope there’s something bigger than me.
I don’t write this searching for encouragement, though I’ll gladly take it (and probably need it). I write this because it’s cathartic, because I can’t say anything else until I say this. And as the self-appointed editor of this space, it’s important to acknowledge the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly, the for better and for worse. Without the other side, this space is nothing but shortsighted. I’m trying my hardest to wake up and try again, because that right now feels brave to me.
I made Green Kitchen Stories Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal when Grace from The Sunday Table was in town a couple months ago. It was golden, as was she. Grace has this quiet, confident steadiness about her. Hallie, my timid-at-first little lady, jumped right into her lap. She could sense it from across the table. I’ve since catered their recipe into my go-to baked oatmeal recipe adding back in all the dairy (I hear your gasps). It’s topped with a dollop of mascarpone cream, suitable for breakfast yet slightly reminiscent of dessert. I think it will remind you that spring is near (depending on your longitude and latitude coordinates), that seasons pass, and that brighter days are ahead. This is a good start.
Carrot Cake, meet Oatmeal. Kids, meet vegetables for breakfast. I don’t care for dried fruit or nuts in my carrot cake, but I greatly appreciate it in my morning oats. I’ll let you decide how to proceed. The mascarpone cream is optional. Kidding, not kidding. It takes this bake to a whole new level. You can get by without, but I wouldn’t.
Ingredients
Scale
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 c. freshly grated carrots (about 2 carrots)
2 c. old-fashioned oats
1/2 c. brown sugar, very lightly packed
1/4 c. walnuts, chopped (optional)
1/4 c. currants* (optional)
1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 tsp. flaky kosher salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1 1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
handful unsweetened coconut
Topping
1/2 c. mascarpone
2 tbsp. milk
1 tbsp. maple
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°. Brown butter on stove by cooking on medium heat until golden, swirling occasionally. Set aside to cool. (You can forgo the browning and just melt butter for a less caramelized flavor.)
Grate carrots using a cheese grater or food processor.
Combine oats, grated carrots, brown sugar, walnuts, currants, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger in a medium bowl. Stir together.
Into the cooled butter, whisk together milk, applesauce, egg, and vanilla.
Add milk mixture to oat mixture and stir to combine.
Pour mixture into an 8″x10″ baking dish (or similar). For an extra pretty presentation, sprinkle with coconut and currants. Bake for 20-22 min.
Meanwhile, make mascarpone cream. In a small bowl, gently whisk together mascarpone, milk, and maple syrup until just smooth. Cream will thicken as it sits.
Serve warm. Garnish individually with cream.
Notes
* I prefer currants to raisins. They are very similar in taste to without the juicy/moist texture that I don’t always care for.
Nutrition
Serving Size:4-8 servings depending on the accompaniments
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I read food blogs allll the time. I love them. Currently developing my own actually. But this is the first post that I’ve read that compelled me to write back. As I’ve started to write posts, I’ve often thought about how much of “me” to share. I don’t think I’ve settled on a guideline as of yet but what I do know, is that I really enjoyed reading your post. I liked how open, genuine and…. human…. you were. It gave me encouragement actually. It helped me to remember that behind this perfect site with beautiful photos and writing… is a real person who has a real life with all the ups and downs that we all face. I guess I just wanted to say well done… and thank you.
Thank you for this note. I feel like I walk the line of getting personal a little close sometimes. Pressing publish still makes me nervous. But it doesn’t feel right when the real comings and goings are absent either. Seriously, thanks for your encouragement! I’d love to see you site when it’s up!
Hi Melissa! I think your posts are beautiful so I would say, keep doing what you’re doing!!! And I actually published my site last week – it’s http://www.thecalmingkitchen.com 🙂
Definitely giving this oatmeal a try! Melissa, thanks for always being just who you are. Days can sure be tough, and they don’t seem to trickle in here and there, but they sort of downpour! I can always be thankful that God is near. Somehow even nearer when days are dark. He’s got you, friend. When I feel like I’m going to break, I practice the discipline of gratitude and start making a list of what is good and true around me (sometimes begrudgingly). But it lets the light seep in just enough to help me breathe. May you gain clarity and peace. And soon!
Bravery is a good word. Some days it feels so hard to get a word on the page or a wooden spoon into the batter. We have to be brave and keep on going. One letter at a time, one little stir is all it takes to get moving again. Everything will be alright.
That is a gorgeous oatmeal and these are some good words. I think so many of us can relate to these sentiments, so thank you for sharing them in your beautiful space. I appreciate it.
Big hugs to you beautiful Melissa!! Living with your head focused on one day at time will get you through the tough stuff. Wake up and try again. I love that.
I love this post…it’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately; I actually had a discussion about this subject of private/public/curation in the blog world during my last podcast interview…not sure of the answers, but always appreciate honesty.
I hear you on so many fronts. Sometimes I forget how edited all of our spaces are. We keep our hearts guarded, even when we reveal. I’ve gone through the roller coaster of emotions and strings of bad, bad, bad days, but I think it’s always important to lean on some very wise words, ‘this, too, shall pass.’ Thinking of you and sending you love, warmth, and brighter days. x
Let me start by saying that your blog is perfect – and I WAS trained a bit in writing and worked for a while for a book publisher, yet I’ve never ‘met’ a blogger who wasn’t a great writer. I also want to thank you for your candor about having, as we all have, days when we just feel ‘off’. (You’re the 2nd blogger who’s expressed that recently.) I’ve been having a few ‘down days’ myself lately. WE ALL NEED SPRING !! And I had a great many days raising my twin sons where I just didn’t think I could take another day of tantrums etc. Luckily, as you know, the good days return and we pick up where we left off and keep going – and blogging !! ; o )
Loved reading this. Loved how you phrased something that makes total sense. Sometimes I’d like to be totally anonymous on the internet too. And that Grace is a great lady. xo.
I make a baked oatmeal that is so yummy that no one I serve it to can stop eating it until it’s gone or until their belly busts and this has some similarities, so I’m betting it’s a winner! Printed out and saving. Thanks for sharing.
It is brave and hard to be honest in such a public space, you are a tiger. I ride the highs as well and wish they could be everlasting, but some sliver of me recognizes that isn’t realistic. The more life I live the more I realize how normal I am and that most people feel the same feels. This brings me great comfort.
Most days I swear I’m the only one that must feel this way or that. It’s so silly. Thanks for making me feel normal! Here’s to the lows that make the highs a gift.
Oh, Melissa, I love the honesty & emotion in the post. Your little space here is wonderful, and I just know that you have so, so many good days in your future. xoxo (gorgeous photos, too, and this recipe looks delicious)
Hugs, friend. Know that I’m just a text/e-mail/phone call/short drive away if you need or want one in real life. Or a big cup of coffee to go with this delicious oatmeal. xo
I have days when I can’t get out of bed. Two years ago, I lay down on my couch and binge watched the Vampire Diaries for weeks! I was down in December because I was working for a pastry chef that literally told me every day that he didn’t understand why I thought I should be paid because I wasn’t worth it (or some variation on that theme). It was awful! But then once you are passed the bad, it’s amazing and then to see how far you’ve come! That’s the best! I find it helpful to plot out on a paper where I was, say, 5 years ago, and where I am now. And to write out all the things I’ve accomplished and the lessons I’ve learned. Not everything was bad, in fact, and I find doing that kind of exercise really helps, even if it seems so ridiculous in the moment. You have a beautiful family and a beautiful blog with such a solid following! It’s a wonderful thing to remember 🙂
I can’t believe someone treated you that way. You can only hear it for so long until you start to believe it.Thanks for this note. It means a lot. I worked out yesterday and realized what a mood stabilizer it is for me. I worked out regularly before the babe came but haven’t been able to string together a good rhythm. I need to figure that out. It makes such a huge difference for me too. Seriously, thanks for this!
Beautiful post. I’ve had some dark days lately myself. It feels good to know I’m not alone. And that oatmeal looks to die for and unfortunately something no one else in my family would eat. Oh well, more for me!
Kate, we should get together sometime. I was afraid to write this post, thinking no one else would feel the same way. As much as I hate that you feel this way too, it’s good to know that we’re normal, whatever that means 🙂
This is golden. Your words and pictures are just incredibly refreshing. I really appreciate your honesty & hope today/this week is a little brighter and better than before:) Thanks for sharing your heart on this one. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
I love your blog. Everything about it. Thanks for sharing your struggles with us, and I hope you have a bunch of REALLY GOOD days coming up. Also, I’ve been craving carrot cake for breakfast, so you quite literally answered my prayers. xoxo
Agree that the dark and difficult days remind us of things greater than ourselves. I also have so much more appreciation for the good times because of the hard ones. Thanks for keeping it real. Hope things turn around for you soon! and PS Carrot cake baked oatmeal -> love!
I have enjoyed both your writing and your beautifully made/photographed oatmeal. My husband loves carrot cake so I will give this a try. —And I am one of those people that knows/believes there is someone/something greater than me (around and within us). I believe He really is saying, “wake up and try again”. 🙂 As a new mom myself, I say…You got this! Stay inspired.
Thanks for this. For listen and encouraging. It went a long way. The fog has lifted and we’re feeling like our old selves again. It’s a good feeling, one I’m trying not to take for granted! xo
Melissa, Mary Ann here, you know the “My Birthday in a Bowl” Mary Ann. Still here, still reading and counting on your wonderful recipes to get me through when I’m slipping or tired or really, really don’t know what to prepare for dinner and might not even want to. In many ways you are an inspiration, keep it up girl, hang in there girl friend.
Mary Ann! Thanks for still being here. You are a saint for sticking with me. The encouragement went a long way. Right after I wrote this post, we had a 3-week string of sickness run through the house, and I realized all the things I had to be thankful for. Especially people like you that care enough to read my tangential thoughts and send love. Thank you.
If I could, I’d reach through the screen and hug the ever living daylight out of you, woman. You ARE brave as a tiger. And I admire the heck out of you. <3
I’m way late in responding (though I read this right away). Thank you my friend. Things are looking up! You wrote a post the same day that was just what I needed to hear.
Sending you all the hugs I have, Melissa. <3 Thank you for your candor and your thoughtfulness — even in the rough times, your peaceful spirit is so inspiring. Hope things feel back to normal soon. As for this carrot cake baked oatmeal, I am all about it — I love love carrot cake and I'm a recent convert to baked oatmeal, I'm thinking I need to try this breakfast-meets-dessert sometime very soon!
I read food blogs allll the time. I love them. Currently developing my own actually. But this is the first post that I’ve read that compelled me to write back. As I’ve started to write posts, I’ve often thought about how much of “me” to share. I don’t think I’ve settled on a guideline as of yet but what I do know, is that I really enjoyed reading your post. I liked how open, genuine and…. human…. you were. It gave me encouragement actually. It helped me to remember that behind this perfect site with beautiful photos and writing… is a real person who has a real life with all the ups and downs that we all face. I guess I just wanted to say well done… and thank you.
Thank you for this note. I feel like I walk the line of getting personal a little close sometimes. Pressing publish still makes me nervous. But it doesn’t feel right when the real comings and goings are absent either. Seriously, thanks for your encouragement! I’d love to see you site when it’s up!
Hi Melissa! I think your posts are beautiful so I would say, keep doing what you’re doing!!! And I actually published my site last week – it’s http://www.thecalmingkitchen.com 🙂
Hope you like it!
This was the celebratory post half-ironman brunch for the Dukes this morning. Perfection.
Such an honor, especially after an ironman! Wow, wow, wow! Kev and I are sending our congrats to you and T. Duke!
Definitely giving this oatmeal a try! Melissa, thanks for always being just who you are. Days can sure be tough, and they don’t seem to trickle in here and there, but they sort of downpour! I can always be thankful that God is near. Somehow even nearer when days are dark. He’s got you, friend. When I feel like I’m going to break, I practice the discipline of gratitude and start making a list of what is good and true around me (sometimes begrudgingly). But it lets the light seep in just enough to help me breathe. May you gain clarity and peace. And soon!
Bravery is a good word. Some days it feels so hard to get a word on the page or a wooden spoon into the batter. We have to be brave and keep on going. One letter at a time, one little stir is all it takes to get moving again. Everything will be alright.
That is a gorgeous oatmeal and these are some good words. I think so many of us can relate to these sentiments, so thank you for sharing them in your beautiful space. I appreciate it.
Big hugs to you beautiful Melissa!! Living with your head focused on one day at time will get you through the tough stuff. Wake up and try again. I love that.
Your realness + honesty are what makes this space SO completely great. Also, the photos + recipes, of course. You are a constant inspiration!
I love this post…it’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately; I actually had a discussion about this subject of private/public/curation in the blog world during my last podcast interview…not sure of the answers, but always appreciate honesty.
I hear you on so many fronts. Sometimes I forget how edited all of our spaces are. We keep our hearts guarded, even when we reveal. I’ve gone through the roller coaster of emotions and strings of bad, bad, bad days, but I think it’s always important to lean on some very wise words, ‘this, too, shall pass.’ Thinking of you and sending you love, warmth, and brighter days. x
Let me start by saying that your blog is perfect – and I WAS trained a bit in writing and worked for a while for a book publisher, yet I’ve never ‘met’ a blogger who wasn’t a great writer. I also want to thank you for your candor about having, as we all have, days when we just feel ‘off’. (You’re the 2nd blogger who’s expressed that recently.) I’ve been having a few ‘down days’ myself lately. WE ALL NEED SPRING !! And I had a great many days raising my twin sons where I just didn’t think I could take another day of tantrums etc. Luckily, as you know, the good days return and we pick up where we left off and keep going – and blogging !! ; o )
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal, mmmmm, loved it.
Keepin’ it real like you do, yay-yuh, yes indeed, love U!
Loved reading this. Loved how you phrased something that makes total sense. Sometimes I’d like to be totally anonymous on the internet too. And that Grace is a great lady. xo.
I make a baked oatmeal that is so yummy that no one I serve it to can stop eating it until it’s gone or until their belly busts and this has some similarities, so I’m betting it’s a winner! Printed out and saving. Thanks for sharing.
It is brave and hard to be honest in such a public space, you are a tiger. I ride the highs as well and wish they could be everlasting, but some sliver of me recognizes that isn’t realistic. The more life I live the more I realize how normal I am and that most people feel the same feels. This brings me great comfort.
Most days I swear I’m the only one that must feel this way or that. It’s so silly. Thanks for making me feel normal! Here’s to the lows that make the highs a gift.
Oh, Melissa, I love the honesty & emotion in the post. Your little space here is wonderful, and I just know that you have so, so many good days in your future.
xoxo
(gorgeous photos, too, and this recipe looks delicious)
it looks super yummy!!!
https://aspoonfulofnature.wordpress.com/
Hugs, friend. Know that I’m just a text/e-mail/phone call/short drive away if you need or want one in real life. Or a big cup of coffee to go with this delicious oatmeal. xo
Thanks Steph! We need to do this soon. PS- thanks for being a friend and squeezing me into your life when we moved here. Means a whole lot!
I have days when I can’t get out of bed. Two years ago, I lay down on my couch and binge watched the Vampire Diaries for weeks! I was down in December because I was working for a pastry chef that literally told me every day that he didn’t understand why I thought I should be paid because I wasn’t worth it (or some variation on that theme). It was awful!
But then once you are passed the bad, it’s amazing and then to see how far you’ve come! That’s the best! I find it helpful to plot out on a paper where I was, say, 5 years ago, and where I am now. And to write out all the things I’ve accomplished and the lessons I’ve learned. Not everything was bad, in fact, and I find doing that kind of exercise really helps, even if it seems so ridiculous in the moment.
You have a beautiful family and a beautiful blog with such a solid following! It’s a wonderful thing to remember 🙂
I can’t believe someone treated you that way. You can only hear it for so long until you start to believe it.Thanks for this note. It means a lot. I worked out yesterday and realized what a mood stabilizer it is for me. I worked out regularly before the babe came but haven’t been able to string together a good rhythm. I need to figure that out. It makes such a huge difference for me too. Seriously, thanks for this!
Beautiful post. I’ve had some dark days lately myself. It feels good to know I’m not alone. And that oatmeal looks to die for and unfortunately something no one else in my family would eat. Oh well, more for me!
Kate, we should get together sometime. I was afraid to write this post, thinking no one else would feel the same way. As much as I hate that you feel this way too, it’s good to know that we’re normal, whatever that means 🙂
I love baked oatmeal. These oats sound so good!
This is golden. Your words and pictures are just incredibly refreshing. I really appreciate your honesty & hope today/this week is a little brighter and better than before:) Thanks for sharing your heart on this one. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Thanks for your sweet note and encouragement Maeve!
I love your blog. Everything about it. Thanks for sharing your struggles with us, and I hope you have a bunch of REALLY GOOD days coming up. Also, I’ve been craving carrot cake for breakfast, so you quite literally answered my prayers. xoxo
Thanks for ALWAYS encouraging me Sara. It means a whole whole lot. Much love to you my friend!
Agree that the dark and difficult days remind us of things greater than ourselves. I also have so much more appreciation for the good times because of the hard ones. Thanks for keeping it real. Hope things turn around for you soon! and PS Carrot cake baked oatmeal -> love!
Amen. It definitely puts things into perspective. Thanks for the love Emily! xo
I have enjoyed both your writing and your beautifully made/photographed oatmeal. My husband loves carrot cake so I will give this a try. —And I am one of those people that knows/believes there is someone/something greater than me (around and within us). I believe He really is saying, “wake up and try again”. 🙂 As a new mom myself, I say…You got this! Stay inspired.
Thanks for this. For listen and encouraging. It went a long way. The fog has lifted and we’re feeling like our old selves again. It’s a good feeling, one I’m trying not to take for granted! xo
Melissa, Mary Ann here, you know the “My Birthday in a Bowl” Mary Ann. Still here, still reading and counting on your wonderful recipes to get me through when I’m slipping or tired or really, really don’t know what to prepare for dinner and might not even want to. In many ways you are an inspiration, keep it up girl, hang in there girl friend.
Mary Ann! Thanks for still being here. You are a saint for sticking with me. The encouragement went a long way. Right after I wrote this post, we had a 3-week string of sickness run through the house, and I realized all the things I had to be thankful for. Especially people like you that care enough to read my tangential thoughts and send love. Thank you.
If I could, I’d reach through the screen and hug the ever living daylight out of you, woman. You ARE brave as a tiger. And I admire the heck out of you. <3
I’m way late in responding (though I read this right away). Thank you my friend. Things are looking up! You wrote a post the same day that was just what I needed to hear.
Sending you all the hugs I have, Melissa. <3 Thank you for your candor and your thoughtfulness — even in the rough times, your peaceful spirit is so inspiring. Hope things feel back to normal soon. As for this carrot cake baked oatmeal, I am all about it — I love love carrot cake and I'm a recent convert to baked oatmeal, I'm thinking I need to try this breakfast-meets-dessert sometime very soon!
Thank you for being a steady source of encouragement for me. I owe you a whole lot and the best thing about you is that you wouldn’t even think so.