Third Time Lucky For Mother’s Day 2012

We all get those days. Days where your toothpaste gets in your hair, where the hot water runs out just as your about to wash your waist-length hair and you miss the bus to school or work.

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It’s those days where we often need to depression eat, shop, cry – sometimes all three. But more often than not, just before delving into that hot fudge brownie sundae after maxing out three credit cards, someone will come up to you and take your hand. Someone will take you, sit you down in a plush chair and just look at you until your pour your heart out.

And then they will sympathise, tell you the truth, smile weirdly at you for worrying over anything so small and give you a hug, before giving you a piece of brownie.

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That person has many names and roles – Get-Out-Of-School Ticket, Automatic Doctor, Free Hug Stall Holder, Nightmare Catcher, Three Hat Chef – the list goes on and on…

But she tells everyone to call her mum 🙂

Mums are angels sent from heaven to protect you 24/7 on Earth – they will only go when you truly do not need them, even though you think you do because you want them with you.

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To be honest I am yet to experience something more fun than having breakfast with my mum before going shopping together. Without a doubt, she is my best friend 🙂

And am I not the luckiest girl in the world? Not only is my mum with me, but my grandma also lives with me – cool right? So Mother’s Day is a double celebration at my place 😀

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Ok, so Mothers Day 2012 has come and gone. This  year, I had to fight tooth and nail against the elements to bake for it because on Saturday, the day before, it was the craziest day ever. It was one of those days.

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Idea #1:
I thought to myself, ‘Let’s go Desi* Uru, and make an Indian dessert and dress up in a Sari to make it authentic’. Ok, not the last bit but the first bit for sure 😀
I won’t be giving out any recipes or anything because I honestly do not know if it was me or the recipe but things happen and well, sometimes you just do not get a nice fluffy mawa but a sludgy binned overly sweet… thing. I have helped make Indian sweets before, I know the drill but I guess a Desi dish was not to be…

*Desi = A patriotic way of saying Indian

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Idea #2.
Still on Saturday, I thought ‘You know what, I still have butter and sugar. Why not make something warm, comforting and oozing with sugary goodness?’
For the second time that morning, I entered the kitchen with hopes of making a wow factor dessert to please the mothers in my family but alas, what was meant to be soft, risen and cinnamony turned flat and black with burnt jam… yikes.

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Idea #3.
Leave it. I left the kitchen for the weekend – we went out to breakfast on Mother’s Day and I still did not cook. I needed some time for mummy to hold my hand and tell me the oven was not trying to burn me and that my wooden spoon was not trying to give a splinter 😉

And now, 2 days after, the spell of bad baking was over, the elements subsided and the clouds stopped raining on my head to allow me to make the much deserved Mother’s Day treat 🙂

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Idea #4. -Success-

I recently got a mini muffin tin. It is my new favourite baking item. In the archives of my ‘to make’ folder, I had Mini Muffins. Fate? I think so 🙂

But these mini muffins are so not just mini muffins. You think I will be *shudder* usual for the mums in my family? Psshaw, perish the thought!
No no, these were not mini muffins, so much as mini puffins.

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****

“She’s lost it.”
“She’s making up things.”
“Her poor mother, finding out about her insanity on Mother’s Day no less.”

****

I am still here, in case you didn’t realise – and no, am not insane, just in love.
In love with the idea of a PANCAKE and MUFFIN having a love child and thus naming it PUFFIN! 😀 😀

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It was perfection to make for mother’s day as it ticked off all the criteria

  1. Bite sized perfection since my mum does not eat overdoses of sugar like her daughter
  2. Not to sweet for my grandma
  3. A breakfast treat (I don’t know about you but Mother’s Day is always associated with breakfast for me)
  4. Variety of flavours!
  5. Loved by all 🙂

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How would I describe a mini puffin? Small (no joke, really ;)) but consisting of melt-in-mouth flavours and the softest crumb I have ever tasted in a muffin. But like a pancake, these are not overly sweet and when dipped into maple syrup, make for the most decadent bite sized breakfast ever 😀

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I got this recipe from the esteemed Bakerella. And then changed it to my liking as always like this:

  • I actually let the batter sit for 10 minutes like a pancake batter, for my own OCD issues 😉
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  • If desired, just replace 2 tbs of the plain flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version
  • I used brown sugar
  • I added in cinnamon since it makes every batter leap up in taste
  • I added vanilla essence
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  • I increased maple syrup to 1/4 cup and it still was not overly sweet!
  • I filled my cups up fully and got a beautiful rise and perfect muffin tops 😀 – do not be scared to do so!
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  • Grease and sugar the mini cups

Also, you may have noticed in the photos, I did not just make chocolate chunk puffins, despite yesterday being National Chocolate Chip Day 😀

Oh no, I put small spoons of batter into each greased cup and then mixed through what I wanted! So then we had

  1. Walnut for my mummy – She is actually in love with nuts 🙂
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  2. Plain for my grandma (but next time, I would sprinkle the top with cinnamon and sugar for a snickerdoodle version!)
  3. Berry Jam swirled
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  4. Nutella swirled (guess who for ;))
  5. White chocolate chunk
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  6. Dark chocolate chunk
  7. Dried Cranberry Stuffed
  8. A mix of white choc, dark choc chunks with leftover walnuts for a Choc-Nut puffin 🙂
    How can one say variety is not the spice of life 😉

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So there you have it. After battling a fire breathing oven, a spitting stove and quite a few tears, baking for such special people finally did happen 🙂

Happy Belated Mother’s Day mummy & mumma, I love you both very much 😀

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250 Comments

  1. Elaine says:

    A puffin?! You are just too cute! I love it (them)! The photos with the chocolate oozing from the puffins make my mouth water. What delicious treats for your mother and grandmother.

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Thank you my friend 😀
      Ma and grandma both enjoyed then happily though because they are more keen on nuts and berries, I was forced to eat the gooey chocolate one 😉

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  7. cookingsgood says:

    Another totally awesome post. These muffins look fantastic. Your Mom and Grandma are very lucky to have you and you are equally lucky to have them. Cheers to the three of you.

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  10. Katerina says:

    These puffins look so great! Your mom is so lucky! I don’t have a daughter but if I had I would have been very proud for her if she made something like this for me!

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  15. Barbara says:

    Aren’t you lucky to live with your mom and grandmother! I sure miss mine…and think of them so often around Mother’s Day. And my mother’s birthday was always right around the same time.
    I think you’re Puffins look delicious!

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      You bet I am 🙂
      And it is natural my friend around this time I am sure – though your memories must be wonderful
      Thank you for enjoying the puffins, mentally sending you a boatload!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  16. Beth Michelle says:

    Moms are the best and you are super lucky to get to live with your grandmother too!!! We all have those kind of days in the kitchen and just need to walk away. Your muffins look amazing!! I love mini muffin tins they are the greatest!!

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  17. Hannah says:

    Mt grandparents live up the road from my parents so, while I don’t live with any of them, I get to see both parents and grandparents at least once a week when I visit. And I actually took a half-day from work today to go and have lunch with my grandpa for his birthday, so yay for family love! Delicious muffins too, of course 🙂

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  19. Reem | Simply Reem says:

    These look delicious!!!
    You are lucky to be near your mom and grand mom. I miss my mom and grand mom always on such days…
    I have to make these soon..
    B/W I would love to see a Desi treat and you dressed up in Saree…
    Have a great day dear..

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      I am sure it is natural to miss them my friend 🙂
      I wish I could send you a boatload of these if you enjoyed them!
      And honestly, me in a Sari? Wouldn’t that be a sight 😛
      Have a wonderful weekend my friend!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  20. Rhonda says:

    You are so lucky to live with your Grandma and Mom! I was missing both my Mom and Grams this mother’s day but celebrated with my Mother in Law! Those little muffins look so tasty!

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Thank you, I definitely am – and you and your mother in law must have had a wonderful time though it would be natural to miss your mum and grame 🙂
      I am happy you enjoyed them my friend!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  22. Beth says:

    I love the idea of puffins! So cute. We celebrated Mother’s Day with three generations too – my mom, myself and my daughters. What a lovely day!

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  23. Soni says:

    What a great idea of naming it “Puffin”!!!You’re a genius U and all those toppings make them so so delectable!!I’m sure the Mom’s enjoyed each and every one of them 🙂

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  26. Nami | Just One Cookbook says:

    I love your PUFFINS, Uru!!! Your mom is such a lucky lady to have you as a daughter. Now I better start training to bake and teach my daughter to bake so she can bake these treats one day… for me! =D You are a sweet girl, Uru!

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Haha thank you so much my friend 😀
      My mum may be lucky but I am much luckier to have her! You are very kind my friend and I am sure your daughter will be just as wonderful a chef as you!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  27. Sissi says:

    What a wonderful, touching post… The muffins look fantastic! I hope this Mother’s day was filled with joy! (Here Mother’s Day is a bit later, so we haven’t celebrated it yet).

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Haha thank you, I always love the cross section pics 😀
      I wish I could give you some right now my friend but if you want, they are so easy to make, they are ready to eat piping hot in 30 min 🙂

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  33. Geni - Sweet and Crumby says:

    These are the most gorgeous muffins I have ever seen! And so delectable. I want a bite of ALL of them! You are a very sweet daughter to write about your mum in such a way. I know I would tear up if my kids did that. So nice that you guys are so close. She must be an amazing mum! 🙂

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      You are so sweet, thank you (though looking at my muffins, I am reminded of your peachy ones :D)
      My mum is such a big part of my life, she is amazing. I cannot actually think of another word to describe it 🙂
      I am sure you are the same my friend for your kids too!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  37. cookingactress says:

    failures in the kitchen are just the worst! I would’ve been all sad too :(. But these puffins were such a great comeback! I love them–so cute and mini but so tasty and delightful! Mmm

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  43. Becky says:

    Beautifully done my friend! As a mother, I will say, that was a very sweet posting! Mother’s are very special and have a very important job indeed! Someday I am sure you will have little one’s who brag to their friends about what a wonderful baker their mother is! This recipe looks fun and delicious and perfect for Mother’s Day!! 🙂

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Thank you so much 😀
      I agree with you my friend, without mothers where would we be (literally :P) – but seriously they are the best! Actually, I do dream of one day having kids who adore my baking – I can’t wait for that 🙂
      I am very happy you enjoyed this recipe my friend!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  49. Tisa says:

    i actually glanced at this yesterday, but I wanted time to look through the whole thing seeing the post title and time enabled me today. What a beautiful, heartfelt post- aside from the fact that you prose so well, dear girl, your cooking innovations are unique, indeed. I really want to try the puffin, with your myriad of toppings. Your Mum (and Grandmum) must be so proud. A big hug , Uru, you outdid yourself again.

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      My friend you are very kind for saying such sweet encouraging things 🙂
      I hope you enjoy this puffin if you get the chance to try it!
      Also wishing you a belated happy mothers day!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  56. Caroline says:

    Yup, I definitely had one of those days already this week. Luckily, today is much better! Sounds like you had a wonderful Mother’s day with your mom and gram. These muffins look fantastic…I’m all about the snickerdoodle idea (bc I’m the crazy who doesn’t like chocolate). 😉

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      I am glad everything is all good now my friend 🙂
      I did have an awesome day thank you and very happy you enjoyed the muffins, though I must say I can only forgive you because you like snickerdoodles 😉

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  57. Heather says:

    What a fun way to celebrate Mothers Day – I too always associate this day with breakfast; looks like we were both thinking along the same lines this year; mini breakfasts for our moms 🙂

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  60. Ramona says:

    How YUMMY for you Mommy!! When my kids get old enough to bake… I’m telling them follow this post and make this for me!! I love that your mother is your best friend… mine is too. 🙂

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  62. Just A Smidgen says:

    This is exactly why I love your blog, you wrote “But she tells everyone to call her mum ” and it made me want to cry.. I love your “puffins” and think you are so clever in so many ways!! xo Smidge

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  65. dianeskitchentable says:

    Breakfast & shopping is my idea of a great day with my daughter but you’ve gone above and beyond the call of daughter duty with these. May I adopt you? It never hurts to have a couple mothers & I only have 1 daughter.

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Haha, that is my favourite way to spend time with my mum – a little extra on mother’s day never hurt 😉
      Be my guest, I mean my mother guest… guest-mother – nope just mum 😀
      More than happy to have more than 1!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  67. bitsandbreadcrumbs says:

    I would enjoy each and every flavor of these adorable puffins. So smart of you to find a way to customize like that…I’m stealing it! I’ll bet your mom and grandma had a wonderful Mother’s Day!

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Thank you so much my friend – steal? It is a free for all and I know I am not even the first to do it 😉
      They most certainly did and I hope you did too!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  70. Abby says:

    I love that you can make each one a different flavor combo! What a lovely tribute to your mom too 🙂 I think you’ve shown that perseverance is the true bad day buster!

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  71. Kim@Treats & Trinkets says:

    I definitely have days like that. Like the times when the same person from the same call center keeps calling and asking the same questions, and I really want to tell her that my answer isn’t going to change in 30 seconds so please stop calling and let me read about mini puffins.

    I love the name puffins. It just makes me think of tiny little airy puffs of love.

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Oh my gosh, those call centre people are crazy! I often ignore the phone if they get persistent 😉
      Thanks so much – and your description of puffin is actually perfect 😀

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  74. Kathleen Richardson says:

    CCU, I make muffins often and am inspired to do as you did, that is pour the ‘plain’ muffin batter in each tin, then add various goodies. What fun that must have been to come up with tasty goodies that suited each person’s likes. Your photos are the best. How did you get the three boxes to tip like the Leaning Tower of Pisa? They must be hooked together, right? Keep writing…

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      I think it works a treat, this technique and I am glad you do it too 😀
      It really was, you always understand what I mean – Each person’s likes and dislikes, it was so fun!
      Thanks my friend – yep, I think last Christmas we got some cookies in each box (the whole box is joined together) and I loved it so much I ate the cookies and kept it 😉

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  77. navane64 says:

    each and every word you mentioned for mums are so meaningful and the goodies are perfect to honour mums all over the world.

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Too sweet my friend – I am really not the (grand) daughter from the heavens though 😉
      Thanks for enjoying these – they were well worth the effort 😀

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  82. Tina@flourtrader says:

    No doubt you had a wonderful day with your mom and grandmother! I am sure that these puffins were a hit. I love how high some of these rose as well as all the goodies you packed in there. Well done!

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  85. viveka says:

    Love muffins .. especially freshly baked and I love them for breakfast …. will be over straight away to get some. Just going to have my breakfast now.

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Determination is necessary my friend for every kitchen nut… I mean baker/cook 😉
      They did enjoy my friend, thank you!
      Have a wonderful upcoming weekend!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  91. Susie says:

    What a fantastic treat for your mom and grandma on mother’s day. I spent the entire week with mom leading up to Mother’s day and we did all sorts of stuff together. When I was younger and living at home my grandmother lived with us as well and I felt equally blessed to have 2 women tell me I was pretty all the time lol. I posted some pictures of my mom on mother’s day from the 70’s lol she was flattered and tried to say they weren’t her. Ha! These treats look super yummy and perfect for everyone.

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      That is the cutest ever my friend 😀
      You and your mum have had a ball 🙂
      It sounds like your life was a lot like how mine is now – totally cool! Thanks for enjoying these treats and your mum sounds like such a sweet person!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  92. Kristy says:

    Moms are the best aren’t they?! I don’t know what I would do without mine bringing me down of the ledge every now and then. And I love the ideas of puffins! I mean really, could there be a more perfect food for comforting yourself. Yum!

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  98. hotlyspiced says:

    I have the same maple syrup! Your mother sounds so very special and it’s so wonderful that you have a great relationship with her. And you have your grandmother living with you too! How special. These mini-muffins look so good and I love the little bit of chocolate poked into them. They look moist and tasty xx

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Haha, finally someone else has the same baking stuff as me – I don’t know why but it makes me grin 😀
      Thank you my friend for such a sweet comment – nothing beats a mum daughter relationship without a doubt!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  103. An Unrefined Vegan says:

    Seriously, I was choking up reading this! You described my mum perfectly! Mother does indeed stand for comfort. And I’m hereby climbing onto the puffin bandwagon! My favorite part: adding in whatever yummy things I want! PS how lucky you are to have your grandmother so close.

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Wow, our mums are similar indeed – she must be a wonderful person 🙂
      Welcome aboard the wagon my friend, would you like to stop off for a caramel swirl, chocolate chunk or one of each 😉
      Thank you very much!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  110. girlinafoodfrenzy says:

    Oh my gosh!!! That’s so sweet how you describe your mum trying to tell you, the oven’s not going to burn you, or the wooden spoon doesn’t want to give you a splinter! Mum’s truly are the best! Puffins! Love that name 🙂 sure fire winner in my books!

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  113. Kim Kelly - Liv Life (@LivLifeToo) says:

    You always make me laugh!!! Yes… I’ve had those toothpaste in my hair days!
    As for the muffins, Liv would LOVE these beauties!!! She loves anything maple, and it looks like you have some wonderful pure syrup there. Happy Mother’s Day to your mum and grandmum! Your words are beautiful….

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  118. kalamitykelli says:

    I love this idea! I have all the needed ingredients so I think I might make these this coming weekend……….I’ll let you know how it goes. Your pictures make your food look so great!!

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  119. Jennifer Eloff says:

    How blessed you are to have such a wonderful mum. Not all of us were blessed in that area. Some mums should never ever have been “mums”. Just saying….I broke the cycle though, I’m happy to say. I enjoy being a mother to my wonderful sons! The two most exciting days of my life were each of those days that I held my newborn baby for the first time. There is no way to describe it – like one is on cloud nine!!

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      I am thankful for her everyday my friend – good on you for breaking the chain, I know you must be a wonderful mum 😀
      You make it sound like a magical moment which I look forward to experiencing, just way in the future 😉

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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