If you’ve been following me this past year, you may have taken the time to read some of the incredible Food Memory stories that have been shared here on Savoring Italy.
While the orange buns that Lora made were indeed delicious (as is everything that she makes), the food wasn’t what captured my attention. This was a heart-wrenching ode to her father, a post full of memories she had of this incredible man and her feelings in the wake of his passing. It was about traveling to his hometown of Sicily and reconnecting with family members.
It was about sharing photos from that journey and using her blog to make sense of everything, to mourn, to heal.
I was hooked. I was intrigued. And I wanted to get to know the woman behind the beautiful, haunting words that had driven me to tears as I read them.
I don’t have a specific food memory for Ms. D but I wanted to honor her, because she is one of the most important people to leave my life. She was so proud of us, “my kids” as she called us. She had a huge cork board on her wall where she kept all of our photos. You’d see yourself grow up on that board, with new photos replacing the old every year. She always knew what was happening with each of her students. I was so proud to have her for my counselor because she was the best.
Other #FoodMemory Guest posts to check out.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- zest of one orange
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter)
- 1 ¼ cups sour cream
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped candied ginger
Betsy | JavaCupcake.com says
What a great idea for a series of blog posts! 🙂 And these muffins look so yummy too! 🙂
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
Nancy and Lora,
I really really love this series. . so special. . such wonderful stories and I really think people are being celebrated and remembered here in such a beautiful way.
Nancy, what a beautiful post. . I love that you had someone special like this in your life that was not in your family. . reading stories like this make me appreciate individuals who work at schools so much. Building up, encouraging, strengthening our children. . I love this so much and hope that if phoebe and madeline ever need someone else, outside of me and paul, that they may find this in a teacher or counselor, like you. thanks so much for sharing this. loved it so much! and the muffins are glorious!
Renee says
Lovely recipe and truly heartfelt post. It is so wonderful to see my blogging buddies coming together to share the moments about people who shaped our lives.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Those muffins sound and look fantastic with the combination of flavours. Thanks for sharing, Nancy.
Wendy says
Food cooked with a loved one in mind tastes better because love is a magic ingredient. 🙂 How lucky you were, Nancy, to have Ms. D to love, encourage, and support you through your angst filled high school years! We all need someone like Ms. D! She obviously touched many lives, making the world a better place. These muffins are a perfect tribute because they too bring smiles of happiness. 🙂
Connie | URBAN BAKES says
Hi Lora
I'm sorry for the loss of your father. It must be tough a year later to have the memories of his passing resurface. But this is indeed a great series you're doing here honoring those who've lost someone special.
On a lighter note, I love layered cakes!! I've made several in my past and for me decorating is always my favorite part. Cool name for the blog; it suites you well!
And hey Nance! These muffins look tasty. I actually really-really enjoy cranberries with orange! It's one of my favorite flavors combinations. And you know me, throwing chocolate into the mix makes it all the better!
The Ninja Baker says
Gorgeous tribute to Ms D <3 Undoubtedly she is applauding the grownup smart lady of many talents…and huge heart <3
Oh, love the serendipity of the orange coincidence, too…Both recipes are undoubtedly divine!
cakeduchess says
I agree, my dear. Thank you for your sweet comment, Kim!
cakeduchess says
Hi Connie-Thank you so much! It has been lovely sharing the posts of these talented women in this Food Memory series. Layered cakes are wonderful:) Thanks for your sweet comment.
cakeduchess says
Thank you for stopping by, Wendy! I appreciate your lovely comment. Yes, food cooked with a loved one in mind tastes better because of LOVE!
cakeduchess says
Thank you for stopping by, Angie!
cakeduchess says
I agree that this is a lovely and heartfelt post. Thanks so much for your support, Renee!
cakeduchess says
Awww-thanks so much, Alice. I love this series as well. Nancy shared a beautiful post and recipe and I appreciate your support!
cakeduchess says
Thanks, Betsy! Happy you are enjoying this series. Thanks for your support!
The vegan 8 says
Hi Lora! I found you from Nancy's blog. Such a beautiful post and I enjoyed reading both of your stories. Such a sweet honor to bake and be reminded of loved ones. I always think of my mother when I bake or cook in the kitchen, because all growing up, she practically lived in the kitchen. She cooked us dinner 7 days a week and never had us eating boxed food or fast food. She always made sure we were well fed. She wasn't much of a baker and never wrote her own recipes as I do for my blog, but she did and still does have a huge passion for cooking and I know that was passed to me. I know it will come even more alive whenever she is no longer here. My daughter is 2 and she already loves to be in the kitchen with me. I love the memories I'm making with her! Thank you for sharing!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
Oh Nance, I love how you tell your personal story! And you went on and became a lawyer, in spite of those tumultuous years. You're such a wonderful person my friend. These muffins are gorgeous, and all those add-ins! I love all the ingredients. Great guest post for Lora!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
This is such a wonderful idea for a series. I'm so happy I found your blog. Recipes are just so much more special when they're tied to the ones we love. I've always felt like being in the kitchen connected me to more than just food. Thanks for sharing your story and giving an opportunity to others to share as well. I look forward to following along in the future.
wendy@chezchloe says
Delicious recipe and wonderful post. Good for me too as a reminder of my own teen and how I hope I can be their for her with support and love and without judgement. God bless your Ms. D for helping you to navigate to the other side!
And thanks for bringing us over to Lora's world:)
cheers, wendy
Allie | Baking a Moment says
This is such a lovely tribute. 🙂
Korean Steamed Rice -Guest Post with Hip Foodie Mom #FoodMemory - Cake Duchess — Cake Duchess says
[…] Nancy and Orange-Cranberry Ginger Chocolate Muffins […]
Vanilla Gelato-Karen's Kitchen Stories — Cake Duchess says
[…] Nancy from Gotta Get Baked and her Orange-Cranberry Chocolate Ginger Muffins […]
Boston Cream Trifles for a #GalentinesDay Party | gotta get baked says
[…] who got me through high school. One is my beloved counsellor, Ms. D, whom I wrote about in this guest post for Cake Duchess’ food memories series. Another is Ms. G, my drama […]