Blueberry Muffins (and a Giveaway)
So by now it’s old news that Gwyneth Paltrow wrote a cookbook and “graced” the cover of Bon Appetit. I have to admit that at first, I couldn’t wrap my head around all it. I mean, of all the celebs, I didn’t think that I could respect Paltrow as a foodie.
Whether we like it or not, celebrities (not to be confused with celebrity chefs) are infiltrating the food industry. They have always been there. But food is hot right now. So they are using cookbooks as their new status symbol. And since Paltrow is a super famous celeb after all I couldn’t say no when I was offered a copy of the book My Father’s Daughter.
I’m glad I stopped rolling my eyes after flipping through the book’s first few pages. I mean don’t get me wrong – there is nothing earth shattering about it. You won’t hear the angels calling or have some sort of foodie epiphany from it. Many people have bought and will continue to buy the book simply because it’s Paltrow’s. But once you get passed that, you will be left with a great collection of solid go-to recipes that are healthy without being too preachy.
One of the things that defines lots of us foodies is the pleasure we get from thinking, making and sharing food with those we love – which is the overall message of Paltrow’s book.
All in all – Paltrow is advocating family togetherness and good, healthy food. And you can’t knock a girl for that.
And you gotta love her for sharing the recipe for her mom’s blueberry muffins. They could not be easier to prepare and are LOADED with blueberries. Perfectly sweet, perfectly moist, perfectly tart and of course, perfectly delicious.
So now on to the giveaway. I’ve got a copy of Paltrow’s cookbook My Father’s Daughter to giveaway to one of you. To enter simply leave a comment on this post with your thoughts on this book’s message of family togetherness over food by Thursday, July 28th 11pm Eastern. For an extra entry, “Like” A Chica Bakes on Facebook (and then leave me another comment letting me know you did so. If you already do, leave a comment letting me know.) The winner will be announced on Friday, July 29th.
Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
2 eggs (preferably organic)
1/2 cup whole milk
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 1 tsp sugar, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups fresh blueberriesDirections:
Preheat oven to 375°. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
Whisk butter, eggs and milk in a bowl and set aside. Combine flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in another bowl. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients and then fold in blueberries. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp sugar.
Bake until muffins are golden brown and a knife/cake tester comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.
Share
foodwanderings — July 22, 2011 @ 2:46 pm
Gonna like your FB page but first I thought I am going to totally hating on this book but then read an article featuring Paltrow and her cookbook in one of the food mags and surprisingly was taken by it. Totally would love to have it!
Darla Manninen — July 22, 2011 @ 2:50 pm
I think her message is a beautiful one, as family is important and hey, who doesn’t love food? The fact that she promotes healthy eating is what clinches it. I also want to mention that you have an enticing looking blog, and your muffins look delicious! I liked your facebook page too so see you around!
Jessica of My Baking Heart — July 22, 2011 @ 2:59 pm
I’ve been wary about the book, too, but I’m glad to hear a great review – I’m reminded of the family dinners we had when I was younger. Dad worked non-stop, but somehow, we always had dinner together at the table (and not in front of the TV!).
Jessica of My Baking Heart — July 22, 2011 @ 2:59 pm
Luv ya on FB!
Christina @ This Woman Cooks! — July 22, 2011 @ 3:32 pm
I watched Gwyneth promote her book when she was on the Rachael Ray show. I’ve always liked her and on the show she seemed genuinely sweet and down to earth. She talked about loving to bring people together over food, which I love too. Many of my favorite memories are times I’ve spent with family over food- enjoying a home cooked meal, trying out a new restaurant, lazy summer days with a barbeque. It’s so true!
Jenny — July 22, 2011 @ 3:40 pm
It sounds like she has put together a pretty good book here. I also really value family time and love when it includes food! I’d love to make some of her family favorites and see if they become some of our favorites, too.
A Plum By Any Other Name — July 22, 2011 @ 3:55 pm
I shared your initial sentiments. After the eye-rolling (and reading her interview with Bon Appétit) I came to be pretty charmed. And annoyed that Gwyneth had another thing that she could add to ridiculous list of talents …
Becki (Becki's Whole Life) — July 22, 2011 @ 4:40 pm
These muffins look wonderful – love lots of blueberries! I like the fact that Gwyneth understands how food and having dinner together can truly bring a family together. I have seen a few of her recipes and they look tasty, healthy and simple – which I love. Plus its great to teach your children how to eat healthy food – which it sounds like she does as well.
Becki (Becki's Whole Life) — July 22, 2011 @ 4:40 pm
Oh – I also Liked your FB page!
Sarah @ pão e queijo — July 22, 2011 @ 5:07 pm
I at first rolled my eyes, too, as I’m not much into celebrity chefs nor celebrities that try their hand at being foodies. But like you, I also changed my perspective and now I want this book so bad! I think food unites people in many ways and sharing special family meals creates wonderful bonding experiences and memories.
Sarah @ pão e queijo — July 22, 2011 @ 5:08 pm
I am a fan of A Chica Bakes on FB.
Brian @ A Thought For Food — July 22, 2011 @ 5:38 pm
There are few actors and actresses that I think I’d feel comfortable meeting, but Gwyneth Paltrow would definitely be one of them. And now that I know how much she likes to cook, i have no doubt that we’d get along.
Rosa — July 22, 2011 @ 6:07 pm
A great giveaway! I wasn’t sure about this book before i read a few interviiews in my food magazines. Now, I am convinced she’s genuine about it all…
Those muffins look wonderful!
Cheers,
Rosa
jenna — July 23, 2011 @ 9:23 am
What could be better than family and friends gathered around the table!
traci — July 23, 2011 @ 9:25 am
would love to check it out…I’ve heard good things! and the relationship she had with her dad makes it more endearing. thanks!
Sonya — July 23, 2011 @ 9:38 am
I think bringing a family together in anyway is a good idea. over the dinner table or spending time in the kitchen with my husband and kids are some of my favorite parts of our day
Sonya — July 23, 2011 @ 9:38 am
I like you on facebook.
Isabel — July 23, 2011 @ 9:43 am
I have gone back & forth on getting/reading this book. I was interested, but didn’t think there would much too it in the way of recipes.. Glad to hear I am wrong!
Isabel — July 23, 2011 @ 9:44 am
…..and I already “love” A Chica Bakes” on fb!
Corisa — July 23, 2011 @ 9:47 am
I believe having family together around while cooking is special and sharing the meal together is even more special !
Barb S. — July 23, 2011 @ 9:57 am
Some of my favorite memories of my childhood and adult years were holiday meals and cooking with my family, especially my parents and my grandparents. I do enjoy spending time in the kitchen with my husband and 12 year old son cooking meals now!
Helen — July 23, 2011 @ 10:07 am
When my children were young, we had dinner together every night. On Sunday’s it was always a big dinner with extended family. Great conversations evolved. My children today are great cooks b/c of their love of the kitchen.
This looks like a beautiful book!!
shelly (cookies and cups) — July 23, 2011 @ 10:08 am
You know, I wanted to hate this book…but after spending 45 minutes ogling it in B&N I kinda love it!
I didn’t buy it that day, but I haven’t stopped thinking about it!
Love the giveaway!!
JoVonn — July 23, 2011 @ 1:39 pm
When I saw her on the cover of Bon Appetit I was taken aback. When I read the article, she seemed serious about the food and bringing people together.
Karen — July 23, 2011 @ 4:23 pm
I love Gwyneth Paltrow, both for her acting and for her singing…and maybe now also for her cooking? Thanks for reminding me about her book. I hope I win it!
Zoe — July 23, 2011 @ 5:15 pm
In today’s world we need more family togetherness. Many cultures use food and meals to bring people together. Nice to see she is also incorporating a health factor too.
Tammy M. — July 23, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
I am a big fan of Gwyneth P. as an actress and as a human being She is very humble and family oriented. This cookbook really called my attention when she prepared one of the recipes on a TV show while promoting the book. The stories she told about her dad and how they spent the best quality time when cooking together really warmed my heart.
Tammy M. — July 23, 2011 @ 6:31 pm
I liked you on FB. (Tama Mar)
Sarah E. — July 23, 2011 @ 11:15 pm
I think it is very important to have family meals together. That is the way I grew up and my husband, as well. It’s such a good way to communicate and stay a family unit.
Sarah E. — July 23, 2011 @ 11:17 pm
I like you on FB
Velva — July 24, 2011 @ 11:43 am
I have to admit, I too, rolled my eyes but, you are right you cannot knock a girl who is promoting “togetherness”. My blog is all about sharing the grace of a meal together. It is one of the most important social bonds that sustains us.
Velva
The Duo Dishes-Chrystal — July 24, 2011 @ 2:55 pm
I haven’t read the book, nor have I even been in close enough to even see the cover in real life. Of course, the topic of family and food or even friends and food applies to all of our lives. You don’t have to be a Michelin chef to know that food brings people together. Maybe she won’t be using sous vide methods to whip up her meals, but she probably has a few good ones in that book! I bet they keep her family happy too.
Gloria — July 24, 2011 @ 3:50 pm
I flipped through Gwenth’s book last time I was the book store and it looked like it had a lot of nice, uncomplicated and healthy recipes. I wouldn’t mind owning a copy.
Gloria — July 24, 2011 @ 3:50 pm
I liked A Chica Bakes on FB.
P.S. The muffins look delicious!
Lisa — July 24, 2011 @ 8:14 pm
I “liked” you on FB and would love this cookbook. I’ve heard many good things about it, although I was a bit skeptical at first. I grew up thinking that everybody had all homecooked meals with their families. It wasn’t until later that I realized that wasn’t the case. I got lucky growing up!
Bren — July 24, 2011 @ 8:21 pm
before we get to the book, let’s talk about those muffins!!!! They look amaze. I’m sure yours are better than cual quier cosa que ella pudo haber hecho! It’s like Eva Longoria has a book now, too. I’m interested in GP’s b/c of the strong message re: family time. the one thing i miss most about being in ATL is that fact that I don’t get to sit down and have family time and eat a fabulous meal. So, when I go home, I relish it like nothing else!!
Bren — July 24, 2011 @ 8:21 pm
and u know i luv you on FB!
Pamela — July 24, 2011 @ 9:57 pm
She is everywhere lately, that Gwenyth, isn’t she? I am sure that there are some solid recipes in there, and these muffins look great. Any book that talks up family time around the table or in the kitchen has a good message in my eyes!
Laz — July 24, 2011 @ 11:11 pm
I’ve always been a fan of Gwyneth. She a talented actress and a knockout. I have read through her book, the food is solid and the bond she had with her dad, strong.
Be well
Yvette ~ Muy Bueno Cookbook — July 25, 2011 @ 1:07 am
When I saw her book at the bookstore for the first time I was very impressed. I have to admit that I was an eye-roller too until I actually opened the book and saw her old family photos, read the intro, and a couple of the recipes. I think its awesome that she is taking the time (as busy as she is) to capture good food and memories. Yay for her!
Yvette ~ Muy Bueno Cookbook — July 25, 2011 @ 1:08 am
Love ya on FB chica!
Patty — July 25, 2011 @ 7:14 am
So, did the recipe get yanked because of copyright issues? I have to say that the line in the interview about her trying to save her Dad through cooking, but, of course she couldn’t, was very endearing to me.
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes — July 25, 2011 @ 9:10 am
I love getting my family together for breakfast. These muffins look like they are worth waking up for.
CookiePie — July 25, 2011 @ 10:37 am
Lovely muffins!!! (No need to enter me in the giveaway)
Madelyn — July 25, 2011 @ 10:57 am
Muffins look delicious… I liked Gwyneth in the Spain on the Read series…
Helen — July 25, 2011 @ 4:18 pm
I have many happy memories with my family, unfortunately though we’re living on different continents now. We try to remain close by skyping as much as we can. It’s so great to see them doing well. If you pick me, I’d love to surprise my Mom with the cookbook!
Emme @Food Samba — July 25, 2011 @ 4:45 pm
Hi Eliana! Thanks for visiting my blog! I’m glad you did, bcuz now I’ve found yours! Woohoo! I am all about family togetherness…being a fellow latina i know you know how our latin culture is really all about food and family. Everything happens in the kitchen! I couldn’t think of anything else bringing a family closer together than sharing a delicous home cooked meal at the dinner table!
Emme @Food Samba — July 25, 2011 @ 4:46 pm
Am now a FB fan! xoxo.
Emily — July 26, 2011 @ 2:36 am
I adore blueberry muffins! These look perfect!
5 Star Foodie — July 26, 2011 @ 7:52 am
Yummy looking blueberry muffins there!
Megan @ The Fresh Fridge — July 27, 2011 @ 9:56 am
Love your blueberry muffins! I am wary about cookbooks in general – I love all my food bloggers too much, I can find all the recipes I need. But, I do like the focus on the family – meals are made for sharing!
Ronda — July 27, 2011 @ 10:39 am
Dinner time has always been about family with my family. No matter what we were eating, though good food was always better, we always had and continue to have a great time eating together. Laughter was always a must on our dinner menu.
JulieD — July 27, 2011 @ 7:39 pm
I have been rolling my eyes too but you’re giving me pause…
I love blueberry muffins and I love sharing food with my family. We’re trying to do more with family, I’m organizing a sibling retreat in November. We’re going to cook for each other and stay together for a week!
JulieD — July 27, 2011 @ 7:45 pm
I like you on facebook.
norma — July 28, 2011 @ 8:54 am
These are a must try…will follow you on T & F
Greta blog!
Lynette Cruz — July 28, 2011 @ 9:30 am
I have now joined your FB page!! I joined Gwyneth’s(calling her gwyneth like I know her! lol) Goop page earlier this year.I had no idea she loved to cook so much and had such a sense of family,food,eating well for that matter.I love her site,love her recipes,and would love to have her book(thank you for the opportunity).Food always brings family together the kitchen has always been the gathering place for me growing up and even now! To be able to sit down and enjoy a meal together is the greatest thing,trying to consider everyones schedule,etc.There’s nothing better!
Jackie — July 28, 2011 @ 10:58 am
Blueberry muffins are such a delicious way to start your morning. I love the to see the blueberries peeking out..yummy!
Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets — July 28, 2011 @ 12:15 pm
While I can’t say I’m ready to shell out for this book, I have known about her website featuring food among other things for quite some time and she does seem like quite the homemaker these days. I’m glad you were able to look post the pretty face and give this book a real chance. These muffins look quite good
.
Baking is my Zen — July 28, 2011 @ 1:17 pm
Family & Food IS togetherness in my family. Since I’m the baker (or at least the one who bakes frequently) I always bring a dessert at our family get-togethers. There are smiles galore when it comes time for dessert. And it makes me happy that I can make them happy through my gift of food.
Carmen
Softa123 — August 1, 2011 @ 5:35 pm
Elena, Food is what family traditions are all about…food cements people together…in Judiasm, we say that all of our holidays are about food except those when we fast…I think that says it all!
Softa123 — August 1, 2011 @ 5:37 pm
I clicked “I Like” on Facebook…do I want this cookbook? Yeah! I collect cookbooks and have done so since I was 8 years old. I am now 64!
So, now I have put you on my blogroll, I have put you on Stumble! and I Like on Facebook…I’m doing my part to pass the word about your website !
Love,
Softa123