What You Should Make: Blueberry “Cheese”cake Muffins
My friend Deb has been talking to me a lot lately about the word “should.”
Since she’s smarter than I am, I listen when she gives advice, even if I have to fight with ever fiber of my being not to let certain things about her affect our friendship.
And by that I mean, if I didn’t love her so much, I would hate her.
Because she has glossy, silky hair without the aid of flat irons and hairspray. (Guilty as charged, ozone layer.)
Because she bakes every slice of bread that ever crosses her children’s lips. (And my kids would rather eat her bread than just about anything. Except dough balls.)
Because she runs further in her weekly three-hour Saturday run than I do in a month. (Even if a hungry tiger was chasing me, I’d only last twenty minutes. But I’d still need a strategically planned playlist.)
Because in our Bible Study that I started three weeks ago, she’s on Week 3 in our workbook and I’m still on Day 2. (Sorry, God. Maybe we can do some cross-promotional work?)
I said to Deb, “I’ll catch up. I know I should.”
And she turns to me with that sweet face of hers and says, “Sarah, don’t do things just because you should. The word should is loaded with judgment. The things that really are important to you feel so good when you do them that you want to do them. Get rid of should.”
Do you see why I’m willing to overlook that she reads history books for fun and has never watched an episode of The Bachelorette in her life?
Today I tried to live without should.
I should have taken a shower, but who was going to care if I didn’t? Shhh…Pea Daddy, I’m not talking to you.
I should have told Lulu not to blow spit bubbles, but I cheered like she was going to earn a full-ride to college with her new skill.
I should have helped Gigi come up with appropriate names for our one-person soccer teams rather than just naming them after things that each of the team captains love, but “Team Blankie” beat “Team Fairy Princess” in the semi-finals, and narrowly lost in the championship game to “Team Free Maid Service for a Year.”
Today I didn’t use up those blueberries in my fridge because I should have. I did it because I wanted to.
And you will too.
Blueberry “Cheese”cake Muffins
Makes 12 muffins
- 1 c. whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 c. unbleached organic flour
- 1/2 t. baking soda
- 1 1/2 t. baking powder
- 1/2 t. nutmeg
- 1/4 t. cinnamon
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/2 c. organic sugar
- 1/2 c. applesauce
- 1/2 c. non-dairy or organic milk
- 1/2 t. almond extract
- 1 c. blueberries
- 1/2 c. non-dairy (such as Tofutti) or organic cream cheese
- 1/2 c. organic powdered sugar
- 1/2 t. vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine flours, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt.
In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine sugar, applesauce, milk and almond extract.
Add milk/sugar mixture to flours and stir gently to combine.
Fold in blueberries. Pick out and eat the biggest, sweetest blueberries before you do. 
Set batter aside temporarily and prepare “cheese”cake filling by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Do not overbeat.
Line a muffin tin with papers or spray with cooking spray.
Fill each cup 1/3 of the way full with blueberry batter.
Top each muffin with a spoonful of “cheese”cake filling,
and then top with an additional scoop of blueberry batter.
Spread the batter out with a small spoon or your finger so that “cheese”cake filling is covered.
Lick your finger.
Bake muffins for 23-25 minutes until they are golden and set.
You should wait for them to cool before eating.
You should get a nice picture of the untouched pan before the delicious, creamy muffins are pilfered.
You should set a good example and not eat a warm, gooey treat before dinner.
You should.
But why would you want to?
***********
Here are today’s Pea Sightings in the media!
*The New York Times, Diner’s Blog, What We Are Reading mention by Julia Moskin
*Fitness Magazine, The Fit Stop, Meatless Family Meals: Peas and Thank You
*Blender, A Williams Sonoma Blog, 5 Tips for Getting Kids to Love Their Veggies
*A Third Stop on the Peas and Thank You Virtual Book Tour with Angela of Oh She Glows with a giveaway!
Hey Mama, congrats on the cookbook. I am going to order mine right now! Also the muffins look great, I think I will try them tomorrow. I am trying to get rid of should too, but I is so tough when you have to do those things that you don’t love doing, like dusting and cleaning the closets. Oh well thats life and I love it.
I’ll dust, if you fold my laundry. And put it away.
Oh yay, I love seeing you plastered all over the NYT and internetz. You’re so awesome. <3
I wouldn’t say “plastered.” I’m so tired though, I kind of feel like I am.
Yay for the sightings!!! I love how smooth the tops of the muffins look and I can’t even imagine how they taste with that inner creamy, cheesy layer. Goooosh, I really want one. Obviously!!
Come over. Now.
Oh..my..I would never test upon my patience level when these cute little blueberry muffin are around! Awesome.
i shouldn’t read your blog before bed… now hungry and it’s taking all my will-power not to go make these at 2am
okay i woke up and made these instead…. DELICIOUS! my family adored them
they asked how i was so clever to think about the creamy cheesecakey middle… i had to admit it and give you your due respect 
So glad you liked ‘em! Next time just say it’s an old family recipea
They look sooo good! I think the batter would be so awesome as a pancake with the cheezcake filling drizzled on top.
I like using three Z’s in one sentence.
heh
I like the way you thinkzzz!
These look amazing!
“Pick out and eat the biggest, sweetest blueberries before you do.” — love the way you think. I’d have done the same thing. And do. Why bake something so perfect. Eat it fresh, first. Bake the rest is my theory.
And the cheesecake filling. Sugar, cream cheese, vanilla. Really, I could skip the muffin part and drink that all by itself or dip my raw broccoli into it and be very, very happy
Also, you changed your gravatar. Where has the green pea gone? Lovin’ the new headshot of you in it’s place!
I’m glad we see eye to eye on that blueberry thing
I changed the gravatar because I’m writing a handful of freelance articles that pull my pic from the gravatar and well, I’d rather people be able to see me than a picture of peas
I’m all for cutting out ‘should’
It’s a very guilt producing word. I’m also all for these muffins – they look amazing.
Yes, as I often say, guilt is a wasted emotion!
That must be so exciting to have a book published and be getting some press for it! Can’t wait to get a copy
Can’t wait for you too either!
“Shoulda woulda coulda” is what I always say.
My mom is a huge “should” person and she’s always remarking on things that she “should” have done differently. I remind her on a daily basis that we cant change the past– the only thing we can do is change the future.
I always say that too! And you are wise…come give me advice too.
Yum, yum, yum! My next muffins will be these muffins.
“should” is a main part of my vocabulary. Not just for me, but for my family and workers. Probably not the best way to go about things but it does get things done.
Agreed! If I did everything I only wanted, I’d have the biggest unibrow you’ve ever seen.
Aw–I love you! And now I love Deb! I’m going to keep those words, as I usually carry around a lot of should (and its friends, self-doubt and guilt).
ALSO, those muffins! I’m so excited to make them and the lie about eating them, drinking coffee, and reading the Sunday paper.
I had grown to not like cheesecake because it meant a really horrible time for my tummy, but I found Candle Cafe cheesecake at Whole Foods, and it was super exciting! Cheesecake that doesn’t heart anyone (the animals OR me!). SO, that means I’m even more excited to try these.
Yea!!!
Can I come over on Sunday? I’ll bring the cheesecake.
these look so good! i’m definitely making them this weekend
by the way, i’m not sue if you know but the tofutti better than cream cheese you have pictured contains trans fat (and it’s recommended you get no more than 2g/day) — but tofutti also makes a better than cream cheese with a yellow label that says nonhydrogenated, and that one has 0g of trans fat. i didn’t realize the first one had trans fat until last year, and i had been using the product a long time!
I had no idea! Thanks, Meredith!
These look AMAZING! And my book is coming today, my book is coming today. I can barely wait to get home from work!!!!
YAYYYY!!!
Congrats on the quick sucess of the book! Never thought of cream cheese IN muffins before, but this is similar to a baked french toasted recipe I make. Yum!
Sounds delish! And I wouldn’t call it quick success (but you are sweet). Still working hard to share the Peas with more families who need us in their lives!
I LOVE the picture of the girls reaching for muffins! You are obviously doing what you should be doing
We have sooo many blueberries in the fridge after an overenthusiastic picking trip…just not sure whether to start with these or you blueberry scones in the book!
Make both! (those scones are one of my FAVORITES!)
Hi Mama Pea!
How awesome on the book sightings!!! I love that it is getting the exposure it deserves! I know big things ahead, and please keep us all updated on everything exciting with the book!!
I think one day, I just need to stock my pantry with all the baking ingredients you use for recipes like this and dough balls too, and then just go on a baking spree! I can not wait to have a big house and be able to bake so many things, a stand mixer is on my list too!
Im glad you made use of those blueberries ; )
Have a great day! xoxo <3
You didn’t register for a stand mixer? Oh man, that was #1 on my list, right behind “gravy boat I’ll never use.” You at least got a Hello Kitty toaster, right?
The girls have been begging for that and the Hello Kitty water stand…
I did register for it! I did not get it though, but we had tons of gift cards for target and was going to get it there, BUT spotted a Raspberry colored one at WIlliams and Sonoma, so going to get that one, Im just debating on when to get it, reason for that, a change might be happening , but anyways, yes I have the Hello Kitty Toaster, Mike just loves when he has a hello kitty head on his toast! lol! The girls need it!!
Ohhh Mama Pea!! Your photos and recipes never cease to amaze.
Hmm I def WANT to remove the word “should” from my vocabulary.
And I want to make these muffins. Mmm.
I def WANT you to make ‘em
Secret surprise middle? I like the way that you think!
It’s more of a swirl, but yes, it is yummy!
You just make me laugh every day… I look forward to your posts because I always smile and of course, I just love those little peas of yours. Thanks for that!
Liz, you are so sweet. Thanks for being such a loyal friend!
oh friends like that…love ‘em and hate ‘em, right? but mostly love! i love how the middle of the muffins is the ‘cheese’ layer!
We balance each other out. She’s perfect and I am not.
Oh Mama Pea, I don’t blame you for eating those babies before dinner, they look delectable! And your girls seemed to enjoy them too!
They loved ‘em! As did the big guy.
Loving this recipe! I’ve been making cheesecake oats lately – and think that a cheesecake muffin is even BETTER!!!
Wow, these look really great. I’m having some families over for dinner on Sunday night and these look like just the right dessert to please the kids and the adults. Thank you again so much for being a rock star! I thoroughly enjoy following your blog and it is one of the two that I read every day without fail.
Wendy, that means so much to me. And though my time schedule right now makes it hard for me to comment all the time, I read yours every day too!
oh good Lord – those look amazing. I should probably clean my house – but that doesn’t bring me joy. Thanks for the life tips!
We’ve just got to find a way to WANT to clean our house…maybe if we hide chocolate? It could be like an Easter egg hunt..
The only bad thing about that is I would remember where the chocolate is hidden. At least you’ve got two helpers at home that could hide it for you. My dog isn’t much of chocolate hider.
Ha ha ha. Good point.
All I can say is… YUM! (And also letting go of “should” is something my husband always tells me to do, but I’m definitely not very good at it!)
I’m not either. It’s really how I get things done!
the muffins look amazing and are the perfect thing to make tomorrow when my friend’s daughter comes for a visit! But more importantly, what kind of hairspray do you use that leaves your hair glossy? They all usually leave my hair looking frizzy……
Mina
Great question! It’s kind of ridiculous how excited I am to share this knowledge.
It doesn’t matter what brand of hairspray you use (though I buy Tresseme because it is cheap!), what you want to look for is a brand that does NOT have WATER in its ingredient list. It makes no sense for curly/wavy-haired girls like me to blow-dry and flatiron their hair to get all the moisture and frizz out and then just spray water on it. Don’t do it! A water-free brand will essentially seal out the moisture.
Ahhh, I feel better now.
Thank you, Mama Pea! I’m embarrassed that I’m slightly more excited about my new hairspray knowledge than I am about the muffins……
You take it and run with it, girl! (And now your hair won’t move when you do…)
I love this “Sarah, don’t do things just because you should. The word should is loaded with judgment. The things that really are important to you feel so good when you do them that you want to do them. Get rid of should.” I think I will post it on my fridge…but leave your name off it and pretend it was aimed at me
I got notification that my preordered copy of your book was going to be shipped in 1 – 2 months from amazon.ca. So I cancelled the order (who can wait that long?) and ordered it from chapters.ca. (heads up to Canadian readers that are having problems getting it Chapters has it). It shipped this morning and saved me a really long drive to the nearest bookstore although I’ve been tempted to buy it on iTunes so I can read it right away…would that be wrong?
You could just change “Sarah” to “Gina” really easily. Or you could start going by “Sarah” now. Whichever you prefer.
There’s no wrong way to get your Peas book! Glad you were able to find a quicker way to get your hands on one…and maybe you’d want an e-copy and a hard copy?
I was going to buy it for my Sony Reader but I wanted colour so I’m opting for the iTunes version for the iPad. I might own a little too many electronic devices. I do find that as much as I like eboks I love having hard copies of cookbooks. But since I can’t wait for the mail to get here…I will be buying the ebook version too. Is it flattering or creepy that I want this book so badly? Hopefully it’s flattering
It is SOOOO flattering. Thank you!
I love the story just as much as I love the recipe! Fabulous as always Mama Pea!
Thanks, Kaila! I was feeling wordy last night.
Those look delicious!
Mmmm. Those look so good. Yesterday I went into the mall via Barnes & Noble and discovered your book on a lower shelf of the display table. That didn’t seem quite acceptable to me, so I took a copy and placed it up top and went on into the mall. When I came back through about 20 minutes later, the book was gone (and, no, it hadn’t been moved back down by an over-vigilant employee). So I took another copy and placed it on top. My apologies to Martha Stewart for covering her book, but frankly, I think she gets enough press. I had to give Mama Pea her props! Maybe I should have moved all of your books, but I was afraid that just might attract attention! The book is beautiful, by the way.
Libby, you are a rock star! I love it! I’ve been tempted to go from bookstore to bookstore and do the same. Thanks so much!!!
I’ll cover Indiana for you. Ha ha!
I definitely agree that I should make this. You’ve twisted my arm
How ever do you get those photos of the girls reaching for the muffins? If I tried that with my nieces it would definitely not turn out so cute!
Honestly, I was just photographing the pan and they walked up and gave it a reach. Click!
Amazing. Loved the picture!
I love blueberry muffins because the blueberries look so cute when they explode (yes even when they explode all over my muffin tin and oven). Plus they taste really good — and I bet that cheesecake filling makes them even better.
I agree! Even though I know I should have been upset with a messy pan, it was so pretty!
I should be doing work, but as this was my first time on your blog (recently discovered due to all the amazing blog reviews I’ve seen on your new book), I wanted to stay, read back and mark all the amazing recipes I want to make. I wanted it and I did it. This blueberry muffin recipe has me completely hooked though and I can’t wait to try it out!
Congrats on all the success!
Shannon! So happy you found us! I’m glad you clicked over to check us out. I think we are a pretty fun group. Hope you stick around and share the Peas!
So cute! I wish I had some of these right now for breakfast… maybe I “should” leave work and go home to whip up a batch? (Well ok, if I want to remain employed I probably shouldn’t, but they’re on my weekend agenda!)
That’s the only thing about “should.” Sometimes there are things you don’t want to do, but you just have to. Stupid jobs.
I should-nt make these but I’m going to.
Actually, you should.
a. You read my mind/stomach. I’ve been craving blueberry muffins and have been looking for the right recipe all week.
b. You rock!! Congrats again on the book and pea-love.
These are a little more decadent version…I think you’ll love them. And YOU rock!
I ‘should’ be getting ready for work right now, but am taking my cue’s from you today and instead I am responding to the yummiest article I have seen this week. These will be on my TO DO because I want to list this weekend.
Thanks for sharing not only this yummy blog but the ‘should’ story, I never thought about it that was but will from now on.
Have a great Friday’s Eve!
Thanks, Cari! Have you gotten your books yet? Let me know when you want me to sign ‘em!
These looks so delicious!!
Congrats on the book!
Thanks, Mandy!
I “should” not have drooled on my keyboard while reading this recipe. But I did and I’m not ashamed. I also “should” not be reading blogs at work. But I want to, therefore I do. I have come to the conclusion that I “should” leave work so I can make these muffins! Make that, I “WANT” to leave work to make these muffins!
And I “WANT” you to too. I think you are feeling sick…must go home to lie down…
These muffins look so good!
I’ve been tempted to buy the huge containers of blueberries every time I pass them at the store, but now I think I’ve got to! Can’t wait to make a batch of my own
Organic blueberries were on sale at the store last night…I bought a huge flat for $4. And I think we are going picking today. Blueberrypalooza at the Peas!
I Shouldn’t have been lazy and eaten an Amy’s burrito for breakfast…. But I wanted to! Can’t wait to make those muffins!! Yummm! P.s. I got my second copy of the book in the mail today… I’ll have to give it as a gift!! That’s one lucky person.
Thanks, Alexis. I think you are going to have one happy friend on your hands.
Okay wow.
those cupcakes are genius.
alert Einstein
You are hilarious!
Yummmm. Guess what? I bought a Kindle yesterday, and the first book I downloaded was your cookbook! It’s kind of weird flipping (can you say that with a Kindle?) through a cookbook electronically, but it’s totally doable, and I can’t wait to start making recipes!
If you don’t mind me asking, how does it look on the Kindle?
Thanks for supporting us!
It looks fine on the Kindle! The black & white aspect is the biggest bummer, because food pictures are only as good as the beautiful colors! And navigating it isn’t as efficient. I love flipping through a cookbook and seeing what catches my eye, and being able to instantly turn to a certain recipe. But when it comes down to it, those things don’t really matter, because your book is great! I love reading the stories just as much as I love the recipeas!
Thanks, Jen! Maybe you’ll win a hard copy
Boy was my day full of “should’s” yesterday. You should get a kleenex instead of picking your nose. You should use the restroom instead of peeing in the pool……etc. Yes she peed in the pool. Wanna have us over for a pool party? I’ll do better today. But only cause I work all day:)
Ha ha ha. Yes, I do want to have you over for a pool party. What are you guys doing tomorrow?
These look sooooo good! Love that the girls pilfer these
So cute.
Two things: A cup of rasberries should sub in fine, right? And what Bible study are you doing? A study book or working through the Bible?
Oh yes! Those would be delish.
We are doing Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore. It’s fantastic, but man, the assignments are time consuming! Especially because I use The Message version of the Bible which makes filling in the blank in the workbook very challenging.
well I have some that I SHOULD use (before they go bad, so that’s a good SHOULD – that rhymed).
Beth Moore is another one of those people that if you didn’t love her so much, you’d hate her. I liked her Revelation and Patriarch studies. Might want to pull out an NIV to get through it
Yeah, I’ve got an NIV on my phone, which might be quicker for lookups anyway. Thanks for the suggestion!
Ok, the “cheese” part has me completely intrigued. These look delicious and I have so many blueberries in the fridge right now. fate?
I agree on the “should”–it’s a word you only use when you don’t want to do something. I mean, on days you feel like running to stretch out and lift your spirits you say, “I’m going running,” and you don’t need any justification. On days you hate running with every fiber of your being you say, “I should go running” and it’s all about abstract health benefits instead. When do you ever use the word “should” (about yourself) when you’re doing something of your own free will? Other than, you know, when you’re trying to escape the clutches of a talkative relative and you say, “I should get going” to /imply/ that you don’t really want to.
Le sigh…if it weren’t in the 90′s and i wasn’t too stubborn to turn on my AC i’d bake those babies…or maybe I just need a toaster oven? haha
Yum, yum, yum!! I am definitely going to make those!!
Well, I no longer wonder what to do on my day off! I will be spending the day perfecting a gluten free version of these!
I also agree about should be loaded with judgement, that is a beautiful and eye opening line! Which is why today on my day off I plan on sun tanning, baking, and shopping, even though I “should” be cleaning!
Hope you come up with a good modification–link it up if you do and I’ll share it with other GF readers!
Ohhhh man, I SHOULD make these!
I’m totally convinced that blowing spit bubbles will become an Olympic sport. Dream big, Lulu, dream big!
I’m so proud.
Hi Sarah – I just stumbled upon your blog this week (thanks to Jenna at Eat Live Run!) and absolutely love it!! I feel like we should know eachother. I graduated from WUCL in 2001 – small world! I have a 5 year old who refuses to eat any veg other than carrot sticks dipped in apple sauce (or ketchup) and routinely screams, “You know I don’t like tofu!!” Sooooo, I ordered your book yesterday on Amazon. I’m hoping it will perk things up and add something green to our old routine. Bring on the peas!!
Congrats on your new book and your success with the blog!!
Dana
What?! I feel like we DO know each other! You were a year ahead of me. I’m now going to try to figure out who you are
Thanks for ordering the book and for your support! If you want me to sign your copy once it comes, maybe we can meet at Gaudy Commons! 
Oops, just saw you are in Washington. But I’ll be up in Seattle in a few weeks
I would love to meet you at Gaudy!! Oh, the good old days…
I will watch for deets on your visit to Seattle. It would be great to meet you. In the meantime, I’m stalking the mailbox waiting for my copy of Peas and Thank You!! I can’t wait to dig in. Take care and have a great weekend!!
Whew! It took my 15 minutes to get to the bottom of these comments, it is so wonderful to see your popularity and success grow.
).
I just wanted to offer up my humble review of the book…which I so joyously received in the mail yesterday.
Please take a look, you know while you are eating one of the blueberry cheesecake muffins (MAN now I’ve got to make these
http://mynaturallyfrugalfamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/peas-and-thank-you-review.html
Thanks, Rachel!
Made these this morning…SO DELICIOUS. Can’t wait for the book…just ordered mine yesterday
First, a HUGE congrats on all the notice in the media. I have such a blog crush on you, I gush everytime I see your book or name somewhere. Secondly, warm gooey treats are impossible to resist, so I think you should definitely go for it. Third, what book are you reading for your bible study? I just started one with some friends a few weeks ago and am always looking for good material!
Really?! I don’t think anyone’s ever had a crush on me…not even Pea Daddy
Oh, and those gooey treats, I went for it. We’re doing Beth Moore’s Living Beyond Yourself. I think it’s great, but what do I know? I’m on Day 2. 
Mama Pea, you are a genius. THese sound divine! Muffins are typically the perfect amount of healthy and sweet for me.
We had a long debate about cupcake or muffin on the name of these, and since you can eat muffins for breakfast, that’s what we went with.
I definitely need to get rid of all of the “shoulds” in my life. Although I really should run to the store if I want to eat again today…
Ha ha ha. Yes, I think you “should” always breathe, sleep and eat.
My husband is also very anti “should”…maybe he’s been talking to Deb. I think he secretly wants to be a motivational speaker. How do people not use the word should…
Yumm, those look amazing!
Which bible study are you guys doing?
Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore. Have you done it?
No, is that the one she does with a couple other authors as well? I am currently doing her re-vamped “Breaking Free” study. I had done the old one and loved it, so I picked up the new version at Lifeway when I was back in Ohio (along with Crazy Love).
I will have to check out “Living Beyond Yourself” when I am back in a couple weeks. I am soooo excited because I am actually going back to go to her Living Proof tour in Columbus. It is a Friday/Saturday deal with Beth, Travis Cottrell and others!
Let me know what you think of the study you are doing!
That’s exciting you are going on the tour! I’m haven’t ran into any other authors in LBY, but like I said, I’m disappointed with how far I’ve gotten.
Have you read Love Wins by any chance? I’m intrigued after Crazy Love. There seems to be a bit of a split about the two books and the differences between them.
I haven’t read Love Wins, but I am also intrigued by it. I have been reading so much more now that I have the kindle, so I will have to add that to my list.
Are you guys using the dvd’s for the LBY study? I have done Beth Moore’s both with and without (used them when I was doing the studies in small groups, but not when I am doing them by myself…they are expensive)! I did find some audio cd’s that are cheaper, but I find I still get a lot out of the studies by just doing the workbooks.
By the way, did the blueberry cheesecake muffins make it 24 hours? They look pretty hard to resist!
We didn’t get the DVDs, we kind of want to lead our own discussion. Good to know that maybe they aren’t worth the $.
There are about 4 muffins left…
You might last longer than 20 minutes with that tiger. It would be full after catching and eating me first…
HA HA HA!
I am making these tonight! And not because I too “should” use up the blueberries in our fridge, but because I can’t WAIT to taste these (and I have all of the ingredients!)!
By the way, is it strange to bring a cookbook to the gym as reading material whilst on the Stairmaster? I couldn’t tell if that was why people were looking at me funny today, or if it was the toothpaste in my hair…. Love the book Sarah!
Thanks, Courtney. I actually think our book would be a blast to read on the elliptical or stairmaster. Wish I could read it with new eyes!
picked up two pints of blueberries when you mentioned that your next recipe would include them. how’s that for faith in stellar recipes?!!? i am not disappointed in what lies ahead for those delicate little gems, i can’t wait to make these.
have been feeding the babe P&TY zucchini bread for two days–she is hardcore all about that stuff! mommy wicked crazy and used some of ellie’s sweet potato & butternut squash baby food in place of the applesauce, so now i feel EVEN MORE virtuous feeding it to her.
how are you holding up? wish i were your neighbor (maybe for selfish leftover reasons, maybe). i’d steal the girls and send you off for some pampering & alone time. goodness knows you’ve EARNED it. take care of yourself, please! xo!
I love your faith in me.
I am down a little bit on sleep still (okay, a lot) but will hopefully catch up tonight and unplug early. I love how concerned you are. What a friend! Now bring me some zucchini bread 
wowww Lulu and Gigi are the luckiest little girls ever! I wish I had this dessert at their age!
Well, it’s never too late hehe. that is sooo cute~”Team blankie” hahaha
Who said anything about dessert? This was a snack
These look sooo good! I love anything vegan cheesecake-y and berries just make it better!
Congrats on all your Internet sitings!!!!!!
Thanks!
Oh man those look good. I hear you on the “should” thing. I used to struggle with it a tonne. Now I only struggle with it about 100 pounds. It is so hard to move from that way of thinking, isn’t it? But it is something we should all do ;P
I am all about should… I really should make these! Totally wishing that was one of my hands grabbing a muffin there!
Thank you for adding “lick your finger” to your instructions. I know I “should” stop doing that when I bake, but you just made me feel justified. I appreciate that!
My pleasure.
Today, I should have done laundry, but I made wooden vegetable soup in a toddler-sized kitchen
… and it was way worth it. These muffins look tasty. I think I may have to make these this weekend… Still waiting for our book, unfortunately. The powers that be moved its arrival back a day. I may just drive to the Amazon headquarters and get it myself. 
Yes, come on, Amazon! I love wooden vegetable soup, by the way…
Oh my goodness. Love. Must make
Have you ever did much with non-wheat flours by chance?
I LOVE that “should” thing…so, so true – but easier said than done, no?
I have. We don’t have any celiacs in our family, but I am always up for experimenting.
What’s the difference between pastry flour and regular? I know it says on the package if it is or not, but can one be substituted for the other?
I use white whole wheat flour and whole wheat pastry flour interchangeably. But regular whole wheat flour is NOT the same whole wheat pastry flour. I think it makes muffins and cookies unbearably dry and dense. That’s why I use the pastry flour.
Got it, thanks!
Ohhhh that sounds incredible!! I’ve seen cheesecake muffins before, but never with the little hidden surprise in the middle like that.
Just bought 5 lbs of blueberries (we’ve eaten 2…) and said to David, “I need to recreate those berry and cream cheese scones from Great Harvest”, I’ll give these a try for sure!
We also have a saying “stop shoulding on me!”
(you can also should on yourself which is ever so lovely) anyway, always a good reminder, thanks!
That’s exactly what Pea D said they tasted like!!!
I know I SHOULD be working right now, but I much prefer reading Mama Pea’s blog
& I am making those THIS weekend. Not because I should, but because I have to! They are just too delicious looking…and I JUST bought some vegan cream cheese!!
I’m loving all of the links to your book reviews!! Keep ‘em coming!!
Will do! Thanks for your excitement and support!
Almost said the “s” word but you’ll probably want to get the non-hydrogenated Tofutti next time. I think it’s the yellow one. I used to think they were all the same until I saw some partially hydrogenated soybean oil. It went straight into the garbage.
These totally look amazing, though. Don’t mind me drooling over here.
Thanks, someone else suggested that too!
So I made muffins today.
Yours totally pwn mine.
Thought you should know.
(though I have been wondering what to use as a vegan alternative for cream cheese. Thanks for the tip!)
These look amazing. I used to just be obsessed with those blueberry muffins that they served warm from Hardee’s. Haha. I’m sure Hardee’s doesn’t put quite the TLC and health consciousness into theirs that you do though, Mama Pea. I need to make these stat.
I don’t know what a Hardee’s is! Is that bad?
It’s a restaurant chain in the MIdwest, where i grew up–I think it’s the same company as Carl Jr’s? Anyway, it’s like a McDonald’s. Fast food in all its greasy glory.
They did have some yummy breakfast stuff!
Just wanted to let you know that I got your book in the mail today! So excited to read it… I’m going to have to take a break from To Kill A Mockingbird
That’s stiff competition!
I’m gonna go now and make these now. They are compelling! You are a genius! Thank you!!
Yay! Let me know what you think!
Made these muffins today and then sat down and post-it flagged every other recipe in your beautiful new book. The muffins were delicious, but I realized today that it is possible to actually get hungry WHILE you are reading (if you’re reading Mama Pea’s book at the same time as eating). Only 5 muffins left. Thanks for your wonderful ideas!
After stalking the UPS man on Tuesday I completed plowed through the entire book on Tuesday night .. and flagged pretty much every page. These muffins were absolutely incredible .. My husband and I have been devouring them! We have never been let down by any of your recipeas and I get all giddy and excited whenever you post new ones!
You already made them?! Nice work! I try to post as many recipeas as I can…thanks for the appreciation!
They were delicious! Keep doing what you do .. You are amazing!
Yummy! perfect excuse to get another case of blueberries from the farm!!
I need to get rid of the “should’s” in my life too – dreadful little trolls
Sarah I have no freaking idea how you do it. You write an ass-kicking cookbook and still manage to make up a new recipe almost on a daily basis….PLEASE COME LIVE WITH ME AND BE MY MOMMY!!!! I’ll babysit the Peas anytime you want promise
I need an extra set of hands! I’m going to try to keep things as normal as I can around here without killing myself and still being the mommy & wife I want to be. Juggling is hard…but really fun!!!
I loved the cookbook! I read it cover to cover yesterday. Now that I’m back home from the mountains, I can’t wait to get in the kitchen and start cooking! You are so hilarious and so talented. Thank you so much for your book, I just adore it.
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it!
Already made one comment today, but I want to say…the book has arrived. It is lovely…you go Mama Pea!
Thanks
These look amazing, but as soon as I saw the amount of ingredients, I freaked a little. Haha, I can usually only handle a “just add one ingredient” kind of baking.
They are totally worth it!
It’s very easy to allow “should” to dictate what you cook when you write a food blog. Fact. But I’m so glad you still make time to cook for pleasure: I do, too, and it’s such a respite from the school and blog grind. Congrats on publication!!!!
Thank you, doll! Hope you are well. I miss you!
yay for muffins!!! those look incredible! And congrats again on the book and we wish you all the success! You deserve it, you are so inspiring for so many people, us included!!! xoxo
Thanks, sweet friends. You both inspire me too!
Just picked up a copy of your book today (even though I ordered a copy from Amazon 2 days ago, but that got shipped to my parent’s house-an entire state away) I absolutely LOVE it. We made your pancakes and basil smoothie for dinner tonight : ) The pictures are beautiful and the side stories with each meal make it so entertaining, I’m trying to keep myself from reading all of it tonight-so I save something to read on the bus tomorrow but I’m not sure I’ll make it.
I’m so glad you are enjoying it and it tickles me that you are rationing it. That’s the best compliment ever.
Your blog always puts a smile on my face! thanks!
Have loved your blog for so long! .. Question: What kind of camera do you use? Your pictures always look so great!
Thanks! I actually just got a new lens, the Canon 50mm f1.4. I have a Canon Rebel. But I am a complete amateur.
Oh Mama Pea, you’re torturing me here! My oven breaks yesterday and you post this amazing recipe right after I find out it’s broken? Ahh!
Wow! I just recently came across your book/blog and LOVE it all! I’m right there with you in raising my lil’ ones to be meat-free. This recipe is one my entire family will love-that includes my picky husband…yay!! Can’t wait to see more of your great recipes.
Check my recipea page…there’s tons of them (and we have a book!)
yum, blueberries! these are awesome!
i dragged my fiance to barnes and noble with me on tuesday to get your book, and we had to wait for the woman to grab a copy from the back because they are running a promotion for it next week. you are a rock star, and i love the book!
I just love your site! My family has started to eat “heart healthy” and since that looks a lot like a vegan diet your site has been ubber helpful. Thank you! I would love to see more [summery] dinner main dishes.
While I love everything, I wish there were more dinner dishes. The cookies (oh the cookies…) have been great! But as much as I would like to eat muffins and sweets for dinner, sadly I can’t – lol!
I made these last night and had 2 for breakfast. I only have one word for them: AMAZING. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I would want more. Thank goodness I only took 2 to work, and the rest are safely at home, far away from my mouth. Thanks for the fantastic breakfast!
Liked you on FB =)
I would love to see more Salad varieties, stir fries, and sauces : ) especially versions of the Mmmmm Sauce
I should have grabbed an actual handful of groceries at WF yesterday, vs just satisfying my huge-salad-bar lunch craving
Oops.
I hope those “in the news / media” mentions keep coming, everyone could use a little P&TY Meatless love!
And I could use one of these blue-baby muffins for breakfast.
You are such an inspiration! I want to be like you when I grow up and cook healthy treats for my kids so they can learn nutrition and also enjoy life!
I WOULD RELLY LIKE TO SEE MORE GLUTEN FREE GOODIES!
Love the site and just liked you on FB!
More slow cooking recipes, because sometimes I just want to set it and forget it!
I would love to see more packable meals for lunches!
I have been inspired by your amazing recipes! The ones I have tried have been wonderful! I would love to get your cookbook so that I can have it right at my fingertips and continue to try new recipes. Thank you for all you have done to influence many people, including myself.
You are welcome. Thank YOU!
Love your easy wraps and picnic style lunches! Summer = more outdoor eating so those are my fav, for now
Oh and yogurt (soy or non-soy) with millet and fruit has def been my addiction! I’m on your FB also
Deb sounds like that kind of friend that we all not only want and need in our lives, but that we want to be. Where was Deb last week when I was ‘asking’ my sister why she was not at bible study and she replied ‘I know I should be, I just didn’t have time’. Because this lady did not reply with the kind understanding that Deb did. I am printing that out so I can steal her response from now on.
Ha ha ha. Love it. Use it whenever you want, Whit
Weirdest thing, I was commenting on another post and it linked to this bluberry post! Which looks absolutely out of this world btw
I’d love more recipes of dinner meals. So far I’ve loved everything that we have tried. I’d also love to have a copy of your cookbook. Love your blog! Good luck with all that you have going on! PS I like you on facebook too.
Just wanted to pop in and say hello as I am a new follower. Your posts are so cute and congrats on your book! I may just be heading out to go see if I can find it. Ok, I’ll be honest, I’ll probably just order it on Amazon
It’s just so easy! Can’t wait to read future posts!
Thank you, Debbie!
Ok, I “liked” you on Facebook a week or so ago. I have tried several of your recipeas, my favorite so far were the Dill Pickle Fries. A hit for the whole family!! Your book is on my Christmas list! Thanks for all of the laughs!
Ok, I “liked” you on Facebook a week or so ago. I have tried several of your recipeas, my favorite so far were the Dill Pickle Fries. A hit for the whole family!! Your book is on my Christmas list! Thanks for all of the laughs!
Long-time reader, first-time commenter here! I’m so excited about your book (I asked for it for my upcoming birthday!). Do you think it would work to use just the batter to make a “regular” blueberry muffin, sans filling, or does it need the moisture from the filling? Thanks for your advice!
These would make a great muffin even without the cream cheese filling…you just might only get 10 or 11 muffins out of the batch.
more main course meals..
Hypothetically speaking, of course, would these be something I could make Saturday night and bring to an early morning setup at church on Sunday? Would they taste good cold? What do I do? I suck, and I mean that, at baking, and I want to redeem myself. And I have blueberries that are ready to be eaten, lest they go bad on me. Help.
We’ve been eating them cold. I actually store them in the fridge & the girls love them like that! Good luck!
I became a fan on FB. Plus I wanted to say thanks for all the awesome recipes. Many of them have become family favorites. I would love to see more recipes using tempeh.
I would love more recipes without soy. I would also love gluten free recipes too
I just became a fan of yours on facebook! I would LOVE to win your book! It looks great!
Became a fan of yours on FB(daisymae). Would LOVE to see more gluten free recipes!!!!
Luv,luv,luv the book! I purchased it at the B&N in El Paso and (Christmas prezzies for all my friends) went around displaying all the copies they had in prominent places all around the store!!! Heehee!
Would luv an autographed copy! Peapack looks amazing too!!!
Can’t wait to cook!!!
Looks like you have some interesting recipes. I have to eat Gluten Free but my grandchildren don’t so any way to get them to eat more vegetables would be great and any “good” low sugar gluten free would also be wonderful.
I would like to see more salads and salad dressings. I especially would like to see farro recipes.
I’m a fan!
Hi
I just joined after reading your post through Angela at Oh She Glows. You are funny and I like your recipeas!! I’ve also joined your group on Facebook. So being so new, I would LOVE to win the cookbook!! or the prize pack is fine too!
from your ‘newest’ fan’!
Just read through your cookbook last night (so excited when the mailman delivered it yesterday!). Love it!!!
I too have an incredible intelligent and driven friend who reminds me that “should is a dirty word”. Thanks for the reminder to live without “should”!
Hi M pea! I just discovered your blog and have been loving a lot of your recipes. I searched for the answer to this but didn’t see it, so here goes. I am a past vegetarian gone pescetarian (sick of the labels) because I found all the soy and soy products were causing a cyst in my ovaries! As soon as I quit soy milk and such it literally disappeared. I noticed you use a lot of soy based products, milk, yogurt, cheese, etc. Do you ever think/worry about this? Thanks!
I use soy in moderation, actually. These aren’t my words, but my almost identical thoughts on the subject:
http://zenhabits.net/soy/
Glad you are enjoying better health with what works for you, though! Thanks for your respectful question.
Thanks, I know this is very controversial. I just wonder how true vegans/veggies deal with this. My issues with soy are what made me start eating fish again. Thanks!
And while I agree somewhat with the study, I can only go from my experience with too much soy. It wasn’t pretty! So that makes me afraid to give it to my son.
Understood! I respect your opinion.
I came back to tell you that the muffins were great! Thanks Mama Pea!
Sorry to butt in here, but I just had to. I am a vegan and I don’t think I consume much soy. One does not necessarily come with the other. I eat mostly vegetables, fruits, beans and real whole grains, a little bit of nuts and seeds. All the rest (the soy based faux meat and dairy products) can be kept to the bare minimum and just consumed on occassion. It is totally possible and I am very happy with the variety of Vegan/Nutritarian recipes available to me today that don’t rely on soy.
I agree wholeheartedly, Wendy! So glad you liked the muffins!
I would LOVE to see more BOLD flavored recipes! I’ve been enjoying your Cracklin’ Cauliflower & Coconut Curry Kale Stew this week and the spice combinations make me feel like I’m in South Asia (that might have to do with the South Carolina heat, too!)
I love this site! I just found it and can’t stop reading it! I would love to see more gluten free stuff! I can’t eat the meat analogs because most of them have wheat gluten in it and I am intollerant to gluten. Thank you so much for all the great posts! You are an inspiration.
i HIGHLY recommend follow your heart’s vegan cream cheese. tofuttis isnt vegan and for some reason has a bizarre salty aftertaste sometimes. im sure they work in this recipe, im just passing on my latest discovery. far better for vegan baking in my opinion.
Ok, noted. I just told my teenage daughter that she really OUGHT to stop using the limes to learn how to juggle.
I just made these. They are delicious, and my kids only want MORE MORE MORE. I’m wondering…do I store these at room temperature or in the fridge?
Store them in the fridge. They’ll last longer! So glad you guys liked them!