Often times in life we come face to face with seemingly simple challenges.  Yet, as we approach the path to move beyond, the obstacle appears to grow more and more vast, becomes increasingly objectionable, and all together overwhelming.  The answer and the result are all together one in the same – or two in the same, if you will: IMPENDENCE – IMMINENCE – LIFE ~ “Joy, if you’re willing to see it.”

Not that creating a grainless biscuit in the kitchen compares to the rigor of life’s contests in any way, but a successful outcome certainly does reap the reward of a pleased palate in my kitchen.

And, not really a “puffin” at all – as a puffin is actually a cutie pie little bird – this recipe is more of a grandiose or glorified paleo muffin, or a giant biscuit of sorts.  I simply loved the triple ‘p’ alliteration.

Personalized Pumpkin Muffin

1 pastured egg
2/3 c. pumpkin puree
1 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbs. coconut flour
1/8 tsp. Himalayan sea salt
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Coconut oil

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and pumpkin puree.  Add baking powder, coconut flour, salt, and spice, and stir until well combined.
Prepare one giant ramekin (or two smaller ones) by thoroughly greasing with coconut oil.  Transfer mixture to the ramekin(s).  Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.   You’ll know your puffin is done when the center is firm and no longer “custard-like,” but appears to be a perfectly puffed biscuit.
**Alternatively, you may bake this puffin in the oven at 350 degrees.

Sliced down the center, slathered in Kerrygold butter – or even coconut oil – with a side of bacon, this kitchen challenge is an inevitable dose delectable delight.

“I think people have trouble rewarding themselves because they associate rewards with ease, with absolute lack of difficulty.  They think the reward has to fall out of the sky, that actually, aggressively pursuing satisfaction is “to hard” to be rewarding.  But brain research indicates that we reach a state of “flow,” or maximum positive brain stimulation (read Mihaly Csikzentmihaly or Gregory Burns) when we’re doing something difficult.  Mountain climbers get a happy rush of dopamine while ascending a steep face.  Crossworders get it from the Sunday Times – the hardest puzzle of the week.  Mihaly Csikszentmihaly experienced it while trying to spell his own name.  Counterintuitively, the most enjoyable things are difficult.” ~ Martha Beck