Today’s National Oatmeal Muffin Day calls to mind two things.
The first is how much I truly like oatmeal muffins. I tried to bake some for this occasion, but the experiment was less than photogenically successful. Mixing the batter gave rise to all sorts of nostalgic aromas I haven’t smelled in decades.
Instead of a homemade triumph, I have this file photo in my archive.
The second is how much I love to explore the cupcake-muffin identity crisis.
My favorite topical meditation is this New Yorker cartoon. I love to overthink its existential inquiry wherein “a cupcake talks to a muffin” and says “We aren’t so different, you and I. But, for whatever reason, you’re a common breakfast snack, and I’m a delectable treat, revered the world over and reserved for special occasions. Helluva world, brother! Just glad I’m not in your paper sleeve.”
Andrea Adleman | Cupcakologist 