Little Miss Sunshine

On Wednesday's night, we got a text from our friend, Derek, saying "Do you want to come over to my friend's house and bake with his family?" And of course, we said yes in no time at all. We were so pumped after knowing that his friend's wife loves to bake and would love give us a baking lesson. We had no clue about what we were going to make or how many people we were going to meet and what conversation should we had with them. We didn't prepare for any of that. All we had was the direction to get to their house and our craving for bake goods for the night. On the bus ride, we got so nervous, thinking of how the night would turn out. Katy and I get along with people easily but there're some exceptions to the routine of meeting new people. If we feel comfortable with the person once we first meet them, then we'll always find something to talk about. But if we don't, then I know the awkward moments may follow.

Derek was waiting for us in front of the apartment and once we got to the 18th floor, he pushed the wood door open and the kitchen first came into my sight, then the cleared window with the incredible view of Bangkok's skyscrapers. Daniel, Derek's friends, and his wife, Katie, came to door and gave us casual greeting. Following with two little girls with shiny blond hairs, Cammy and Penny. Cammy said hi shyly, there was a wonder in her eyes I could see. And Penny just gave us the shiniest smile as a greeting. Our friend, suzi was also there and that made us feel a lot less nervous. The short conversation went on between 6 of us while the girls were trying to do ballet dance in the living room. The sun was going down and that made their cozy little house even more charming. I literally just realized bangkok could be that beautiful.

Katie had prepared all the ingredients ready for lemon poppy seeds muffins and she gave us separated jobs like Katy zesting the lemon and me mixing the dry ingredients. The girls were sitting on the same chair while helping us squeeze the lemon juice. And the rest were playing games in the living room. The conversations went on and on like non-stop and I was surprised by how comfortable they made us feel. Cammy was no longer shy to us and Penny just continuously gave that warmest smile every time we gazed at her.

Once the muffins were baked in the oven, June, their youngest baby woke up from the nap and Katie introduced her to us. I swear she was the cutest tiny little bug on earth. She had this pastel green pj on matching with that big blue eyes of hers. Katie asked me hold her for a bit while she needed to check on the muffins. Once I had June in my arms, I still remember those eyes staring at me with wonders. She was so tiny that I was afraid if I held her too hard, she would scatter into pieces. And for the first time, I really wanted to have a baby of my own.

The muffins came out real good. I've never liked any dessert with lemon in it but I had to say this dessert was worth the try. Penny tried to reach for more muffins once her mom telling them it was time for bed and I was glad I captured the moment just in time. Eventually, it was time for us to leave. Again, I never thought so much could happen in one night. In 3 hours. They opened their home for us, welcomed us in and all of a sudden, strangers has turned into somebody. For all I know, we had built something awesome that day- Candice.

Lemon Poppy Seeds Muffins

⅔ cup sugar grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

¾ cup sour cream

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

8 tbs unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 tbs poppy seeds

Icing Optional:

1 cup confectioner sugar

2-3 tbs lemon juice

Place center rack in oven, heat to 400 F / 200 C Grease muffin molds with butter In a large bowl, rub sugar and lemon zest together with fingers until sugar is moist and fragrant. Whisk in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk sour cream, eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, and melted butter. Pour liquid ingredients over dry and whisk or stir with rubber spatula. Stir gently but quickly, take care not to over mix. Add poppy seeds. Pour into muffin cups. Bake 18-20 mins. Cool before removing muffins. Icing optional.

The way she looked at me lol