My 93 year old Aunt Jule’s Corn Muffins

I am blessed with an aunt who has survived 93 years on this planet, and teaches me much about the world. She is in excellent health due in part to her eating habits. When I visit her in Fairhope, Alabama I ask questions pertaining to her longevity and good health. I consider her in excellent health because she can see well, hear well, walk well, drive a car somewhat well, and can eat well. She is in a state of health I aspire to be in at that age should I be so lucky. Here are some of the things she has told me about living healthy. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day, preferably organic. Walk most every day,(she has a dog that she got partly to get her out of the house for walks every day when she might not be otherwise motivated).

Attitude is everything. My aunt has not had a cushy life. Her first husband was weird and harsh. She divorced him back in the 1950’s and then carved out a career in social work, leaving geology behind. Her second significant other committed suicide shortly after having a stroke in 1997. She has weathered it all with grace and humility.

One of the aspects of her life that keeps her young and active is her social network of fellow writers, singers, church members, and neighbors. She plays the drums in a local band. She is a published author and, meets weekly with a local writers group. She belongs to a local improv group that meets just to have a good time, not to perform for the public. She quit her singing group because she was just too darn busy!

She is an inspiration to me on how to retire, and live well. Even though she doesn’t have much money she lives a richer life that most people I have ever met. I treasure each chance I get to fly down to Alabama and hang out with her for a couple of days for more life lessons, and stories. On this trip she has shared with me her recipe for Gluten-free Cornbread Muffins that we ate with a bit of omega-3 enhanced butter substitute spread this morning. If you are looking for a gluten-free muffin recipe, or just a good cornbread muffin recipe try this one. Who knows you might make it to 93 also if you eat these.

Aunt Jule’s Gluten Free Corn Muffins

1 cup Hodgson Mill stone ground flour

1 cup Uncle Bob’s gluten-free oat flour

1/2 cup rice flour

1/2 teaspoon of salt

2 1/2 teaspoons Clabber Girl Baking Powder

1 1/4 cup milk

2 eggs

3 tablespoons canola oil

Mix dry ingredients

In a separate bowl whisk eggs and oil, then add milk.

Add wet ingredients to dry and mix just until blended.

Drop by tablespoon in muffin cups, and bake in a 450 degree oven for 18 minutes or until lightly browned.

Makes 12

Dinner at my Aunt’s home