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Touchdown Jesus is no more. I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda sad, but mostly I find it really fucking ironic. An enormous statue of Jesus was struck by lightening and burnt to the ground. I don’t know what Jesus should be more embarrassed about, the fact that there was a tacky, 60 foot statue modeled after him, or the fact that it was constructed out of the same materials as the dollhouse I used to play with as a little girl. I’d venture to say a man like Jesus would be opposed to a statue like that. In fact, He probably burnt it down on purpose to teach you people a lesson; He fed the hungry and healed the sick, and someone thought it proper to honor Him by building a statue? A statue, really?
I was riding my bike home from the bank yesterday when I saw Hagrid for the forth or fifth time. Hagrid is not really his name, but he is this giantesque, scruffly, homeless man who walks around my neighborhood, and looks just like the groundskeeper from Harry Potter (by the way, I had to explain Harry Potter to Thom yesterday, using Star Wars termonology – SERIOUSLY). Since I was already planning on making cookies, I figured I’d ask him if he wanted anything. I was 3 or 4 blocks away from him at this point, and by the time I worked up enough courage to turn around and ask him, a garbage truck cut me off, so I headed home.
For some reason, I couldn’t get this man out of my head; how humiliating it must be to be a homeless man in our society, a man who cannot provide for a family, let alone for himself. And then here I am, this young lady who demands all things KitchenAid in her self-taught world of baking, who can’t stand to use shampoo that isn’t Aveda, who won’t even eat wilted lettuce. I should be ashamed.
Hagrid has a usual hang out spot in our neighborhood, perched right between 7-Eleven and Sexy Pizza. Since we planned on walking in that direction anyway, Thom suggested I pack a bag of cookies for him. I spotted Hagrid from a block away and my brain went all sorts of crazy: Is he going to think I’m weird? Does he even like cookies? Ok, you’re being ridiculous, who doesn’t like cookies? But what if he’s allergic to nuts? Before I knew it we were there, so I, awkwardly I’m sure, approached him and asked if he wanted some cookies. He stared at me like I was the one carrying my belongings around in a plastic garbage bag. It took me what seemed like 5 minutes to put down my belongings and search for them, but when I pulled out the bag filled with cookies his face lit up and I caught a glimpse of what looked like a smile beneath his unruly, facial hair.
I hope that made his day, because it made mine. I laid in bed last night sobbing; wondering if he had a place to sleep, if his belly was full, etc. I am pathetic. But I decided that whenever I make cookies, I’m going to pack a bag for Hagrid anytime I leave the house. You know, just in case I see him. And if I don’t, well, chances are I’ll probably track him down. Never pinned me as the type to stalk a homeless man, eh?
Today I made those cupcakes I promised such a long, long time ago, sans good quality photos. Unfortunately my camera suffered a fall a few weeks ago and I decided it was time to send it in for repairs. These cupcakes are so delicious that I licked the batter from the bowl. I never lick the batter from the bowl.
Chocolate coconut cupcakes
1 1/4 c. coconut milk
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 TBS agave nectar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tsp coconut flavor
1/3 c. coconut oil (if you don’t have it, no big deal – I didn’t use it for my first batch)
1 c. unbleached flour
1/2 c. cocoa powder
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Mixing bowl 1:
– Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt, set aside
Mixing bowl 2:
– Whisk together coconut milk, eggs, sugar, agave, vanilla extract, coconut flavor
– Stir in the coconut oil
– Add mixing bowl 1 in thirds
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes
Chocolate coconut frosting
2 TBS butter, room temperature
1/3 c. coconut milk
1/2 tsp coconut flavor
5 oz. semisweet/bittersweet chocolate, melted
1/2 c. confectioners sugar (or more)
1/4 c. + 2 TBS cocoa powder
Top with shredded or flaked coconut
In bowl:
– Whisk butter and coconut milk for 1 minute
– Add melted chocolate and coconut flavor, whisk
– Mix in confectioners sugar and cocoa with a spatula, add confectioners sugar until the icing has reached desired consistency
* Do not make this icing until all of the cupcakes are ready to ice – it thickens within 20 minutes
Update: I took a plate of cupcakes to Hagrid (argh, I forgot to get his real name). He told me the cookies I brought him yesterday were the best cookies he’s ever had, and that he really appreciated them because he’s not eating well. I couldn’t talk long because tears were running down my face, and that’s the last thing he needed to see, but I told him thank you and that I’d be bringing him baked goods every time I baked. I sobbed the entire way home, wishing there was more I could do for him. He probably doesn’t know it, but he is changing my life.
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