Good Morning to an American Saint

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton holds special meaning to me. Not just because she was the first American born saint, but because both a school and a parish named after her hold meaning.

Many moons ago, Hubby and I were members of The Good Shepherd Parish in my home town. We joined the parish even before there was a church, and were very much involved to the creation of the parish from the ground up. Father Thomas, the pastor, baptized Kiddo. When we relocated to Las Vegas, we “shopped around” for a parish to join. While the Mass is structured and the Church is in change, parishes also reflect the personality of their pastor.

Shortly after moving to Las Vegas, a woman stopped by our house. She was going door to door as a Mary K salesperson. What I did not know is that she had been in her car, asking Mary for a sign – was selling Mary K the right decision? She had been struggling to get things off the ground. What she did not know was that I loved Mary K and needed a new salesperson. She had made a deal. If I closed the door on her, she was done. I bought everything from lipstick to face cream and shadows – I needed it all.

The following Sunday we were attending Mass at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. I asked God for a sign, was this the right parish for us? After Mass there was a hospitality table serving coffee and donuts. My new Mary K lady was the greeter. She told me the story about asking for a sign, and I shared mine with her.

The following Thanksgiving while visiting family back home, we attended Mass at the newly completed Good Shepherd Church. The second collection was to help raise funds for the school to be built on the property. It was to be named Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School of the Good Shepherd. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is the patron saint of Catholic Schools. It is amazing to see how God weaves threads through the tapestry of life in beautiful ways. All we need do is pay attention and listen for His whispers.

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If the stresel part of this recipe seems familar, it is. Of all the streusel toppings, this is by far my favorite. Great on muffins; coffee cakes or breakfast loafs. Enjoy!

Streusel Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry Muffins
1-1/2 cups Flour
1 cup Brown Sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/3 cup Milk
1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
2 Eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 cups Blueberries

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a muffin pan with paper liners, set aside.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt.

In a small, deep bowl, whisk eggs. Add Milk, vegetable oil and vanilla. Whisk well. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients. With a wooden spoon, gently fold until almost completely combined.

Add the blueberries. Gently fold just until berries are blended. Divide the batter among the muffin cups. Set muffins aside to make the Streusel Topping.

Streusel Topping
1/2 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
3/4 cup Flour
1 tablespoon Water
1-1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
4 tablespoons softened Butter

Blend both sugars with flour. Sprinkle with water. Add cinnamon. Cut in butter to create crumbs. Scatter Streusel over the muffins.

Bake muffins for about 20 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch. Serve warm with additional butter if desired. These muffins are bursting with awesome blueberry goodness.

Note: For 6 Jumbo Muffins, made as above, using jumbo tin. Bake Jumbo Muffins about 10 minutes longer, checking every additional 5 minutes.

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 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, He has spoken to us through the Son.