We will get to these babies in a bit….
But first, I’m about to get real deep with you all.
Many of you know, but probably a lot of you DON’T know that I study martial arts. When I was younger, I studied Kenpo karate. When my family and I moved to a new town, I stopped doing karate. When I moved to Boston, a few years went by and I got the itch to start it back up again.
I joined my dojo, Emerald Necklace Martial Arts, in November of 2007. It was a different style, but I found myself easing back into something I knew. Now, about 5 years later, I’m preparing to test for my Shodan, or first degree black belt.
Alone.
This originally was not the case. I, along with a friend and dojo mate, were slated to test together. It was exciting because we were in this together. There are a handful of black belts at my dojo and they were all part of a group that tested together. I was excited that I was testing and excited that I could share it with someone.
Recently, my friend decided not to test for her black belt, for various reasons, the most important part being that her heart was not in it. And ladies and gentlemen, the months leading up to a black belt test are some of the hardest ever, so if your heart isn’t in it, then don’t do it.
I went through a lot of emotions when I found out. Upset. Disappointed. Annoyed. Mad. Angry. I couldn’t understand (and still don’t) how you could be so close to accomplishing this amazing goal, and then decide that you aren’t going to do it anymore. I know of people that have been a couple credits from graduating college, and then decide, *poof* they aren’t going to finish. All that dedication, money, time and effort, and you get nothing in the end. I Just.Didn’t.Get.It.
I tried to talk her out of it. I was feeling very selfish, I wanted to guilt her into going through with it anyway. But I didn’t. You can’t know what goes on in someone’s head when they make a monumental decision like that, and I wanted to be a good friend and respect her decision and support her in any way that I could.
But it was freaking hard.
I’m an only child, so I suppose I’m used to doing things alone but the thought of going on this journey alone scares the living CRAP outta me. I know that I have friends and dojomates that have been through it before. I have family and friends that are cheering me on. I have a Sensei that pushes me harder than sometimes I think is possible, all because they want me to succeed and know I can do it. I know that I can lean on the Black Belts to give advice and cheer me on.
But there is something about going through something this intense with someone else. Only that person can truly share what you are feeling in that moment. So yeah, it SUCKS that I have to go through this alone, and I would be lying if I didn’t feel bitter about it. But I know it couldn’t have been an easy decision for my friend. And I would rather her step back and realize what is important for her than make her go through something that she cannot commit 110% to.
So I know it is not going to be easy…but getting your black belt isn’t suppose to be. But hey, if I can get through this, I can probably get through anything.
Now, back to these Maple Pecan Oatmeal Scones. When I’m thinking too much about life’s problems, I turn to cooking and baking. And these delicious babies will certainly make you feel better. I really love oatmeal scones, because they are still tender, but have this amazing nutty taste to them, and who doesn’t love maple syrup? If you are feeling like life is coming at you in full force, make these scones. I promise you’ll feel better
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1/2″ cubes and chilled
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 375 degrees. Spread oats and pecans on a baking sheet and toast in oven until fragrant and lightly browned, about 7-9 minutes. Let cool. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees and cover another baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk milk, cream, egg and maple syrup in a measuring cup.
- Pulse flour, baking powder and salt in a food processor until combined. Add butter chunks evenly and pulse until course. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add cooled oats and pecans. Fold liquid ingredients until dough is cohesive.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and gently pat into a 7″ disk. Cut dough into 8 wedges and place on baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden brown.
- For a glaze, whisk 3 tbsp maple syrup with 1/2 confectioner’s sugar. Drizzle over scones.
Recipe Source: The Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook
