My brother surprised me today.
I’d always thought he was sort of a wandering soul, aimless and directionless, being satisfied with whatever life throws at him and just…you know, going with the flow. Maybe I even looked down on him a bit, for being happy in a mediocre school, with mediocre grades, always striving for nothing more than average.
But boy, was I mistaken.
We had our weekly college prayer group today, and today we all shared about what we thought our “calling” was. What did we want to achieve in life? What was God’s purpose for us?
When it came to my brother’s turn, I kind of expected him to just do his usual shrug and say, “I dunno.” But instead, he began giving a detailed sharing about how much he learned through his major of hospitality management in college, and that he really had a feeling that God would use him in this direction. He said that though he wanted to work in this business field, his ultimate dream was to fund for mission trips to all around the world, to support my dad’s ministry, and to build orphanages in China. He said it so sincerely and solemnly that I totally believed it would come true.
I’d always complained about how my brother has no vision in his life and how he is always wasting his time on meaningless things. But one day, a friend of mine who is also friends with my brother told me that she felt I didn’t give my brother enough credit. She suggested that my brother had more potential and wisdom in him than I thought and that the reason he did not open up to me was because I already had a prejudice against him and did not give him the opportunity. At that time I got rather upset, but now…I admit that perhaps…she was right.
This realization just made me question once again the way I view other people: Do I have an iron-wall of prejudice in my perception of others? Am I blind to the goodness and potential of other people? And why…oh why do I view other people this way? What gave me the right and privilege of criticizing other people? Am I so great to pinpoint the flaws of others, much more my own younger brother’s?
Yeah, so I totally repented today. 
I’m so sorry, little bro! From now on I shall never look upon you that way again. I’m sure there is much more wisdom and potential in you than I gave you credit for! (After all, you are my brother, haha)
And speaking of prejudices…I used to hate peppermint. I thought it tasted like toothpaste. But I repented for that also today when I put on my oven mitts to bake this wonderful, aromatic cake this morning: 
It’s Double-Chocolate Peppermint Cake!!! 
Two different batters: one dark chocolate batter, one peppermint-infused white chocolate, both studded with more chocolate chips, baked together into one glorious cake!! Intense? Yup. But yet so…light in a sense because of the moistness and the refreshing peppermint! 
I got the recipe here from Baking Bites. Try it, you’ll think it’s Christmas already!
And you know what prejudice I’ll never get rid off? That anything with blueberries is gooooood. That my blueberry-walnut pesto is freaking versatile and amaaaaaaazing (Yes, it needs that many “a”s). Of course, today’s highlight meal of the day needed another good dollop of that pesto:
Blueberry-burst Chicken Flatbread Pizza
- whole wheat flatbread
- 2 tablespoons blueberry-walnut pesto, mixed with a bit of Greek yogurt
- bunch of fresh salad greens
- grilled chicken, chopped
- deli ham, torn into pieces
- handful fresh blueberries
- handful crumbled feta cheese
- handful shredded cheddar cheese
Smear the pesto mixture all over the flatbread, pile on the rest of the ingredients, bake at 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes. 
Helloooooo, baby! 
It’s so simple, yet the flavors are so intense and complex. 
Juicy bursts of the acidic-sweet blueberries, the intricate flavors of the pesto, the smokiness from the chicken and ham, and of course the pungency of the feta and sharpness of the cheddar! 
I found Organic Valley feta cheese on sale at Whole Foods, so cheese-whor
e that I am of course I had to grab it (who cares if I already have five different kinds of cheese in my fridge!) 
Oh, and I made one for my brother, too. That’s my way of apology. Others may buy flowers, but I cook/bake. He gobbled it up 
Okay, now. I’m off to stretch out and relax. Actually, I’ve been sedentary all day, but these skinny, much-abused feet need a break: 
They’re going to be busy soon in the future, running all around the world, so they need their rest! Tee hee.
Question of the day: Care to share a prejudice you have against someone/something? Or if that’s too personal…What is your way of apologizing?
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Hmmm, what a profound question. I know that I have held my share of predjudice against others, but I can’t think of one particular at the moment.
I think apologizing with food is always a great way to show your sorry.
Okay, let me just take a moment to stop and say HOLY PIZZA! You are just way toooo creative girl!
Blueberry walnut pesto – are you a genius, what a wonderful creative idea. I love it.
To your story about your brother, I think as sisters we naturally are suspicious and its always kinda nice to be pleasantly surprised.
Hi! I announced the winner of my Amazing Grass giveaway today on my blog. . . and you might want to check it out
Oh I love that flatbread! I love the juicy pop of baked blueberries from desserts and never thought to pair them on a savory dish like that – but you’re right – it would go brilliantly!
I think I hold prejudices towards closer friends or family members. Not out of malice, just because I think they are still the same as when we were younger and vice versa. It’s hard to see somebody in a new light or growing into a great individual when you’re right next to them.
I’m with you – apologies generally include food and baked goods. I also tend to write them out, because saying everything I want to say can be hard.
I’m pretty sure you are a professionally trained culinary artist undercover…
Prejudices, hm.. I think I assume that other people won’t be able to “understand” me because of experience with isolation, so I tend to shut them out before they have a chance to know me. I guess that makes my prejudice based on existence
I love peppermint, and blueberries – so so good! You are so creative, not to mention sweet, and kind. You surprise me all the time with your insight, faith, and love.
My prejudice? Cilantro. I’m working on it though! I used to hate it, but now I can tolerate it!
I hate okra. It’s slimy and absolutely disgusting. I don’t ever see myself liking it straight up but when deep fried, it’s tolerable!
that is so sweet what you said about your brother – and he is so mature for thinking of others with his career path.
my prejudice? spicy food – but i’m trying to build up a better tolerance for it!
I don’t think I have any prejudices against anyone. Or, I most likely do, I just can’t think right now! Sorry! If I had one right off the bat I would share…
That pizza looks incredible!!!!!!!!!!!
<3 jess
xoxo
Oooh I love baking bite’s recipes. They always turn it well! That pizza looks so, so good. All those flavors you got in there sound amazing. So glad your brother enjoyed it
.
I tend to have prejudices against people who don’t work as hard as I do too. I never understood why they would be satisfied with average, or “good enough”. Why not strive for the best? However, I’m currently learning that not everyone is like me and those people have other values in life, like your very wise younger brother.
By the way, thanks for the extra sweet comment on my blog. I feel extra blessed for that post today
. I would have never known that writing down my thoughts would lead me to new conclusions (not a big writer here!). That is an amazing analogy, junk food is in no way even close to poison!
I love that bread. Double chocolate?! I’ll have me some of that.
It’s always intriguing when someone you thought was one way, surprises you in a completely amazing way.
You asked a tough question today. So, I’ll answer the second one. I don’t apologize too often but when I do. It’s usually a one on one conversation with food attached. LOL. That’s always a good way to ease the tension.
Double chocolate peppermint cake.. you stole my heart wih that one. My prejudices, I am sure i have some, but I do try to stick true to my solemn belief, live and let live. Whatever floats your boat.
My way of apology would be with cookies and a drink. Puppy dog eyes help too.
omgg that pizza looks AMAZINGGGG… and thanks for the comment yesterday! i think we see eye to eye on things
You know what I don’ think you were prejudice towards your brother. We tend to share stuff with our friends more than family. I mean according to my mom I am this moody grumpy girl which I am when I am with her lol but with my friends I am a completely different story lol!
I loveeee the eats
WOW! Can I have a slice of that pizza??
Maybe you were not really looking down on your brother? You were only wishing the best for him and hoping that he achieves what you know he is capable of. His ultimate dream sounds amazing!
I haven’t had pizza in way too long. Boohoo.
Wow that is very inspiring what your brother is doing! Big props to him for such a wonderful life changing decision
The feta cheese in your pizza is such a great idea! I love it and it looks heavenly! Have a great weekend girly <3 Shannon
Your brother’s plans are really, really touching. I’m kind-of in a similar situation with my little brother (he’s actually 10.5 years younger than me though!) who seems to have no motivation or direction in his life, and basically seems to be satisfied with the status quo and just scraping by. I just don’t get it. I guess what I fail to realize is that just because he isn’t a compulsive, obsessive, over-achiever (and I don’t necessarily mean that in a good way) like me doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own dreams and goals. I’m going to follow your lead and (try!) to end my prejudice.
P.S. That pizza looks soooo good!
The cake and pizza look wonderful! Yum yum
oh and P.S. I thought about blogging from my trip (my dad’s bringing his laptop), but decided I don’t want to spend my time in front of the computer – so I’ll def recap when I get back! I hope you guys understand (:
Aw, I love what your brother said about what he thought his calling was. It is hard to not judge a book by it’s cover, but people are almost always different than they seem (at least a bit). This is a good reminder for all of us!
P.S. People have been shooting off fireworks in my neighborhood ALL DAY! Ok, peeps, time to put ‘em away..I need my beauty sleep!
You just keep on comin’ with the blueberry goodness!
I’m a bit prejudiced against men, especially police officers. I can interact with men fine, but I don’t tend to feel as comfortable or trusting around men as I do with women. I’ve just known so few men that are adequately respectful…
But the cake looks awesome! I love any kind of mint and white chocolate is the best!
hey Sophia, that flatbread looks nice. What kind/brand is it?
sometimes people surprise you like that!
That cake look wonderful! I usually think of peppermint as a winter flavor, but I want it right now!
OMG seriously the cake looks amazingly most and delicious, love the flavors and blueberries on pizza…you are so innovative, i love thin crust pizzas and this is just perfect, looks so crunchy!
I’m glad to hear you’re supporting your brother, nothing is really the same as the love and care of a sibling.
The cake combo sounds delicious!
I looove mint! I am not prejudice against it at all. Holy cow! Blueberry on pizza. Love that idea.
My sister in law says I have a predjudice about movie stars. She says I always think the worst of them (when they get accused of things). I guess she might be right. As I have gotten older I became more cynical of people and their motives. I guess thats not really a great thing. But, on the nice side…
What a beautiful cake. I have got to get myself a bundt pan. Problem is I dont like to collect to much kitchen stuff because it really ends up messy. I think a bunt pan should be an essential though
It is so wonderful that you were able to witness your brother coming forth like that and shattering all the prejudices that you had before. God wanted you to see your brother for what he truly has to offer and that is something that you can connect with on such a wonderful level. It must have been such an amazing experience to hear him speak and to realize that he DOES have a vision for life and it is something that you can share in with him. I’m so happy for you!
I think some of us find it difficult to conceive that people change, particularly family members over time. I know I have that difficulty too!
Hehe I’m the same, I bake when I want to show appreciation or say thankyou!
Wow Girl…I just love that peppermint cake and the blueberry pesto pizza…looks way too awesome…And about lil brothers, I have one and very proud of him
Perhaps I was prejudiced when we were younger, but I totally adore him now…
Ha, I’m prejudice against mint too! I can’t stand it when it invades my chocolate
I bet that cake is good though, mostly just because I seriously doubt anything you make isn’t good 
I wonder if the “sibling prejudice” is more common with older siblings? I’m the youngest in my family, and I look up to my sisters a lot. But I can tell they have their prejudices about me. They’re always trying to get me to do these amazing things that just don’t interest me. I think they’re scared I’m going to sort of “wander” through life. But I have my plans, I just don’t share them
hi girlie
awww thats so nice what you wrote about your bro! I often dont give my lil bro enough credit for anything and he often suprises me!
my way of apologizing is usually just straight out..basically saying sorry!
have a great night hun
xxxx
I hv prejudice against mint too! And coconut flakes. Not coconut milk or jelly or drinks tho..
And sadly..against Indians too. Tht’s bad but i havent met an Indian tht made a gd fren yet..YET.
Anyhow, do u bake bread? Blueberry bread would be nice dont u think so? Not those bun types where they smeared bluberry paste on top and call it blueberry bun!
But loaf of bread, with blueberries pureed, mixed into the dough & more whole blueberries added in! Hmmm!!
Wow, that cake looks delish!
I had similar ideas about my brother, but he has…i think more turned his life around and found his passion. I don’t think it was there all along!
the cake sounds great- I am NOT a mint fan but now and again, get a craving for chocolate mint. Hmmm…the closest I get is eating chocolate after brushing my teeth, lol. Send me some cake?
I think part of your prejudice stems from the fact that he is your brother and you only want the best for him. When you see that he is unmotivated and just kind of floating through life, of course you’re going to judge him and criticize him harsher than you would anybody. I have many similar feelings toward my brother (who is actually older, not younger) and know that I am his harshest critic only because I really care about him.
Aside: Do you make that flat bread or buy it? If you buy it, what brand is it? Everything looks delicious, and your photographs are wonderful!
The pizza looks so scrumptious…
Omigod, I love love love peppermint! Your marbled Peppermint Cake sounds/looks amazing! I have to try it. The pizza looks so good too. I love the purple on it. Makes it look so pretty
Hmm.. I am guilty of being a bit of a ‘snob’ sometimes. I sometimes pre-judge people where I shouldn’t. It’s an awful habit and I try not to do it anymore! Your brother sounds like a brilliant young man. What a great vision for his future
I bet you’re proud, hey?
Wow yummy cake! I’ve had prejudice around alot of people, abit snobby I was/am. I wish I can look at people and welcome them instead.
Wow I come for the recipes, yet leave with so much more. You and your brother are that peppermint cake, 2 different batters, one would never think to put them together, yet when combined a pure masterpiece. Figtreeapps
Oh that cake, that pizza! Fantastic as always!
I usually do the same thing to apologize! Yet another usage of food!
I share the same prejudice/love for blueberries and that pizza looks so inventive. I’m impressed!
Actually, I have a similar prejudice towards mint too. I have liked a few things with mint but mostly I don’t like it.
I think all of us hold prejudices against close family members and friends. It’s hard not to have preconceived notions of someone you think you know really well. Not ideal, perhaps, but natural.
I love the pizza. I also am not a huge fan of peppermint. Sometimes I do like it – if it’s subtle – like Andes mints. But most often the taste is too jarring for me.
I am the same way with my younger brothers. The older one of the two is (okay, prejudice here) so lazy. really, I have always thought that he doesnt work up to his potential. example- he gets a 2000 on his SAT’s without trying/studying but yet he gets straight C’s and D’s in school. Every once in a while though he surprises me.
Have a great day!
That pizza looks AMAZING!!!
Of course I harbor prejudices – but I love being called on it – always growing – always. And I would love that flatbread – the blueberry pesto is amazingly versatile! Happy 4th!
Double chocolate peppermint cake sounds so good! It looks pretty with the two different colors.
Blueberry crust for a pizza sounds really interesting. You always have such creative ideas!
Glad you decided to give your brother another chance. Sounds like he has some big ideas to make change for good.
sounds like you had a major revelation tonight girl and I’m glad to hear your brother opened your eyes to the good in other people — he sounds like a very special person!
have a great day, darling! xo
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