On my last post, “Joseph” talked about his struggle to give up his addiction of control…and to trust God instead. He described this obsession for control as a wall between him and God, and expressed his desire to tear it down by learning to surrender to God’s will.
And I’m sure that even though you were inspired by his words, at the back of your mind, many of you were still thinking, “Easier said than done.” I know I did as I read Joseph’s post. But you know what? I couldn’t have been more wrong. Turns out, surrendering to God’s will is actually the easiest thing I could ever have done.
On a couple posts back, I talked about the decisions I needed to make and the stress I was feeling from them. Well, I ended up not going to San Francisco after all, and that was the easier decision out of the two. It turned out I was right in not going, because my schoolwork is taking far more effort and time than I had expected.
The harder one was regarding housing for next year, because it was such a big issue. I called my dad frequently, trying to trick him into making the decision for me. But he wouldn’t fall for it, saying that it’s “all up to” me, and that he would support me in any decision I make. The only advice he would give was: “Just pray about it, Sophia. Listen to what God has to say.”
But that was the problem. I didn’t really want to hear what God had to say. Because I already knew, deep down, where His will was. The evidence was clear:
- He closed the door to the housing I originally chose by forcing me to cancel it: I mean, a random girl scaring me with threats of drugs and late-night sex episodes. How clear can it be that God doesn’t want me there?
- He closed the door to re-assignment: there were no remotely adequate housing left on campus, so I had to cancel.
- He closed the door to off-campus housing: I plan to study abroad for a semester, and all the off-campus housings required a year’s lease at least.
- He closed the door to housing that allowed 6-month lease: $1200 per month for a shared room? You’ve got to be kidding me. The more affordable places were all in downtown, and I did not have a car/
- He opened the door to one housing: A community house shared between about 20 girls in my Christian fellowship called The Sister’s House. It accepts a semester-lease. And it’s well within my budget. Bingo?
As I’ve mentioned before…I really do not like the idea of sharing a house with so many people. My head was just bursting from all the “How are you?”s I’ll have to respond to each day, not to mention the pressures I’ll get from my friends asking me to join the myriads of activities they have in church. And where the heck am I gonna store my 5 lbs of oats, 2 gallons of milk, and 6 different kinds of cheeses when I’m sharing one kitchen with 20 girls? Oh, dear. After resisting for quite a long time, in which the worry and stress of indecision weighed heavily on me, I gave up. I jumped into bed, propped my head on top of my Pooh’s butt, and seriously and earnestly asked God: “Okay, I’m willing to listen. What is it that you want? And…why?” And as soon as I was willing to give up control over my situation…and let God take the reigns, God revealed to me His wisdom behind this decision: Okay, what more rebuttals can I say to that? After this quiet revelation, I realized that God had the best place in mind for me all along. Of course He is right. Of course He knows best. And thus, I finally made the decision: I’m applying to live in the Sister’s House next semester. For now, I’m glad it’s just two people sharing a fridge. Because I recently received this load from the Quorn people: I decided to try these Chik’n Nuggets first: I could have just snacked on these with honey mustard sauce and ketchup. But I decided to stuff them into a pita, and make a lovely vegetarian sandwich. Chik’n Nuggets Pita Sandwich For the slaw, I just mixed together the broccoli slaw, raisins, Coconut PB Cottage cheese blend, and vinegar: And then, cut the nuggets into half, stuff 3 into each pita pocket. Stuff in some slaw, and then stuff the other nugget halves in it again. Serve! And that’s as much as I know about the fine details about this product without getting too science-nerdy. All you need to know is: this product really does taste like chicken. So if you are vegetarian for the reason that you had the taste of meat, Quorn is not for you. But if you do like the taste of meat…well, stay tuned, because I have more Quorn recipes in store for you. Okay, Here’s today’s Sweet Treat Wednesday: Cinnamon Donut Muffins! By the way, I was pleased to hear that some of you do join me on Sweet Treat Wednesday! Just do note that when I say sweet treat, I don’t mean diet versions. Sugar-free caramel pudding and fat-free applesauce muffins are meant to be daily treats…that’s why they come out with diet versions. But I’d say a weekly treat deserves something more extravagant than air-popped rice cakes, doesn’t it? Okay, away I go! Still have lots and lots of work to complete! Ah, I wish time crawled by slower! Question of the day: What is the one form of control you find it hardest to give up? And do you have trouble finding space in your fridge as I do? lol!
After making this decision, it was like a rock have been lifted off my shoulders. Man, this is easy. And so liberating! When I cast my own stubbornness and distrust aside, surrendering to God’s will was the easiest and most refreshing decision I could have ever made.
Now, the only problem which God did not address is: Where will I stock all my foodie stuff? Oh well, I guess since He neglected to answer that, His response is really: You’ll deal with it. Haha. But seriously, as a food blogger, it is kind of a concern for me. I might have to bribe my new housemates with promise of good food cooked by Sophia Lee. 
Remember my trip to The Veggie Grill where I met some amazing LA bloggers…and also mentioned my ambivalence towards fake meat? Well, the brave peeps at Quorn took me up for my challenge, and sent me their “meat” products to try. You gotta admire their courage and confidence in their products. 
Per the package directions, I just baked them in the oven on a sheet pan: 
The best thing? You don’t have to defrost them. Just take it out of the freezer, and bake. No fuss! 
And you know, I really do love my processed meat. Nuggets, hot dogs, bring them on. So I was really impressed by Quorn’s Chik’n Nuggets…They really tasted marvelously chicken nugget-y! 
The exterior was gloriously crunchy and crispy, with the perfect golden-brown texture. And I was pleasantly surprised by the interior: it most certainly could have fooled me that it was real chicken. I’ve also tried them microwaved, but the exterior just wasn’t as nice as the ones when baked. It gets a bit soggy, so I would really recommend baking these.
I actually made this a day ahead so that the flavors would blend and intensify together. Not sure if that’s really the case, but that’s what I did. 
It’s funny how something so simple can be just so. damn. good. 
This sandwich was an utter delight to eat. The crunchy, juicy nuggets, paired with the tangy, coconuty, peanut buttery, creamy slaw and the chewy raisins…It was a genius combination, if I say so myself. 
And since I’ve shamelessy complimented myself, let me just add again that my Coconut PB Cottage Cheese blend is the BOMB! Seriously, my new favorite condiment. I’ve already finished the whole jar, so I made another one today. It kind of just melts and oozes over roasted veggies, and it is also the best spread for sandwiches and stuff. 
Obviously, Quorn changed my mind about “meat” products. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I really liked my artificial meat. 
I still have yet to try the other products, but these Chik’n Nuggets get a thumbs up from me. The thing to note is that Quorn is NOT vegan. It does have egg whites in it. But it is soy-free and meat-free. The main protein source comes from a kind of fungi called mycoprotein, which comes from Fusarium venenatum, discovered in Buckinghamshire, England. 
I baked these last night per this recipe’s direction. The only thing I changed was use 1/4 cup cornmeal as well because I ran out of white flour, and a bit of half-and-half because I ran out of milk. Maybe that’s the reason why these muffins came out a tiny bit dry. 
Too bad, because they looked really gorgeous. And they had the potential to be better if not for the dry texture. I think it needs to soak up some nice, warm butter. 
They made for a nice treat. I’m just not sure I’ll make these again. However, dipping the tops of the muffins in melted butter, and then rolling it in a cinnamon-sugar mixture? Genius! 
As you can see, the tops is so nicely dusted! Yum, the best part!
Related posts:
{ 89 comments… read them below or add one }
Next Comments →
I LOVE Quorn products. I like the fact that they aren’t soy based like almost all other “meat” subs.
DONUT MUFFINS!?!?! Those pictures are speaking to me. Same for your chikn pita! I only wish I liked coconut so I could try out your CC mix. Because I’m eating like a container of CC a day haha
Donut muffins?!? OMG pass me some of that stuff. I am a control freak…I have a hard time giving up anything. The hardest has probably been being married and making everything ‘joint’. That spun me in a whirlwind. Hate it. But love it at the same time.
I love Quron I discovered them when I was in Oregon and blogged about it. Its so tasty! Unfortunatly its double the price in Hawaii so that ends the love affair with that brand for a while.
I want some of those muffins!
I had a donut today for my sweet treat.
It was delicious!!!
I think that is so awesome how God showed you His plan for you and that you are now embracing it. I bet it will work out wonderfully.
I admit that I have problems being able to trust God when I don’t have any control at all in a situation. Like, right now with trying to conceive. It is 100% in His hands and I trust Him, but at the same time it freaks me out because there is nothing I can do really to help ensure I get pregnant. Sure I can do certain things at the right times but that doesn’t mean squat. It’s tough not having control, but this post reminded me its okay. Because God is in control and He is good and will provide. 
So glad you were able to find a solution to your housing situation. I’m sure it will be a great new experience next year! LOVE the Quorn pita sandwich. It’s not available here, I actually tried it ~3 years ago when an industrial microbiology prof brought it from the UK to sample! (It was relevant, as its made from mycoprotein!)
dear Sophia, I think u were brave to make that decision, even though the thought of it made u shudder.
I heard a message from a pastor yesterday – when we choose to deny ourselves and accept God’s purposes for our lives, we live the best lives we can ever live
I truly believe that you would have a blessed time staying with the sisters – and you will be a blessing to them.
i’ve tried quorn before and was impressed with what i tried, but my grocery store doesn’t have that kinda variety! would be intrigued to try the soy-free grounds.
I am in awe of your relationship with God. I admire how you open yourself to the unknown and just let faith lead your way. I am so happy that you were able to come to a housing solution…I think this will be great for you. I can’t wait to hear about your experience.
Love you chickie!
so happy that you are seeing the good in the options in front of you. everything has a funny way of working out and i’m sure that, while this option will have its share of bumps, that you will get through it
Not fair, I don’t have any Cinnamon Donut Muffins in the house!
I’m a control freak, especially over things that I really have no control over anyways. It’s a huge source of anxiety and stress for me!
I had a caramel apple w/ crushed nuts today! Mmm sweet treats!
No, I don’t really have a hard time finding fridge space. It’s just the two of us, so I keep it fairly organized. If I do cook something big or we run out of room there’s a “spare” fridge in the basement for drinks and extra freezer space so I can just “borrow” space there!
I want to have some of those cinnamon Donut Muffins
*
ohhh i need to try these!!!!!!! I’m totally going to Whole foods and getting some this weekend. Thanks for the review
I made banana nut muffins that I turned into donut muffins. It was really good. Right now I’ve got tons of room in my fridge as I haven’t bee to the market yet. I guess that means I’ve got to get to stocking it up again.
You made such a mature decision and I admire you for that! I know I tend to shun things that aren’t going to turn out exactly how I want them to. Because I want it ‘my way’. Giving up the control is also giving other things a chance that you normaly wouldn’t. I really hope that your new living arrangements turn out okay. The ‘fake meat’ actually looks good, and I’m a devoted meat fan so that’s saying something! Haha
I’m glad you decided to move in…sure it isn’t your ideal choice but I think you’ll be happy in the end. Think of all the great people you’ll get to know! And I’m sure you’ll find a place for your 5lbs of oats with no problem!
i lived in a house in college that had between 8 and 10 people (we had some extra housemates for a few monhs). we had two fridges-and honestly we could’ve filled more!
i say convince someone for an extra fridge or 3!
I always forget about things that are in my fridge and then don’t use them in time before they go bad.
How do you get the backgrounds of your pics so white?
I have a big problem letting other people cook for me. I just want to know everything that’s in it! Eating out more and going on vacation has definitely helped me to loosen up a bit in the food preparation area.
I love in a house with 5 other girls, and it can be a hassle at times. We basically have an entire room devoted to our food. We just love to cook and eat and can’t stand campus food!
I love how you went through all of the steps to figuring out the answer to your problem. Its the best way to realize when an opportunity is knocking!
I’m so happy that you figured out your housing situation!! It really is amazing how God will show you exactly what to do, if you’ll only look and listen for His answers! I’m actually having a similar problem with housing right now, and I’m really having to decide if I’m willing to live in a house with a larger number of girls, especially since I value my space sooo much…not to mention, just like you, the first thought that popped into my head was “where will I keep my jugs of almond milk, tubs of yogurt and 5 pound bags of carrots!”…but God will make a way!
Thank you for your posts, they are always such a blessing!
I have a really hard time giving up most forms of control. Especially control of my routine/schedule. If I have to plan a change (ie going to a concert) it freaks me out. If something happens organically and I roll with it because I made that choice, then I’m fine. It is complicating my life, and I am praying about it daily. Structure is good, but so is flexibility! So glad you found peace with your housing situation!
Love, Barbara
So glad your housing situation has been resolved. I’m sure you’ll eventually luv it even though it may take a little getting used to. Sure beats living in a house with drugs and late-night sex episodes.
Donut muffins?!?! More power to ya girl! And by the way, I totally bow down to you when it comes to spicy foods lol.
Mmmm amazing pics! Whilst I’m not a religious person myself, I’m a great believer in the notion that things are ‘meant to be’ and everything happens for a reason. Every cloud has a silver lining and it’s great that you can see the positives in how your housing situation has turned out.
Sarah x
Cinnamon Donut Muffins! OMG those look so good. You know, adding a little coconut oil that you won! to the mixture before baking would take care of that dry situ immediately!
The Quorn..why did they have to put eggs in there? I break out and not like i really want that product, but in a pinch would be an nice option. til the eggs.
The House of Girls. I think it’s great and how you reframed it and realized it’s college, not a dream house, wont have this opportun to live with 20 others again, etc..and congrats girl!!!!
My fridge is super neat. Filled with produce and condiments. haha!
So glad and happy for you you’ve made the choice now. I know you will have a great time there and learn a lot…also don’t forget: those girls will learn a lot from you too!
(Can you maybe buy a little fridge for your own room? For extra stuff to store?)
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Sophia!
You never fail to inspire me. Seriously.. lately I have been feeling a little stressed about the control I have over my weight gain at this point – I am really healthy now and I just feel like I have no where to go. It seems like the only choices I have are to go too far, or slip back. You have reminded me that it is not always in my control… if I just let God show me the way, I know I will be just fine
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU =)
Also.. I have been contemplating joining you in sweet treat wednesday, but the only think stopping me is that I KNOW you mean the real deal
I would be lying if I didn’t say I was terrified. Yipe.
<3 Tat
Sophia… those cinnamon sugar donuts. Oh. my. goodness. They may not have tasted good but they sure are a feast for the eyes!
I think my way to “control” stuff is to stress over them, because most of the things I stress over are things I can’t control like money, other peoples’ situations, etc. Silly things to stress over, and the second I give even just one little thing over to God I can feel the burden lighten.
I LOVE Quorn! It tastes almost identical to real meat, it’s amazing! I love their meatless meatballs, try them!!
Jenn
Your list of the housing possibilities certainly narrowed your choices! You made the only possible choice; it will be an experience for sure, but if you are unhappy, just remember it’s only for a short time. You can do anything for a short time.
Love your donuts!
Don’t think I have ever seen an Quorn products around here.
love those stuffed pita bread!!! YUM~
Scheduling! I HATE not having 100% control over my schedule, and I’m not a very spontaneous lady. Workin’ on it
I think you know my control issues, so I won’t ramble on about those. Let me just say that those 20 girls are blessed to be having you live with them, and not just for the delicious creations you might bribe them with. Seriously. Think of it as a short-term experience that will make you appreciate the future even more!
As for the Quorn, so jealous! I can’t do soy and have wanted to try them forever, but alas, a bit pricey right now. Glad to know they’re worth it!
Yay, I think you made a great choice for housing! And you make a great point, it’s a temporary situation…I’m the type of person who likes everything organized and situated and permanent, so temporary housing was always an issue for me too, lol!
I will freely admit it — I like Quorn “chicken” products! (Especially the breaded chicken cutlets!) I think they really do taste like chicken.
Looks perfect with that slaw you made!
Great choice on the housing, girl! Seriously. It’s the challenging decisions that make us grow in oh so many ways!
I’m a control freak, I’ll admit it. Still growing in this area, for sure.
I have trouble finding space in my fridge all the time!! Too bad our fridge isn’t getting any bigger when we move
Oh well!! SO my housing situation has been sor of like yours, where I’m not living in my FAVORITE place, but it’s good enough and I know I will learn to love it. I think the Sister House will be hard at first, for you, but you will learn to love it. Everyone hates change…it’s something that humans were born to hate. I wouldn’t want to live with a bunch of girls either, but I know I would get used to it and learn to love it (especially if they are nice people, and I would imagine they will be).
Love your processed pita creation!
I need to try that Quorn stuff, everyone raves about it.
I’m glad you figured out your living situation. I bet it will better than you think
I love fake chicken!
Oh, my fridge at school is absolutely overrun. I have to put five-pound weights in front of the door sometimes because it won’t stay closed!
Self-control is huge for me–health-wise, word-wise, everything; I use it too much to keep people out of my business. I need to loosen up!
I’m so impressed with your poise and wisdom in making this decision… I’m so happy and excited for you about your living situation and new adventures! Oh my yes, though, I’m also blessed with the issue of an overflowing fridge…
I’m sure your roomies will be glad to relinquish space in exchange for the pleasures of your incredible cooking, though!! 
I’m so excited to hear that the Quorn was yummy! We do enjoy the Morningstar farms veggie products, but I haven’t tried Quorn yet… With your endorcement and this yummy recipe, I’m definitely picking up some Quorn chicken nuggets tonight!
Doughnut muffins sound like the coolest invention! Love the photos of their gorgeous tops…
My sweet treat Wednesday was a glorious, buttery sugar cookie – ahhhh… 
I really admire your ability to open up to new experiences, both in your housing decision and in your faux meat experimentation (hehe). It’s not easy, you are right on when you say if we just sit back and think things over for a while, things usually work out just like they were supposed to. I constantly need to remind myself that this is true, because it’s so easy to forget!
You are so eloquent and easy to relate to. Even though I share none of your struggles specifically, you describe them in a way I totally get.
Our fridge is always packed. There’s 2 of us. It’s pathetic!
I would love to live with more people but I wouldn’t know what to do with my kitchen gadgets either! Oh the food blogger’s worries..
Quorn is great and I love that processed stuff!! Mmmm…
Quorn products are the only faux meat that I like! I have a hard time giving up my workouts. I get cranky when I can’t fit them in!
I’m glad you were able to resolve your housing issues and delighted that you shared this meal with us. My refrigerator is always packed. I’ve developed the bad habit of buying large sizes for economy’s sake and as a result it looks like I’m feeding an army. I have an embarrassingly hard time saying no to popcorn. Silly, I know but popcorn does me in every single time.
Those little muffins look so good!
And, yes, I do have trouble finding space in my fridge! I’ve thought many times of taking pictures of my fridge for the blog because, really, it’s ridiculous!
As for giving up control…With food, I still don’t like when others cook for me. I can go out to restaurants just fine because I can order something off the menu, but when things are just presented to me, I feel like I have no control. I’m way less uptight about it than I used to be, but it still gets to me. I also hate any snafus with cars or technology (like a computer dying). Those things make me feel completely helpless!
I think the living situation will turn out great! Can’t wait to hear more!
while it is hard for you to go with a housing sitch that is not really what you WANT.. i am sure it will all work out and god wants you to give it a try for a reason. i bet you will have some epic times and life-long memories will be made. for sure. your sweet treats are eye candy! YUM! and i cant wait to get married because I WILL HAVE MY OWN FRIDGE, FINALLY! haha
Hi Sophia,
Just coming on to your blog for the first time today. You are an incredibly astute and insightful young woman with a writer’s hand, to boot. I have just read your past few entries and have to say, you have some seriously deep stuff on here that I’m certain is going to change peoples’ lives, literally.
I really enjoyed the way that you link your personal experiences and emotional struggles to your spirituality on the blog. It’s not something a lot of people do, but I think that in many ways, eating and the way we interact with food is a very spiritual thing, or at least it can be approached that way.
I have struggled the past few years with my faith, and I found this post to be very inspiring. Thanks for posting it.
D
gahhhh i want one of everything! and i am so glad you used broccoli slaw – it is one of my easiest, favorite things ever. when you pair it with chicken nuggets, i bet it kinda tasted like the oriental chicken salad from applebees
thanks for the quorn review – i think i am now ready to give them a shot!
I’m so glad that you decided to live in the Sister’s House. I think this will be great for you. While it will be outside of your comfort zone, just think of all the interesting things you’ll learn about your new roomies, as well as yourself. I can be a loner sometimes, too. And when I venture outside of my comfort zone and make myself ‘socialize’ and interact, I end up asking myself, “why didn’t I do that sooner?” People can surprise you. Maybe you’ll make a new best friend? Maybe you’ll be the cook of the house and be able to teach people how to enjoy food and really be adventurous in the kitchen? Just think of all the possibilities! And about the fridge thing, maybe you can get your own mini-fridge? I don’t think they cost too much and they aren’t so big. Perhaps you could keep it in your room for the stuff that can’t fit in the main fridge?
This is great post, Sophia! I really enjoyed learning about how you surrendered to God’s will and within moments, you were granted answers and peace. You never fail to amaze me!
BTW, those cinnamon doughnut muffins looked incredible! I would have never guessed they were a bit dry. But butter always makes everything taste better!
Next Comments →
{ 1 trackback }