When I was two, I had the greatest idea to run around a swimming pool tailing my older and definitely more experienced in motor coordination sisters and friends. Feeling pleased with myself, I decided that I needed to up this feat by turning back while running to wave at my mom.
Just as I did that, I fell into the pool. I was told, I went down and up the water three times. My mom made a record breaking 15 meter dash and outran the men (my dad and his friends) in the same pool who were swimming towards me. She pulled me out on my third bobbing in and out activity.
I had my very first near death experience. At age two. I’m not sure if my life flashed before my eyes. Even if it did, it would probably be filled with milk and candy.
Over two decades later, I had my second near death experience. Mr. V and I were driving in bad snow and icy conditions in Chicago. The weather report on the radio mentioned to drive safely due to black ice. So I thought of the most logical way to protect us. I turned off the radio and listened to some prayers on CD instead.
As the CD played, we exited the freeway and got onto a ramp. Without warning, our car took a sharp swerve onto the opposing lane and then back into our lane. It was basically skiing on ice now doing every fancy dance move a car could possibly do. Mr. V turned the wheel to counteract each swerve. Then, without warning again, the tires hit the tar road. The steering wheel was not aligned correctly due to all the swerve avoiding maneuvering.
We were heading towards a tree. I really thought this was it. We were going to hit the tree. No, my life didn’t flash before my eyes. I just remembered that tree.
We didn’t hit the tree. It’s a good thing there wasn’t vehicles on the opposing lane too. Our car was now slanted and stuck in the snow at the side of the road next to the tree that I thought was going to kill us. I was fuming. I immediately looked back and pointed at every car that passed us by, asking why aren’t they skidding. Why only us? (One car did skid in front of us, actually). After a couple more minutes of angrily pointing at random cars, I calmed down, took out the camera and started recording the after math.
Both near death experiences didn’t affect me. My third one affected me the most. Yes, there was a third.
I thought I was going to die in Chiayi, a forsaken small little city in Taiwan with no good cake shops.
Ok, so my third near death experience is a little different. Dramatic, yes. But still real. Imagine living without cake. Just kill me already. My life eating cakes flashed before my eyes. Literally, just as I was about to die of the lack of cake in my tummy, a friend recommended this rustic cake shop in an alley where no person in their right mind would walk by. They have the most delicious cherry crumble ever. I was finally saved.
In my freezer lays a big bag of frozen mix berries. What better way to use them than to make some berry crumble. To Mr. V, it’s no cherry crumble… but close enough. Not really, he answered. At least it’s sweet, right? The sweet tooth nodded. As my mouth and tummy savored this berry crumble, my mind thought about what my fourth near death experience would be.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, check out my last post Bacon Breakfast Cups. Crispy bacon with silky eggs, cheese & buttered bread. Deliciousness all tucked into one cup. Go for seconds? Yes!
What was your near death experience?
Triple Berry Crumble Makes one 9″ berry crumble
what you need:
Crumbs (top and bottom)
8.5 oz cups all purpose flour (2 cups scoop and sweep)
1/2 cup (2 oz) sugar (half brown, half cane)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, chilled and cut to cubes
1 large egg, light beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
3 cups frozen or fresh berries
1 tbs lemon juice
2 tbs cornstarch
1/4 – 1/2 cup cane sugar (use more or less depending on berries)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream or ice cream
Lemon or lime zest
Powdered sugar
directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the butter, egg and vanilla.
3. Use a fork or your fingers to quickly incorporate everything until it resembles a very coarse crumb with lumps. Don’t overwork it. Place the bowl of crumbs in the fridge.
4. In a bowl, mix together the berries, lemon juice, cornstarch and sugar.
5. Press half the chilled crumb evenly onto the bottom of a lightly buttered 9″ pie dish. Top with berries and sprinkle remaining crumbs on top of the berries. It should almost cover the berries.
6. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake it for 35 – 45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, zest and powdered sugar.
Notes:
1. If you like more crumbs on the top or bottom or both, increase the amount for crumble by half or double.
2. Large batches of crumbs can be made and freeze for future use.
PS: Today is the last day of fasting and marks the Baha’i New Year. Happy Nawruz to all. Spring is finally here…. not that it’s apparent in L.A.
