Sunday, May 9, 2010

A Thank You to Mothers

A very happy Mothers Day to all moms out there!  It's only my 7th chance to celebrate the occasion, and as such I still think of it for a day to thank my mom and mother in law for all that they do.  Especially for what they have done to make me and my husband the adults we are today.  Our meal of choice is brunch because is it fun to make (and eat!)  I am lucky to have an abundance of pansies in the garden to decorate with so I added them to the watermelon, strawberry and kiwi salad.


My daughter helped decorate the table with more pansies.  Very elegant.


My husband treated us to his special handmade crepe recipe.  I especially love the crispy edges!


A strawberry coulis for an angel food cake.  I just threw some strawberries, lemon juice and a pinch of sugar in a bowl and pureed them with a stick blender.


I made some simple drop scones to tide the kids over until breakfast was ready.

2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
1/2 cup chocolate chips.  (Or white chips, dried cranberries or raisins)

Heat oven to 375 degrees, grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients well.  Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Add orange juice, peel and milk and stir until just moistened.  Stir in chocolate chips and drop by heaping teaspoonfuls on greased sheet.  Top each scone with cinnamon and sugar and bake for 8-10 minutes.  Serve warm.
*adapted from Pillsbury The Complete Book of Baking.


Some pretty gerbera daisies, one bouquet for each mom.


The grandest gift of all, handmade cards from my children.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Here's a bit of Inspiration for you....

Stephanie Nielsen is an amazing, inspiring woman who had made it through some huge life trials.  Just watch this short video and see if it doesn't give you a new perspective on your day today, as it did mine.  You can read her wonderful blog here.