Mother's Day Musings

A few quick suggestions as we think of Mother's Day.  All of these make a lovely gift: not only for mothers, but for any dear friend, any time of the year.  I so appreciate receiving a gift that has a bit of the givers heart in it.  They are the things I remember long after a celebration has past, and I'm happy to hold the memory each time I pick up a special book, or a sweet memento.  

Remember, we stand ever-ready to help you select just the right gift, and are happy to wrap them for you...

GIVING BOWLS

Our sweet Giving Bowls are one-of-a-kind and handmade.  Each bears a sentiment or phrase, and comes with a hand-printed muslin bag and story card that explains that a percentage of the profits go to animal rescue.  

FRIENDS LIKE US

Kind of a book...more than a card...Friends Like Us is a wonderfully illustrated sentimental celebration of friendship.  Revel in your similarities, notice your differences, and show her that you appreciate and enjoy all the moments you've shared, and that you thank every last one of your lucky stars for her. That you’re just so glad you’re friends.  That really says it all...

NEST CEDAR LEAF AND LAVENDER CANDLE

New from Nest!  Cedar Leaf & Lavender is the latest introduction from our favorite candle company.  Rosemary, lavender and sage are enhanced with cedar leaves and a touch of eucalyptus.  This is a clean, fresh scent that's already a favorite.  Every time you light one of these candles, the fragrance is a total joy.  Truly a great gift.

KINFOLK TABLE

Kinfolk magazine—launched to great acclaim and instant buzz in 2011—is a quarterly journal about understated, unfussy entertaining.  Now there’s The Kinfolk Table: Recipes, a cookbook from the creators of the magazine. Each of these home cooks—artisans,bloggers, chefs, writers, bakers, crafters—has provided one to three of the recipes they most love to share with others, whether they be simple breakfasts for two, one-pot dinners for six, or a perfectly composed sandwich for a solo picnic.  

Whip up these pancakes for Mother's Day breakfast + present this tasty cookbook to Mom as a gift. Remember, cleaning up the kitchen is part of the deal...

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES
Makes about a dozen 4-inch pancakes.

INGREDIENTS:

1 large egg

1 overripe banana, mashed

1/2 cup almond milk

2 tbsp fresh lemon or orange juice
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted + cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry (or oat) flour
1/2 cup almond meal
1 1/2 tbsp coconut palm sugar (brown sugar will also do)
1 tbsp flax meal
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup bitter or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, but not really optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Whisk the egg in a medium bowl until well beaten, then whisk in the mashed banana, almond milk, lemon (or orange) juice, melted butter, and vanilla, and mix until well combined.

Whisk the flour, almond meal, sugar, flax meal, baking powder and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until combined. Allow the batter to sit at room temperature for 8-10 minutes, then stir in the chocolate chips (if using).

Heat a large pan over medium-low heat. Brush the pan with butter and pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto it. You may be able to fit 3-4 cakes on a large pan, but don’t overcrowd it, or you’ll bring down the cooking temperature. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the edges are set and the surface is bubbly. Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another two minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with additional butter and remaining batter.  Serve hot with maple syrup.  

*****

I myself have been blessed with an amazing mother.  She is friend, sounding board, hero and champion always, all days.  

Cheers to our Moms!