The Bounty Of Mother Nature

Psssst. Mothers' Day is around the corner. I know I should be thinking about getting something for my mum. But I have to admit, this time around, I'm more excited for myself. After all, it's my first Mothers' Day being a mom; and not just Ozzy's mom this year! It's fantastic being part of this new social group - mothers get a sweet deal! First it was only my birthday and wedding anniversary, but now I get another holiday to squeeze a prezzie out of DH! And then, when B grows up, I'll guilt him into showering his mama with gifts! Oh happy day! Muahahahahahaaaaa *evil laugh*

Of course, my ideal Mothers' Day begins with me sleeping in, undisturbed, then slowly waking up, savoring a guilt-free morning (when I wasn't forgetting or getting late to do anything). Some type of delicious breakfast-in-bed would ensue, made by DH. Baby B would already have been magically fed, burped, and changed, then handed over to me in his best, most cheerful mood. Ozzy, my cat, would shower me with his feline affections. Oh, and the house would be clean - I'm a little OCD that way. This ideal Mothers' Day would also involve shopping, a massage that didn't end when a timer goes off, a leisurely hour of reading, some uninterrupted making out with DH, and finally a romantic dinner that baby B would hopefully sleep through.

Hmm. Funny how I envision my ideal birthday and anniversary to be exactly the same way!

Anyhow, even though I doubt any part of this daydream will actually come true, I can treat myself to a delicious Mothers' Day breakfast. And if my own mom was around, I'd bake these goodies for her too. Strawberries are perfect for breakfast, because now that they're coming back in season, their ripe fragrance perfumes the air and freshens you up first thing in the morning. It's a very feminine smell too, I think. So here's my Mothers' Day breakfast menu:

• Cheesy scrambled eggs
• Strawberry scones with good butter
• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Hot coffee or tea, with lots of cream and sugar!

Accompanied by the love of my good man, and a big, toothless grin from my baby B!

Strawberry Scones (recipe from Confessions of a Tart - hers were way more beautiful than mine!)

Makes 6 large scones

Click here for printable recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup strawberries, chopped up

3 tbsp granulated sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

6 tbsp unsalted butter, in cubes, slightly softened

2/3 cup cream or cold buttermilk

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Sprinkle fruit with 1/2 tbsp sugar and set aside. Combine remaining sugar with flour, baking powder and salt. Add butter to the mixture and cut it in using a pastry cutter or two knives.

3. Stir in the fruit, then add the cream/buttermilk. Use rubber spatula to gently stir dough and bring it all together.

4. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead a few times to incorporate everything. Sprinkle more dough on if it gets sticky. Do NOT overwork it though!

5. Pat the dough into a circle that's 3/4 inch thick. Cut circle into 6-8 wedges, then transfer to cookie sheet. At this point, you can freeze the scones on the sheet, then store them in a ziploc bag in the freezer. Or bake them right away for about 15-20 mins, sprinkled with extra sugar on top, till golden. Eat warm, schmeared with honey or butter or both!

Verdict: Warm, soft, fruity and hearty. The butter just takes this over the top. Scones are funny little things, because it's almost impossible to mess them up if you get the ingredients in the right proportions. Either scones or biscuits are now my trusty go-to when it comes to making breakfast for a crowd. Not only is it impossible to resist a fresh scone straight from the oven, but the smell of them as they bake ... oh mommy! They also appeal to my practical side, because I can make them days in advance, freeze them, then bake them off in the morning that I need them - and look like an instant star!