29 May 2011

Making my Children Happy


Beetroot and I were standing in the cold rain, waiting for the bus.  I looked down at my lovely boy (who turns 3 tomorrow) and he looked back at me, somber and wet.  I squeezed his hand tighter and started singing one of his favourite songs ('Night-Night Veggies'/the outro to Mister Bloom's Nursery).  Suddenly, we were dancing and laughing in the rain.  And then the bus came and we were giggling together on the bus.

It's so easy to make my children happy.  I try to keep that in mind not only when they're looking glum, but when I'm feeling a bit frazzled by all their shenanigans.  

Somebody stole Big Momma's chocolate!
I kiss away tears, hug after stumbles, and cuddle and breastfeed to soothe.  Something as simple as a little song or a goofy face or a wiggle in my walk can turn everything around.  I'm their momma and it's the least I can do to repay them for all the smiles they've brought me.

Happy Birthday, you silly goose!


25 May 2011

Sunflower Seed and Oat Waffles


Getting a waffle maker was a great decision for our family -- I got a Cuisinart one and it is built like a tank.  I can whip up waffles in a flash and if there are any left over (there usually aren't), I can freeze them and toast them later.  I've been experimenting with different recipes and this is a great one.

Sunflower seed and oat waffles (makes 6)
1/4 c ground sunflower seeds (use a blade coffee grinder, grind very finely)
1/4 c ground oats (use a blade coffee grinder, grind very finely)
1/2 c flour (white or whole wheat or whatever you please)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 c soy buttermilk (soymilk mixed with a tsp cider vinegar and give it a good stir -- you can substitute rice, oat, almond, or coconut milk, although I don't think they curdle, so you can omit the cider vinegar, it's still delish!)
1 tbsp oil

Mix the dry ingredients together, stir in the soy buttermilk, and then stir in the oil.  This recipe doubles easily.  I've substituted different kinds of seeds (flax, pumpkin, mixed) with much success.

What are your favourite kind of waffles?  What toppings do you like on your waffles?  Do tell!  :D