All posts by Monna

Sep 07
0

Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones

By | Recipes | 3 Comments

Perfect with a cup o’ tea!

A delicious Cranberry Orange Scone sounds like the perfect way to start the day. With our homemade yogurt or a plate of eggs, it rounds out breakfast just perfect. If you like a more fluffy scone, this recipe will definitely fit the ticket.

Lately, I’ve been trying to find something my three year old will eat. Previously a very adventurous eater (once she ate about a cup of sauerkraut before we could get her to stop), she’s now too busy plotting her next adventure to sit for longer than a few minutes. “Mom, I think I’ll save this for later, ok?” is her new favorite line. Though bread is not my first choice, if she’ll eat it, I feel relieved that she’s at least eating.

So, on to the scone. Scones are often made with cream but I decided to try a recipe with buttermilk to see how it changed the texture. The resulting creation has a nice crust, fluffy middle and good flavor. My family LOVED them. But after tasting them, I had to admit that I like the texture of a cream scone better. It’s more tender.

Regardless of my not-so-humble opinion about cream scones, this still a delicious scone recipe. They’re perfect for a rainy day like today. The recipe isn’t hard and the use of a food processor speeds the process and evenly distributes the fat, resulting in a more tender scone.

Make a batch, pour yourself a cup of tea and soak up this beautiful weather!

 

Soaking the cranberries in fresh OJ enhances their flavor and texture when baked.

 

Chilling the butter to keep it cold will result in a flaky texture.

 

A food processor speeds the process up and creates a more uniformly delicious scone.

No need to heat up the butter by touching it.

Leaving the butter in bigger pieces = more tender scones.

 

Buttermilk, yum!

A little protein. 😉

 

Just barely stir it together or you’ll have hard rock scones. Hard rock = cool music but not cool scones.

Pat, don’t roll, it into cut-able dough.

Don’t they look so sweet?

Perfect with a cup o’ tea!

If you like it, be sure to share it!

Cranberry Orange Buttermilk Scones
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
A fluffy, flavorful scone
Ingredients
  • Dry ingredients
  • 4 c. flour
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 1 T. baking powder
  • 1/2 t. baking soda
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • Wet ingredients
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 c. buttermilk
  • 3/4 c. cranberries
  • 1/2 c. chocolate chips (optional)*
  • zest and juice of one orange
  • 1 c. salted butter (A chef’s no-no. but I’m not a chef! Add a 1/4 tsp more salt if you’re using unsalted butter)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400° F
  2. Zest an orange and juice it. Keep separate.
  3. Roughly chop cranberries.
  4. Add cranberries to orange juice to infuse.
  5. Cut butter into small squares and place in freezer to keep cold.
  6. Place dry ingredients and orange zest in food processor and pulse to mix.
  7. Whisk eggs into buttermilk and set aside.
  8. Squeeze juice out of cranberries and add drained cranberries to flour mixture. Pulse till cranberries are incorporated throughout flour. (Place juice in glass of ice and drink.)
  9. Pull butter out of freezer and add to flour in food processor and pulse till butter is integrated evenly throughout the flour and is the size of little peas. Don’t overmix!
  10. Unceremoniously dump flour mixture into a bowl.
  11. Pour buttermilk and eggs into the flour. Gently and quickly whisk the liquid into the flour until just incorporated. **The key here is not to overwork the dough once it’s mixed. So do it fast and do it right the first time or you’ll end up with tough scones.
  12. Once scone dough is ready, sprinkle some flour on your work surface to keep dough from sticking.
  13. Scoop out 1/3 of the dough and gently shape to 3/4″ thickness and cut as desired, triangles, squares or – like I did -hearts. <3
  14. Place on baking pan.
  15. Lightly brush the tops of the scones with cream and dust with sugar.
  16. Bake scones 12-15 minutes or until the tops are a light golden brown.
  17. *Keep an eye on the scones. Temperatures can vary by oven so let the golden brown color be a guide. You might need a little more or a little less time in your oven.
Notes
Remember: The secret to tender delicious baked goods like biscuits and scones is to keep the butter cold and not to overmix. Resist the temptation to overhandle the dough. The less you touch it, the better![br][br]*Regarding the chocolate chips. I didn’t actually add them this time but if you have a sweet tooth and are looking for more of a dessert-esque scone, some dark chocolate would be amazing in these. I would add chocolate after incorporating the butter and before the buttermilk.
Sep 06
0

Natural Sore Throat Remedies

By | Natural Health | No Comments

When you’re wakened in the night by the cries of a small child with a sore throat, a simple, fast-acting, natural remedy is just what you need. Last night was such a night for us. Around midnight, we were wakened by one of our little ones complaining her throat hurt. As usual, we turned to our natural medicine cabinet.

We are not “anti-allopathic medicine” in our family but when sickness strikes, we tend to reach for what is in our cupboards first. I would not hesitate to see a good DO or MD if necessary but most of the time,  a little common sense (rest and fluids) and herbs from our cabinets – cures what ails us without a doctor visit.

Here is what we used last night.

1. Echinacea Angustifolia tincture 

When our kids show any signs of illness, I offer echinacea tincture in water to  stimulate their immune system. Usually this either allows them to avoid being sick at all or significantly shortens the length and severity of their illness. While Echinacea has been known to boost the body’s ability to fight infections that have survived a few rounds of antibiotics, it really shines at the beginning of an illness when it can stimulate the body to address the onset of an infection.

2. Usnea lichen tincture 

Usnea has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years. It has a long use as an expectorant and is used today to treat inflammatory illness of the mouth and throat.  According to Mountain Rose Herbs, Usnea is “antibiotic, antifungal, antispasmodic, antipyretic, and analgesic”. We first used it, at the advice of an herbalist, to treat strep throat in my husband. He took it for two days and in conjunction with the next remedy, recovered without antibiotics.

3. Red Hot Honey 

This last remedy is a combo of Honey, Garlic and Cayenne pepper. Think of it as kind of a garlicky hot tamale. While I’ve no problem getting Rob to take this remedy, getting kids to take it takes a bit of doing. But, as soon as my little one took a spoon last night (after resisting for a few hours), she fell fast asleep and only woke after 7 hours.

The dark honey we use works to ease sore throats & to stop coughs too.

My kiddo is feeling a lot better today but we’ll keep an eye on her and continue to give her Echinacea and Usnea till it’s clear she’s completely well. Also, we’ll avoid dairy, orange juice and sugar. Dairy and OJ cause the body to create more phlegm. NOT what she needs when she’s already feeling congested.

Isn’t it great to know that good health can be just as close as your kitchen?

What natural remedies do you use when your family is feeling under the weather?

If you liked this post, please pass it on!

*As always, I’ll remind you that I am not a doctor.  These are common sense choices I have made for myself. I have taken the time to research any health decisions I make and have consulted with my local herbalist. I encourage you to always do the same before choosing to take or administer any kind of remedy, whether herbal, prescription or off the shelf at a local drugstore.*

 

Sep 06
0

Red Hot Honey: Natural Remedy for Sore Throats

By | Natural Health | 8 Comments

When we have sore throats (even strep!) in this house, we reach for a fast-working, natural remedy, Red Hot Honey! Our secret remedy for sore throats in this house is a three ingredient recipe made with foods you should always keep in your house: raw honey, garlic and cayenne. It tastes a little like those candies from childhood – Hot tamales – only with garlic in them.

The dark honey we use works to ease sore throats & to stop coughs too.

This remedy helps minimize pain and has, in at least one instance, helped Rob recover from strep throat within three days without the need of antibiotics.

Raw honey – as in unpasteurized, unheated honey – has long been touted for its health benefits. It’s supposed to be rich in natural nutrients and enzymes and is used for anything from internal problems like coughs and indigestion to topical applications. You can get it from the grocery store but the more cost effective way to purchase it is from your local bee keeper. Here are two ways to find bee keepers in your area. *Remember – no honey for kids under 1 year. 

Local Harvest

Honey Locator

Garlic has powerful antibacterial and immune boosting properties. When using garlic in a remedy, I always use it fresh – not powdered, dried or in capsules. I have found fresh garlic to be the most powerful when using it to fight infection so I use my fresh preparations within two days to ensure the most effective healing benefits.

 

Cayenne possesses natural pain relieving properties and is purported to have anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s peppery hotness naturally clears congestion as well. I remember my first college voice teacher telling me to eat a dash of cayenne on a spoon of honey to clear congestion. I thought she was crazy back then but I heartily agree with her now!

Rob and I have been taking this for a few years when the need arises but our kids have never needed it. Recently my oldest had a terrible sore throat during the night and it took several hours to convince her to try it due to the garlic. Let’s be honest, garlic – well – stinks.

Finally, when she could not sleep due to the pain, she ate a spoonful. And, she was asleep within minutes. She slept another 7 hours without a sound and when she woke, pronounced her throat “tons” better. I gave her one more spoonful just for good measure – but she was better!

*Because Cayenne and Garlic both pack a lot of “heat”, I am always careful to keep the recipient hydrated between doses. Since I want it to coat the throat, I offer a drink before or 15 minutes after the honey. And, of course, I listen to my child and my gut. If the remedy hurts more than the illness, we discontinue it.*

When the pain eases, I discontinue this remedy and continue to offer immune boosting herbs like Echinacea and Usnea.

There you have it! Our family’s tasty, super powerful sore throat remedy that will relieve pain and speed healing.

If you liked this post, please pass it on!

*As always, I’ll remind you that I am not a doctor.  These are common sense choices I have made for myself. I have taken the time to research any health decisions I make and have consulted with my local herbalist and naturopath when appropriate. I encourage you to always do the same before choosing to take or administer any kind of remedy, whether herbal, prescription or off the shelf at a local drugstore.*

Red Hot Honey: Natural Remedy for Sore Throats
Recipe Type: For sore, painful throats
Author: Organic Mama Cafe
Prep time: 5 mins
Total time: 5 mins
Rob and I take 1 t. doses every hour or two for a 4 doses or so. My kids get 1/2 teaspoon and after the first 1/2 t., I offer it based on whether my patient is feeling any pain. Garlic and cayenne both pack a lot of heat & after a few doses it’s possible for the throat to feel a bit dry. So I am careful to offer lots of cool fluids to offset the heat.
Ingredients
  • 1/3 c. raw honey
  • 3 to 5 cloves garlic (depends on what you can handle!)
  • 1/2 t. cayenne
Instructions
  1. Chop or slice garlic into small pieces
  2. Stir all ingredients together
  3. Eat!
Aug 22
0

Stress Free School Mornings: It IS possible

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

It’s been two weeks now and we’re getting into the swing of school. Some mamas out there just excel at being on time and stress free when getting ready for school. But for others it’s a learning experience. When a mama is dealing with multiple kids, lunches to pack, breakfast and early schedules, mornings can be stressful and harried.

Last year was my first with a school age child and I was rendered nearly senseless by pregnancy nausea. If you’ve had severe pregnancy nausea, you know what I mean. Somehow, my daughter came through unscathed but we definitely got into a habit of Robert and me driving the “get out the door” process.

This year I started the year determined to be more organized, on time and stress free. Thankfully, I have some wise mama friends who’ve given us good counsel and we’re using a lot of it to create a pleasant school routine for ourselves.

1. Do homework right after school. At first, I tried to let my oldest have a little playtime before homework. But, I discovered she focuses a lot better with a quick snack and immediate homework. Then, she’s free to play the rest of the day.

2. Early bedtime prep. My friend Sarah suggested showers before dinner when I expressed frustration that our new before 8 AM school schedule meant an early bedtime cut into “Daddy” time. She encouraged showering before dinner so the kids can hang with Dad a little longer before bed.

3. Earlier bedtime. In order to get the 10-12 hours of sleep most preschool/elementary school kids need, our kids head to bed right after dinner, around 6:45 pm. Great advice from my friend Nina. I know this sounds SO early but our oldest must read 20 minutes a night for school and she wants to read longer. So we compromise with an early “quiet time”. Our goal is for her to fall asleep by around 7:30.This is huge for both behavior and overall peace and fun in our house. 🙂

4. Earlier wake-up call. At first, I let my school kid sleep as long as possible but soon realized she just doesn’t move fast enough to handle a 30 minute lead time. So, we’re slowly transitioning her to a wake up time that gives her a little over an hour to get ready in the morning. Bonus: More time with Dad!

5. Pack lunch the previous night. This eliminates racing around in the morning. Plus, if she helps pack it, she’s less likely to come home with uneaten food. Like any frugal mama, wasted food makes me cringe!

6. Plan breakfast in advance and make it easy. Consider options like yogurt and fruit, toast and eggs, make ahead breakfast burritos, fast oatmeal or set a blender full of fruit and yogurt in the fridge the night. Check pinterest for new ideas!

7. No TV during the school week. My parents always had this rule and since implementing it, we find it a lot easier to get everything done in the evening before bed. Also, no zombie kids!

8. Encourage your child to develop an internal sense of responsibility and use natural consequences to support it. The first few weeks, I felt SO frustrated because I had to hound my daughter into finishing her prep to be on time. We were on time every day but I felt so frustrated and I know she did too. One morning after about 3697 “Come on! Let’s go!” comments, I had a revelation.

How can will my child learn to be responsible if I place the burden on myself?

When she came home that day, we decided to try something different. Now, she knows that her responsibilities are

  • Get up when I call (we’ll give her her own alarm clock soon)
  • Get dressed
  • Eat breakfast
  • Carry her lunch and backpack to the car

My responsibility is

  • Help her figure out how much time she needs for each task to be on time
  • To drive her

She knows that she needs to complete her responsibilities on time without my nagging her. The natural consequence of being late is that she has to apologize to her teacher for interrupting his class and being late. That is mortifying to her so she’s very motivated to be on time.

If she doesn’t hit the mark, my job is to help her figure out how to use her time more wisely or maybe get up earlier. And, we DON’T try to figure it out in the car.

This has made the most difference in our morning routine. It took one day for me to get used to not nagging. And, the stress that I feel about her being on time has literally melted away.

And, guess what? We haven’t been late yet!

Next – we’re going to figure out how to get through that giant pack of homework with a better attitude.

What do you do to help your kids develop responsibility while creating a peaceful, fun home environment? Please share in the comments for other moms looking for ideas.