Elephant Tea and me!

This weekend was extra special! It was my birthday AND my 1st Mother's Day!!
Saturday I had the kids solo -- as hubby was judging a BBQ Competition in Morgan Hill, CA.

The kids and I had a nice breakfast of satisfying oatmeal with blueberries and toasted almonds, juice and milk. There was an envelope with our little guy’s name on it at his spot at the table. He asked if he could take me (and his sister) to lunch – his treat! After some playtime we went to get the little man a haircut and came home so he could change into his tee ball uniform. We went to lunch and had a great time. He was so proud to order and pay the gal at the counter! The tee ball game was fun to watch from the shade of a tree – the breeze was blowing and the kids showed good improvement of their skills. After naptime we had leftovers for dinner – a variety of noodles and salads. Hubby had a bowl of cereal… his “meat stomach” was full up!
My 1st Mother’s Day and birthday was wonderful!! My son and husband made all of our meals on Sunday....

Breakfast consisted of: scrambled cheese eggs with "sautéed topper" (a mix of crimini mushrooms, bell peppers, onions and scallions for garnish), crispy turkey bacon, huge fresh blackberries, and Elephant Tea!

After a couple of miles walking on the American River Parkway (one of the most fabulous amentias in the Sacramento area!!) we enjoyed a picnic lunch. We had ham and cheese sandwiches with quick slaw (coleslaw), wild rice salad, pretzels and dried fruit crisps! As a special celebration beverage, we had Trader Joe’s Blood Orange Sparkling Juice.

The gentlemen prepared dinner while the ladies took a walk around the neighborhood, stopping in to visit at 3 houses. We returned from our walk to a lovely smelling dinner on the table – Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Yams and Brussel Sprouts. And what is that delicious smell coming from the oven?? A gingerbread cake!! WOW! Life is good!

SATISFYING OATMEAL -- Serves 2 to 3

2 cups milk - I use rice drink to be kind to my little one's belly
pinch of salt – I use Kosher or sea salt
2 heaping TBSP dark brown sugar (light or golden brown sugar will do)
1 cup old-fashioned oats
a few scratches of nutmeg or a very small pinch of ground nutmeg, optional
1 TBSP butter, optional (I never add this and frankly I don’t miss it)
½ cup dried or fresh fruit, optional
¼ to ½ cup toasted nuts, optional

In a large saucepan, bring milk, salt and brown sugar to a boil – do NOT walk away; it has a tendency to boil over. Once liquid is at a boil, add oats. Stir gently for one minute, then as it comes back to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Allow to simmer approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until tender.

*Note: If using quick-cooking oats, the oatmeal will cook more quickly. If using 5-grain hot cereal blend, increase the liquid by ½ cup. Sometimes I substitute juice for a portion of the milk and then don’t put in the brown sugar. –TC at home September 2009.


ELEPHANT TEA -- Serves 3 to 4

I created this tea so that we could share it with the kids and we’d all be happy with the beverage! ;) I brew and serve my tea in a ‘Brown Betty’ teapot with a handmade wool elephant cozy cover, complete with button eyes. The teapot and cover are cherished gifts from my Aunt Ellen – so loved for the whimsy and because it keeps my tea nice and hot!

1 cup juice, heated until HOT (in microwave or stove top) (apple, cranberry or white grape seem to work best!)
2 cup just boiling water
2 fruit-flavored green tea bags – I use Celestial Seasonings Raspberry Gardens Green Tea

Preheat your teapot with near boiling water at least 5 minutes. Discard ‘warming water.’
Immediately add HOT juice, boiling water and tea bags; place lid on teapot and steep 4 minutes. Remove tea bags and serve.
Be sure to warn little ones that the tea is HOT! --TC at home May 2010.


QUICK SLAW -- Serves 3 to 4

Hubby and I initially created this to go on fish tacos! It’s also great with BBQ pork, on sandwiches and as a side dish!

1 (10 oz) bag angel hair cole slaw (fine shred cabbage)
3 to 6 TBSP Thousand Island Dressing - we use Ken’s Steak House Brand
Geasoning or salt and pepper, to taste

In a large bowl toss cabbage and 3 TBSP dressing until cabbage is well-coated. Season and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes prior to eating or cover and refrigerate about 4 hours. If you like your slaw crunchy like we do, you won’t refrigerate it for more than 3 hours! --TC at home Summer 2008.

Websites of interest:

Morgan Hill NO BULL BBQ Competition -- http://www.mhnobullbbq.com/

American River Parkway – Sacramento to Folsom, CA -- “The ARPF cares for the 23 miles, and about 5,000 acres of the American River's foreshore between the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and the confluence with the Sacramento River. “
http://www.arpf.org/index.shtml
ARP map (page 2): http://www.arparkway.org/pdf_files/ARPmap.pdf