Baking Day

Baking is one of those hobbies that lights me up and calms me down. It’s a skill that I want to hone and pass down to my kids. I love baking with Owen. It’s not all clean, pretty, and occasionally the finished product can’t be shared with friends—toddler antics! But it’s still time well spent.

Last year, I dabbled in mostly breads. Pizza crust became my specialty, and I’m still improving my sandwich loaf recipe. Kneading bread dough is the most therapeutic action for me. Many negative emotions were worked out while I created dough for loaves, rolls, and crust.

This year, all I want to make are tarts! My father-in-law gave me a variety of tart pans for Christmas. (The equivalent of a bouquet of hand dyed yarn!) Last weekend I decided to try my hand at my first ever tart. An apple tart recipe that I found on this blog. I’m not the biggest fan of the traditional American Apple Pie–mushy apple texture. Hopefully, this tart will restore baked apples on my yummy list.

Owen was my big helper with the pie crust, and then got distracted when dad woke up. The next part, forming the crust in the pan, required a bit more skill that his toddler hands could do delicately. One day, I’ll have to make mini tarts, and let him press the dough into the pans himself.

As the crust blind baked, Owen snacked on pears while I made up the apple cinnamon mixture. I 100% forgot that I needed to let the crust cool completely before adding the custard mixture. Thank goodness it’s winter! The crust was set in the garage to cool while I baked the pie scraps with cinnamon sugar. The best part about making pie crust!

Then, I assembled the tart and attempted a rustic arrangement of apples on top. Slid it in the oven and eagerly waited 33 minutes. Without thinking that I should try it first, I invited a friend over to share a piece with me. *fingers crossed* that it’s baked through! She enthusiastically said it was delicious! I’d say it wasn’t perfect, but came out tasty enough! Has it restored baked apples to my yummy list? Not exactly, but I’m looking forward to trying out a Normandy Tart later on.

Even Libby Lo is hoping for a slice! If you’re wanting to try out this recipe, find it here at Woman Scribbles.

Forest Cure All

I originally wrote this post a few weeks ago. Surprisingly, it was an encouragement to myself this morning. I’ve been having a rough go at mothering a two year old lately. Why are mothers the full time punching bags and emotional trash cans for their kids? Thank you, Mom, for putting up with ALL of my toddler fits and loving me through it all. Because some days, I just want to stop. But then, I get the sweetest kiss and hug. Or I see him with fresh eyes. My heart softens and mothering becomes a little easier.

There’s something about being outside that uplifts the spirits. When we’re having a rough day.. whether it’s due to lack of sleep, or whining, or boredom.. if I make the effort to get Owen and I outside, the day turns around. How on earth is fresh air rejuvenating for the soul?

Today, I wanted to get Owen outside and in the forest. He’s been asking to “hike canyon” for the past week. We weren’t able to make it below the rim (or even up on it), but we sure enjoyed the meandering walk almost to Shoshone Point. The best part about this walk was letting go. Relaxing my control is hard for me. Becoming a mom has made it even harder. Usually our walks end up with a frustrated momma, crying toddler, and being late to our destination.

It is such a joy to watch Owen explore the world around him. I forget to stop and notice how he learns. Observation is possibly the greatest tool I have as a mother. When I slow down to fully observe, I discover how to be a better mom.