I suck at dates. I especially suck at dates that are sad. I have to think long and hard about what season I had my miscarriage in, let alone the date. I have to keep special dates like that in my calendar so I don’t forget. But some dates will always stick with me. August 3 is my 6th grade crush’s birthday, March 12 will forever be bad jacket day (IYKYK) and May 5 is Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s unexpected victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It symbolizes resistance against foreign intervention, which is especially important in this present global climate. May 5 is also Liberation day for the Dutch people. In 1945, Canadian soldier, General Charles Foulkes accepted the surrender of German forces, ending 5 years of occupation. Holland STILL sends Canada 10 000 tulip bulbs every year in gratitude for sheltering the Dutch Royal Family for 3 years during WWII. This was the Canada 150 Tulip that they selectively bred and gifted us in 2017 for our 150th Anniversary.
In Canada, Red Dress Day is observed on May 5 to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people. It was inspired by the art project of Jaime Black, where red dresses are displayed as symbols of those who are missing or lost.
On a personal level, May 5 is also my FIL’s 81st birthday and my parent’s 42nd anniversary. I remember the dress I wore to be their flower girl and the red velvet ribbon my Mom bought for me to use as a belt. It matched her silk red roses perfectly.
When I was a teenager, I loved dates, numerology, magic and everything astrology. And by that I mean, horoscopes lol. I even got my tarot cards read regularly. Recently, I have been learning more about actual astrology. Like planetary alignments, rising signs and what it means when solar occurrences are happening. I think things have been so uncertain in the world that having something that “predicts” the future based on past observations during historical times, makes me feel a bit safer. Plus I just like all things space right now, Artemis II got me interested in learning more about what is out there and what else we still have to learn.
In our household, we like to pile up holidays, one after another lol. Not really, but that’s just the way things have turned out around here. Like for instance, both the Kids have birthdays less than a month before Christmas. Yay! Or, my birthday was less than a month ago and Mother’s Day is next week! It’s like the holiday fairy waived her magic wand and said, “ abracad-let’s just get this over with” thinking that this is something that would work out for me. I assure you, it does not. I have a hard enough time coming up with gift ideas for my birthday, let alone coming up with a few more ideas for my family, a few weeks later. I did a post of some of my favourite Canadian birthday gifts but for this holiday, I am celebrating with some of my favourite Mother’s Day treats!
I think these Cruffins are perfect for Mother’s Day and I’ll tell you why, they taste delicious, they take less than 30 minutes to make, and they’re easy. No Mom wants to make homemade cinnamon buns for 2 days to celebrate, themselves lol. This is a quick and easy breakfast pastry that anyone can make and will satisfy the Kids, Daddy, and Mom! We added raisins to half the batch to see how it tasted, and I am pleased to report that they tasted good with raisins, and without, your choice!
A while back and I mean last year, I was looking for fun, mocktails and I came across, dirty sodas. I had no idea what they were or that they would blow up and be everywhere this season, but the picture looked incredible. It looked like a bubbly soda with delicious cream and beautiful purple blackberry syrup floated magically throughout the soda bubbles, making me long for this drink this, dirty soda.
So we made it! And here’s the problem, when we made this Midnight Malibu Dirty Soda it looked nothing like the picture! We tried it multiple times and never, not once did it look appetizing, pretty, or in anyway, like the picture. BAHAHAHAHA very very disappointing. I don’t use filters like that on my pictures. We literally take the picture right before we eat the dinner or have the treats. There’s no styling lol that’s not what it’s about for me, it’s about the food. However, we were not disappointed with the actual drink! We all loved it! In fact, it’s SBean’s new favourite springtime drink! So while it looked unappetizing, lol it tasted freaking delicious!
I love golf. More than I even like playing it, I like watching it. I don’t know why lol. I love playing golf don’t get me wrong but it’s a lot harder now. I get fatigued, I don’t really have feeling in my left arm, so it makes it difficult to grip the clubs, and anytime I have a bad shot, the pain radiates from the divot directly up into the gray matter of my brain. However, I love the birds chirping, the beautiful green fairways, and the quietness of golf. I always thought someday, probably for a very special birthday, I would end up at The Masters. Not playing obviously, but following my favourite golfers around Amen Corner, past the magnolias and onto the 18th green. I have now come to the realization, that is never going to happen. A gentleman I worked with years ago, went to the second round of The Masters one year and brought me home a plastic cup, I think that will be as close as I ever get to The Masters unless you count this Masters Egg Salad Sandwich that Ninja made me for my birthday lunch the other day. Combining my two favourite things, golf, and egg salad sandwiches! I love egg salad! Love, love, love! My Mom made the best egg salad sandwiches, ever. In fact, my Mom passed away two months after my birthday and she did three things for me that will never ever happen ever again. First, she cleaned my bathroom. I know that sounds stupid, but I hate cleaning bathrooms. I know I know, we own a cleaning company and I clean peoples houses, I didn’t say I wasn’t good at it. I just don’t like it lol. My Mom used to get a cleaner to come in to clean my bathroom, but every time she left, I had to re-clean it because my Mom had the highest standards when it came to bathrooms. So, she was really the only person that cleaned it up to my standards although Ninja is getting pretty darn good now too. She always knew the perfect presents. For lunch, she made me an egg salad sandwich and for dinner we had BLTs. Because nobody makes made sandwiches quite like my Mom did. So I guess this sandwich is for me and a little bit about her. The perfect pick for a Mother’s Day treat.
The Kids hate blueberries. I know, it’s ridiculous. However, Ninja and I love blueberries. In fact, I’m a berry person all around. I never met a berry I didn’t like. Ninja and I got engaged on Earth Day 2009. I totally did not expect it, he absolutely 100% surprised me. It was a few days after my 30th birthday, and we went out for dinner to our favourite restaurant in Winnipeg, the Star Grill, and then he took me to the Mariaggi Hotel where he had rented the themed penthouse for the night! From there we went to our floor seats of the Diana Krall concert. It was our second time away from HBear who was just over five months old at that time. It was a wonderful night, but as a new Mom, it really was all a blur of happiness, exhaustion, and excitement. But one thing I will never forget from that night… The blueberry and brie chicken I had at the Star Grill that night for dinner. BAHAHAHA For real though, it is one of those meals that will stay with me, forever. We made this Blueberry Thyme Chicken for a Mother’s Day treat and while it did not taste anything like that epic dinner from 17 years ago, it was absolutely delicious and memorable in its own way. This is a super easy dinner, but also pretty impressive, you’ll love it and so will your Mom.
With all of the blackberry dirty sodas, we’ve been drinking. I decided to try a new cocktail that I have been thinking about since our visit to Vancouver Island. On the island, outside our room were thick blackberry bushes gushing with beautiful purple berries! They were huge blackberries! Like I said earlier, I love berries, and this Blackberry Bramble cocktail was absolutely fabulous. It was refreshing, tart, sweet, and tasted like sunshine in a glass. I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother’s Day, and you are all spoiled with tasty treats on this special day.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner Editors Picks. This is a long and personal review with spoilers so Kari, stop reading because I’m giving this book to you next, I’m sorry and you’re welcome. This book is advertised as a memoir, but really, it’s a love letter from a daughter to her mother. H Mart is a Korean grocery store and right away, Michelle lets the reader know that her mother has passed away, and she feels closest to her in the grocery store surrounded by Korean ingredients. As soon as she describes her grief, I feel an instant bond with her. Once she starts describing Korean food, I remember eating those same items when I visited my sister 18 years ago when she was living in Busan, South Korea. We travelled to Seoul and I’ve been to that market, I’ve seen ALL the fish lol. I have had grilled meat over that butane burner, galbi at the Korean BBQ, been to that Korean folk village and even wore a traditional wedding Hanbok lol. That’s not where the similarities end. I did not have a Korean mother, but after reading this book, I think I may have actually had a Korean mother lol. My Mom was a tough love mom too. I suppose I am now as well. My mother always said try everything once, she would also add twice if you like it lol. I had to stop multiple times during this book just to have a good healthy cry, I got it, or she got it rather. I remember trying to force all types of disgusting healthy foods down my Mom’s throat to keep her strong for chemo. I remember that first hospital stay after chemo. How scary it was for her, and me. I remember the shock to my core the first time it was said out loud, what if… Ug. Ly. Crying. Chemo and cancer caretaking is hard and Michelle describes it so honestly. My mom had her first chemo appointment on the same day my 2nd daughter was born. We lived together and I came home from the hospital to my Mom kneeling by the toilet. It was all a blur until I read this book and it is all right there. My Mom also had her Unni that were there for her in their own ways at the end. I also had a Kye although it was my mom that guided us through it, she thought of getting her nails done in the hospital and shaving her head. I could relate to Michelle in feeling sadness for not thinking of those things myself. Michelle lost her Auntie right before her Mom. I lost my Nana, 3 months before my Mom. My Mom also chose not to continue treatment when it didn’t work after the first few tries. She also began planning a trip but before we could go, she got sicker and had to go to the hospital. She never came home. There were no quicky weddings but my Sister’s due date of her 1st baby was my Mom’s funeral. We had her early baby shower in Mom’s hospice room. The 3 of us sat in that room and went through Mom’s jewelry box together. What started as a love letter to her mom, turns into a love letter to food. The food of her mother. Her home. Her band Japanese Breakfast put out their 1st album in 2016, 2 years after her mom died and the first song is called In Heaven and if you want to be more gutted, go take a listen.
Cruffins
12
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1 puff pastry package, thawed but cold
6 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ cup butter, softened
1-2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F and brush 12 cup muffin pan with 1-2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with flour.
Unfold the two puff pastry sheets from the package and lay them flat on the countertop. Use a rolling pin to roll out each one to a 12x12 inch size.
Mix together cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Remove 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture and set aside to sprinkle cruffins after baking.
Divide and spread the 1/4 cup of softened butter onto the bottom of the puff pastry sheets. Using the cinnamon sugar mixture in the bowl, sprinkle on top of each one of the buttered pastry sheets.
Cut each individual pastry sheet into 6 equal strips, about 2 inches in size. Use a pizza cutter when cutting.
Similar to rolling cinnamon rolls, roll the slices up, pinching ends to ensure rolls stay closed while baking. Place each cruffin into a muffin cup.
Bake 15-17 minutes. Pastry should be golden brown when done. Remove from pan while still warm and roll each one into the remaining set aside cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Midnight Malibu Dirty Soda
1
servings5
minutesIngredients
1 can Dr Pepper, cold
2 tablespoons coconut cream
2 tablespoons blackberry simple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla
- Blackberry Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup blackberries
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and blackberries. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 15 minutes to infuse the flavours. Strain out the blackberries and allow the syrup to cool completely.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, leaving some space.
Pour Dr Pepper over the ice until about ¾ full.
Drizzle in blackberry syrup.
In a small cup, mix 2 tablespoons of coconut cream with ½ teaspoon of vanilla until smooth.
Slowly pour the coconut cream mixture over the soda, letting it float.
Stir gently with a straw or spoon.
Masters Egg Salad Sandwich
4
servings15
minutes11
minutesIngredients
8 eggs
½ cup mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper, to taste
8 slices of soft white or wheat bread
Garnish: ¼ teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
Directions
Gently place eggs in a single layer on air fryer pan. Airy fry for 5 minutes.
Transfer eggs with tongs into a bowl of ice water. Chill 5 minutes.
Lightly tap eggs all over and roll to crack shells. Peel, pat dry, then chop roughly.
In the mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder until smooth.
Gently fold chopped eggs, celery, and green onion into the dressing until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cover bowl and refrigerate 30 minutes to let flavours blend.
Lightly toast bread slices. Layer leaf lettuce for moisture barrier. Scoop generous egg salad, then gently press with top slice. Cut each sandwich diagonally. Lightly dust the tops with paprika to mimic the iconic sandwich.
Blueberry Thyme Chicken
4
servings1/2-2
hours30
minutes5
minutesIngredients
3-4 chicken breasts
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons thyme, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Gently fold in the blueberries, careful not to smash them.
Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil, then remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade for later) and sear each breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Pour the reserved marinade with the blueberries over the seared chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken and spoon the blueberry sauce on top before serving.
Blackberry Bramble
2
servings5
minutesIngredients
4 oz gin
2 oz lemon juice
3 oz blackberry simple syrup (See Dirty Soda Above)
Garnish: Lemon wedges
Directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add gin, blackberry simple syrup and lemon juice, and shake well until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice
Garnish the drinks with a lemon wedges.
Check out How Was Your Week, Honey? Episode #455 From Smart to Stupid. This week, we get together in the sunshine to talk the weeks that were.
Thank you to A Pinch of Joy, My Life Abundant, and Homemade on a Weeknight for featuring my Earth Day & Spring Pasta post at their Busy Monday Link Party, Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, and Home Matters Linky Party last week.
May has been crazy so far! One week left until my infusion date and I’m grateful for pictures because this week went by in a blur! Lol
SBean sprained her finger in gym class ☹️, the Kids had dentist appointments and went to the last Vees game of the year with Papa. I went out for coffee, found 4 books at the bookstore that I’ve been looking for, for years, and took Ninja on a late morning date at Liquidity Winery. We gardened, spent time grounding ourselves in nature, and SBean had her YPAG finale and wind up dinner at The Hood.
Such a good week!
