Tuesday, July 8, 2008

An Uncommon Cure for the Common Cold







I'm not feeling so fancy today. Nothing serious, just one of those miserable head colds that sneaks up and wrangles your sinuses to the ground. Given that the weather here is freezing, grey and pouring with rain, it really is the best time to be sick, (I hate summer colds don't you?). That said, this was not a day for fashion frivolity, but finding other ways to add a little magic to my day and prevent the funk that usually sets in on these occasions.

Enter the Nana Mood. I can't explain why, but there is something about being sick that makes me feel like a Nana, (I'm referring to my elderly kind here). I want to rug up in cardigans, pop on some slippers and sip tea under a lap rug. But given that I am sole parent at present, self indulgence of this kind is not on the cards. And so I look to other Nana activities to be my salve, and began to bake scones. Every other day Miss 4 and I have tea parties, with plastic food and Barbie cups, but imagine her delight when we started whipping cream and laying the table with my favorite mis-matched vintage china.

Not long after pouring tea and exchanging anecdotes about our various choice of hair accessories for the day, it was time to make lunch. And so in another attempt to improve my happiness quotient for the day, we coddled some eggs (even the word makes you feel better) and gave them a smile. While the cuteness factor may be a bit of an overload, the key to my improved mood was not the smile on the eggs, but the fact that a 4 year old will eat them without protest, thus alleviating any future headache.

You know the magic is working when you are rewarded with a,"Mummy, this is divine!".



** Update**
To make these eggs is simple. I can't remember where or when I got the idea, so apologies to the originator.
  • Butter your bread and cut the crusts off.
  • Place them butter side down into deep muffin pans - using your knuckles or a pestle to press them in so you don't poke a hole in them.
  • Crack your egg in.
  • Cover with foil and place in a moderate oven for about 10 minutes or until the eggs are cooked the way you like them.
  • Remove from the oven and pop them out of the pan using a flat blade knife. I added the face with tomato sauce for Miss 4, but for the rest of us a nice Hollandaise would be even tastier.
Variation - If you want to get a bit more gourmet you can add some fresh spinach in the bottom of the cups before breaking the eggs in.

19 comments:

Skye said...

Oh to have a little girl to share tea parties and anecdotes about hair accessories with. Little boys have their charms, but those are not among them. Ah well, maybe next time - until then I can live vicariously through you!

Anonymous said...

Oh my lord those scones look delish...

Mel.J said...

Hope you're feeling better soon. BTW, on the stylish mama front, you might enjoy Erica's blog - http://www.ericabunker.com/

Anonymous said...

The food looks delicious and I do hope you are feeling better soon! I can't wait for my little girl to be ready for tea parties--we will do them up right.

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

It looks too friendly to eat!

What we four say said...

wow, your snacks look amazing. I have never heard of that egg coddling dish before. I just woke up and that looks so tasty right now. Now i have to google that dish because I'm oh so hungry now.

Feel better soon!

Anonymous said...

I wish I had some of those delicious scones right now - infact, I think I might go and make some!!
x

The Freelancer's FashionBlog said...

Mmm mm mm those scones look like heaven!
I actually like beeing a bit sick, those days when you're on sickleave but don't feel too bad and can get some small things done around the house and just cosy yourself up...

But I hope you get better soon!

Lisamaree said...

Get well soon Super K. As we all know, even stylish mamas dont get sick leave!
Have an Irish panadol before bed.
Hot whiskey with fresh lemon juice and a stir of honey. Soothes the throat, clears the sinus and calms the chest for sleep
xx

Candice DeVille said...

Skye: I bet if you made it pirate themed and made the scones in the shape of cross bones and told him the jam was blood you'd have more luck (maybe when he is older then 2 though).
Susie: So tasty and indulgent.
Mel J : Thanks for the link
Amy G: Better get her practicing with the toy tea set.
The clothes horse: Friendly, that's the perfect description of why it makes me feel better.Pretty Pirate: I'll publish the instructions, cause I can't remember were I go the idea for these.
Penny: Go to it girl.
Freelancer: I know exactly what you mean. :)
Hammie:Irish panadol - now that is something I must add to the routine. Excellent.

Mrs. Fox said...

The scones and cream look gorgeous!!!

Lady Melbourne said...

When I get sick can I come to your house?!
I do hope you feel better SKM, it looks as though those delicious scones would cheer anyone up. I love your mismatched china as well- essential to any kitchen I say.
I imagine if I ever have a little girl we would behave in a similar manner, it's lovely to hear that she takes after her stylish mama.
LM
x

Anonymous said...

Anything with a smiley face makes me feel better instantly :)

queengilda said...

*gasp* just reading the directions made me kinda hungry. that's really cool! it's almost like... a french toast/egg tart kinda thing. i'm definitely going to try that!!!

Candice DeVille said...

Mrs Fox:There's nothing quite like homemade scones.
LM:It's pretty good therapy and I'm feeling much better already. Thank you.
Trend De La Creme: a perfect cure for a bad mood too.
Gilda: It's just like that, only easier. I find it one of the best way to makes eggs for group as you can serve them all at once.

Tizzalicious said...

Hmmm, that all looks delicious!

I hope you're feeling better!

Elizabeth said...

All this looks incredible! I'm so hungry now, I must go and forage for food.

I hope you feel better soon.

Shady said...

Those scones are making my tummy rumble, they look sooooo yummy.

Imelda Matt - The Despotic Queen of Shoes said...

damn you for living sooo far away, that exactly what I needed yesterday...SKM's nana love!