In Celebration of Mother’s Day

In celebration of Mother’s Day, and women everywhere, a note of appreciation and gratitude for all you do in love…

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it is time to reflect and share special moments with the special women in our lives.  Reflecting on the women that have come before us as our mothers, those women that served as our mothers, our dads that are caring for children, grandmothers, daughters and children, aunts, mentors, and friends, we, as women and caretakers, unite as we raise and nurture our families; enjoy and appreciate the men in our lives; adopt, care for, and love children everywhere as our own; love and protect our pets, animals and the environment; giggle, shop, share lunch, and support our girlfriends; and we strive each day to make a difference in the world of work, our communities, and passions.  We continually give.  And, in the giving, we receive…

As I reflect on Mother’s Days past, I especially enjoyed the coffe, tea, brunch moments and time shared (still do!).  I smell the flowers, and enjoy Springtime.  I see my mother as she freshly picked lilacs from our lilac bush in our front yard and placed them on my bedroom dresser in a beautiful while milk glass vase.   I see the beautiful red romantic roses given to me by my husband with a joyful smile and tender kiss.  I see my children in their play clothes storming in the house calling my name to find them with a handful of yellow dandelions.  Their shining faces are so excited to share in their gift of giving, and MY treasure in the yard.

CELEBRATE the special women (and men), your families and loved ones, and thank each of them for the moments in your life.

I would like to share with you a Biscotti recipe from “MaMa Mia Cucina” (page 122).  It is one of our favorites, easy to prepare, can be baked days in advance if you are short on time, and are made for those special cappuccino, or teatime moments.

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Chocolate Chip Biscotti

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

2 large eggs

2 cups flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

sugar for sprinkling

Cream butter and sugar together.  Add eggs, one-at-a-time.  Add vanilla, and cream well.  Combine dry ingredients and stir in the creamed mixture.  Add chocolate chips.  Divide dough in half and flour a work surface.  Roll each half into a 12-inch log. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet, sprinkle generously with sugar, and bake for 25 minutes.  Remove and allow to cool.  Cut loaves, with a serrated knife, into 1-inch slices and arrange, side down, onto a cookie sheet.  Bake for 8 to 12 minutes on each side until lightly browned on each side.  Remove from pan, cool.  ~ Mangia!

And, remember the flowers…

Buon Appetito and A Happy Mother’s Day to all…