orange, clove, sweet potatoes... here we go!

Today has finally crept around the corner and made herself known. Myrtle and I are loading up for a two day visit at the beach with my mom, and I am giddy with anticipation. Stephen asked me what Mom and I would do, and I confidently replied that we would do as we always do. Sit in the rockers, drink pots of tea, and talk. Talk until it might be hard to talk anymore.

One of my earliest childhood memories is of sitting, legs dangling, at the red and white polk-a-dot kitchen table, eating a small bowl full of hot stewed apricots while Mom showed the utmost interest in my preschool aged stories. Many many mornings were spent just like that, being listened to and being taught.
Mom is one of those gifted listeners. Amazingly balanced for she has an endless list of fascinating things to share, and she seems to know just when to share them and just when to ask a gentle question instead. I long to develop this in my own life, but sometimes fall drastically (crappily) short.

Perhaps a visit with your Mom does not conjure the best of feelings. I am sorry. We all have been given different gifts and different tests, and I bet you are stronger in some way because of it.
Enjoying my family is a gift that I know is unique and special.

For the past few years of my married life, sans children, Mom has spent more time with the other daughters that do have little angels that adorably beg for time with their Nonna. I try to not take it personally, but enough is enough! Here we go, me and the grand-dog for a two day lock-down of Mom time. Kettle get ready.

One must have something to slice and butter alongside all of that tea, and this is just the thing. The recipe makes 4 mini loaves. That makes me love it even more because you have plenty to share with neighbors, moms, and friends. The loaves are ultra moist, and do not need butter, but... well... a schmear never hurts.

Orange Sweet Potato Clove Bread makes 4 mini loaves or 2 regular loaves

2 cups roasted smashed sweet potatoes
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup white sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground clove

1. Heat oven to 350. Cream potatoes, butter, sugars, molasses, orange juice, zest, salt, and vanilla. Beat in eggs
2. Stir dry ingredients well to combine. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients
3. Scoop evenly into greased loaf pans. Bake 4 minis for 35 minutes or 2 regular loaves for about 50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. enjoy

Comments

[Starr Strung...]

I came across your blog and love love love it!!!! I am a writer by profession and a jewelry artisan by heart, and a recipe junkie. I think I read this blog more than I write in my own!
I usually have a houseful of little tikes (see: lots of pb and j's) and some little alone time with my lovely lovey...we tried your balsamic chicken and enjoyed every single morsel. This weekend, during our mommy and dad time we'll do the lamb recipe. Simply cannot wait, keep up the good work!
best, starr

[L*Joy]

Starr
joyous and grateful thanks to you. Reading what you wrote was quite encouraging.
oh how I hope you love the lamb.

Megan
I am so glad you loved the buttermilk pancakes! Your son even told me how good they were.

Danielle
Kudos for making the chicken noodle soup, and for sharing with a neighbor :)

Thanks to everyone. love, L*Joy

[Emily]

I think that it's so special that you have this relationship with your mom. Having just returned from a tea-drinking weekend with mom of my own, I'm glad that you have this as well. I suppose we could sub in for one another when our moms aren't easily accessible. I can listen and drink tea with the best of them!

[L*Joy]

emily
tea talks and listening afternoons make for bonding that is not easily severed. perhaps that played a role in our destiny to be friends.