Vanilla Lavender Scone Bites
Whew! I need a break. Any other mom’s out there feel the same way? And by break, I don’t mean a massage, or facial or whatever men out there think a “break” is. I need a mental break. A break from thinking about everyone, and everything. We all need it, but we as moms so rarely every get it. So I was lucky enough to meet a mom friend here in Austin who is awesome and sweet and also in need of a break. So for her birthday, we went for it. This is what I learned about motherhood, vacations, friendships and oh yea, I made these Vanilla Lavender Scone bites! They won’t leave you as relaxed as a mental break, but we can all use a bit of lavender to ease our way through the day don’t we!?
We went to The Miraval Resort right here in Austin, TX. Maybe some of you have heard about this resort/spa/retreat place. They originated in Arizona and have gotten rave reviews for their focus on wellness and self care. There are yoga and meditation classes, sound baths, basically anything you need to take care and focus on yourself, which as we all know, mom’s rarely get a chance to do. So this is what I learned. Moms are never thinking about just themselves, even when we’re away. We think about the kids, what they need, class projects, spirit days, extracurricular schedules, house chores…the list is endless. And this is all while getting a massage! Our minds are never on a break. It doesn’t matter if the kids are at home or at school, our minds whirl and whiz with every thought about things that can happen, things that will happen or even things that might possibly happen. The problem finding a way to stop it, which I find nearly impossible to do.
Even as I get my hair or nails done, which my husband calls “me” time. I’m never thinking about me. I’m thinking about the next thing I have to do for my family. Laundry, reading assignments, homework, what to make for dinner, what to pack for lunch, or which day is gift card day for Teacher Appreciation week!? Shoot, is it tomorrow? I gotta get on that!
So I realized that while I was away (by away I mean at this resort which is 18 minutes from our neighborhood!- gotta Love TX!) for the weekend at this wellness resort, it was the first time I was able to really tune out. I was able to focus on me and how I felt and not be bombarded by thoughts of what I need to do next on my list of chores. I was able to think about what I wanted. I didn’t feel anxious or crazed. I felt like me again. And no, I didn't forget about my children or my family. But I was able to focus on the important stuff. In fact, during one of our meditation sessions, the guide asked us to think about the one thing we wanted most. Whether it be career success or learning something new or just any other goal we may have, and in that moment, the only thought that popped into my head was that I wanted to be a good mom.
Surprisingly, I didn’t think about my career, television or even the success of this blog. All I could see were the faces of my kids. Tears welled up as I repeated the thought in my head. I know it sounds super cheesy but apparently its what I wanted most. I accomplished what I wanted to in my career, now I want to make sure that these crazy little mini me’s have the tools they need to succeed too. Keeping in mind that its not just academic success that defines who they become, but also mental and emotional well being. I want them to know how to control their feelings and harness them to become better versions of themselves, in a way that I’m not fully able to yet.
So mom’s and dad’s. Take time to take care of yourself. I know I was very fortunate to be able to go away for a weekend to find my own thoughts. But this was just a gateway. It was a starting point on our journey of self awareness. I had never mediated before that trip and I am darn glad I did. It felt uncomfortable at first- sitting still and listening to nothing but your own breathe. But once you settle in, get into your head and allow yourself to experience the moment- it can really bring clarity. I need to continue this idea at home and I’m the first to admit that I probably haven’t done it as much as I should. But I know it’s there for me if I need it. And mom’s we all need it! It’s a matter of taking time out of your day to focus on you and nobody else.
Now that that’s off my chest, it’s time to make a bit of a snack to go along with this mental break. Lavender Vanilla scones are soft and sweet with the aroma of relaxing lavender. Topped with just the right amount of glaze to make these a tiny bit decadent. They’re perfect to nibble on with a quiet afternoon tea and nothing to do but listen to your own breathe.
Vanilla Lavender Scone Bites
Yields 16 mini scone bites
Ingredients
1 3/4 cup All- purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp butter, cut into cubes and chilled
1 tsp chopped lavender buds
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
4-5 tbsp heavy cream
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp lavender buds
1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
2 tbsp heavy cream
Method
Preheat your oven to 450F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (Flour-salt)
Using a pastry cutter, cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles small pebbles. Mix in the chopped lavender.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream and vanilla bean paste
Add the egg mixture in and mix with a rubber spatula until it starts to come together. Turn this shaggy dough onto a lightly floured board and pat/shape into two 4” disks.
Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut disks into 8 wedges. Place on prepared baking sheet.
Brush with cream and bake for 10-11 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Allow to cool completely before glazing.
To make the glaze. Whisk together all the ingredients. Dip or spoon glaze over cooled scones and allow to set. Enjoy!Whew