My Happy Place
I have a favorite grocery store. It is a Vons in La Jolla California. They have the best floral department. In the fall when the tourists have gone home and kids back to school the lot is empty sans some seagulls munching on, well whatever seagulls munch on. The air smells like the sea and when you enter you are struck by the artistry of whatever is blooming this season. I cant help but be set right for the shopping once I have looked at all the flowers. Somehow it influences my food choices. I am less likely to buy things that fill my face to burry my emotions and more likely to buy things that feed my soul.
Our family has never had a lot of money. As a matter of fact there have been times that once the bills were paid we had 68 cents…. for the month. I know how to shop, how to flesh out some cupboard basics and get excited about the simplest of meals to share. You can do a lot with cheese, noodles, eggs, bread, catsup, milk, butter and mayo. It’s really rather shocking. Since those early days I have added spinach and lemon to the list… and coffee, please don’t forget the coffee.
I can’t count the number of times I have stood at the check out hoping my card would clear while holding my breath that I may be off by a dollar or two. Then I would look up and see the flowers piled high and be grateful I could drink in that much beauty. So much that I can put the coffee back..if I really have to.
French Toast Ingredients
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 T. sugar
4 T. butter
4 eggs
1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
any kind of bread you have got for dipping.
maple syrup to your hearts content
Directions
In a bowl combine cinnamon nutmeg and sugar and set aside. In a skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk together all of the ingredients including cinnamon mixture in a shallow bowl. Dip the bread into egg mixture and fry until brown. Flip and cook the other side.
I don't think my children ever recognized that we were broke when they were young. I handed each one their clothes, hot from a dryer, while they were still in bed on cold mornings. Once dressed, they came out to a hot breakfast and maybe an apple, sliced amongst them. After that, we put on shoes, hats, coats, and mittens, and it was off to the bus stop. Now, it was time for coffee... that is if I was able to buy it that week.