Like many mothers, you can often hear me whining about how little time I have to myself; truly to myself. Not just the odd stolen moment that you might be able to snag like the 5am Facebook catch up or the 4 minutes I leave myself to read at night before my pillow sucks me in like a sponge. I mean long glorious hours of “me time” stretching out in front with no plan other than to do what I want to do. The kind of time that I have been dreaming about for the last 9 years; which by the way just happens to coincide with the time frame of the birth of my first child.
Well, last week I found myself with 6 whole hours of just this kind of time. No kids, no husband, no work and no plans other than a 7pm dinner reservation. Fabulous I thought! I wasn’t going to burden myself with planning my afternoon, I was just going to go with the flow like reading, napping and taking extra time with my hair and makeup.
Turns out however, I suck at “me time”. Who would have thought? After so many years of constantly being on the go, I’ve forgotten how to actually kick back and relax. I tried hard though, but after a few minutes of rest I was antsy and for some reason feeling a tad bit guilty (what is it with us mothers?), so I would pop up and unload the dishwasher or remake the beds or fold laundry; things I don’t enjoy doing on any day let alone a day I don’t have to! Before I knew it, my alone time was squeezing down and all I had to show for it was a tired body from house cleaning and a messy and unglamorous pony tail!
If I had to do it over again, I would have tackled my time like I do everything else; with a plan! Working off of a plan is something I know how to do and helps keep me organized and balanced! My new plan would involve reading trashy magazines, fixing myself a chilled French 75 and indulging in a basket of Parmesan Pepper Biscuits.
So don’t make the same mistake I did and plan some quality time for yourself. To help keep you watered and fed no matter what your plan involves here are some fabulous “it’s all about me” recipes!
FRENCH 75
Serves 4
Ingredients:
200ml (3/4 cup) chilled gin
150ml (2/3 cup) fresh lemon juice
125ml ( ½ cup) Cointreau
1 x 750ml bottle chilled champagne
Lemon peel for garnish
1. In pitcher half-filled with ice, combine gin, lemon juice and Cointreau.
2. Divide mixture among 4 flute glasses.
3. Top with champagne. Garnish with lemon peel.
PARMESAN-PEPPER BISCUITS
Makes about 24
Preparation Time: 15 minutes + 1 hour refrigeration
Baking Time: 15 minute
Notes: Once baked these savoury shortbreads freeze very well. After they have cooled completely, put them in a sealed container and place in freezer. When you’re ready for your “me-time”, remove as many as you need and either allow them to come to room temperature on the counter (about 30 minutes) or warm in a preheated 350C oven for 5 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 stick butter, softened
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
1. Pulse cheese and butter in a food processor. Add flour, egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and process until combined into a dough consistency.
2. Roll into a 6-inch log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help you easily cut the dough into rounds.
3. Cut log into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and place 1-inch apart on a baking sheet. Sprinkle tops of crackers with salt and remaining black pepper. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until golden.
4. Remove and let cool slightly. Enjoy with a glass of French 75!
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