A fine line.


It's always a fine line between what gets shared in this little virtual space, and what is better left unsaid.  I don't typically go the 'cryptic route'- yet don't feel it's necessary to give every teensy-tiny detail either.

When it comes to health issues, the line seems to get even finer.  So, teensy-tiny details aside, it has been a pretty rough couple of months for us.  Just as Ryan's condition improved, we were hit with another scare.  This time, it was Jacob.  His chest bone structure is a bit uneven (from one side to the other), which led to x-rays & a scoliosis-screening.  A couple of weeks later, he started to experience chest pain.  There's nothing more miserable than watching your child suffer- or waiting to see if there is something seriously wrong.  

After several phone calls, a doctor's appointment, extended Google searches, and another bout of 'the waiting game' during the past week, we're not yet in the clear.  But we do have a good deal of clarity {and peace of mind} about his condition and potential next steps.  And I can honestly- and happily- say it sounds much scarier than it actually is.  Of course it's not over yet... More appointments to come, possibly a long-term brace, but at this point- the seemingly endless state of pins and needles- for far too many weeks- has finally begun to dissipate.  

We're ready to take the intensity level down a few notches, and get back to our "normal," semi-chaotic, gloriously simple, boring life.  Reading, & games, & Target/Trader Joe runs... that's what our weekend was filled with.  Along with the best mother's day present of all~ a spruced n' polished back yard, ready for lots of al fresco eating, slip n' sliding, & all sorts of happy memories.
  
And today, I did something that I haven't done in far too long.  I set my mile-long-to-do-list aside, picked some basil from the garden, & I baked.  Baking is one of the things I've missed most during the past several weeks of drama & dieting.  Even though I can't actually EAT the goods, the smile on the kids' face, after busting through the door, made it all worth it.  Plus, I've had these beautiful little scones on my mind ever since I pinned 'em.    

The sweetness of spring & the fragrance of summer.  A deliciously fine line.
                         
                                         
double-strawberry {basil} scones 
*from better homes and gardens april, 2011 issue.

makes 8-12 scones

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into chunks
3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (purchased at trader joe's)
2 tbsp snipped basil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup half-and-half
half-and-half or milk
sugar

               
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Gently toss in fresh and freeze-dried strawberries and basil.  Make a well in center of flour mixture; set aside.
                              
In a medium bowl, stir together eggs and half-and-half.  Add egg mixture to flour mixture all at once.  Using a large spoon, gently stir just until moistened.
                                                                      
Turn dough out onto a generously floured surface.  Knead the dough by folding and gently pressing it five to seven times, turning dough a quarter turn after each fold.  Transfer to a lightly floured parchment-lined baking sheet.  Pat or lightly roll dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle.  Cut circle into wedges and pull apart slightly (I used a floured pie server to [gently] pull apart).
                            
Brush wedges with additional half-and-half and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake about 16 min or until golden.  Serve warm.  Refrigerate any leftover scones, and reheat as necessary.

{for more 'tried & true' recipes, click here... 2 in 1 this week ~ to make up for last week :)}
                                   

13 comments:

  1. i hope you find that normalcy you've missed over the past few weeks. so sorry to hear about jacob...yes, seeing your children suffer is the absolute worst. sending healing thoughts your way.

    and, thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. basil is one thing that grows nicely on my porch and always looking for recipes beyond pesto and italian. xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have been thinking of you constantly these past few weeks. I hope normalcy returns...and stays. Hang in there friend.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes that fine line can be tricky. I'm sorry to hear about the stresses you've been going through, and I'm happy to hear that you are on your way towards a happy resolution. There is nothing worse than watching our children in pain. Good luck and positive thoughts...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, that is a lot to cope with Torrie, the not knowing must have been the hardest part and I guess sounds like you have some clarity at least. Thinking some postive thoughts your way

    ReplyDelete
  5. I hope Jacob is OK. It sounds very much like something my father and sister both have. My sister had to give up sports in high school because of the pain, but is now back to running races in her 30s.

    And holy willpower, batman. If I bake anything, I AM eating it. :)

    Jenn

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hope things smooth out for your little guy soon. It's the woest thing ever to watch your kiddo feel awful and feel so helpless to do anything. The scones look lovely and I am sure your to-do list got along just fine for the day.
    Best,
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
  7. I definitely need to try these. I used to be so wary of experimenting with that fine line, but lately, I'm all for it. And I may try to make them gluten free as well.

    ReplyDelete
  8. i'm so sorry you're having to deal with that with jacob. that's got to be terrible for a mother to go through. i hope you all are able to get some answers and a little easing of your stress. will be thinking of you, friend :)

    those scones look fabulous - what a great combo of flavors.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow Torrie sending you positive thoughts today :) Hope Jacob is doing well ...I am sure all of this is not easy and somewhat stressful. Glad you were able to do some baking and wow do those scones look yummy. It's funny b/c I have 3 ripe bananas sitting in my fridge just waiting for me to make banana bread! I am inspired now to just do it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thinking about you guys all week and hoping you are all hanging in there and keeping as positive as possible. Those scones look so amazing. Wish I lived closer so I could stop on by for a taste test.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Omg I really hope Jacob is ok! And that you have a super relaxed summer to make up for all this stress lately. Wow and here I am complaining about my own waiting game...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, Torrie! I'm so sorry you all have been having to deal with these issues. Prayers that the findings are minor issues that can be dealt with easily.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm sorry you have medical things to deal with, but I'm so glad it sounds like you know the next steps. I understand walking the fine line on issues, especially personal and medical ones. I definitely keep a fair share to myself too in this realm. The scones look amazing. I want to grow stuff so I can just go pick it and bake it.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...