Eat This While You Read That: AM Freeman
As a busy mother, there was one thing I knew all four of the children would eat, every time I put it in front of them: waffles.
Adding berries and whipped cream? It's a celebration!
So when AM Freeman suggested I pair waffles and berries with her new book, Marymae and the Nightmare Man, I thought it was perfect. A children's book, and not-too-sweet but delicious breakfast? Of course they go together! Now, you can eat as a family and read a story together while the kids get messy with berries.
From the blurb:
Marymae is a little girl with big problems! First, no one will believe her imaginary friend is real...
And then he goes missing!
Marymae must set out to find her friend. But she soon discovers something scary is happening in the Forest of Make-Believe. Those that were noble are now hiding. Dangerous creatures lurk in the shadows. And a growing darkness threatens to engulf even the bravest heart. If Marymae and her friends can't stop it in time, the nightmares will spread across all the worlds, including her own! Enjoy the journey with her as she discovers how to be a light to inspire courage in those around her, and how to love even the most broken heart.
Pick up this illustrated novelette and join the characters on their journey as they spring from one challenge to the next. A refreshing light to illuminate a mundane day, or to enjoy reading with your children.
The heart-shaped waffles are always a kid-favorite.
Merry Waffles
1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
pinch salt
1 c milk
1 c vanilla yogurt
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
Berry Compote
2 c frozen assorted berries
1/4 water
2 tbsp sugar
Begin the compote first, as it takes some time to simmer down into jammy goodness. In fact, you can make this the night before, and then warm it up a bit before you serve.
In a medium saucepan combine the berries, water, and sugar. Start the heat at no more than medium if you are working with frozen berries - the water is to keep them from burning before they start to melt and flow over the bottom of the pan. Stir occasionally, and let simmer gently until the berry mixture has thickened. You'll know it's good when you pull the spoon across the bottom of the pan and you can see a path before the syrup flows back together. Remove from heat and set aside to cool a bit. Right now, it's lava!
This is thick enough to be syrup!
To begin the waffles, gather all of your ingredients.
Sift the dry ingredients together into a large bowl. If you don't have a sifter, whisk them together to break up any lumps and combine the leavening with the flour.
Preheat your waffle iron. I used my cast-iron waffle iron, with the sweet heart-shapes, but an electric one is easy for the younger set to use!
Whisk the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry, whisking until the batter is smooth and evenly blended.
Spoon about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the batter at a time onto your waffle iron, and cook until desired brownness.
I'm using a one-cup spoon, but it's not full when I dip up the batter, so less than a cup or it will overflow.
Served with a scoop of berry compote, fresh berries, and whipped cream! So good.