We know mums deserve to be pampered every day of the year, but it isn’t always possible. Luckily, this special occasion gives us the opportunity to stop everything else and treat one of our favourite people to an abundance of goodies and spoils.
Breakfast deliciousness
Breakfast in bed with a pot of relaxing and aromatic freshly brewed tea and swoonworthy home-made crumpets is the perfect start to a lovely day for your mum. Have the kids haul out the ingredients and do the mixing, pouring and drizzling, with a little help from a grown-up when it comes to the cooking.
Crumpets are versatile; they can be covered in healthy fruit and nuts or enveloped in ribbons of whipped cream, indulgent butter, or oh-so-yummy honey.
Scrumptious crumpets
Ingredients
• 2 1/2 cups white flour • 400ml warm water • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp sugar • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 sachet dry yeast
Method
Pour the water into a bowl, add the yeast and stir for a few seconds. Add the flour, sugar and salt and stir lightly, then add the baking powder and stir again, but don’t over-mix. Cover the bowl with cling film and leave to rise for at least an hour. When there are little bubbles all over the batter and it has risen by around 10-15%, it is ready. Heat a frying pan to a medium temperature. Add a knob of butter and swirl around the pan to melt. Stir the batter, then scoop up about a 1/3 cup in a ladle or cup and gently pour into the pan. Repeat this 3 times so you have 3 crumpets cooking at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes. When little bubbles start forming on top of the crumpets and they have firmed up, you can flip them onto the other side and repeat the process for about 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat until the batter is finished. To serve, pile your yummy treats onto a plate and slather them with butter, drizzle golden syrup or honey over them, and/or scatter a handful of berries and nuts (we love blueberries and walnuts) on and around them.
An afternoon of pampering
Run a bath with a few drops of essential oils added (rose and chamomile reduce anxiety, and lavender, bergamot and sandalwood help with relaxation), put on your mum’s favourite music, pour her a glass of bubbly and let her sit back and relax while you whip up a batch of cookies. Easy enough for the kids to make and dads will also ace this recipe.
Cookies
Ingredients
• 225g softened butter • 11g caster sugar • 275g plain flour • 1 tsp cinnamon • 75g chocolate chips
Method
Preheat the oven to 190°C. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until soft. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Sift in the flour, and add the cinnamon and chocolate chips. Bring the mixture together, forming a dough. Break off walnut-size pieces and place them on a baking sheet, flattening them a little with the back of a spoon. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and slightly firm. Place on a rack and leave to cool before eating. Put your feet up and enjoy with an indulgent cup of tea.
Another option is to take your mum out for breakfast or lunch, and the Lowveld has no shortage of excellent eating spots to make the day extra special. Indulge in heavenly delights from rich and decadent chocolate cake to traditional pastries and treats at Bembom The Grove, washed down with their excellent coffee. It’s the ideal time to pop in and spend some time spoiling yourself and mum.
Gift your mum with one of our all-time favourites for the special price of just R200. Aniska Skin and Art’s gelish pedi includes a foot soak, sugar scrub and foot grooming, all on their stunning pedi chair, fit for a queen and with a view to die for. She will be spoilt with a welcoming sherry on arrival, and yummy cappuccinos and chocolate throughout the treatment. Mum will leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated!
Dinner delights
Dinner could be an evening out on the town, being spoilt and waited on hand and foot, or a leisurely affair at home. If the latter is your spoil of choice, whip up her favourite pasta or
light a fire and enjoy a lovely Lowveld evening under the stars. Whatever you decide to do, we recommend a nightcap, the perfect end to a lovely day.
Details
Bembom The Grove on 083 659 0893
Aniska Skin and Art on 082 686 6295
