Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters! Today I’d like to dedicate this post to my Grandma, who passed away 2 1/2 years ago. While you read this I will be in Minnesota, at the funeral of my Grandmother’s sister who recently passed. Without further ado, I give you the story of my Grandma, Helen.
My Grandma was born in a small Midwest town in 1920. She was very smart, independent, and artistic. She left home right after high school to work, which was rare for a woman to do during that time. She worked in Chicago at CBS Radio and in Washington D.C. for a Congressman, until she returned home to take care of her ill parents.
Once home, she started a family and married at age 35 and had two children. She continued to work as a church secretary and for the Department of Agriculture while she raised her children. She loved politics, and worked with a governor and congressman.
Working hard was important to Grandma. She continued to work and drive until 4 months before her death at age 89. She was a tough fighter with a strong will, and she continued to prosper even after heart surgery at age 67, two heart attacks, and a car crash where her head went through the windshield!
Even more important to her than work, though, was family. She had two children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Pictured above is her with her youngest grandchild (my little brother). She always invited us over to her home for sleepovers, pancakes, and games. She made the best pancakes: slightly crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside with a light drizzle of Karo syrup. I loved her baked chicken, and deviled eggs, too, and I always asked her to make a batch of deviled eggs for my birthday.
You know how people always say, “Off to grandma’s for cookies?” Well, my siblings and I went off to grandma’s for marshmallows. She always had a package, and we would play card games to win them.
But enough about food, because you know I will go on and on about that!
My grandma loved antique dishes, flowers (especially pansies), painting, and dancing. The props I used for today’s recipe all belonged to her. Her jewelry, her plethora of handkerchiefs, and even her glasses!
I think of her every time I put on a piece of jewelry she passed down to me, when I look at the beautiful dishes I inherited from her, when I eat some of my favorite recipes from her, and when I recite her favorite prayer:
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters, he restoreth my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou prepareth a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” -Psalm 23
My grandma was a true lady. She knew exactly how to dress, how to act, and how to speak and write. Her cursive handwriting was straight from a picture with the looping curves of her pen.
I cherished my time with her, and loved everything she taught me. I look forward to seeing her again, and seeing the smile on her face.
Now a note about these scones. They are definitely a more savory scone with hints of fresh citrus and the light flavor of lavender. It is hearty, not fluffy, and might be considered a biscuit or thick cracker to some. I liked the blend of flavors, and the savory aspect of them.
~Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo, Corn-free, Soy-free, and Sugar-free.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hazelnut meal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon culinary lavender
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350*.
- Combine Hazelnut meal, baking powder, and salt until well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together egg and coconut oil and then add to dry ingredients. Mix.
- Fold in the orange zest and lavender until well-combined. Batter should be thick.
- Shape dough into 2 circles on a baking sheet about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Cute each circle into 8 triangles (there should be 16 small scones total).
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
- As decoration, you can drizzle coconut oil or butter and top with extra orang zest or lavender.
Notes
You can make your own hazelnut meal buy processing hazelnuts in a food processor until smooth, but not too much or else it will make hazelnut butter. You may also try substituting different kinds of nuts if desired.
**I found these handkerchief within her stacks. I thought it was pretty funny!
Health Benefits:
- Hazelnuts: A major superfood, and they are full of monounsaturated, good-for-you fats. It contains many nutrients that benefit the brain, and regulate cholesterol. The monounsaturated fats and vitamin E reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Lavender: This herb is known as a calming herb. It can help relax you and treat insomnia in high doses. It is also a powerful antiseptic and can sooth digestion problems.
- Orange: The common benefit of this citrus, vitamin C, helps prevent cold and flu viruses. They are also good sources of beta-carotene, vitamin A and B, pectin, and potassium. An orange contains over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting properties.
- Coconut: Coconut is widely misunderstood because of it’s high fat content; however, coconut’s saturated fat is made up of medium-chain fatty acids. These medium-chains are easy to absorb and digest, and are converted quickly into energy. This means that the body is less likely to store the medium-chain as fat. Coconut is also a great source of dietary fiber with a whopping 5 grams per oz!
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom and Grandma!
I love you!
(this picture was taken a few months before she passed-still healthy an strong!)
Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:
Tell me something special about a mother in your life (grandmother, mother, aunt, etc). How are you celebrating her today?
What a beautiful post Alex – brought tears to my eyes.
My Nana passed at the age of 83 when she knelt beside her bed to say her prayers. She taught me to cook and was an awesome cake decorator. My Mum is extra special & we catch up every week she is a very important person in my life & the lives of my two children. Here’s to all Mum’s, Grandma’s & Nana’s – Happy Mother’s Day!
Ruthie,
Thanks for the sweet comment. It sounds like your Nana was an amazing person as well. Happy Mother’s Day!
awe! beautiful post 🙂
This was amazing to read, what an incredible lady!!
So enjoyed your tribute to your grandmother. My mother (88) just left after we served her a dinner of hot chicken salad and some of Ben’s truffles (made with ganache) for dessert. One great memory of my mother was from the 1950’s, when as a housewife with 3 small children, she canvassed door-to-door (in our Missouri neighborhood) for racial integration in housing.It planted a seed of in her children about concern for social justice and Christian acceptance. . .
Thanks, Sara.
What a wonderful memory of your mother! She sounds wonderful and strong!
This is such a neat post! Your grandmother sounds like such an amazing woman!
What an awesome lady, and what a beautiful way to honour her memory on your blog 🙂