toddlers and tea cakes
It’s funny how our natural instincts can be so strong, however we try to pull away from them – especially ones that tug at the maternal core of all women.
This weekend was a blast – we had the infamous Mopsy and her parents stay with us (for those who are not familiar, Mopsy is Misty’s closest partner in crime – cousins born on exactly the same day) – and the dynamic of 2 toddlers under one roof is a big change from a lone Misty. More chaos, mess and screaming, yes – but also WAY more fun, giggles and games. I must admit, I felt the old ovaries doing a series of flip-flops and felt the urge to cluck around at one point (and yes the below photo is VERY old, but too cute to resist).
These feelings are so strong, even though I know there is no way I am having another baby any time soon – Mother Nature’s way to keep the population cranking I think? Hormones?
Anyway, with friends and family all around us going for “Round 2″ in the sense of baby-making…. it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of impending new life. (Don’t worry Viper, I’m not getting too worked up here!) I just think the whole process is rather magical, and although I’m a tad clucky, Misty isn’t going to be sharing his toys with a sibling any time in the near future – I will live vicariously through the babies of others (and hand them back with a small sigh of relief after a long cuddle).
Women-folk: Are you a “clucker”? Or do newborn babies scare you? Men: Do clucky females freak you out?
The following recipe is one I have been making consistently for WEEKS now – both Viper and Misty love these little cakes, and they are so quick and easy to chuck together. You can add any type of “add-ins” – I usually go for dried fruit and cinnamon, but Viper’s favourite is of course, chocolate chips (pictured at the end of this post).
Egg Free Tea Cakes
(Nut/seed/refined sugar/corn free)
- 1/4C soft butter
- 3T rapadura
- 1/3C raisins (or any dried fruit OR chocolate chips)
- pinch salt
- 3/4C milk
- zest of one lemon
- 3T lemon juice (around half a lemon’s worth)
- 3/4C organic plain flour
- 1/2t ground cinnamon
- 3/4t baking powder
- 1/4t baking soda
- Pre heat oven to 170 degrees on fan bake setting.
- Combine milk and lemon juice/zest in a small bowl, and set aside to curdle (about 5 minutes)
- Meanwhile combine all ohter ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mix.
- Fold through gently until well combined (like you were mixing muffins – don’t go crazy on it!)
- The mix will seem very light and almost airy – this is the way it should be.
- Spoon into silicone cupcake (or paper) moulds – filling to about 3/4 full – and place on a large baking tray.
- Bake for 15 minutes – the cakes will rise up while cooking, but “deflate” slightly on cooling.
- Best enjoyed on the day they were made – super light and fluffy – otherwise store in an airtight container.
The icing in the picture above was some of the filling left over for this tart (coconut butter, tofu, lemon juice/zest and agave) – my take on a “cream cheese” style topping.
Viper’s chocolate-chip-ahoy cakes.
20 Responses to “toddlers and tea cakes”
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Vegan. Stay at home Mum of Misty. Yoga teacher in training. Passionate about REAL food - creating it, eating it, sharing it. I can never stick to a recipe.
can you believe that with a 14yo and an 11yo and swearing to hell and back that I would never have another child, now at the age of 41, I am getting clucky again!! what the??? now I will have to wait for grandkids or live vicariously through all of you with sweet little ones
Ha! That’s hilarious, but I am SURE it’s a feeling that never leaves a woman…. and yes that’s why Grandma’s are SO doting on their grand-kiddies!
Knowing I am not having any more kids is such a relief! It gives me free license to goo over my friends who are into number two (or three!) without the feeling of impending doom (hahaha) or more accurately – without feeling like the world is watching and waiting to pounce on me about when number two will be along. I love a cuddle with a baby and am equally happy to hand them back. Babies have never really wen my thing and now my munchkin is a toddler I don’t want to go back there. Loved t while it was here – and now happy to experience all the other stages
I honestly think you know when you are done. I get complete within a couple of months of Finns birth while others felt like there was something missing. And nobody is right or wrong – we know what will work for us.
Totally agree with all this….. I go through days when I am positive – “Nope, no more kids, Misty is IT!” and then get totally clucky over a friends baby or watching some TV show on childbirth. Argh, frustrating
I felt complete – not ‘get complete’. One day I will learn to proofread properly.
Can I use Splenda, Palm Sugar or Xylitol in place of the rapadura?
Sure! I think something like palm sugar or xylitol would work well in these at the same measurement – the dried fruit provides a lot of sweetness too
Thank you, you are a honey!!
I love the look of those tea cakes! Gorgeous photo of the two cousins too
I enjoy babies but definitely don’t have any clucking instincts at this point in time. In fact, I’m more terrified than keen, truth be told!
Yeah they are pretty cute these two little ones – but a LOT bigger now than when that photo was taken – they grow up SO quickly! Don’t worry, I was terrified for probably the first 6 months of Misty’s life – it’s totally normal I think
I would do it all again just for that first week in the hospital…and probably again after that! Sadly, Cossie’s said ….NO WAY!
Ha! I can fully understand that – those after-birth hormones are pretty awesome! You can see how women get addicted to having babies
I love babies and just fawn over them, but still no desire to have on of my own yet- someday though
These cakes look lovely- the perfect base for a frosting or maybe a nut butter!
Yes, you still have plenty of time to not worry about having babies
The cakes can easily be made vegan too Earth Balance/soft coconut oil and non dairy milk… easy!
I have been committed to not having children for about 98% of my life. I’ve never had any desire to bare one, and the thought of adoption is few and far between. That said, I am starting to enjoy other people’s babies and toddlers more and more. And, at the ripe old age of almost-28, I am having, “Omg, who will take care of me when I’m old if I don’t have kids??” panics. Not exactly the most selfless-motherly reason to pop any out, though! ; ) We’ll see what happens. They are lovely little creatures, but I’m just not sure I’m good mama-material. Not yet anyway.
Those teacakes sounds lovely. : )
I hear ya… I think I was in exactly the same mindset as you… but then we decided to go for it, and it’s honestly been the best decision I ever made
If it’s right, you’ll know it!
The cakes can be veganised too – just use soft coconut oil/Earth Balance and use a non-dairy milk…. easy!
“Mopsy” always makes me think of Peter Rabbit. Not a bad thing.
Yeah, I love Jemima Puddleduck, she’s cool.
We are definitely programmed! I was clucky for a brief period of time and then it passed
. Being around kids is wonderful but I’m always glad to get back to my quiet home!
Oh yes, a quiet home is a thing of the past for us! It’s always nice when you can hand kiddos back to their folks