ChowBaby

tuesday night, it snowed in brooklyn. our first real snow. not the tiny
flurries that hint at snow, mind you. but lots of big white flakes
that scream winter is here! i knew everything would melt by morning.
and i didn't want atticus to miss it. so i did what i usually have a
hard time doing. i opted for "the moment" instead of "the plan" and
delayed atticus' bedtime. instead of going into his room for books,
songs, and lights out at 7:30--we covered our jammies with down coats,
hats, scarves, gloves, and snow boots and headed into the street.
watching atticus with eyes closed, head upturned, and tongue out
whispering "mama, look!" reminded me that kids are an opportunity to
see how great "the moment" really is.
 
of course, by the time we got back, he wasn't too happy that his hands
were like "ice cream" (he's not so great with idioms). so i whipped up
a warm ginger milk. the mug turned his red fingers a more normal color
within minutes. and a bit of spicy ginger heated him from the inside
out. i use ginger a lot now that atticus is officially a toddler,
especially when it's cold outside. so in honor of the holiday season,
here are the recipes (of course, i use all organic ingredients) for
his favorite toasty ginger drinks:
 
warm ginger milk
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ginger powder in a pinch)
a dash of ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp agave nectar (you could use honey as long as your child is
older than 1 year)
heat the milk , ginger, and cinnamon on the stove until it almost--but
doesn't--boil. reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes. let cool
until just warm and safe for your little one's mouth. strain to remove
any big bits of ginger if your snow angel (like mine!) has an aversion
to bits in their drinks. add agave. stir. and serve!
 
warm ginger lemonade
1 cup water
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ginger powder in a pinch)
1/2 tsp agave nectar (you could use honey as long as your child is
older than 1 year)
heat the water, lemon, and ginger on the stove until it boils. reduce
heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes. let cool until just warm and
safe for your little one's mouth. strain to remove any big bits of
ginger if your snow angel (like mine!) has an aversion to bits in
their drinks. add agave. stir. and serve!
 
warm mulled raspberry apple cider
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ginger powder in a pinch)
a dash of ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp agave nectar (you could use honey as long as your child is
older than 1 year)
heat the cider, raspberries, ginger, and cinnamon on the stove until
it boils. reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. let cool until
just warm and safe for your little one's mouth. strain to remove the
raspberries and any big bits of ginger if your snow angel (like mine!)
has an aversion to bits in their drinks. add agave. stir. and serve!
(note: don't throw away the raspberries! mix them in plain yogurt or
use them as spread on toast.)
 
-m