Almond Flour Scones

OK, I promised a recipe or two when I started this blog, and this is one of my favourites lately. I got the recipe from my sister-in-law Julie, who got it from a friend of hers who is gluten intolerant. Despite the gluten-free label, these scones taste really great! They are kind of moist and chewy.

Don't be scared off by the more obscure ingredients (agave nectar, grape seed oil), they are all available at most grocery stores.

• 2 ½ c Almond Flour (ground baking almonds; often available in the bulk food section of the grocery store)
• ½ tsp Sea Salt (fine)
• ½ tsp Baking Soda
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1/3 c Grape Seed Oil
• ¼ c Agave Nectar (light)
• 3/4 cup Dried Cranberries (or raisins, blueberries chocolate chips)

Combine almond flour, sea salt and baking soda in a large bowl. In smaller bowl whisk together eggs, grape seed oil and agave nectar. Mix with dry ingredients. Add raisins. Spoon onto parchment paper lined baking sheets. Makes 12 (distribute batter accordingly). Bake at 350 degrees C for 12-17 minutes until browned. Leave on tray to cool for 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

A Good Trip

This past Easter weekend, my younger daughter Ashley and I flew to Toronto to visit my dad and step-mother. I hadn't been back to visit them in over a year and thought it was time again. My dad has advanced Alzheimer's and has been in a nursing home for the last 3 1/2 years and, as is the nature of his disease, is progressively declining in his functions.

I initially thought to bring Ashley along because my brother, who lives in Ottawa, was going to bring his daughter (who is a year older than Ashley) down as well, and it would be a good chance for the cousins to see each other again. As it turned out, my niece couldn't make it, so just my brother came down.

We all had a good visit just the same and, I think, gave my step-mother a much-needed dose of moral support. She's been on her own in terms of caring for my dad and does a wonderful job of visiting him daily, but I'm sure sometimes she feels that it's all up to her. It really sucks having aging parents that live in a different city from you. My brother and I are so grateful that our step-mom is there for our dad.

Before we got to Toronto, there was one part of the visit that I was nervous about: What would Ashley think about seeing her grandfather in a nursing home? (All of her grandparents in Vancouver are in their 70s and healthy and active.) And, how would she react to the other Alzheimer's patients in the home and their sometimes odd behaviour? Well, I shouldn't have worried. She totally AMAZED ME! She was so natural and accepting, and just wanted to help him out. "Can I push the wheelchair, Mom?" "Can I help feed Opa his snack?" As for the other patients in the nursing home, she was more curious than worried or frightened.

Never underestimate the capacity of a six-year-old.