Margot and I take our morning walks around the time that our neighborhood busies itself for school. Up and down the block, cars warm in driveways. Children scuttle from the garage to the car, and then back inside the house again. It’s so easy to forget your lunch, or that blue folder, or the coat your mother makes you wear from November through March.
I like watching these early morning preparations. The way that parents interact with their children during these time-sensitive endeavors makes me want to be kinder to those I love. Because aren’t we always at our worst when there’s somewhere to go?
This morning, Margot and I watched a pudgy nine-year-old throw pieces of bark towards the 2nd story window, where (presumably) his younger sister resided. After a few failed attempts, he finally caught her attention. She pressed her cheek against the cold window and shook her head. “Let me in!” the pudgy boy yelled. She smiled, and walked away. I couldn’t help but laugh at his sister’s somewhat evil ploy to keep her big brother outside. He, like most nine-year-olds, had neglected to bring his coat. Thankfully, the caravan of cars leaving my block assured me that his mother or father would rescue him soon.
These school-aged children make me excited to be a mother (also a bit fearful), and their momentary presence in my day fills me with nostalgia for times past. Ryan just released his Valentine greeting card for 2013, and I can’t help but remember how exciting it was to exchange cards and candy in my second grade classroom. Unlike most kids, I hand-made each of my cards. A labor both long and rewarding. I guess it’s fitting that I’m now married to a man who makes beautiful jewelry and greeting cards. We’re perfect for each other. In so many ways.
If you’d like to order a card (or a pack of six), Ryan and I would love to share these with you. Follow this link to place your order. We’ll be sending them out in the next week or two, allowing plenty of time for you to transcribe notes of affection to those you love.
And if I could, I’d also send you a dozen of these Parmesan breadsticks. But since they taste best just out of the oven, I’ll give you a recipe instead. I pulled these breadsticks together just two hours before dinner. They rose beautifully, and they made the house smell like a small and authentic Italian deli. Herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese add just the right notes of savory to these soft and pillowy twists.
And as far as pregnancy goes? I’m doing wonderfully. My energy is strong, and I’m feeling the baby move on a daily basis now. My obstetrician happens to live just a few houses up from us, and when I walk down the hill with Margot in the morning, I can see our delivery hospital in the distance. So even though I’m enjoying every moment of my pregnancy, I can’t help but be reminded of how incredible the day will be when I give birth to our son or daughter (speaking of which…expect a very fun post at the beginning of next month. We find out gender so soon!). I’ve also been DELIGHTED to find so many sweaters and tops at Anthropologie that will work both as maternity clothes and as new mom clothes. The top below is my current favorite.
Parmesan Breadsticks
Dough:
1 cup warm water
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3 cups bread flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 packet of instant yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Topping:
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine water, butter, flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and herbs. Using the dough hook, knead bread for 8-10 minutes, adding additional water if necessary to produce a smooth ball of dough (I added about 1/4 cup of warm water due to how dry it is in Colorado). Place kneaded dough in a well-oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic. Allow to rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
2. Break off dough into two-ounce pieces. Divide each piece into two sections, roll into 6 inch ropes, and braid together. Place your breadstick on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise for 30-60 minutes (or until large and puffy). Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Bake breadsticks for 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven and brush immediately with melted butter and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
I don’t know what I love most, these breadsticks, Ryan’s adorable cards or your precious pregnancy glow! Glad to hear life is happy for you. You seem so excited for the great things to come! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Our morning ritual is utter chaos and we don’t even have to take little man to school yet! I can only imagine it’ll get more rushed as the years ago and I will continue to keep reminding myself to take deep breaths and be kinder to the ones I love during rushed times 🙂 So glad to hear your energy is going strong, especially that means you can still keep baking delicious treats!
Congrats on a healthy, happy pregnancy! So happy to have found your blog. Inspired…and hungry!
I was going to say EXACTLY what Georgia said, so I’m here just smiling…
I also happen to LOVE the Anthropologie top – that store is something, isn’t it?
You look so beautiful girlie! I am so excited for you! This bread looks so good!
I just found your blog, and I love it! We have a lot in common– I have my MFA in creative writing and teach creative writing classes in Alabama. I had my first baby back in April– you’re in for a wild, fun ride! So glad I found your blog!
ps– LOVE that sweater! I tried that on myself, and had to use MAJOR willpower to not buy it. So cute!
You look so healthy and happy! And those breadsticks look pretty great too. Take care…
Monet,
I’m so happy for you and Ryan on the upcoming baby. Can’t wait to hear the gender. You are just glowing, and your radiance shines through in your writing. Glad to hear that you are still baking, and turning out magnificent baked products. Ryan’s cards are beautiful:)
Those breadsticks look beautiful, and you do too! You are just glowing.
That card is just too cute – I may have to order one for my guy for Valentine’s Day. (And one day, when I’m first pregnant, I am so asking for my own hen and chick pendant. Love it.)
Oh jeez. You hit the nail on the head. I snapped at my 3 year old for not hurrying this morning as we were leaving to go get N from school. Then of course immediately I felt horrible. It’s not her fault I waited until the last minute.
I could eat a basket of these with some marinara for dinner {and a glass of wine} I am bookmarking this to make next week. Thank you love.
those cards are so cute!
I made these tonight! Immediately after reading about these, I knew my husband would love them. Thank you for sharing your yummy recipes with the world. 🙂 Many many blessings to you and your husband during this special time!
You are looking beautiful, Monet! I love the top…and seriously, these breadsticks. I think my husband and I would (unashamedly) eat the entire batch and call it an appetizer. Oops 🙂
I adore parmesan breadsticks and have never made them myself at home! I particularly enjoy dipping them in marinara sauce…mmmmm! Love it and thanks for the delicious recipe!
I love how you described the morning chaos from another side of the house! I will keep it in mind next morning we get ready for school. 🙂
Your Parmesan bread sticks are so elegant and must be amazingly fragrant from all the herbs…
Love your new top! And those bread sticks, I can literally smell it all the way across the world.
You look so adorable and happy. I wish I enjoyed my pregnancy as much as you do (I enjoy it on an intellectual level. The headaches and digestion problems are less lovely. But worth it!) The cards are beautiful, the breadsticks mouthwatering, and the outfit is just too cute!
We have our 20 week scan (a few days after our 20 week mark) on the 31st. I can’t wait to find out the gender, either (although I’m more interested in seeing how much s/he has grown. I can’t believe we are almost half way!)
Wonderful breadssticks! They look ever so tempting.
That is such a a cute card and lovely outfit.
Cheers,
Rosa
You’re absolutely glowing! these breadsticks look delicious, they’re one of my favourite things to bake when I’ve got guests coming over. I’ve never added cheese or herbs before, I can’t wait to try this recipe the next chance I get!
You are such a doll!! So pretty!!
Your breadsticks look so unbelievably tasty, they look like you could reach out and take one!
Hello from Texas, pretty mama! You’re looking great, and being back home seems to be making you even happier than usual. Love these garlic knots and that cute little baby belly…
how beauitful you (and those breadsticks) are! glowing!
Watching kids always makes me want my own. Especially in the spring when all the dads come out and play street hockey with their kids. I can’t wait until the day I get to watch my husband play outside with my kids like that. It just melts my heart.
Your new top is super cute! I’m so glad you’re at such a fun stage of pregnancy – and that you get to see the fun antics your neighborhood kids get into 😉 Looking forward to the announcement post!
These Parmesan breadsticks look heavenly (and I’d love to try them hot out of the oven, mmm). Ryan’s card is absolutely gorgeous, too – he’s very talented!
Haha you look adorable my friend 😀
And these breadsticks, now they are absolutely gorgeous, I would devour them all 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I totally share your love for your morning walk. I take my dog out around the same time that all the kiddos are getting ready to go to school. There is something so comforting watching all this chaos going on around me. I love it. You are going to be a fabulous mom!
Also, I would love to sink my teeth into one of these breadsticks. Yum!
I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying your pregnancy every moment! After the long morning sickness, everything comes as a prize. It’s such a special feeling to be a mom and I am excited for you! You have a pregnancy glow too! Ahhh I miss that. 😀 Now I’m tired and all! xD Your breasticks look yum and omg….really beautiful cards!!!
Love it! These breadsticks would be devoured in record speed around here!! 🙂
the parm sticks looks amazing, and i am loving the Vday card…I just sent the link to a friend who I know will adore!! It’s so great to jump in and read your post, I have been missing u sweet friend. It felt good to post myself and hoping to get back into the swing of things…what a wonderful year it has been so far xoxo
These break sticks look so homey and wonderful. I love your outfit too.
You do look so stunning pregnant… glowing actually! And can we talk about how wonderful these breadsticks look? You have me drooling.
You are looking good! And the breadsticks looks yummy, perfect for snacking! I love how you describe about the kids in your neighbourhood!
Take care!
Nothing like a hot yeast roll with melted butter…hmmm…these look phenomenal!
You look so adorable, Monet! I too, chose clothes that were not maternity and could be worn after the baby was born (generally, belted). You’re so lucky to be close to your doctor and hospital!!
Ryan, indeed, is very talented, as you are…perfect couple!
I love that top! You are positively glowing 🙂 Thanks for the breadspiration.. I have been baking like mad lately but my camera is broken. Boo!!
Love your writing, so very glad to have stumbled upon your blog. Not to mention, this recipe sounds spectacular. Excited to give these a try!
Seriously an adorable post.
I am hungry for breadsticks now, and at 10 am I am guessing I won’t find them anywhere (since I am at work).
I love your new shirt (indeed perfect for pregnancy and post pregnancy).
Your husbands cards are just amazing. I have been blown away by the items you have shared with us here.
I cannot wait for your announcement on gender, but whatever he or she is my real wish for them is that they are healthy.
Happy Tuesday Monet!
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