This year we had two perfect parental party days. Mother’s Day was likely the bathtub store’s most profitable day on record. The shop girls recognized the entrance of three quarters of my family as sales jackpot material. The boys departed with a giant floral box stuffed with all kinds of awesomeness. After I enjoyed my breakfast in bed and opened my present, the boys read about each handmade luxury product and then meticulously planned their next six weeks of $6 bathing opportunities… Then we did the Bob Jones trail, coffee and sustenance at Kraken, lunch at the new Creamery, and a beautiful dinner at Coach’s restaurant. The whole day was just dreamy.
For Father’s Day, we made James breakfast in bed and then embarked on a stunning day trip to Hearst’s Castle. The boys were unbelievably museum-worthy on the tour of the upstairs rooms and during the big screen movie. It was the first time I remember liking the tour… I call the tower room! The boys were especially intrigued by the indoor pool with real gold mosaics.
We stopped for lunch in San Simeon and left Nate in front of a sign promising an espresso and a kitty to unaccompanied children. He left disappointed, decaffeinated and empty-handed. We visited the elephant seals, spotted the field of zebras for the first time, and then made a quick stop for outrageously priced brown butter cookies. An outstanding day celebrating an outstanding dad.
Later that afternoon, Nate made sure I knew how much he liked what we’d served his “Dady” for breakfast in bed. He says to me, “Maybe when I’m a grown-up, my husband can make me that for breakfast in bed?”
And Jake chimes-in, “Your wife, Nate. When you grow-up you’ll have a wife.” (Nate is seven and girls are gross. But he agrees to his brother’s forceful socialization. I’m pretty sure he still might be holding-out hope that marrying your big brother is not, in fact, a faux pas.)
“Mama, Mama. Do you think when I’m a dad my wife can make me that for my breakfast in bed?”
And I promise him that I’ll make a note for his future spouse.
Dearest Future Nate Spouse,
Since his first bite at the age of two, Nate has been a furtive fan of breakfast in bed. He’s really looking forward to the day when he’s a grown-up and you serve him on a tray with a hot beverage and flowers and most importantly, a big Papa Bear-sized bowl of forbidden black rice pudding, garnished with mango and pomegranate seeds. I’ve been asked by seven-year-old Nate to make sure you have this recipe… and this reminder.
We sure love our Nate and know you do, too. He’s a serious catch. You can’t go wrong with this recipe, a package of Lush bath bombs, and the loudest singing musical animal card you can find.
xoxo
- BLACK FORBIDDEN RICE PUDDING
- YIELD
- Makes 8 servings
- ACTIVE TIME
- 10 min
- TOTAL TIME
- 2 hr (includes cooling)
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup black rice
- 1/3 cup “cowboy seebup” aka agave syrup
- 1 can coconut milk
PREPARATION
Place rice in a strainer and soak in cold water for 20 minutes; drain.
Bring rice, 3 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered with a tight-fitting lid, 45 minutes (rice will be cooked but still wet). Stir in syrup and coconut milk and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thick and rice is tender but still slightly chewy, about 30 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool to warm or room temperature, stirring occasionally, at least 30 minutes. Serve with cubed fresh mango and pomegranate seeds or berries and drizzle with almond or coconut milk. Reserve some for yourself… trust me.
*Recipe adapted from “Black Rice Pudding” on epicurious.com, Gourmet, December 2005.