I'm an Old Mom - Masala French Toast

I'm an old mom. I wasn't twenty-nine or thirty. I was older when Poet and Flower were born. Or, in medical terms, I was what doctors refer to as advanced maternal age or AMA. Written in big capital letters in all my medical records from pregnancy. What does that even mean? I think it makes me sound like a dinosaur.

Poet and Flower celebrated their birthday this month. And I couldn't help to think about being an older parent. They celebrated with their classmates and friends. Many (many) little children running around happily enjoying lemonade, popcorn, and pizza. I couldn't help but think about the other parents, a few who looked my age but most at least ten years younger.

I sometimes feel at a disadvantage. Nature meant for us to have kids in our twenties. Maybe I would have a little more energy to chase the kids or play with them. Instead, I am often almost asleep before they are. G jokes they have sleep-trained me. We'll read a book, we'll cuddle and I'll be fast asleep.

I can't help to think about my parents and grandparents. My mom had me when she was twenty-eight. At my age, I was already in college. When I was twenty-eight, I was years from getting married, deep in my medical training, with not even a thought of my own kids. Having a family and kids was like a mirage, something on the horizon but not relay something tangible.

But that was a different time. My mom's only job was taking care of us and the family. She didn't work outside our home, even if she would occasionally talk about it, but never quite did. And so, even if I am older, I have so much more to offer Poet and Flower. Or perhaps not quite more, but different and good. As a working mom, I love that Flower is able to see a mom who works and takes care of others. And their world is certainly bigger than mine ever was. They have met my fellow colleagues and understand a little about the world of medicine. They visit art galleries with G and love chatting with his students and colleagues.

I may be tired sometimes and just a little slower, but I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

Masala French Toast

I love this Indian version of French toast. Cilantro, onions and a little heat makde this a great savory breakfast. This is an adaptation of my cousin's fabulous recipe we had this over Christmas we visited her. Big slices of bread, soaked in an egg masala mixture, then pan fried until crispy and delicious.

Serves 2

• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 medium onion (minced)
• 1/8 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1-2 green chilis (chopped or 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil
• 4 slices of white firm bread

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with milk. Mix in the onions, cilantro, green chilis and salt.

2. Dip the bread in the egg mixture. Let it soak in for a minute and then lift gently, draining any extra egg mixture.

3. Heat a griddle or saute pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, and then cook the masala toast until golden, about 4 minutes a side.

4. Serve warm with ketchup, sriracha, or a dollop of ghee.