Bread for the Journey

I wondered what I could share for Mother's Day and I settled on a prayer for the different stages we might all go through as mothers or in our experience with our own mothers.

Dear God and Father of all,

Thank you for mothers young and old. Thank you for your love and guidance as they raised us, loved us, and disciplined us. 

Lord give mothers of young children and babies the strength they need to make it through each day. Give them refreshment and joy despite their constant need to attend to others. Strengthen them with the hope of the future.

Lord, help those young mothers who have miscarried or whose babies have died in child birth. May they know you understand their sorrow and grief and give them friends and loved ones who can help them in their pain.
Lord, comfort those who have not been able to conceive and who grieve because they have not been able to have children. 

Lord help the mothers of teenagers. Give them an extra measure of understanding and love to see their children through this time that can be so challenging to their teens and to them as they watch the struggles that come with this age.

Lord help the mothers of adult children. Help them to be at peace with the journey they are on and trust God with their future. Help them to leave them in God's hands, knowing when to help and when to keep quiet.

Lord help our mothers as they age. May they continue to serve you and give guidance and encouragement to those younger than them.

Lord heal and comfort those who have been hurt or abandoned by their earthly mothers. In your healing may there be forgiveness instead of bitterness. May they accept and understand the extravagant love that you have for them despite the failures of their own mothers. 

 Lord comfort those who have lost their mothers and miss their touch on their lives. 

 

Lord may we all look to you in whatever stage of life we are in. May we rely on you, dear God, to bring us through whatever life on earth brings our way. May we always look to the hope of the future we have with you because of what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross.

Lord, if anyone reading this prayer has not been saved by putting their faith in you through Jesus Christ, I pray you have mercy on them and show them the way to peace with you through Jesus Christ. 

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Rhubarb Crunch Cake

This cake recipe comes from my friend Jan.

It's a moist dessert cake with a crunchy topping 

and is one of the first things I make with rhubarb each spring.

It is similar to Lovella's Rhubarb Coffee Cake but is different enough to merrit its own post.

• 3 cups rhubarb cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 small package strawberry jello
• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon white sugar
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. In a medium bowl, mix rhubarb with jello powder. Set aside.
2. Mix topping ingredients in another bowl. Set aside.
3. In large mixer bowl, combine butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
5. Add half of flour with salt, baking soda and baking powder. Mix well.
6. Add sour cream and mix again.
7. Add remaining flour and mix just until blended.
8. Spread 1/2 of cake batter into greased 9x13 inch pan.*
9. Spoon rhubarb over cake batter (use a slotted spoon)
10. Sprinkle 1/2 of topping mixture evenly over rhubarb.
11. Drop remaining cake batter in spoonfuls over rhubarb/sugar filling and spread evenly so that all of the rhubarb is covered.
12. Sprinkle the remaining topping over cake batter.
13. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes. Cake should be firm and nicely browned. Do not underbake.
14. Serve warm or cold. Store leftover cake in refrigerator.

*tip - if using an aluminum pan, line pan with parchment paper to avoid having the rhubarb discolour the pan.

Rhubarb Bar ~ Flash Back Friday

The last time I posted this Rhubarb Bar in 2010 these little girls were not even born.  Now they are well on their way to making it on their own.  This recipe is also in our first cookbook Mennonite Girls Can Cook available here and also on Amazon.    This is our family spring favorite recipe.

Crust

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup shortening  (or use all butter)
• 2 egg yolks
• milk to make 2/3 cup

Filling

• 7 cups finely chopped rhubarb
• 1 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup minute tapioca
• 2 egg whites

Icing

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 3 tablespoons warm water

Method

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, cut in the butter and shortening until the crumbs are the size of oatmeal. You can use your food processor for this too. Pulse, don't run at full speed.
2. Put the egg yolks in a measuring cup and add enough milk to make 2/3 cup.
3. Slowly add to the flour mixture and pulse with the food processor until it begins to come together or mix in with your fork.
4. Turn the pastry onto the counter and knead it into a ball, just until it comes together.
5. Wrap in a plastic wrap, shaping it into a flat rectangular disk.
6. Refrigerate.
7. Chop rhubarb into about 1/2 inch square pieces.
8. Add the sugar and tapioca and set aside.
9. Take the dough from the refrigerator and divide in half.
10. Roll each piece out thin enough for a 10 X 15" pan or use the same amount of dough for a 9 X 13" pan plus a 5 X 7" pan.
11. This dough is rolled very thin. Use a bench scraper to carefully lift the dough.
12. Don't be afraid to add a bit of flour if you need to.
13. Once you have the rhubarb covering the first piece of dough, cover with the second piece of dough.. . and crimp the edges together.
14. Whip the egg whites until they just begin to stiffen.
15. Use your hands to spread the egg whites over the pastry.
16. Bake at 400 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes. . or until golden brown.
17. While the bar is still warm, combine icing ingredients and drizzle over top.

Chocolate Raspberry Torte

This cake is so simple and easy to put together. A delicious cake to serve for Mother's Day or for a birthday. Doesn't it look elegant and delicious?
You can simplify this even more by using a cake mix but if you must use your favorite chocolate cake recipe, just make sure you have 2 round 8 inch pans of cake.
It is our daughter's birthday today. Happy Birthday Alison!

• 1 box chocolate cake mix, baked in two 8 " round pans
• 1  250 gram / 8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup icing sugar
• 1/4 cup raspberry jam
• Extra icing sugar for dusting
• 1- 2 cups fresh raspberries (more or less, exact amount not necessary)
• Mint leaves, optional but they do add a pretty look

1. Bake cake as directed on cake mix box. Allow to cool.
2. Split each cake in half horizontally.
3. Mix together cream cheese, icing sugar, and raspberry jam until well blended and creamy.
4. Divide mixture into 3 equal amounts.
5. Place one layer of cake on bottom of plate and spread 1/3 of cream cheese mixture over top. Repeat layering and finish off with a cake layer.
6. Dust with icing sugar and pile on raspberries. Garnish with mint leaves.
7. Yield: 16 servings

Creamed Ham (Schmaundt Schinken)

The sun is shining out here...but I realize that parts of Canada and US are still feeling the effects of the Arctic blast.  Even though we are experiencing an early spring,  I still like to think of this time as winter and enjoy nesting for a while longer. This is one of those heritage recipes from my aunt, Tanta Hanna who came from West Prussia.  I've read her 'Diary of Escape' over the past months and realized that this was another favorite recipe that the family enjoyed.  Take time to enjoy another winter comfort food.

Creamed Ham (Schmaundt Schinken)

• Pork Cottage Roll ( 600 grams)
• 3 large onions
• 3 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 whole allspice
• 6 peppercorns
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 cube beef bouillon
• salt & pepper to taste.

Instructions

1. Slice meat thinly 1/4 inch and fry in hot skillet till seared and brown on both sides.
2. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add 3 cups water to frying pan and quartered onions.
4. Add spices and steam for 30 minutes. Cover with lid.
5. Make gravy by adding 4 tablespoons flour  (mixed with a little cold water) to the 3 cups broth.
6. Stir while this thickens.
7. Add 1 cup whipping cream (heavy cream)
8. Add beef seasonings, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Cut the fried ham into bite-size pieces and add them to the hot creamed sauce.

Serve with boiled potatoes, green beans, and dill pickles. Enjoy!

Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares

Rhubarb season is here and the rhubarb is growing fast. A number of years ago I saw this recipe in a magazine and tucked it away in my recipe binder. If you like rhubarb and cream cheese you will love this square. It is delicious. A wonderful dessert for Mother's Day.

Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, cubed 
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast 

1. In a large bowl whisk together flour and salt.
2. Add cubed butter to flour. Using pastry blender cut butter into small pieces as you would for pie crust.
3. In a small bowl whisk together egg yolks, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until completely mixed. 
4. Gather dough into a ball, kneading just until it holds together. Divide dough in half.
5. Roll out each piece to fit a 9" x 13" x 2" pan. Place one piece in pan and cover with filling.

Filling:

• 2 packages cream cheese (250 grams/8 ounces each)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg, separated
• 3/4 cup rhubarb sauce
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
2. Swirl 3/4 cup rhubarb sauce into the filling.
3. Pour over first layer of crust. Add the second layer of crust over top of filling.
4. Slightly beat egg white and brush over top layer of dough and sprinkle chopped pecans over top.
5. Cover and allow to rise for 1 1/2 hours in a warm place.
6. Bake in a 350º oven for 35 minutes. 
7. Cool and cut in squares. Serve with rhubarb sauce if desired.

Rhubarb Sauce

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 cups rhubarb, chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract

1. Bring water and sugar to boil, add rhubarb and cook for 10 minutes until tender and slightly thickened.
2.  Remove from heat, stir in almond extract and cool.
3. Serves: 15

Rhubarb Sauce

It is springtime and that always spells fresh rhubarb.  I recall having rhubarb sauce at Knott's Berry Farm many decades ago, served as a side dish with their chicken dinner.  That was the inspiration for this recipe.  It is good served with chicken or pork or as a sundae topping for dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds rhubarb ~ about 5 cups chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons cherry flavored gelatin.

Method:

1. Cut rhubarb into 1/2 inch pieces
2. Place in saucepan, together with sugar and water.
3. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about ten minutes or until rhubarb is soft.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cherry flavored gelatin.
6. Serve warm or cold.

Saturday in Anneliese's Kitchen - Five Meatball Meals

When I was in Saskatoon last year, I had the opportunity to do a cooking class with a Mom's Group that my daughter-in-law attends. They were interested in one pot kind of meals and ideas on freezer meals, so I shared with them how I've made a batch of meatballs and divided it to make quick meals in the future.

I'll share a basic recipe I got from Lovella, way back, when we were just young moms. I've made a couple of small changes and doubled it to yield about 125 meatballs, which I would then divide into five small bags to freeze. It's about one hour of work that saves a lot of time later, when in a rush to get dinner on. 

Basic Meatballs:

• 3 pounds fresh lean ground beef
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/2 cup milk or water
• 2 teaspoons fine dried onion flakes
• 3 teaspoons salt
• pepper
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons oregano

Mix well by hand. If you find it quite dry, you can add a bit more milk or water. Shape into 1 inch meatballs. Bake on foil or parchment paper lined cookie sheets for 20 minutes at 400 F. Cool and freeze in small bags. (20 - 25 per bag/ meal)

Meatball Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cups finely chopped vegetable combination of celery, carrots, sweet pepper and/or zucchini
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth (or 4 tsp better-than-bouillon and water)
• 20 - 25 cooked meatballs (1 bag)
• 1 cup raw macaroni
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Saute onion and vegetables until soft. Add garlic, tomatoes, sauce and spices.
2. Add broth and meatballs. Simmer half hour.
3. Cook macaroni separately, rinse and add to soup. Add 1 - 2 cups water if too thick. You can give it a Mexican twist by adding taco seasonings and beans or a chili twist by using chili style canned tomatoes. Instead of using pasta you can add 1/2 cup barley to the simmering time and cook until done.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 small can pineapple tidbits
• 1 cup liquid - fill measuring cup with pineapple juice and add water to make 1 cup.
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 20 - 25 cooked meatballs

1. Combine all ingredients, except for the pineapple bits, in a container with a lid and shake until smooth.
2. Place meatballs and pineapple tidbits in a casserole. 
3. Pour liquid mixture over top and bake, covered, for 40 minutes at 350 F. Serve over rice.

Meatball Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 20 - 25 meatballs
• 1 can green chili pepper, chopped (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups enchilada sauce, divided (purchased or homemade * see below)
• 8 - 10 tortillas
• 2 - 3 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided

1. Mix meatballs (cut in half) with chili peppers and 1 cup enchilada sauce.
2. Divide amongst tortillas. Roll up and place in a baking dish.
3. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
4. Bake 30 minutes at 350 F. (I cover with foil) Serve with Spanish rice and raw veggies and dip. 

Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp Mexican spices, 1/2 tsp coriander or chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream

1. Melt butter, blending in the flour and then the broth (using whisk)
2. Add tomato sauce and spices, stirring until bubbly
3. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and 1 cup cheese

Meatballs and Mushroom Sauce 

Ingredients:

• 20 - 25 meatballs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• dash of thyme

1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt butter, saute onions, mushrooms and garlic until tender, stirring often.
2. Add mushroom soup, mixed with milk. Bring to boil. Stir in the sour cream and meatballs.
3. Simmer 10 - 15 minutes, adding thyme near the end. Serve over rice or pasta.

Meatballs and Spaghetti Sauce

(This sauce is the recipe from Lovella that came with the meatball recipe, slightly altered over time . . had no idea it would become a post (what is that?) one day.)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablspoons oil
• 1 small green or sweet pepper, chopped
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon dried sweet basil
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water and bouillon)
• 20 - 25 cooked meatballs

1. Saute onion and pepper, adding garlic once onion and pepper is soft.
2. Stir in tomatoes, spices and the rest of the ingredients, including meatballs.
3. Simmer 15 - 20 minutes.

Make a larger recipe by adding a can of Italian Tomato sauce, 1 cup extra broth and more meatballs. Mix leftover sauce with spaghetti and reheat for another meal. Our family likes it stirred and reheated. Add a large salad and garlic bread to stretch the meal.

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

This is another recipe from my mother in law Pauline. Her baking was and still is always perfect and was such a good inspiration for me as a young homemaker. This rhubarb cake isn't especially pretty but is tastes just wonderful. The cake is kept moist from the rhubarb and the topping of brown sugar, and butter makes a crisp and in the crater spots, a chewy bite.

Rhubarb Cake

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups white flour
• 1 teaspoon soda
• 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk (1 teaspoon white vinegar in a cup of milk)
• 2 cups of finely chopped rhubarb dusted with a tablespoon of flour

Topping ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 cup brown sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Cream the 1/2 cup butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla and combine.
4. Stir together the dry ingredients.
5. Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
6. Add 1/3 of the milk. . and repeat until all the flour and milk and butter mixture are combined.
7. Add the chopped rhubarb.
8. Combine the topping mixture to make coarse crumbs.
9. Spray a 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray.
10. Spread the cake mixture into the pan. . and sprinkle the topping over evenly.
11. Bake for 45 minutes.

Rhubarb Onion Jam

Humble rhubarb and onion are a surprisingly delicious combination of flavours. The addition of thyme is really nice but can be omitted. Once cooled, serve a little dollop of this jam on a cracker, or try it served warm with pork tenderloin.
(Yields 1 1/2 cups cooked jam)

• 2 cups chopped rhubarb
• 1 large sweet onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 sprig fresh thyme

1. Chop rhubarb and slice onions.
2. Add olive oil to a non stick pan. Once hot add the onions.
3. Cook until the onions begin to get soft. Turn down heat and continue to saute until golden brown. About 5-8 minutes.
4. Add chopped rhubarb and water. Allow to cook down until the mixture is soft. About 5 minutes.
5. Add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper and thyme. Cook over low for another 5-8 minutes, until your jam is cooked down but still has some chunks. Remove sprig of thyme. 
6. Allow to cool or serve warm. Keeps well in refrigerator for about 5-7 days.