Bread For the Journey

It is the last day of 2017.

For us this year has flown by.

God has shown His great mercy to each one.

For some, it's been a very difficult year.

Some of us have lost loved friends and family,

some have battled pain, there have been difficult challenges.

There have been happy times as well. 

New babies have been added to our families,

there have been weddings, family reunions,

and accomplishments to be celebrated.

The verses from Lamentations 3:22-26 come to mind 

as we say good bye to 2017 and welcome 2018.

Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, 

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning; 

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS.

"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,

"Therefore I hope in Him!"

The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,

To the soul who seeks Him.

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly

For the salvation of the LORD.

Happy New Year 

Thank you for your support in 2017.

We appreciate each one of you.

Lovella, Anneliese, Judy, Betty, Julie,

Charlotte, Kathy, Ellen, 

Marg, Bev

Flashback Friday ~ Baked Spread for Crackers

This is a quick and easy spread to put together. It's great served hot on a variety of crackers. Serve it at your next party. It can easily be doubled. I shared this recipe a few years ago here.

• 1/2 cup finely grated raw carrots
• 1/2 cup finely grated celery
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Couple dashes hot sauce, this can be omitted if you prefer

1. Mix all ingredients together and put it in a small greased ovenproof dish. I used a 700 ml sized casserole dish.
2. Bake in a 375º oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and slightly browned.
3. Spread on crackers and enjoy.
4. Serves: 4 - 6

Roasted Cranberry and Goat Cheese Flatbread

This easy to make flatbread appetizer would be a nice addition to your New Year's Eve festivities. I found this recipe in a grocery store flyer.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chopped leeks
• 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
• salt to taste
• 2 flatbreads (14.1 ounces)
• 4 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, divided
• For topping: freshly chopped arugula, pomegranate arils, and honey

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Mix cranberries, maple syrup, leeks, thyme and salt in an 8 inch square baking dish.
3. Roast, stirring every so often, until the mixture begins to caramelize, about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and stir until cranberries are broken down and the mixture is thick.
5. Cool for 5 minutes.
6. Divide the cranberry mixture and spread evenly over the flatbreads.
7. Top each with goat cheese and pecans.
8. Bake directly on oven rack for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is warmed and the flatbread is crispy.
9. Remove from oven.
10. Garnish each with freshly chopped arugula, pomegranate arils and a drizzle of honey.
11. Cut into small wedges or strips and serve.
12. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Serves: 8 generously as an appetizer

I used the Stonefire Authentic Flatbreads for this recipe. They come 2 in a package. 

Bread For The Journey ~ Love

John 3:16 KJV
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

On this last Sunday of Advent we light the 4th candle to remind us of God's love. He loved us so much that he gave us the greatest gift, his son Jesus.
What can we do to spread this wonderful love? The gift of ourselves to be used wherever He needs us to pass on a gift of love to others. This is the season to be mindful of the many that need this love that God offers.

My father in law sang the following song every Christmas that I can remember and it truly tells of God's great love for us.

1. The love of God is greater far
   Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
   It goes beyond the highest star,
   And reaches to the lowest hell;
   The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
   God gave His Son to win;
   His erring child He reconciled,
   And pardoned from his sin.
   • Refrain:
     Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
     How measureless and strong!
     It shall forevermore endure—
     The saints’ and angels’ song.
2. When hoary time shall pass away,
   And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
   When men who here refuse to pray,
   On rocks and hills and mountains call,
   God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
   All measureless and strong;
   Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
   The saints’ and angels’ song.
3. Could we with ink the ocean fill,
   And were the skies of parchment made,
   Were every stalk on earth a quill,
   And every man a scribe by trade;
   To write the love of God above
   Would drain the ocean dry;
   Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
   Though stretched from sky to sky.
4. Author: Frederick M. Lehman
5. Christmas blessings to all of you and your families from the girls at MGCC: Lovella, Anneliese, Betty, Bev, Charlotte, Ellen, Judy, Julie, Kathy, and Marg.

Yam Casserole - Flashback Friday

For this flashback I thought I'd add one last side dish for your turkey dinner! I use the orange fleshed sweet potatoes/yams for this recipe. In the oven the sugar, butter, salt and pepper turn into a savory sweet sauce that cooks the yams. The dish can be assembled ahead and it is not a bad idea to put it in the oven at least 1 1/2 hours before serving to make sure the yams end up soft and gooey. When the meal is ready to go, uncover the yams and return them to the oven with the marshmallows for 5 minutes. Set the timer. It looks heavenly when you take it out and the marshmallows are one big puff. In the photo they are deflated already. 

Ingredients:

• 10 - 12 small yams, size of large potatoes 
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter, cubed small
• 1/2 – 1 cup walnuts or pecans
• 1 small bag miniature marshmallows

1. Peel and slice yams into 1/2 inch discs. 
2. Arrange half the yam slices in a glass baking dish.
3. Mix sugar, salt and pepper, then sprinkle half of it on the yams.
4. Dot with half the butter.
5. Arrange remaining yams and top with the rest of the sugar and butter.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 400° F for 30 min.
7. Sprinkle with nuts, cover and continue baking another 45 minutes or until yams are soft.
8. Five minutes before serving, remove foil, cover with mini marshmallows and bake uncovered until golden. Serves 12

Festive Refrigerator Cookies

Here is another refrigerator cookie to add to your collection.

I make these at Christmas and if you cut the cherries into a little larger pieces, these cookie slices will add some colour to your Christmas cookie tray.

The nuts you use will change up the flavour. I'm not sure which I like better, using the almonds or using the pecans.  They are both great!

• 1 cup soft unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds 
• 1/2 cup each, red glace cherries and green glace cherries, quartered

1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Add vanilla, salt and flour, mixing well.
3. Add nuts and cherries and knead dough to distribute them evenly.
4. Form into 2 rolls and wrap each tightly in waxed paper.
5. Chill rolls overnight
6. Slice and bake at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes.  Do not over brown them.

Peppermint Bark Cheesecake

This smooth and creamy peppermint bark cheesecake is easy to put together if you purchase ready-made peppermint bark.  The peppermint bark that Costco sells is perfect for this recipe. If you make your own, go ahead and use it instead.

• 10 ounces / 250 grams or about a 9X9 inch piece of peppermint bark that is made of white chocolate, dark chocolate, peppermint extract and crushed candy canes

Chocolate Crust

• 2 1/2 cups oreo baking crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

1. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend outside the pan.  This will make the transfer from the pan to the plate easier. Spray the pan including the sides with cooking spray. Double wrap the entire pan in heavy foil. 
2. Combine the crumbs and melted butter and press crumbs onto the bottom of the pan.  Refrigerate while you make the filling.

Cheesecake Batter

• 4 250 gram/8 ounce packages cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 3 large eggs
• 8 ounces prepared peppermint bark (leave enough for garnishing the top of the cheesecake)

Garnish

• 2 cups heavy cream whipped and sweetened with a few tablespoons sugar and a teaspoon vanilla
• broken pieces of peppermint bark

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.  Place a large roasting pan on the middle rack and add hot water and allow it to continue to heat while you prepare the batter.
2. In the large bowl of a mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in flour, salt, vanilla and peppermint extracts.
3. Add the sour cream and then the eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined.  Beating the batter hard at this point will cause your cake to rise too much and crack.
4. Stir in peppermint bark and pour the batter into the prepared crust.
5. Place pan in the prepared roaster with the water which by now should be steaming.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 325 F and bake until the center of the cake is set but still jiggly.  The top of the cake will have lost its glossy appearance.  Baking time will be about an hour and 20 minutes to an hour and 30 minutes. 
7. Remove the pan from the roaster and set it on a cooling rack. 
8. Gently run a knife around the edge to loosen from the pan.
9. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating.  Once the cheesecake has chilled completely, transfer to a serving plate.   
10. Top the cheesecake with 2 cups of heavy cream that has been whipped and sweetened.
11. Garnish with additional peppermint bark. 
12. Refrigerate

Serves 16

Bread for the Journey

But the angel said to them,

 "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

Luke 2: 10,11

On this Third Advent we think about how God prepared the scene for the announcement of his plan. In The Jesus Storybook Bible we read it this way, 

" Everything was ready. The moment God had been waiting for was here at last! 

God was coming to help His people, just as he promised in the beginning."

Knowing a little bit of the joy of giving and how it feels to have everything ready, I cannot  help but feel that wonderful sense of anticipation. God was preparing to give His greatest gift to the world! As we remember the message of JOY that the angels pronounced, what is important is that this message is for all people. For all races, rich and poor, kings and beggars, adults and children. A Savior was born for you and for me.

The joy that God prepared for us, is the joy of receiving His salvation. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances. It is born in our hearts when we accept it.

This Christmas, may we open and receive the gift of joy. A Savior has been born for us! He is Christ, the Lord.

♡♡♡

Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

I got this recipe from my friend Karin. It is a delicious loaf that goes great with a cup of tea. The older I get the simpler I try to make the Christmas Season. I place more value in spending time with people I love than I do spending time in the kitchen trying to leave the stress and hustle and bustle behind me that can often come with this time of year. This loaf doesn't take much prep time leaving me more time for those who matter most to me.

Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 2 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Preheat oven to 350 ° F
2. In a separate bowl whisk together all the dry ingredients except the baking soda. 
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 
4. Add egg and beat. 
5. Add orange extract. 
6. Mix baking soda into applesauce, add to butter mixture and beat. 
7. Add flour mixture and stir just until smooth. Pour into a greased and floured loaf pan and bake 40-50 minutes or until browned at edges and a skewer comes out clean in the middle of the loaf. 
8. Cool 10 minutes in the pan and invert loaf onto rack to cool completely

CREAM CHEESE ICING:

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 1/2 cups icing sugar

1. Beat above ingredients and ice the gingerbread loaf.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans

Brussels sprouts, cranberries and pecans combine to make a tasty and colourful side-dish for the holiday feast. Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction to kick it up a notch. 

• 1 1/2 pounds brussels sprouts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• sea salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup toasted pecan halves
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction to drizzle over, optional *

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Prepare rimmed baking sheet by lining with parchment paper.
3. Toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden; set aside.
4. Trim brussels sprouts and cut in half. 
5. In a medium bowl, toss brussels sprouts with olive oil.
6. Spread on prepared baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
7. Roast for 20-30 minutes (until tender inside), stirring about halfway through cooking.
8. Transfer roasted brussels sprouts to serving platter; sprinkle with cranberries and pecan halves.
9. Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
10. Serve immediately

*Use bottled balsamic reduction or make your own. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar with 1/2 cup sugar and bring to a boil, while stirring. Reduce heat; then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until quite thick, stirring occasionally.

Serves six.

 

 

Home Made Salami

 

Here is an idea for a home made Christmas gift.

For our Mennonite Girls Can Cook Christmas party this year, 

we were each asked to bring a "Gift From the Kitchen".

I'd made  homemade Salami many years ago and thought it might be fun to 

resurrect the recipe for this occasion.

I placed it in a bright red serving dish  lined with paper shred and

 added a few bright silver ornaments before wrapping it all up in cello gift basket wrap.

It was a hit and everyone wanted the recipe.  So here it is.

• 5 pounds medium ground beef (I had trouble finding this so I used lean ground beef)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons coarse ground pepper
• 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons mustard seed
• 2 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke (found in the condiment aisle)
• 4 tablespoons Curing Salt (like Morton's Tender Quick or Windsor Quick Cure) It is a sugar based curing salt.
• red pepper flakes to taste - if desired.

1. In a large glass bowl, mix all ingredients well.
2. Knead for 5 minutes.
3. Cover glass bowl with plastic wrap and weigh down the meat mixture with a plate.
4. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
5. The next day, remove from fridge and knead meat mixture for 5 minutes.
6. Cover again and refrigerate for another 24 hours.
7. Repeat on the third day.
8. On the fourth day, knead mixture once more and then form into 7 rolls - about 3/4 pound each. I made the rolls about 10 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.
9. Place on a broiler pan and bake in preheated 200 degree F oven* for 4 1/2 - 5 hours. 
10. TURN ROLLS EVERY HOUR. Salami will be quite red in colour when it is done.
11. Remove from oven, let cool completely.
12. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator.
13. You can freeze the salami.

*We smoked it on our wood pellet grill instead of putting it in the oven this time and it worked well.

Salami rolls ready for the oven.

Bread For The Journey ~ Peace

PEACE OR PACE

Today is the second Advent week meaning Peace.  I took a hike up one of our local mountains this past week, recognizing that I needed to pace myself.  As I was climbing I began to think about the fast-paced world that we live in especially during the Christmas season.  We have places to go, and things to do, after all, this is the season for spending and celebrating and eating and gifting. How often we are left leaving out the most important meaning of Christmas and so you are left with a choice,
 "Keep the pace or find the peace."  Two words which look the same but have different meanings.
Over this past year, there's been a  plaque on my mantle reminding me to reflect on knowing God.
"Be still and know that I am God." It's been almost a year that we lost our son in law tragically in an accident.  I only knew him for four short years, but during this short time, he inspired each one of us with his peacefulness and his giving heart.  I know that when I have given to others there's a real sense of peace that permeates my heart.
I'm not sure what you are all struggling with but we do know that we live in a very fragmented world filled with discord, confusion, loneliness, depression, anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty. The demands of keeping the pace do not always allow us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
What are some practical ways that you can navigate through this hectic holiday schedule and experience peace?

• Let go of some of those unreal expectations.
• Are there some things that you could say no to?
• Are there things that you could let go of to create a more peaceful environment?

Peace is more than sitting quietly around a warm fire after the kids are tucked in bed and the gifts are all wrapped. Grab some moments of stillness to refocus on God's special gift to mankind.  God offers us the kind of peace that flows from things being in harmony.  When our heart, soul, mind, and strength are in alignment, we will experience inner peace. God wants to lavish peace abundantly on all of us. Are you a peacemaker or a pacemaker? 

"Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

Yet another Fleisch Perishky Recipe (Meat / Sauerkraut Buns)

This is my friend Frieda's recipe. The pastry is easy to work and less bready than others I have tried.  The filling is very moist and holds together well to fill the bun. I have tried every recipe of meat buns on our blog and all of them delicious. You can't go wrong no matter which recipe you use. Give this one a try as well, I know you can't stop eating just one. Get your husband and some friends to help, lots of fun that way!

Make ahead tip: The meat filling is easier to work with if it is cold, I usually prepare the meat a day or two in advance and refrigerate it. The dough can be made a day in advance as well and kept in the refrigerator for a couple of days as well.

Yields about 75 Perishky

Pastry:

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dry active yeast (you may use instant or quick rise yeast, adding it in directly with the flour without dissolving the yeast in the water. Add the water in with the egg and sour cream. )
• 1  egg
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter or hard margarine, melted and cooled a bit. 
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 1/2 - 5 cups flour or as needed to make a soft dough. 

1. Dissolve the yeast and the sugar  in the water for 10 minutes until it proofs. 
2. In a large bowl add 4 cups flour, salt yeast mixture, egg, melted butter and sour cream. Stir until it is too difficult with a spoon. Turn the dough onto a floured board adding enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough. 
3. Place the dough in a large lightly greased bowl cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until double in size which is about an hour or so. 

Filling:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 large onions finely diced (I used 5 medium onions)
• 1 cup of  mashed potatoes ( I used about 3 medium potatoes, or use left overs if you have it)
• generous amount of salt and pepper to taste

1. Peel and dice the potatoes add salt to taste and boil until soft. Drain and mash, with out adding milk or butter. 
2. Brown the beef with the pork and onions in a very large pan. If you don't have a pan big enough divide the meat up and brown in batches. 
3. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper.
4. Add the mashed potatoes, combine well and allow the mixture to cool. I usually prepare the meat a day in advance and refrigerate it until I am ready to make the meat buns. 
5. Divide the dough in 4. Roll out each piece to a 1/8" thick. Cut with 2 1/2 - 3 inch circles. 
6. Place a heaping teaspoon of filling into the center. Pinch the dough around the filling to close. 
7. Place the perishky seam side down on a parchment line baking pan. 
8. Let rise a 1/2 hour and bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. 

Sauerkraut Filling:

• 4 cups of your favorite sauerkraut, drained and rinsed 
• 1 lb bacon, diced and browned
• 1 large or medium onion, minced

1. Brown the diced bacon and drain the fat, and bacon removed to paper towel to drain. 
2. In a bit of the bacon fat cook the onion until soft. Add the drained and rinsed sauerkraut to the softened onion. Brown until it is lightly browned. Add the diced bacon back in and cool mixture before making the perishky.
3. Follow above directions for filling and baking. 

*We also did a batch with half whole wheat flour mixed with white. It also works well. I find with using whole wheat that less flour was needed.

Peanut Fudge

Recently my kids gifted me with a fun little package of fudge they purchased on their trip and it piqued my interest to go back to some of my old recipes that I'd not made in a long time. This peanut fudge is super easy to make. The original recipe calls for ground peanuts, but I decided to try it with regular peanut butter. Let's just say I'll have to hide it from view before I eat too much.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Method:

1. Prepare large loaf pan (about 9 x 4 inch) by lining with wax or parchment paper.
2. In a medium sized heavy pot or saucepan, bring sugar and cream to boil, stirring. 
3. Simmer on low heat for about 6 minutes, watching to be sure it does not come up too high in the pot, but still simmering. (if you use a thermometer, it should reach 237° F) 
4. Add peanut butter and vanilla, stirring until it thickens, about 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Spread into prepared pan. Allow to cool. Lift out of pan and cut into one inch pieces. Yield: 36

Make-ahead Christmas Casserole

We may be familiar with shepherd's pie made from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner leftovers.  But this is a bit of a different spin on the classic favorite...a casserole that includes stuffing, turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes and is prepared in advance to makes it easy to serve a turkey dinner to the masses.  I got the recipe from a friend who has prepared this dish to serve a crowd of over 100 at a community Christmas dinner for several years.  I served it for a family Christmas dinner for 40 people that I hosted at another location last year, doing four times the recipe shown below.  It is easy to transport and reheat and with all the prep done in advance, it frees up time and kitchen space on the day of the event. We served this casserole buffet-style, along with cranberry sauce, several cooked veggies, a green salad and dinner rolls. It was enjoyed by all and I will be making it again.

• 2 boxes stuffing mix (or homemade stuffing from 5 cups bread cubes)
• 1 Tablespoon poultry seasoning 
• 5 cups cooked turkey, cut into bite-sized pieces*
• 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1/2 cup roasted turkey drippings
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (or 5 1/2 cups mashed potatoes)
• 3/4 cup sour cream, divided
• 4 oz softened cream cheese (herb and garlic flavour)
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Mix stuffing mix as per box directions, but with an additional 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning added to liquids. Spread in greased 9x13 pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, chicken soup, drippings and 1/4 cup sour cream.  Spoon over stuffing mixture.
3. Boil potatoes in a Dutch oven or large pot until tender. Drain potatoes. Mash in a large bowl, beating in the cream cheese, pepper, salt and remaining sour cream. (Add 1/4 cup milk if the mixture seems too thick.) Spread over turkey mixture. 
4. Sprinkle with cheese. 
5.  Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 45 minutes (or until thermometer inserted in center reaches 160°).  

Serves: 8-10

 *Turkey can be cooked and carved well in advance. Be sure to save drippings for the sauce.

Peanut Chews

This is a square you will want to add to your Christmas tray. They taste similar to an Eat more bar. Thank you to my niece Cheryl for this recipe. It's been in my Christmas collection for years.

• 1 cup honey
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 cups salted peanuts

1. Pour honey into a microwave safe bowl and add chocolate chips. Place in microwave and stir occasionally until chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth and hot.
2. Add peanut butter and stir until well blended. Stir in peanuts.
3. Pour into parchment lined pan, approximately 11" x 13".
4. Allow to cool on counter then place in fridge until hardened.
5. Cut into desired size pieces and store in a covered container in a cool place. I place sheets of waxed paper between layers of bars for storage.

Bread For The Journey ~ First Advent

Today we celebrate First Advent. 

During the week I did what my Mom always did the week before the first advent.

 She would create a simple centerpiece with greenery from our yard which she poked into wet oasis foam, a few sparkly pine cones and one candle for each week of Advent.

It was very simple but for us, it was the beginning of Christmas.

On the first day of December, our family would sit in the living room which in itself was special.  Normally, we did not use the living room as we use family rooms today.

It was always ready in case company showed up unexpectedly. 

She would light the first candle and we would sing carols together with one of us playing the piano. 

She would always have a Japanese orange for each of us and a few candies which we would enjoy before bedtime. 

We continued to sing carols together and enjoy a few treats every evening until Christmas. 

I've added a new tradition for our family.

Since the grandkids have been toddlers, I've given them an advent calendar every year to help them to reflect on Christ's birth and the expectation of Christ coming to earth again. 

I add an Advent verse and a chocolate to the little toy in the box.

This year, I invited them to come over to help me stuff their boxes and I found them reading their verses as they put them in order.

If you would like to do this for your family you can find the link I use, for the verses here. 

I wonder which traditions our littles will take with them when they have their own children.

The main thing is that we take time during what can be a very busy time of year to quiet our hearts each day to ponder that Christ came to earth for us. 

My beloved and I don't sing carols around the the advent wreath by ourselves but there are many ways to prepare our hearts.   I've signed up to receive John Piper's daily readings leading up to Christmas day.

If you are interested to also follow along the link to that invitation is here. 

How do you prepare your heart for Christmas in your home?

I'd love to know what your family does.  

May you be blessed and experience the joy of the Saviour during the Advent season.

 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Gumdrop Oatmeal Cookies

Gumdrop cookies are a favorite of mine. I haven't baked them in years and suddenly had a yearning for them. A great addition to a cookie platter. It was difficult finding baking gums, one store was still waiting on their order, another didn't carry them but finally I found a store that had them. You can use gumdrops but they are larger and will need to be cut up into smaller pieces.

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups oats
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 3/4 cups baking gums 
• Extra baking gums (optional)

1. Cream butter and sugars until creamy. Add egg, water, and vanilla. Mix well.
2. Add dry ingredients and stir until blended. Stir in 3/4 cup baking gums.
3. Roll into 1" balls and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly and place another baking gum on each cookie if you wish.
4. Bake in a 350º oven for 10 to 12 minutes just until edges start to look golden.
5. Yield: 3 1/2 dozen

Ribs or Chops in BBQ Sauce

The picture quality is very poor but the the lip smacking sauce is awesome! I didn't have enough ribs at home so I added a few pork chops to make it stretch.

Serve it with Lemon Basil Carrots and rice and you have a great meal.

• 3 lbs of back ribs or a combination of ribs and chops
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon celery salt

1. Cover the ribs in a large pot with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour. 
2. Drain the ribs and place in a large roasting pan. 
3. Sauté the onions in the butter or margarine until softened. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and cook for a few minutes. 
4. Pour the sauce over the boiled ribs, bake in a 300 degree oven for about 1 1/2 hours. 
5. If you are adding pork chops to the ribs or making only pork chops. Brown the chops first and bake them for 45 minutes -1 hour at 350 for bone in chops, 30 minutes for boneless chops. 

Cocktail Sausage Wreath

Here is a very easy appetizer that kids can put together for you while you work on a different appetizer.  Show them how to do it once and you can tick one more thing off your to-do list. 

• 1 can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (8 roll size)
• 24 cocktail sausages 
• 1 beaten egg
• parsley and a bit of finely chopped red pepper for garnish
• sriracha mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles 

Place the dough on the counter and pat together all the angled perforations. 

Cut the dough into 12 pieces.

Cut each of those pieces into a triangle. 

Roll each sausage into the dough, starting at the wide end.

Place the sausage rolls onto a greased pizza pan. 

Brush with beaten egg and place a few pieces of finely chopped red pepper on each piece.

Bake at 375 F about 20 minutes or until the sausage starts to sizzle.  

Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve with pickles, grainy mustard, and sriracha mayonnaise. 

Fruit and Nut Yeast Bread

A local bakery makes a wonderful fruit and nut yeast loaf, and this is my 'copykat' version. I adapted Anneliese's French bread recipe, adding dried cranberries, apricots, raisins, and walnuts. It turned out great.

• 4 1/2 - 5 cups flour, all-purpose  (or substitute with part whole-wheat flour)
• 2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1 cup walnuts (or pecans), coarsely chopped
• 1 egg + 2 teaspoons water, beaten

1. Combine sugar, salt and water and oil in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix yeast with 1 cup of white flour and stir into liquids. 
3. Continue adding flour, stirring at first then using your hands to incorporate the flour.
4. Add fruit and nuts and work into the dough.
5. Knead, adding a little more flour as necessary until dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Cover.  Let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk. (About 45 minutes.)
7. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. divide in half.
8. Shape each half into a 15" x 2-1/2" loaf with tapered ends. 
9. Place on a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet. (One large cookie sheet can hold two loaves.)
10. Cut diagonal slits on top of loaf.
11. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.  
12. Beat egg with water; brush over dough. 
13. Bake at 375° F for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove loaves from pan to a wire rack to cool.

Bread for the Journey-Abide

 It was last year around this time that God impressed upon my heart a desire for the spiritual roots in my life to grow deeper and stronger. I prayed that I'd begin to read His Word with clearer understanding, gaining new insights.  I've found myself being challenged and strengthened. 

The invitation to "Abide in Me" struck me new this past week after reading part of a letter Hudson Taylor wrote to his sister.

How great seemed my mistake in wishing to get the sap, the fullness out of Him! The vine is not the root merely, but all-root, stem, branches, twigs. And Jesus is not that alone. He is oil and sunshine, air and showers, and ten thousand times more than we have ever dreamed, wished for or needed. Oh, the joy of seeing this truth! Can Christ be rich and I poor? Can your head be well fed while your body starves?

 The Word of God keeps us firmly planted and develops a strong root system in the believer's life, but what springs up from those roots is in constant need of His pruning, shaping, grafting and feeding. As we allow Him to care for us, His beauty and likeness and fruit are then produced in our lives. 

Our Father the Vine keeper, watches over us every moment. He waters, tends, protects, prunes and shapes us....so that we can bear fruit for Him. Join me by inviting Him daily to be your Vine keeper, giving His name all the glory as we flourish under His care. 

John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 

Flashback Friday - Wonderful-any-time-muffins

I have been craving these muffins.  I hadn't made them in awhile and thought Flashback Friday was a good excuse to bring them to your remembrance as well.

I have posted  just my version of the recipe here with a flour change...  you can find the original post here .. 

• 1/2 cup ground almonds (or almond meal)
• 1/3 cup ground sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1 1/4 cups of Julie's Flour mix - or your own favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (if not in your mix) 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 small or one med/large banana

1. Blend well together almond flour, ground sunflower sees, ground flax seeds, brown rice flour, white corn flour, millet flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, spices , sugars
2. In blender put ripe bananas, oil, milk and eggs, and mix until smooth.
3. Pour liquid into mixer bowl and then add the dry ingredients ... Mix on low until well blended
4. Add sweetened dried cranberries and grated carrots.
5. Divide batter between 12 sprayed muffin cups
6. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes until nicely browned.

French Toast Rollups for Thanksgiving Morning

Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S.A. After the turkey is stuffed and in the oven this would be a nice breakfast to enjoy. This is a tasty way to serve french toast with sausages rolled up in each slice.

Ingredients:

• 8 breakfast sausage links, fully cooked
• 8 slices of white bread
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. Cut off the crusts from 8 slices of white bread.
2. Beat together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla extract.
3. Roll up each sausage link in a slice of bread.
4. Dip the roll in the egg mixture.
5. Fry beginning with seam side down in a greased skillet turning until the roll is golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve with syrup. 

Serves: 2-4
Our family enjoys pancakes and french toast with sour cream and syrup. If you've never tried this combination you have missed out on a nice taste treat.

All the girls from Mennonite Girls Can Cook wish our friends in the U.S.A. a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Chinese Glazed Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings are always a good choice - as an appetizer or for dinner with a colourful vegetable
and some rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Here's one my mom used to make with a couple of flavour additions from my kitchen.

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup liquid honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon or more grated ginger (see Ginger tip here)
• 1 large clove garlic minced

• 2 pounds chicken wings, wing tips removed and divided into wing and drummette
• Salt and pepper (I like to use Montreal Steak Spice)

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Place wings tightly in glass rectangle dish season lightly with salt and pepper
4. Pour sauce over wings.
5. Bake, uncovered for 1 -  1 1/2 hours, basting wings several times and turning wings over half way through the baking time.
6. Serve as an appetizer or over rice as a main dish.
7. Thicken sauce if desired by mixing 1- 2 teaspoons cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water  Add to the hot mixture in a small pot or microwave dish, stirring well. Bring sauce to a boil before serving.

Salmon Cake Appetizers

Salmon Cakes are a perfect little appetizer either on their own or in little slider buns with coleslaw and tartar sauce.

You most likely will have everything you need right in your pantry and refrigerator and these take very little time to put together which is a plus when unexpected guests pop in around the holidays.

• 2 cans wild sockeye salmon (about 2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup panko crumbs
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
• 1 teaspoon dill weed, minced
• 1 teaspoon parsley, minced
• 1 lemon, cut and seeded for squeezing lemon juice over cakes when serving
• green onions for garnish
• slider buns (optional)
• sriracha mayonnaise or tartar sauce (optional with the sliders)

1. Drain salmon and remove skin and bones.  Break apart salmon and gently mash with a fork.
2. Combine salmon, Old Bay seasoning, eggs, mayonnaise, panko crumbs, green onions, and green pepper and herbs in a medium bowl.
3. Use a non-stick skillet if possible since the salmon cakes are fairly delicate.  Heat skillet over medium heat and brush with oil or butter. 
4. Make patties about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.  Cook on one side a few minutes until browned underneath.  Carefully flip over and continue to cook until browned.
5. Remove to an oven proof dish and place in an oven at 250 F, continuing to add salmon cakes as they are browned. 
6. Once you are ready to serve,  garnish with lemons and chopped green onions or place patties in slider buns and top with a 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha mayonnaise.