The Ministry of Food

Sounds like I'm overspiritualizing an addiction, doesn't it?  Keep reading....

I heard that phrase, the ministry of food, recently in the context of a home cooked meal served in a welcoming home.  It usually accompanies the idea of a family gathering, friends invited for dinner, familiarity, joy filling a room as a meal is shared and how it matters to the guest(s). It communicates an "I love you and want to please you" kind of attitude.  It says, "You're worth my effort."  I like the sound of that.

As I get older, and my kids leave the nest, I realize the significance and impression of a meal cooked by mom served at the family table when they return.  I know my kids and their college friends appreciate it when I hear the groans as they taste something they don't normally get in the cafeteria.  It makes me happy.  Gives significance to the time and effort I expend planning and making it.  Highly satisfying!

Sadly, I notice in the up and coming generations the norm looks more like ordering take out, eating out or serving at least partially prepared foods.  I get it and enjoy that too. There's certainly a place for it.  I'm the first one ready to say yes to a restaurant or ordering out.  Proof - Nirchi's Pizza and the Chinese place around the corner are programmed into my phone. 

I wonder though, is it possible that this art form (hospitality by means of preparing and serving meals to friends and family) may be in danger of extinction at worse or at best be so rare it's never even expected?  God forbid.  We can't let it happen.  

I in no way intend to impart guilt here.  Just throwing out another idea.  Kind of old fashioned maybe, but worthwhile in my experience.

Ministry is one of my favorite words.  I see why this form of hospitality is considered a ministry.  It's an act of serving in the form of food. I like doing it and I like receiving some hospitality prepared especially for me.  That is ministry.  You know it means something to the receiver by the way their remarks such as, "You made this from scratch?" or "I love your cooking." or "You didn't have to cook for me, but I'm glad you did."

Lastly, but definitely not of less importance is another Biblical principle behind it.  According to the Bible, older women are to teach the younger women..."to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home (hospitality, ministry of food), to be kind and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God."  Titus 2:4,5  It matters to God too.  

I think the generations before us had something right.  Don't we all enjoy these meals at someone else's place?  When we go to our mother's home, our grandmother's house or perhaps that of another couple who matter to us.  I know I do.  It screams "home" and "you're wanted here" and "you're worth it".  I personally have learned so much sitting in the kitchen of a mentor-type woman and been inspired to create a similar atmosphere, comfort meals for my family and friends.

I bet we all desire this...maybe deep down inside somewhere?  Why else do you think so many of us pin awesome photos and recipes on our Pinterest boards?  We sense the pleasure and want in on it.  But how often do we actually attempt it ourselves?

Which brings me to the reason for writing today.  Since I know many younger women, wives, mothers read my blog (and I thank you), I'm going to start a specific segment here. Ministry of Food Mondays.  If you're a man, you can try your hand in the kitchen too.  What is more attractive than a man cooking for his family?

Every Monday I will give you a recipe or two (with pics) that I've made which was well received.  I will try a new dish or dessert.  If it flops, I will share an old standby.  I promise they won't be too difficult or time consuming though the best reward comes from attempting something that cost us a bit of time.  

What do you think?  You in?  Try a new recipe once a week?  If I can do it, you can do it.  

Let's bless our families and show a measure of down home hospitality to our friends.  I'm not talking about every day, every meal, but maybe more often than what is currently happening.  Have company over and make them a beautiful, heartfelt meal.  Or bring a meal to someone in need.  I promise they will love you for the effort and you will be blessed.

Last week two friends from our former hometown came to visit.  This is some of what I served them. 

This time, I served these as sandwich rolls with egg salad and tuna salad. This is probably the #1 item expected on the dinner table by my kids if they've been away.  Yeast was one of three fears I brought into marriage with me that I was determined to conquer.  This recipe makes it easy.

Homemade Rolls

1 cup warm water (I usually run the tap straight HOT for a minute or two and then measure)
3 TBSP soft butter
3 TBSP (heaping) sugar
1 tsp salt
1 egg
3 1/2 c. flour
2 TBSP dry milk
one pkg rapid rise yeast

I use a bread machine to form the dough, but you certainly can mix it yourself, knead and let rise til doubled.  When done rising, on floured surface roll into small balls and place in baking dish.  I use a 9 inch round stone one.  Cover and let rise 30 to 45 min.  Bake at 350 for 15 min.

Smell the glory!

This is a first time recipe for me and it was a hit.  I loved getting out my big red pot and seeing it simmering away on the stove.  The smell was unbelievable.

 Italian Meatball Stew 

½ lb sausage

½ lb ground beef

1 small red onion, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup breadcrumbs

1/3 cup basil leaves, finely chopped (or use 1 TBSP dried basil)

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 ¾ cups tomato sauce

4 cups chicken stock

1 can white beans

2 zucchini, diced

½ cup acine de pepe pasta or risotto

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Combine minced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, basil, parmesan and egg in large bowl.

Season with salt and pepper.  Mix well.

Roll tablespoonfuls of mixture into balls.  Place on large plate and set aside.

Pour tomato sauce, stock AND 2 cups of water into a large, deep saucepan.  Cover, bring to boil over high heat.  Skim froth from surface.

Add meatballs.  Return to gentle boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Add pasta and zucchini.  Cook for another 5 minutes.

Add beans.  Cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables tender.

Sprinkle with parmesan if desired and serve with crusty Italian bread or homemade rolls (see above)

Now for dessert.....

Found these babies on Pinterest and Oh.My.Goodness.  They are as good as they look.  And they go a long way because they are so rich.  You only need to cut them in small pieces.  I just made my 2nd batch in 4 days.

Peanut Butter Brookies

For the Brownie layer:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
For the Cookie layer:
• 1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp milk
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup peanut butter morsels
• 8oz bag Reese's mini peanut butter cups

Instructions

1. For the brownie layer, melt chocolate chips with butter for 1 1/2 minutes in microwave safe glass bowl. Stir until smooth. Add sugar, flour and eggs and combine completely.
2. Pour into a 13x9 baking dish lined with parchment paper.
3. For the cookie dough, beet crisco with butter. Beat in milk, vanilla, sugars, peanut butter and egg. Add flour salt and baking powder. Fold in peanut butter morsels and Reese's mini PB cups.
4. Drop cookie dough onto brownie batter layer. Smooth evenly.
5. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 35-40 minutes. Remove and cool completely. Refrigerate and cut into bars.

Come on...let's do this together and let me know what response you get.  See you next Monday.

The Perfect Sunday

As much as Sunday has been my favorite day of the week for many, many years, it's been one of the hardest for  nearly a year now.  But today was different.  Special.  A gift.

It started off with making breakfast for a houseful of kids.  My three, my future daughter-in-law, Brittany and her adorable cousin Corin.  Drew and the girls came up Saturday to go to the Fair and spend the night.

Next we hopped in the van all cozy-like (7 of us!) and drove to a church Scott has been preaching at for a few weeks.  It was simply glorious to take up a whole row again.  I didn't realize how much I'd miss that when they started going off in directions away from home. Sniff.

I love listening to this man preach because he doesn't just speak it.  He lives it. I love my children listening to their Father preach.  They know he lives it too. The message was so good and I took plenty of notes.  You're not surprised, I know.  Perhaps later I'll jot them down for us all to enjoy. I was particularly delighted to see Brittany taking notes.  This girl is a dream come true. For me and for Drew. 

After we came home and waited for dinner to cook. I was quite pleased that I actually fixed a "Sunday meal". I've always wanted to be that wife/mom who has a roast in the oven every Sunday for lunch.  It might have happened twice. If you're familiar with our family, we often prefer to head to the Chinese Buffet after church.  It's a tradition.  Or we eat leftovers.  But since we ate at the Fair all day Saturday, I was determined that the college kids have a homecooked meal.  So I made a casserole.  Aaahhh.  Doesn't that sound nice?  Hey, it's September 1st....it's time!

The girls helped me in the kitchen, set the table and folded napkins.Wanted to put this baby into good use. Yes, I really do have this book.  I asked for it for Christmas one year and my mother in law obliged.

We played a game and laughed loudly (I love those smiles!) until it was ready and then we feasted.  Dinosaur BBQ style shepherds pie, caesar salad, corn and crescent rolls (no time to prepare homemade this time) and various leftover desserts.

As if the day wasn't satisfying enough, soon one by one us four girls found our way into the kitchen.  The 'men' were sacked out in front of golf on tv. Proof.

We made mugs of hot drinks and talked about important things.  I mean the good stuff you dream of talking with young women about and they initiated it.  All the while, I was whispering thank you's to God for such a beautiful gift and for bringing these three beauties into my life.

Then before the BBC 3 headed back to school, we got out Ally's nail polish and I'll be darned, amidst all the fluorescent colors I always reject, I found this awesome shade of blue.  I couldn't resist. Do you like it too?

It's a little known fact that about three years ago I was in NC at a Women's Ministry conference and was seated at a meal with women I didn't know.  I chatted the whole time with one who had on the most amazing blue nail polish.  I was mesmerized by it and to this day can't remember what we were talking about.  But I pledged to find some for myself one day.  I have bought countless bottles since then but none have hit the mark.  Until today. This might be the one.

O Happy Day for so very many reasons.  Amen.
I hope yours was happy too.

The Pancake Sandwich....A Sweet Memory

I have two distinct memories of my father in the kitchen.  The first is that almost every night of the week he made popcorn.  Not in the microwave and not jiffy pop.  He made it the old fashioned way.  In a pot with some oil on the stove.  I still remember the worn, silver pot he used, the sound from my room where I might have been doing homework, and the smell permeating the house.  He even had a special bowl, a big brown wicker-y like one, and we got little ones that required refilling if we ran out.

The other happened on the weekend.  Every Saturday morning (I think) Dad made breakfast.  Pancakes were his specialty.  I remember it usually happened too early and I don't recall an option to skip breakfast to sleep in.  He kept bugging us until we got out of bed.  But it wasn't just pancakes.  He always made fried eggs to go with them.  He would assemble his pancakes with the eggs between two.  We never called it anything special, but he would make ours that way if we wanted him to.  We rarely did.

Of course I initially thought it was gross, but eventually grew to like it.  Now to this day, whenever I make pancakes even if they are blueberry or chocolate chip, I fry two eggs (nice & yolky) and slide them in between.  My kids still look at my plate kind of funny because they're too skiddish to try it themselves but they probably will....someday.  Mmmm so good.

Today I went to a favorite diner with a fun friend.  Sometimes I'm a creature of habit and most always am when it comes to eating breakfast out.  I usually waffle (pun intended) between two choices.  #1.  Two eggs over easy, hash browns, whole wheat toast dry. Or #2.  Greek omelette w/lots of spinach.  This morning was to be no different.

But then I saw something that I've never seen on a menu before.  Ever.  Anywhere.  The Pancake Sandwich.  I told my friend the story about Dad and Saturday mornings.  I knew I'd better get it.

When I had plowed through half of it, she said, "So does it taste like your Dad's?"  I thought and smiled, "Yes".  We agreed it was a sweet memory.

Makes me thankful for the years I had him and the memories he made with us kids.

The Last Few Adirondack Ramblings

I guess it's taken me a few days to get back here.  Of course, I'm home and immersed in real life.  The bad news is that my week away had to end, but the good news is that it was so great and the primary goal was reached....bring Ben home. 

This will be an incredibly random post, just tying up some loose ends.  I checked my phone and found all these pics.

This is the campfire service that Word of Life hosts every week at every camp all summer long.  Bible Institute students give their testimonies, camp songs like "Holding Forth The Word of Life" are sung and the Gospel is presented with an invitation to throw a stick in the fire signifying a desire/passion to follow Christ for life.

To be honest, I haven't attended in a few summers but since I was alone, didn't really have anything to do and was in a reflective mood, I walked around the lake and took a seat on a wood bench.  These pictures don't really capture the fact that it was packed with families.

Mike Calhoun preached.  As my boys would say, "He's the man."  He is.  He's one of my favorite staff speakers.  His message was simple and relevant.  When he invited all to come forward, I was delighted and surprised at how many people, young and old, got out of their seats and surrounded the fire.  I mean, I'd say 2/3 of the stands were emptied.  2/3!!

I slipped out and walked back to my cabin thanking God for all I'd just witnessed.  God is alive and at work giving new life at Word of Life camps and around the world.  This is what it's all about.

On my last day, I just sort of wandered around town, taking in the sights.  Here are some of them.

Everytime I am here I must stop and visit this roadside shop much to Scott's chagrin.  But he wasn't with me, so I did.  Aren't these the cutest bears you've ever seen?

 I.want.this.guy.  He's been on my wish list for about five years now.  I can see him on my front stoop or back porch, can't you?  However, the pricetag always prohibits the purchase.  Maybe someday.  In the meantime, I have this photo.

I was surprised to find this old friend.  Famous, in my book.  It's Bert Britt, former WOL soloist and our wedding singer!  It was good to catch up for a few minutes.

Next, I took a few back roads and visited the Adirondack General Store.  They serve breakfast.  It screams camp.  I want to live here.

Fresh donuts!!  Worth the trip.  I resisted though.  Sometimes you just have to say no.

Because it was Ben's last night of camp and he had lots of jobs to do, I was on my own for dinner.  I drove around until I found someplace that I thought might be like a diner.  In hindsight, I realize it was a bar, but what are you going to do?  I had this glorious bacon egg cheeseburger and perfect skinny, crunchy fries.  I do not dig fat or steak fries and the egg was over easy.  Yummy yolks.  So, I sat out on the back deck (alone) to escape the smoke and darkness of the "diner" and enjoyed my book while eating alone.  It sounds sad, but I wasn't sad.  It was peaceful and quiet.

Then since I was out, I stopped and got a make your own sundae.  Delicious.  A classic black and white.  Hot fudge and marshmallow.  Oh my.  I only ate about five bites.  Turns out it was a little too sweet.  Don't tell Scott - he will think I wasted $2.20.  I didn't - it was not a waste.  More like, just enough.

Saturday morning, I packed my car and cleaned up the cabin and decided since I ate whole grain cereal with skim milk EVERY DAY this week that I would splurge on a fresh, from scratch belgian waffle.  (A WOL specialty).  It was glorious.

 Then I noticed that the bakery had many loaves of english muffin bread for sale.  Another favorite that I would beg Drew to bring home whenever he was on break.  I bought a loaf or two...or six.  Grilled cheese on english muffin bread.  Oh yeah.

It occurs to me at this point that I may be leaving the impression that when I'm alone I eat.  Hmmm.  Something to ponder.

At last, the moment arrived and my boy came off the lake for the last time.

 After we stopped for a quick lunch a nap was certainly in order.

I was still kind of bummed that my sons' summer schedules did not cooperate with our family time.  Much to my surprise and delight, Scott spontaneously drove us down to Drew to reunite the boys....and get some Krispy Kremes.  The boys were the priority, I promise.  There's nothing like the five being together, even if just for an hour.  The donuts were just icing on the cake.  Literally.

A beautiful vacation.  God's blessings and gifts are abundant and I appreciate each one.  Thanks for hanging with me all week.  It was fun to share it with you. 

The Best Day

I don't see her very often.  We've always lived in different towns.  We've always gone to different churches.  We are from different generations.  I consider her a mentor, but call her a friend. I love every single minute I get to spend with her though they are few and far too far between.

About ten years or so ago we were both knee deep in the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ministry. Though we were both from the Syracuse area and had heard about each other, we hadn't met yet. Until we were in Kansas City (we think) for a MOPS Convention.  A mutual friend introduced us.  I liked her.  She seemed nice enough.

At the end of the weekend in the airport headed home, I saw her sitting nearby and figured she'd be on my flight.  I was too insecure to approach her being certain she'd already forgotten who I was.  We boarded the plane but soon got off when our flight was cancelled.  She saw me as we re-entered the terminal and like a Mom said, "Come with me, let's get on another flight."  I gladly followed.  It's at times like this in travel that I need an assistant.

Once she got us booked on another flight and having a few hours to kill, she said, "Let's go get some lunch."  We ordered (she treated) and she looked across the table straight into my eyes and said, "Now tell me all about your life."  I was instantly at ease and did just that.  I told her everything I could think of.  I was kind of mortified later, fearing she must have been thinking "TMI", but she never let on.

I like the way she tells it, "Instantly we fell in love."  Yes.  I certainly did.  Since then, we snatch small snippets of time together when we can and occasionally share emails.  She doesn't text....yet.  We've had the glorious privilege of doing some ministry together like speaking to a MOPS group in tandem covering the younger woman/older woman theme.

All these years she's been like a cheerleader to me.  Recognizing my gifts, affirming me and encouraging me to get out there and serve the Lord with confidence.  She tells countless stories of the Lord's faithfulness to her, her family and others to motivate.  She knows the Word and shares it enthusiastically because she believes it and lives it.

She takes an interest in my family.  She adores my husband (her words), always sending love to him whenever we meet.  She asks about the kids and answers my endless questions on how to raise them to love the Lord.  She celebrates all my achievements and accomplishments.  She gives sound advice and counsel. She makes me feel important and loved.

And this last year, she carried my burdens.  She prayed for me.  She checked on me.  She continually pointed me to the One who heals broken hearts.  She exudes the love of Christ and is the godliest of women.

She goes away every summer to her cottage in the Adirondacks so we always say, 'Let's get together in the Fall'.  But when she checked on me last week, I sheepishly but hopefully asked, "Where exactly are you in relation to Word of Life?"  She picked up immediately on what I was going to suggest.  We made plans that I would come see her for an afternoon this week.

Today was the day.  I was excited all week knowing besides bringing Ben home on Saturday that this would be the highlight day.  It certainly was.

I drove about 90 minutes further into the beautiful Adirondacks and didn't get lost!  Without Scott, that's a pretty big deal.  I can't begin to describe the scenery.  So I'll show you. One lake after another.  Mountains everywhere. 

 Soon I pulled into her place.  Have you ever dreamed of having a cabin or cottage on a lake?  I have.  And now I've seen it with my own eyes.  She came outside to greet me (with her overeager dog) and said, "I'm so sorry the weather is so cold, but I've built you a fire." She built me a fire?  Can you picture my facial expression?

I walked in to this totally rustic, log cabin decorated Adirondack-style with a gorgeous stone fireplace crackling away and immediately thought, "I never want to leave. How long can I stay?" She told me to sit anywhere.  This was my choice.  Could it be?  A red and green plaid couch...was this heaven?

We had lunch and gabbed nonstop while she'd occasionally add another log to the fire. We talked about everything.  Our husbands, her kids and grandkids, my kids, summer activity here at the cottage, how Scott and I are doing.  We talked about weddings and my upcoming role as a mother-in-law and I got her best advice on how to be good at it.  Then we talked about sermons and books and the Bible, and all the things God has been teaching us since our last visit. We laughed.  We praised God for His goodness to us.  We never ran out of subjects.  I could have sat here forever.

But we decided it was time to stretch our legs and she showed me around their property.  Here are some views from the deck and dock. 

 I mean, have you ever?

It was too chilly and windy to sit outside so we went back in to the fire and had a snack.  Just when I thought it couldn't have been a more lovely day and right before I left to hurry back and bring Ben dinner, she said, "Oh, I want to read you something."  You see, she's been reading the Psalms and wanted me to hear the ones that brought me to her mind as she was reading.

Never a more beautiful site.  I melted.  God has blessed me with a most special friend.  I loved seeing her in her place today.  And what could be more special and meaningful than to have an older woman you hope to be like someday read God's Words to you?  Gifts from God all day long. 

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled adn pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands so that  no one will malign the word of God."   

Titus 2:3-5  In the flesh.

It was the best day.
And it completes my first list of 10,000 gifts.