Beehive Bread

Western friends, the next time you’re on the lllooonnnnggg stretch of I-15 between Las Vegas and California, treat yourself to rest stop at the Primm outlet mall where you will find a Williams Sonoma gourmet kitchen store – you’ll be glad you did. The beehive bread pan used in this recipe is made by Nordic Ware and sold by William Sonoma (they ship). My BFF Mary and I treat each other to beehive ware – thanks Mar!

This is a breakfast favorite at our home, I hope you’ll enjoy it too.

Beehive Bread 

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a William Sonoma beehive baking pan with pan release spray that contains flour, or use a 9” x 5” loaf pan, sprayed and lined with parchment.

Stir together

1 C bread flour
3/4 C whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2  tsp nutmeg

            Set aside the flour mixture. Cream together

1/2 C butter, softened
1 C granulated sugar

                  Add

6 oz. Neufchatel cheese, softened (low-fat cream cheese)
1 tsp vanilla extract
zest of 1 lemon
                       
            Beat in one at a time
4 eggs

Gently fold in flour mixture, blend well. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 37 – 40 minutes in the beehive pan (or at 325 degrees for 85-95 minutes in the loaf pan).  Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with butter.

If the bread is too pale you can place it on a cookie sheet and pop it back in the oven for a few minutes.

The Easter Miracle Story Eggs

A simplified account of Christ’s atonement is told in these Easter Miracle Eggs. Each egg contains a scripture and tiny object that represents part of the Easter story. After the eggs are gathered, open them in order and read each little scripture.


All you need are a dozen plastic eggs and a few items to tuck inside. Number the end of the eggs 1 -12 with a permanent marker. The objects inside the eggs are:

1. a small cup (check craft stores for a small unfinished wood thimble)

2. 3 dimes

3. 2 – 3″ of twine

4. a chunk of soap

5. A tiny red robe shape cut out of felt

6. wooden or heavy paper cross

7. dice

8. 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ square of white fabric, torn almost in half

9. a 1 1/2″ x 11/2″ square of white fabric

10. a small rock

11. a few whole cloves and a bay leaf

12. This egg will remain empty

Print the following text, cut into strips and place inside the corresponding numbered egg.You can copy and print the scriptures below by highlighting them, pressing control and “c” on a p.c., or the control icon and “c” on a mac. Then open a new word document and paste in the text with control and “v”.

Tell the story about the sacrament of the Last Supper and Christ’s night in Gethsemane, how he paid the price for all of mankind’s sins; that they might be able to return to heaven and live with the Father. The following scripture verses are taken from the New Testament in the Holy Bible.

1. “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:42 – 43)

2. Zechariah, a prophet of the Old Testament foretold that Christ would be ransomed or betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. ” (Matthew 26: 14 – 15)

3. “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. (Matthew 27: 1 -2)

4. “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. (Matthew 27: 24)

5. “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had plaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.” (Matthew 27: 28 – 30)

6. “And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” (Matthew 27: 31 – 32.)

7. “And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.” (Matthew 27: 35)

8. “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27: 50, 51, 54)

9. “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth” (Matthew 27; 58 – 60)

10. “And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” (Matthew 27: 60, 65, 66)

11. “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow…And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. (Mark 16: 1, Matthew 28: 2 – 5)

12. “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead” Matthew 28: 6 – 7)

It’s The Little Things…

 The beautiful flowers of spring remind us that Easter is almost here! 
 
 
Sharing our celebration with old friends. 
 
 
A little treat for the Easter Bunny
 (to help him find our house)

St. Patrick’s Mission

 
 
 
Did you know that St. Patrick wasn’t Irish?

Patrick was born Maewyn Succat, around 385 A.D in Britain. His father belonged to a Roman family of high rank and was a government official in Gaul or Britain. His mother was a near relative of the patron of Gaul, St Martin of Tours.

Maewyn grew up without faith even though his parents tried to teach him the gospel of Christ. When he was 16-years-old, he was working on his family’s estate when he was kidnapped by fierce Irish pirates who took him to Ireland and sold him to a wealthy Druid. For six years as he labored as a slave, tending sheep and living outdoors, he learned the language and ways of the Celtic pagans. Living in lonely solitude, he began to pray and repent of his youthful follies and his faith in God and love for Him grew.

One night he had a dream in which he was told to fast and prepare to escape, a ship was waiting for him; he fled and secretly journeyed two hundred miles to the coast. A runaway slave, he would have been killed if he was discovered. He said later that God directed his journey, showing him the way to go. When he arrived at the coast and prepared to board the ship, the captain refused to take him. He went a short distance away and prayed that the captain would change his mind. The sailors called after him, telling him to hurry back.

During the voyage, the ship wrecked and the crew and passengers were stranded in a deserted place. After four weeks, they were starving and began to be ill. The captain asked him why he did not pray to his God to help them. Maewyn asked the Lord for help; a herd of pigs appeared, providing the men with much-needed food. The captain kept Maewyn as a slave for several more years. One night he heard a voice that told him he would be free in two months, and he was. He now knew what he wanted to do with his life. He went to France to study Christianity at Tours, the monastery of his relative, St. Martin. He was ordained a bishop and given the Latin name “Patricus,” meaning “Noble” or “Father.” He finally arrived home and his family was overjoyed to see him, but Patrick had a strong prompting that he should travel to Ireland and teach the message of Christ to the pagan people there.

Returning to Ireland, he began to teach the people in their own tongue. As he served the people in meekness and love, they began to love him and listen to his message. He traveled among the pagans, converting the chieftains and tribes. He built churches and Christian schools. One story tells how he met the Druids as they gathered at Tara for a demonic conference one Easter. He withstood their magic and curses and held off an attack by the Arch-Druid leader who was killed. He taught the convened Druids twice. At first, the Irish chiefs resisted him and opposed his work, but because of his love for God and kindness toward all men and presistence, they began to believe in him and his faith. He served for over 30 years in Ireland. Almost all the Druid chiefs and their followers became Christians.

When Patrick died on March 17th, in the fifth century, there was great mourning throughout the land. The Irish people made the day a commemoration of the great Christian missionary, Patrick. And even today, fifteen centuries later, his life and work are celebrated throughout many nations around the world.

DID YOU KNOW?

That you can read St. Patrick’s own autobiography and testimony? “The Confessio of Saint Patrick” was written in Latin and later translated into English.

That St. Patrick’s color was blue?

That the authentic Irish meal for St. Patrick’s Day was boiled bacon and potatoes? Corned beef was a dish that Irish immigrants from the Potato Famine era in the 1840’s started eating after they settled in New York. They were very poor and could only afford inexpensive cuts of beef. After saving money for several days they would, maybe once a week, purchase a piece of meat. Because there were no refrigerators yet, they learned to brine the beef in a salted liquid and spices to make it last for a few meals, that is where corned beef came from.

 ST. PATRICK’S DAY IDEAS FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

SHAMROCK SERVICE

Before St. Patrick’s Day, have a family home evening about service. Explain that St. Patrick used the symbol of the shamrock to teach about the Godhead. It also is said to represent faith, hope and charity — if there is a fourth leaf it represents luck. To honor the tradition, pass out paper shamrocks or stickers and invite your family to do secret acts of service for each other. When a kind deed is done, leave a shamrock to mark the spot. The recipient can write a brief description of the service. Place the shamrocks on the table for decorations for your holiday dinner.

LILTING MUSIC

Nothing brings the Emerald Isles feeling like Irish music. CDs can be purchased at music, party or craft stores, or checked out from the library or downloaded. Can you dance a jig?

MAGIC AT THE MOVIES

For Irish-style entertainment, these movies can’t be beat! Disney’s “Darby O’Gill and the Little People;” Sayle’s “The Secret of Roan Inish;” and “Riverdance.” Don’t forget the t.v. travel shows featuring tours of Ireland.

IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

Tint everything green with food coloring: green milk, green eggs, cookies, even green bread for sandwiches. Yes, it’s gross, but the kids get a kick out of it! A not-so-bad treat… green sherbet in lemon-lime soda.

WEARIN’ O THE GREEN

Yes, St. Patrick’s color was blue, but today’s celebration calls for the green of Catholic Northern Ireland, or orange of Protestant Southern Ireland. Invite everyone to wear something green or orange to dinner. Decorate the house with pots of flowers, tied bunches of dried herbs, flowers or wheat with green ribbons to create a festive air.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

For a fun and enlightening time, read books with your children about leprechauns, St. Patrick and Ireland. Teaching them about other cultures helps them learn to appreciate and love people who are different from themselves.

MYSTERIOUS TREASURES

Leave a plate of green treats on the doorstep of a neighbor or friend; with a note from an anonymous friendly leprechaun. Ding-dong-ditch  if you are fast enough!

AN IRISH BLESSING FOR YOUR HOME

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God keep you in the hollow of His hand.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Erin go braugh (Ireland Forever!)

The Girls

                      My Mom, sister Cindy and I posed in the sun just before Cindy’s wedding.
                           I’m getting ready to paint this happy group – how I love my girls!
 
(Photo by Becky Gemmel)

Pizza Pi for 3.14 PI DAY!

 
The number and symbol for pi are credited to the Greek genius Archimedes who lived in the third century. This Greek pizza entree for Pi Day is a tribute to the brilliant man. 
 
GREEK (PIZZA) PI

            Preheat oven to 400°. In a large mixing bowl stir together

2 C hot water

2 TBSP sugar
2 TBSP yeast

            Leave in a warm place until foam covers the surface. While the yeast is rising,
            lightly grease two 10” x 15” rimless cookie pans with olive oil, set aside. When foam covers
            the surface of the yeast/water mixture, add

4 C. bread flour

2 C. whole wheat flour
1 TBSP salt
1 TBSP olive oil

            Mix until a smooth dough is formed, Divide in half. Divide each half into thirds. Make
           a pi symbol π and place one on each baking pan. Flatten the dough with your hands.  Let

            rise until you can make a dent in the dough and it doesn’t puff up. Add

1/2 jar roasted garlic Alfredo sauce

1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

            Add any of your favorite Greek toppings:

roasted chicken

red onion rings, thinly sliced
julienne spinach leaves
pepperoncini slices
Kalmata olives, sliced
sautéed mushrooms
marinated artichoke hearts
basil pesto
tomatoes, quartered

            Top with

crumbled Feta cheese

            Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

 Serve with a salad of sliced cucumbers, pepperoncini, mushrooms, spinach, sliced red onion, Kalmata olives and tomatoes dressed lightly

Oh My Goodness Delicious Corned Beef, Dijon Buttered Cabbage and Leprechaun Treasure Dessert

 

GLAZED CORNED BEEF
This is so tasty, you may never go back to old-school corned beef.
    Preheat oven to 350. Place fat side up in a baking pan
1 corned beef brisket, rinsed, don’t use the spice packet
   Cover with foil, bake for 2 1/2 hours or until fork-tender. Drain, score with a knife,    stud with
whole cloves
   baste with
ginger ale
   brush on glaze, return to oven and bake for 30 – 40 minutes uncovered. Let cool for 15 minutes,
       slice across the grain

BROWN SUGAR MUSTARD GLAZE

   Stir together  
1/2 C prepared mustard
1/2 C + 2 TBSP brown sugar

                                                        DIJON-BUTTERED CABBAGE

    Cut in half, remove core and cut into 1/2″ slices
1 medium head of cabbage
    Steam covered for 6 to 8 minutes until crisp-tender, drain, drizzle with Dijon butter and season
    with sea salt and pepper.

DIJON BUTTER
   Melt
1/2 C butter
   Stir in
2 1/2  TBSP Dijon mustard

                                                       LEPRECHAUN TREASURE DESSERT

The leprechauns keep this hidden until the end of the meal for good reason. You might wish to dig out a Halloween cauldron to serve this dessert sprinkled with gold (chocolate) coins; this treasure has layers of rich chocolate goodness. You may wish to make your own or buy these ingredients:

1 pan of brownies (9″ x 13″ size)
1/2 gallon good-quality mint and chip ice cream
fudge sauce
whipped cream
shaved chocolate

BROWNIES

   Bake brownies according to package directions, then cool and break into large chunks

FUDGE SAUCE
   Warm in a sauce pan
1 1/2 C heavy cream
   Add and stir until melted
16 oz. milk chocolate chips or chocolate bars
1 tsp vanilla

WHIPPED CREAM

    In a chilled bowl, whip until soft peaks form
1 1/2 C heavy cream or whipping cream
1/4 C powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

ASSEMBLE LEPRECHAUN TREASURE DESSERT:

  In a cauldron or other container layer:
brownies
fudge sauce
ice cream
brownies
fudge sauce
ice cream
fudge sauce
whipped cream

Sprinkle with shaved chocolate and serve with gold coins

Thank you Beth for posting this delicious recipe on Mint.com!

https://www.mint.com/blog/how-to/beyond-green-beer-9-shamrock-inspired-st-patricks-day-recipes-0314/

Easy-to-make Easter Gift

Is the Easter Bunny at your house looking for easy inexpensive gifts to fill the baskets? Here’s a cute and easy project:

You will need:
2 twelve inch scrapbook papers
2 plain white 8.5″ x 11″ papers for each booklet
miniature colored pencils (shown from Michael’s Crafts)
gluestick or glue
grommets, punch and setter or sewing machine
twine or ribbon

Attach the scrapbook papers together with right sides out using the adhesive.

Cut into 4″ x 12″ strips. Decide which will be the outside, lay the paper with the outside down. Fold 2” of the bottom edge up toward the center and crease. Punch holes and use grommets in the corners or stitch to make a pocket.

Bring the top edge down to the bottom fold and crease the center, it should be 5″‘ x 4″ . Set aside the cover.

Fold the white paper lengthwise into 4.25″ x 11″. Cut into three strips 4.25″ x 3.66″ Stack the six sheets and punch holes on the crease, about an inch in from each edge.

Lay the white papers on the cover, center them and punch matching holes in the cover. Tie together with twine or ribbon.

Tuck pencils into pocket and give to darling little people.

It must be March

I’m popping the corn and pulling out the “Irish” movies. Oh yes.

Darby O’Gill and the Little People was my favorite St. Patrick’s Day flick forever, then I discovered charming The Secret of Roan Inish, and Waking Ned Devine (for grown-ups) . When I crave an early proxy romp over the verdant hills of the Emerald Isles, I know just where to turn. The snow is still piled high on my Utah hillside and the closest thing I get to the beach is an occasional whiff of the great Salt Lake, but I turn on my DVD player and the charm of a quaint seaside Gaelic village beckons my imagination. 
 
Erin Go Braugh! (Ireland Forever!)