I'm wearing my one and only green shirt today because of the Irish holiday. In honor of the dear old saint I got up at 6:00 this morning to fix us some Irish scones. Now really all I need is some red locks and I can have people "kiss me because I'm Irish". Thankfully I'm not Irish and even if I were you can be sure they wouldn't be kissin me now would they? Imagine an Irish borough coming through.
Irish Soda scones were just the start of my Irish cooking today. Irish stew is simmering away for supper. Minus the lamb because I heard "Little Bo Peep" too often growing up. Missing also that good Irish whiskey because I believe in temperance. I also believe in substituting where needed so I put in a can of good old American root beer. I hope mother doesn't find out till after supper. I do hope it turns out, I think its a little too soon for another cooking disaster.
We used not to be Irish, as long as it was green it counted as a dish to be served for the celebratory meal. Unfortunately this included spinach however most gratefully there was pistachio pudding for dessert. Not to be consumed until the spinach was eaten. One fateful St. Pa tricks day I couldn't seem to keep the slimy spinach down after swallowing it whole. The lime jello, green of course, suddenly found it self covered in already eaten spinach. Perhaps I should have warned you in case you were just finishing your corned beef in cabbage.
The memory remains vivid to this St Patrick's day. Now we are a bit more gourmet and I'd like to think more traditional with the meal. Corned beef and cabbage is accompanied by the above mentioned soda bread. Fresh squeezed limeade is served along with peas. No spinach allowed!
We may be pure bred Mennonite but don't say didn't try our best to be red headed Irish men.
So I wish you a top of the afternoon and if nothing else do at least have mint ice cream for supper.
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Christmas Eve for me is even more special than Christmas day. The night St. Nick is zooming around the earth on his sleigh we are already being given our gifts. Christmas eve is as Traditional as Fiddler on the Roof's "Tradition.
Morning and afternoon is pretty much a normal farm work day for the household. I stir up eggnog while listening to "A Christmas Carol". Tradition was strict when it came to supper, sub sandwiches is the meal enjoyed every year. My brothers prepared the meal while mom and I wrapped last minute presents. We would linger over the very simple yet delirious meal. One year the talk was of the family Christmas present. The boys had been informed of the gift and talked about till I almost cried. Finally when I was informed I was appalled to learn it would be clippers to cut the boys hair with. To this day I haven't even been allowed to touch the clippers:)
Following the meal dad shares a devotional and the Christmas story. A few times I even obliged my family with special music. A tradition long since given up:)
Mom never uses wrapping paper, bags fashioned out of Christmas fabric sewn by mother herself hold gifts nicely. There was always the family bag, filled with an assortment of gifts, where we would each take turns reaching in and pulling something out. Two of the more memorable gifts I remember was the beautiful rocker still cold from being hidden in the Garage. Heida my "last doll" mom told me, accompanied me everywhere for many Christmas to come. Dressed always in the latest fashions from mom's sewing machine.
The real fun came after the bottom of the tree was emptied. I brought out the eggnog topped with fresh whipped cream and dusted with nutmeg. Our traditional Chex Mix, cheese ball, and other goodies, made for quite a succulent feast! Our plates filled we would sit back and watch "It's a Wonderful Life". Laughing at all the punch lines as if we had never heard them.
Before I went to bed in my new pajamas my brothers and I would see the night out playing games. Listening to the Christmas songs of old.
Every Christmas Eve I remember going to bed so happy. I had spent the day with family to me that was the best Christmas present ever. Twas the night before Christmas that found our family laughing, talking, and enjoying one another.
Morning and afternoon is pretty much a normal farm work day for the household. I stir up eggnog while listening to "A Christmas Carol". Tradition was strict when it came to supper, sub sandwiches is the meal enjoyed every year. My brothers prepared the meal while mom and I wrapped last minute presents. We would linger over the very simple yet delirious meal. One year the talk was of the family Christmas present. The boys had been informed of the gift and talked about till I almost cried. Finally when I was informed I was appalled to learn it would be clippers to cut the boys hair with. To this day I haven't even been allowed to touch the clippers:)
Following the meal dad shares a devotional and the Christmas story. A few times I even obliged my family with special music. A tradition long since given up:)
Mom never uses wrapping paper, bags fashioned out of Christmas fabric sewn by mother herself hold gifts nicely. There was always the family bag, filled with an assortment of gifts, where we would each take turns reaching in and pulling something out. Two of the more memorable gifts I remember was the beautiful rocker still cold from being hidden in the Garage. Heida my "last doll" mom told me, accompanied me everywhere for many Christmas to come. Dressed always in the latest fashions from mom's sewing machine.
The real fun came after the bottom of the tree was emptied. I brought out the eggnog topped with fresh whipped cream and dusted with nutmeg. Our traditional Chex Mix, cheese ball, and other goodies, made for quite a succulent feast! Our plates filled we would sit back and watch "It's a Wonderful Life". Laughing at all the punch lines as if we had never heard them.
Before I went to bed in my new pajamas my brothers and I would see the night out playing games. Listening to the Christmas songs of old.
Every Christmas Eve I remember going to bed so happy. I had spent the day with family to me that was the best Christmas present ever. Twas the night before Christmas that found our family laughing, talking, and enjoying one another.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Deck the Halls
Christmas, the word to so many people means memories. Family celebrations, special traditions, memorable gifts, so many precious thoughts. This week I thought I would share with you some of my Christmas memories. I shall start with one of our traditions, decorating my grandma’s house for Christmas.
My family would journey to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. Literally we went over the hills through the woods to Grandma’s house. Upon arrival we walked through the door, my brother would promptly turn on the football game. I went to find grandma in kitchen preparing the meal. Various other relatives and friends would join us for the holiday. Later in the afternoon mom and dad went home. But not us children, no we got to stay at grandma’s house for two nights! Our job would be to help grandma trim the tree. We started that very night by putting up Grandma’s ceramic Christmas tree. Then
Grandma and I would venture out to see if any Christmas lights were up. Usually there were a few. Morning brought three eager young workers ready to do whatever needed done. After we enjoyed the rare treat of cold cereal smothered in sugar energy would stream through us to put to use in decorating. Christmas music piped from the stereo as we dug out the decorations from the basement. Before long we had decked the halls and even the porch. We would help grandma with various other odd jobs throughout the day. When evening came Grandma prepared our traditional supper, waffles with white sauce and sausage. A real treat since waffles usually were not on our menu at home.
Grandma and I again would drive around to look at lights after meal. This time we would be delighted to find more to gaze at. Upon returning to grandma’s house we spent the evening playing games while Christmas played in the background. Before bed ice cream was served a treat enjoyed quite frequently at grandmas!
As we exited the door grandma would slip us spending money for our pockets for our “hard” work. The trim stood ready and trimmed beckoning us to return for Christmas day. Celebrating Christmas with Grandma started at Thanksgiving and finished at Christmas. Now grandma’s house is gone, no room is there for the fancy decorations. However the memories of the annual decorating party will linger and remain in my heart forever.
My family would journey to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. Literally we went over the hills through the woods to Grandma’s house. Upon arrival we walked through the door, my brother would promptly turn on the football game. I went to find grandma in kitchen preparing the meal. Various other relatives and friends would join us for the holiday. Later in the afternoon mom and dad went home. But not us children, no we got to stay at grandma’s house for two nights! Our job would be to help grandma trim the tree. We started that very night by putting up Grandma’s ceramic Christmas tree. Then
Grandma and I would venture out to see if any Christmas lights were up. Usually there were a few. Morning brought three eager young workers ready to do whatever needed done. After we enjoyed the rare treat of cold cereal smothered in sugar energy would stream through us to put to use in decorating. Christmas music piped from the stereo as we dug out the decorations from the basement. Before long we had decked the halls and even the porch. We would help grandma with various other odd jobs throughout the day. When evening came Grandma prepared our traditional supper, waffles with white sauce and sausage. A real treat since waffles usually were not on our menu at home.
Grandma and I again would drive around to look at lights after meal. This time we would be delighted to find more to gaze at. Upon returning to grandma’s house we spent the evening playing games while Christmas played in the background. Before bed ice cream was served a treat enjoyed quite frequently at grandmas!
As we exited the door grandma would slip us spending money for our pockets for our “hard” work. The trim stood ready and trimmed beckoning us to return for Christmas day. Celebrating Christmas with Grandma started at Thanksgiving and finished at Christmas. Now grandma’s house is gone, no room is there for the fancy decorations. However the memories of the annual decorating party will linger and remain in my heart forever.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Magic of Christmas
Twinkling lights decorated the houses proudly displaying their Christmas spirit. Each house proclaimed Christmas in a different way. My family and I delighted in the Christmas lights giving our verbal approval. Ben the appointed chauffeur took us to the "ritch" part of town. Homes are old, large and beautiful, indeed they at least must have one maid. Elegance is given in many windows and rooms. Large oaks wrapped in white lights adorn the front yards which are as big as the homes themselves. Holly frames the windows and doorways. Red bows match the red lights, cheerily pushing the cold out. Peering through the windows we see people dressed in fine attire. Laughing and gaily enjoying a holiday party with friends. Perhaps being a mouse in a corner would be fun I think. That is if I got to eat more than just the cheese:)
We drive out of the neighborhood away from the winding curves spacious yards. Up the town we are taken. Past lighted store fronts displaying all their Christmas glory. Even the street lamps were not left out of the Christmas fun. Christmas music plays from the car speakers. Suddenly again I know why it is the most wonderful time of the year.
Arriving back at our simple farmhouse we see the simply white and red lighted cross in the window. Sitting beside my dainty Christmas tree I feel as though I left something out. I don't have to look far, sitting under the tree is my manger. Suddenly again I'm reminded why I celebrate Christmas. And I feel happy, because He came to die for me. Not go give me a house big enough for maid.
We drive out of the neighborhood away from the winding curves spacious yards. Up the town we are taken. Past lighted store fronts displaying all their Christmas glory. Even the street lamps were not left out of the Christmas fun. Christmas music plays from the car speakers. Suddenly again I know why it is the most wonderful time of the year.
Arriving back at our simple farmhouse we see the simply white and red lighted cross in the window. Sitting beside my dainty Christmas tree I feel as though I left something out. I don't have to look far, sitting under the tree is my manger. Suddenly again I'm reminded why I celebrate Christmas. And I feel happy, because He came to die for me. Not go give me a house big enough for maid.
Monday, December 8, 2008
A Different Kind of Friend
Saturday I had the privilege of attending our first Christmas gathering. Really this was my grandma’s cousins, however through the years my mom’s cousins started coming. And since I go everywhere with mom I was there as well. I probably “hang out” around the “older” generation more than most young folks my age. While I pretend to complain about my lack of socialization, I secretly enjoy it.
Everyone warmly gave their greetings to me when I arrived. Compliments were passed out on my hairstyle “that made me look older”:). Some wondered if perhaps I was on a diet do to the fact I just picked at the main dishes. Truth was I was saving room for the chocolate. Yes, Nestle chocolate straight from Switzerland! Life doesn’t get any better. Oh those truffles are the best; I must say I ate my fair share. You must be proud of me that I resisted the urge to stash some away in my purse to take home:).
Then there were the door prizes, being the only person under 50 I got to draw the number. So I promptly drew my own:).
What can I say, I may have more friends over 60 than under 20 but it sure does have its perks:). Me thinks that I have a very special bonus that most teenagers don’t have. Dinning and laughing with people who will listen to my life then tell me about theirs. Then we will laugh together and talk about how good the Lord is. Seniors and chocolate truffles make a splendid combination I do dare say.
Everyone warmly gave their greetings to me when I arrived. Compliments were passed out on my hairstyle “that made me look older”:). Some wondered if perhaps I was on a diet do to the fact I just picked at the main dishes. Truth was I was saving room for the chocolate. Yes, Nestle chocolate straight from Switzerland! Life doesn’t get any better. Oh those truffles are the best; I must say I ate my fair share. You must be proud of me that I resisted the urge to stash some away in my purse to take home:).
Then there were the door prizes, being the only person under 50 I got to draw the number. So I promptly drew my own:).
What can I say, I may have more friends over 60 than under 20 but it sure does have its perks:). Me thinks that I have a very special bonus that most teenagers don’t have. Dinning and laughing with people who will listen to my life then tell me about theirs. Then we will laugh together and talk about how good the Lord is. Seniors and chocolate truffles make a splendid combination I do dare say.
Friday, December 5, 2008
It's Begining to look a lot like Christmas...Part 2
Mom and I delighted in trimming the tree this Christmas season. Every light and decoration was placed to perfection. We coordinated it red in gold this year.
This a vintage ceramic Christmas tree that belonged to my Grandma. Thanksgiving evening Grandma would bring it up from the basement and put it up. It was the first decoration to go up and the first one to go down. Surrounding the tree are some toys from my mom's cousin passed on of her childhood. Grandchildren are allowed to play but with caution:)
Christmas past of my childhood brings memories of playing the rocking horse collection. Often the horses suffered of broken limbs:) Now they are carefully placed out of reach of little hands.
Sitting on the kitchen bay window is our Christmas dishes. Plates are a thrift store find and the gold rimmed tea cups came from Germany. I believe they came from my grandma.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
It's Begining to look a lot like Christmas...Part 1
We decorated the house for Christmas this past Tuesday. This year it was extra fun because my brother Ben was home to help. Dad put up the tree and Ben offered help when it came for getting the lights working. Mom and I put up the other decorations. We ended our evening with sugar cookies and white chocolate punch served out of Christmas tea cups. Hot cocoa would have been more fitting but the thought didn't occur to my absent mind:)
This nativity scene is very antique, so we've been told. Years past Ben and I used to fight over who got to put it up. I was so pleased that he was here for the first time in four years to put it up. I didn't let out a peep...well not too loud of a one anyway:)
Here is the tree, notice we are going green literally. With a very green tree:) Actually we decided it needed more lights. I find the tree looks rather Grinch like at the moment:)
This nativity scene is very antique, so we've been told. Years past Ben and I used to fight over who got to put it up. I was so pleased that he was here for the first time in four years to put it up. I didn't let out a peep...well not too loud of a one anyway:)
Here is the tree, notice we are going green literally. With a very green tree:) Actually we decided it needed more lights. I find the tree looks rather Grinch like at the moment:)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
A Cook's Diary
Thanksgiving dinner seemed to be a rousing success this year. Actually it felt a little blah all that planning and cooking devoured in sixty minutes? No worries though, we had plenty of leftovers. I've already made two different turkey dishes. Just for fun here is a little run down on my preparations for Thanksgiving day.
Wednesday Afternoon
Accomplishments for the day were making the #10 of potatoes. A sweet potato dish, 2 pies and gravy. I also cleaned house and made peppernuts with my cousin. At 4:30 I'm feeling very thankful that mom is bringing pizza for supper. Five o'clock, I'm reflecting on the glorious sunset. I feel filled with peace. Later that evening after the Thanksgiving service my brother Ben is home for the holiday's. He compliment's on my outfit. Yes I know he's the best.
Thanksgiving morning.
I rise and drink my protein smoothie, must have energy today! I exercise on my trampoline while watching how to cook turkeys on Good morning America. This was important. The exercise part that is, who knows how many calories I consumed on turkey day. By now the time has come to put our eighteen pound bird in the oven. Wednesday morning I had soaked it in a salt brine to ensure juiciness. I put two gallons of brine over the bird I estimated to my brother that it weighed forty pounds. I implored him to carry it to the kitchen from the basement fridge. He muttered that it was very heavy. As I'm preparing the turkey for the oven I'm struck by the thought that garlic would be a lovely edition. Mom picks it fresh from the garden in Martha Stewart style. My dear brother washes and minces it for me. Twenty minutes later the kitchen smells very Italian. Ben reminds me that he told me not to put on too much garlic.
I spend the rest of the morning lounging around and plugging in crackpots. Everyone is eating and passing out compliments by twelve thirty. I feel thankful for such a gracious family:) Everyone found room for at least two pieces of pie (small of course).
No one has complained yet about the abundance of turkey dishes I'm serving. Interestingly enough mom and I found a turkey on sale. So the dishes won't be ending anytime soon!
Wednesday Afternoon
Accomplishments for the day were making the #10 of potatoes. A sweet potato dish, 2 pies and gravy. I also cleaned house and made peppernuts with my cousin. At 4:30 I'm feeling very thankful that mom is bringing pizza for supper. Five o'clock, I'm reflecting on the glorious sunset. I feel filled with peace. Later that evening after the Thanksgiving service my brother Ben is home for the holiday's. He compliment's on my outfit. Yes I know he's the best.
Thanksgiving morning.
I rise and drink my protein smoothie, must have energy today! I exercise on my trampoline while watching how to cook turkeys on Good morning America. This was important. The exercise part that is, who knows how many calories I consumed on turkey day. By now the time has come to put our eighteen pound bird in the oven. Wednesday morning I had soaked it in a salt brine to ensure juiciness. I put two gallons of brine over the bird I estimated to my brother that it weighed forty pounds. I implored him to carry it to the kitchen from the basement fridge. He muttered that it was very heavy. As I'm preparing the turkey for the oven I'm struck by the thought that garlic would be a lovely edition. Mom picks it fresh from the garden in Martha Stewart style. My dear brother washes and minces it for me. Twenty minutes later the kitchen smells very Italian. Ben reminds me that he told me not to put on too much garlic.
I spend the rest of the morning lounging around and plugging in crackpots. Everyone is eating and passing out compliments by twelve thirty. I feel thankful for such a gracious family:) Everyone found room for at least two pieces of pie (small of course).
No one has complained yet about the abundance of turkey dishes I'm serving. Interestingly enough mom and I found a turkey on sale. So the dishes won't be ending anytime soon!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow
Today is Thanksgiving, the day to count your blessings. While I see so many blessings often I find it hard to Thank God for everything. I choose today to thank God for all His blessings even the hard one's.
I will see the twenty 3rd grader's that are always talking, who I teach Bible class to as blessing because I'm one the only link they have to the God.
I will see the house that is so clean now but will be dirty so quickly as a blessing because I have family to dirty it.
I will see the pile of dirty dishes as a blessing because they testify that we had food to eat.
I will see the busyness of life that threatens to wear me down as a blessing because it means I have opportunities to minister.
I will see the burned bread as a blessing because we had wheat to make bread.
I will see every hardship as a blessing because it only brings me closer to God.
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!
I will see the twenty 3rd grader's that are always talking, who I teach Bible class to as blessing because I'm one the only link they have to the God.
I will see the house that is so clean now but will be dirty so quickly as a blessing because I have family to dirty it.
I will see the pile of dirty dishes as a blessing because they testify that we had food to eat.
I will see the busyness of life that threatens to wear me down as a blessing because it means I have opportunities to minister.
I will see the burned bread as a blessing because we had wheat to make bread.
I will see every hardship as a blessing because it only brings me closer to God.
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes
Thanksgiving! I have to say is my favorite holiday, because you get to cook up a storm! I first cooked a Thanksgiving meal when I was 16, this will be my third year at planning the meal. I absolutely love it! While I do enjoy the cooking and preparation of the meal I don't like to do it on Thanksgiving day. Yes that's right I make the whole dinner the day before. With the exclusion of the turkey.
I find that nearly all of my dishes lend themselves well to preparing ahead of time. You will see me go as far as to freeze the dinner rolls and bake them the day of. My world famous sweet potatoes (or at our church anyway) lend themselves particularly well to advance preparation. While I find myself only making them on Thanksgiving, my sister tells me they grace her table more often. Sweet potatoes are always a treat whenever you eat them especially in this way...
Bethanne's Sweet Potatoes
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes
1 pound tart cooking apples (I just used red delicious)
5 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (I like to use more)
1/2 ginger
4 tablespoons butter, diced
Bake the potatoes in their skins for thirty minutes at 400 degrees
(or until done)Peel them and cut them into thin slices. (sometimes I cook the potatoes the day before). Core and peel the apples and slice them
thin. Mix three tablespoons of the sugar with the cinnamon and ginger. Butter a casserole dish ( 8 by 8) with one tablespoon of the butter and put a layer of sliced apple into it. Sprinkle a little of the sugar spice mixture and bits of the dice butter over them. Cover with a layer of sliced potatoes, sprinkle them with some of the sugar spice mixture and dot with butter. Continue layer apples and potatoes as above until all are in the casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining two tablespoons of sugar. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40 min. or till tender. Serve hot
I find that nearly all of my dishes lend themselves well to preparing ahead of time. You will see me go as far as to freeze the dinner rolls and bake them the day of. My world famous sweet potatoes (or at our church anyway) lend themselves particularly well to advance preparation. While I find myself only making them on Thanksgiving, my sister tells me they grace her table more often. Sweet potatoes are always a treat whenever you eat them especially in this way...
Bethanne's Sweet Potatoes
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes
1 pound tart cooking apples (I just used red delicious)
5 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (I like to use more)
1/2 ginger
4 tablespoons butter, diced
Bake the potatoes in their skins for thirty minutes at 400 degrees
(or until done)Peel them and cut them into thin slices. (sometimes I cook the potatoes the day before). Core and peel the apples and slice them
thin. Mix three tablespoons of the sugar with the cinnamon and ginger. Butter a casserole dish ( 8 by 8) with one tablespoon of the butter and put a layer of sliced apple into it. Sprinkle a little of the sugar spice mixture and bits of the dice butter over them. Cover with a layer of sliced potatoes, sprinkle them with some of the sugar spice mixture and dot with butter. Continue layer apples and potatoes as above until all are in the casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining two tablespoons of sugar. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40 min. or till tender. Serve hot
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)