14 Coffee Cakes from Flo

There is close to 400 recipes here at Home Joys now. And they are badly in need of organization. Even I often can't quickly find the recipe I want.

So this winter, I'm going to try organizing the recipes here. I'm saying this out loud to give me some accountability to get it done. (I won't mention how many winters I have had this goal and never even started the project.) I began with the bread and sourdough recipes. You'll find the bread page and sourdough page have been recently updated. I hope this makes it easier to find a recipe. To cut this project into bite-sized pieces, I plan to choose one topic and make an index post about it. Then I can link to it on the Recipe Page.

I decided to start with Flo's Coffee Cakes. All year we have enjoyed her recipes. Here is a one-stop place to find links for them all. There is not a bad one in the bunch and the only trouble I have is in deciding which one to make for our Christmas brunch.

 
Sour Cream Pumpkin Coffee Cake


Apricot Sunshine Coffee Cake



Raspberry Streusel Coffee Cake


Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake



Peach Coffee Cake



Walnut Orange Coffee Cake

 
Pumpkin Pecan Braid



Apple Coffee Cake



Lemon Raspberry Steusel Coffee Cake



Blueberry Almond Coffee Cake



Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake



Cream-filled Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake



Cherry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

 
Finnish Coffee Cake

Prepare - A Christmas Countdown Index

This is an index of all the Prepare: A Christmas Countdown posts. Each post contains practical ideas along with insights from Scripture on preparing.

Week One - Goal Week

Week Two - List Week

Week Three - Supplies Week

Week Four - Craft Week

Week Five - Gift Shopping Week

Week Six - Grocery Shopping Week

Week Seven - Baking Week

Week Eight - Mailing Week

Prepare - A Christmas Countdown - Week Eight

If you are like me, you have not yet caught your breath from last week. Our family was away for a few days, then helped with beef butchering on Saturday. Yesterday was a wonderful day of rest but today I worked up some of the beef into some freezer meals so I still am faced with lots of stacks of laundry.

But I'll get caught up eventually and I'm very excited about beginning December. Eight weeks ago when I started this series, I thought I'd be totally prepared for Christmas by now. I'm not. No where close. Between ordinary busy life, unexpected events, and interruptions of all sorts most of my plans that looked attainable on Monday fell apart by Friday.

But if I had not planned at all - I would not have anything done. And it is a good reminder that in all my preparation I should say "As the Lord wills."

Week Eight - Mailing Week - December 1-6

This week my goal is to finish addressing and mailing Christmas cards as well as a few packages. This should give them plenty of time to arrive on time.

I also plan to finish my holiday baking. The children and I had such fun on a baking day early last week and we are looking forward to another one.

My last task this week is to reserve some Christmas books at the library. We have a few favorites we like to read each year.

Preparation in Scripture

I was reading Ephesians 6 last week and noticed a mention of "Preparation."

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" (Ephesians 6: 13-15)

This passage of Scripture is talking about preparing for warfare against the enemy of our souls. I like how the Amplified Bible interprets verse 15.

"And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace."  (Ephesians 6:15 Amplified)

Speaking of feet reminds me of Isaiah 52:7.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isaiah 52:7)

Our God reigns! That is news worth sharing.

Christmas is to be a time of giving. But too often our giving is to those who already have all they need. Or giving to those who will give back to us. Or giving because we feel under obligation.

Why not look for ways to give the best gift - the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ.

 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

If we are prepared to share this gift - then we are truly prepared for Christmas.

This is the last week on the Christmas Countdown. From now on you are on your own to finish your preparation and focus on service, worship, and celebration for the remainder of December.

Thanks for joining me the last eight weeks!

I'd love to hear how you plan to share the gospel of peace this month.

Flo's Cakes - Pumpkin Pecan Braid

Flo blesses us with another one of her marvelous recipes. This looks like the perfect coffee cake for Thanksgiving morning.  Flo compiled this recipe from several different recipes. 

This is on my list to make this week! 

Pumpkin Pecan Braid

3 cups flour, divided

¼ cup sugar

1 pkg (¼ oz) quick-rise yeast

½ tsp salt

½ cup milk

½ cup butter, softened

¼ cup water

1 egg

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a small kettle, heat milk, butter, and water to 120˚-130˚. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg and remaining flour; beat until smooth. Shape into a ball. Do not knead. Cover and let rest for ten minutes.

Filling:

¾ cup pumpkin puree

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground ginger

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1 egg

3/4 cup chopped pecans, divided

Mix together all the filling ingredients, using only ½ cup of the pecans. Roll dough into 14x11 rectangle on a large greased baking sheet. Spread filling down center third of rectangle. On each long side, cut 1-inch strips about 3 inches into the center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling to braid. Pinch ends to seal. Sprinkle with remaining pecans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 375˚ for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. When slightly cooled, drizzle with milk and powdered sugar glaze. 

 

Prepare - Christmas Countdown - Week Seven

For some of you, this week will be a crazy one with travel or hosting guests. I thought our family would have a rather quiet Thanksgiving holiday but somehow that has all changed. And that is not a bad thing. I'm looking forward to the events of this week. It just won't be quiet and boring!

I'm listing the same goals for this week as I had planned earlier but realize that for me they will most likely be pushed into next week. (And to be honest, not many weeks did I complete the week's goal. But if I got started I deemed it successful.)

Week Seven - Baking Week - November 24-29

In past years, Thanksgiving week for us has been the week to start holiday baking. When our children were small, every year we got together with some friends from Ed's job and made Christmas cookies together on the Friday after Christmas. Eventually as we had more children, this got too crazy to do with another family, but we still enjoyed beginning Christmas baking this week.

I like to bake several kinds of Christmas cookies and freeze them. Then they are ready to place on a plate for a quick gift or take caroling.

I also hope to make a batch or two of Bulgar Rolls. I know if I ask my mom or my mother-in-law what they want me to bring to the family gatherings at Christmas and New Years, they won't have any idea yet what their menu will be. But if the experience from past years holds true this year, the week of Christmas I'll hear, "Do you mind bringing your Bulgar Rolls again?"

I love making Bulgar Rolls and enjoy being asked to bring the same tried-and-true recipe every year. But it always annoys me to have to bake a double batch of Bulgar Rolls right in the middle of the busiest part of December.

Last year, since our baby was due at the beginning of January, I made the Bulgar Rolls early and froze them. Even though our baby was born New Year's Eve, I was able to pull out the rolls in time for the family gathering on New Year's Day. (My mother-in-law will probably never get over the shock that we showed up at her house with a one-day-old baby but we couldn't resist the chance to show off the baby and eat Chocolate Pie. And we didn't stay long.)

As I said, with the plans we have this week, I don't expect to get much baking done. But I'll be making my plans and hope to hit it next week.

What are you baking?

Preparation in Scripture

I found this interesting passage in Nehemiah.

"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:8-10)

I have often heard this last line "the joy of the Lord is your strength" - I even have it hanging by my sink - but I couldn't have told you the context. Here Nehemiah has been teaching the people the law of the Lord and they were grieved by what they learned. (I'm guessing because they realized that they had not kept God's law.)

So I'm taking from this passage that joy doesn't come from a lack of sorrow or hardship. Joy comes when we have prepared our heart to seek God, when we have heard His Word and are broken from our sin, when we have accepted His forgiveness, and have extended gifts to others.

Then we have His joy which in turn brings His strength.

And that is something worth thanking God for this week.

Only one more week on this Christmas Preparation Countdown!

Prepare - A Chrstimas Countdown - Week Six

Week Six - Grocery Shopping Week - November 17-22

This week continues our shopping - but this time it is to the grocery store. Shopping is not on my favorite thing to do so I'll be glad when this task is complete.

I like to do my holiday grocery shopping the week or two before Thanksgiving to take advantage of the sales. One of the first posts I wrote was about buying turkey on sale. Since often there is a minimum amount that you need to buy to take advantage of the turkey sale, it is a good time to stockpile.

I'll try to stock up on baking supplies to take me into January - if my lists are complete. I'm sure I'll miss something and have to be back to the store, but at least I made an attempt.

Some of you have asked what kinds of Christmas cookies we will be baking. Well, nothing fancy. We tend to keep to the same old favorites!

Here is some links to favorite cookie recipes that I've shared in the past.

Molasses Cookies
Double Chocolate Cookies - I make these with Andes Mints for Christmas
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Monster Cookies
Peppernuts
Lemon Strawberry Swirls
Gingerbread Boys
Peanut Butter Critter
Graham Cracker House - not a cookie - but a fun child's project


Also, a friend shared with me a link for a set of nativity cookie cutters. This set has been in their family for many years and she was thrilled to find them still available since all her daughters want their own set for their home.  What a fun family tradition!

Preparation in Scripture

Our family is reading through Isaiah right now. It has been a perfect preparation for Christmas, especially when the children spot passages that they remember from The Messiah. The prophecies about Christ make encouraging reading.

 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.
 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
  And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isaiah 40: 1-5)

 This passage about makes me cry. In a world with sorrow and warfare, wilderness and deserts, crooked and rough places - I long for the glory of the Lord to be revealed. And this passage gives a promise (from the mouth of the Lord, who cannot lie) that all of us shall see His glory.

And that is comfort for the bleakest of days.

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Our family loves pumpkin pie - and the more pumpkin the better. So these bars, which taste almost like pumpkin pie but with more pumpkin, is a winner at our house. Plus I don't have to make pie crust!

This recipe is a merging of two recipes that I received from two different friends. I liked parts of both recipes so merged the two.

Proof that I can never make a recipe exactly as it is written!

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Crust: 
1 cup flour
1/2 cup quick oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter

Combine ingredients. I use a food processor to make it extra quick to cut in the butter. Press into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool.

Filling:
6 eggs
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 T flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
4 cups pumpkin puree
2 cups scalded milk (heated to hot but not boiling)

Mix all ingredients together and pour over crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream.

Edited to add:
Oops! I forgot to list the eggs!  A major mistake! I hope none of you tried this recipe without eggs!

 

Prepare - A Christmas Countdown - Week Five

Week Five - Gift Shopping Week - November 10-15

I made fewer than half of last week's crafting goals. But that is okay. If I would have made no goals, I wouldn't have accomplished anything!

We don't buy a lot of Christmas gifts but the children have been begging to go shopping for some gifts for their cousins. So this week's goal is to do some gift shopping. If the shopping is successful, I plan to wrap the gifts immediately. I have found that it works so much better to wrap and label gifts right away. If I stash the shopping bags in a corner of the closet, I may not remember who I bought them for - or that I bought them at all.

Maybe that is one problem with purchasing gifts early. But one benefit is being able to order gifts and choose the best shipping rates since I have plenty of time.

Besides gifts, another item that can be purchased now is a new planner. I like the Time Keeper but other good planners designed for homemakers are Guiding the House and the Daily Planner. A good planner keeps me on tract and helps my feeble brain remember where I should be and when.

Preparation in Scripture

"The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD." (Proverbs 21:31)

I can make my plans and be prepared for what I think my day or week will hold. But I can only guess at what the future holds.

No matter how well I am prepared - I will always be surprised by the set backs.

This morning I dove into my Monday work knowing I had a busy week ahead. But my daughter lost her breakfast and my plans for the day were derailed.

Since last Monday, we've received news of three deaths. Not of anyone close to us, but close to people we love and so we grieve with them. And while sometimes death comes to the old and frail who long for heaven, at other times it is to the young and appears far too soon.

So I prepare - for Christmas, for life, but maybe most of all, for death.

I wrap gifts and hold sick little girls. I weep for grieving friends and laugh with giggly toddlers. I make another meal for growing boys and sew a dress for daughter. I fail as a mother and wake up to try again another day. I do what I can and know it will never be enough.

My safety is of the Lord. His grace is my only hope.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies

A few weeks ago - probably when I was in the midst of cooking one of the 70 or so butternut squash that we harvested this year (I still have a few on my porch - if you want one!), Ed suggested I make pumpkin whoopie pies. When I gave the excuse that I had never made pumpkin whoopie pies and didn't have a recipe, Ed said that his sister Bonnie would have a good recipe.

A few days later I happened to be at Bonnie's house - and there on the counter was a pan of pumpkin whoopie pies! I hinted that I'd like the recipe and Bonnie quickly wrote it out for me. 



Now I had no excuse. But who would want an excuse? These are so good! And they turned out perfectly, nice and round like a whoopie pie should. Unlike my former experience with whoopie pies when they spread out flat (probably something to do with my complusion to changed recipes). I frosted them (or rather my daughter frosted) with my friend Nola's cream cheese frosting. Yum!



These are a soft cookie. And they will stick together. It is rather a pain but about the only solution is to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap. Probably one reason why I've never got excited about making whoopie pies in the past.

But they are easy to freeze and perfect to slide into Ed's lunch. And with all the pumpkin on my porch, I'll probably be making these again.

Bonnie's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies

3 cups pumpkins puree
3 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cup oil
3 eggs
6 cups flour
3 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp ginger
6 tsp baking powder
3 tsp baking soda
3 tsp milk
2 cups chocolate chips

Mix pumpkin, sugar and oil. Add eggs. Dissolve soda in milk. Combine all ingredients together except chocolate chips. Fold in chips. Drop by spoonfuls on baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Frost.

Cream Cheese Whoopie Pie Frosting

1/2 cup softened butter
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients.

Prepare - A Christmas Countdown - Week Four

Week Four - Craft Week - November 3-8

I don't consider myself a super crafty type person though I do love to sew. But there is something special about homemade gifts and this time of year makes me excited to start crafting again. Maybe it is just being indoors more since the outside work is finished.

Or maybe it is part of my genes. I remember past years when my mom would say that she wasn't sewing any Christmas gifts - but a few days before Christmas would find her sewing machine whirling late at night on some sort of project. And now, I find myself doing the very same thing.

When I first discovered the web, I spent a lot of time on the craft blogs. Until I found that I was bookmarking craft ideas but never doing them. I became discouraged if I spent too much time looking at others' creativity. So I now avoid craft blogs (and pinterest) unless I'm looking for specific project.

Such as today, when I decided to make a Thanksgiving garland for our mantel. A quick search found more than enough ideas. I kept it very simple. I wanted to use burlap, but didn't have any so used card stock instead. I had to use three different colors since I only had a few sheets of each color. I printed off the first two words with my computer printer but I couldn't get a font big enough for the "blessing." I pulled out some stencils and paint and had this hanging 30 minutes later. Not perfect, but I'm okay with imperfection.

If you want a super cute thanksgiving banner that includes a countown, The Dating Divas have a free printable.

One exception to my avoidance of craft blogs is that I do check Sew Mama Sew  each year in November for their Handcraft Holidays. Each day in November they share free tutorials and gift ideas. I am always inspired. Today they had some sweet gifts for babies and I might need to add those dear little shoes to my list of things to try.

For me, finding time to craft will take ignoring other tasks. I finally made peace with the truth that I will never ever be caught up with every household task. I don't recommend that you ignore your responsibilities but (for example) today we are eating leftovers, our school work was done by lunch (a rare event), and the house was in decent shape since we had company yesterday, so I chose to ignore some other work.

My goal this week is to print off mailing labels for Christmas cards, write a Christmas letter, and design a family photo card. If I get those done, I'll be thrilled. If I have more time I have a few other ideas for some craft projects that I'd like to have on hand for gifts. I'm planning to get together with my mom to make candles. I think it has been four or five years since I made soap and it would be fun to try again. But most likely my project will be something like making up soup mixes. That is something my children can more easily help with.

And in my spare time (hah), I want to deep clean my kitchen. After a summer of food preserving, it badly needs some extra attention. I cleaned out the two worse drawers on Saturday. If I'd just do one drawer or cupboard every day, my small kitchen wouldn't take long to complete.

I'd love to hear about your projects if you enjoy crafting of any sort.

Preparation in Scripture

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)

I already know that my list for this week is far larger than my time. One or two of those items would be more realistic, but maybe I can get a start on a few projects this week and work at it in the coming weeks.

And I know myself well enough to know that the housecleaning project is the one most likely to fall by the wayside. And thinking of houses and preparation brought the above verse to mind.

Sometimes we may wonder if the Lord is ever going to finish His preparations and return to earth for His church. But God's promises are true, just maybe on a different timetable than us.

And when I think of Christ's return, I realize that far more important than my crafting or housecleaning is soul cleaning.

 "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (James 5:7-8)

If you don't feel like preparing for Christmas yet - that is fine. If you hate crafting - don't feel guilty. But don't put off preparing for the Lord's return. 

It Works! Row Covers for Worm Free Broccoli

I've written about the use of row covers before but I continue to get questions about it.

Most often...Does it really work?

The answer? Yes!

This year my row was too long to cover it all with row cover. Part of the row was not covered. It was a good test.

And the results of the test?



Savoy cabbage under row cover.



Cabbage without row cover.



Cauliflower under row cover.



Cauliflower without row cover.



After over ten years of using row covers, I'm convinced. As long as I cover the cabbage/broccoli/cauliflower plants as soon as I plant them. The little white butterflies cannot get to the plants to lay their eggs. The result is NO green worms!



Now that the weather is colder and no butterflies are around, I can remove the row cover. One piece is now covering my cold frame to hopefully give us some late lettuce and spinach.


Learn more about types of row covers.

Edit to add: In the link above, I shared a US supplier of the row cover I use. Their website link no longer works so maybe they are not in business. I can't seem to find a US supplier for this type of woven row cover. Here is an Austrailian supplier.  You can find row covers at your local garden center or mail order seed catalog but they are not as sturdy as this kind of row cover and will probably need replaced in a year or two. But they still do a good job in keeping out bugs! If anyone finds a US supplier for the heavier row covers - please let me know!

Zuppa Toscana Soup

Ed loves potato soup. And since we just finished harvesting the last of our potatoes, this soup was on the menu.

This is Olive Garden copy-cat recipe combines the humble potato with bacon, sausage, and kale. It doesn't last long here.

By the way, my kale is flourishing. Do you have any good ideas on how to use it besides adding to soup?

Zuppa Toscana Soup

6 slices bacon
1 lb sausage
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 large potatoes, diced
4 cups chicken broth
6 cups water
1 cup milk or cream
2 cups chopped kale

Fry bacon until crisp. Chop bacon and set aside. Saute sausage, garlic, and onion in large pot. Add potatoes, broth, and water. Bring to boil. Simmer until potatoes are soft. Add milk, bacon, and kale. Heat through and serve.

 

Prepare - A Christmas Countdown - Week Three

So how are your lists? I'll be honest and admit that I didn't spend much time with this last week. So, for me, this will be week two and three!

Week Three - Supplies Week -October 27 to November 1

With my lists in hand, I will begin to inventory my supplies and make a list of items needed. Next, I plan to purchase the non-perishable supplies I need for crafts, baking, wrapping, decorating, and so forth.

One benefit will be spreading out the costs so that the budget isn't groaning.

But more important, to me, is avoiding the frustration of finding that a necessary item is missing when I'm in the middle of a project. Nothing destroys my enthusiasm faster than finding that I don't have all the items I need. I can't just pile the children in the van and go pick up what I need right then so I have to put away the project until later. And with the momentum gone, it is hard to pick it up again.

I'm going to make a special note of some projects that my children ask to do but I say "No, we can't because we don't have..." I'll confess, sometimes I'm inwardly thrilled that I can't do the messy projects that they suggest because I don't have the supplies. Yes, I'm that selfish! My children love things like making houses out of graham crackers and decorating cookies with sprinkles until the floor grits under our feet. I need to let go of my qualms and delight in their joy.

Looking at Preparation in Scripture - 

Probably the first verse I think of in Scripture on preparation is Proverbs 30:25.

"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;" (Proverbs 30:25)

Proverbs 6 tells us more details about the ant's preparation.

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)

Last Friday I canned applesauce, the last of my food preserving for the year. Though the day was long (first kettle on before 6 a.m. and the last off at midnight) and I was exhausted by nightfall, the rows of gleaming jars make the effort worthwhile. I love looking at the pantry shelves and the feeling of being prepared for winter.

I enjoy sharing my garden and food preserving hereon the blog but sometimes I worry that you may look at me as a busy ant and feel like a sluggard - and that is never my goal. We are all in different seasons of life, with different goals, background, and interests. For me, gardening and canning is part of the way I was raised and, usually, I enjoy it. But I don't want to be setting a standard for you that produces guilt.

I don't believe there is anything super spiritual about preserving food - or preparing for Christmas. If it fits into your life and is the way you bless your family - then great! But if you buy your food every week at the grocery store and don't think of Christmas until after Thanksgiving, then don't let me make you feel dissatisfied.

Because the truly important preparation isn't stocking up food for winter.

"Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.
 For, lo, He that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind...The LORD, The God of hosts, is His name." (Amos 4:12-13)

And maybe some days, having a prepared heart before God means letting go of my own plans, and delighting the hearts of my children.

Ham and Bean Soup

 

Ed loves any kind of bean soup, especially ham and bean soup. I have tried several recipes, but usually have to choke it down. I didn't know if I just disliked ham and bean soup, or I just didn't have a good recipe.

Recently my mom shared this recipe which she got from Shirley. Like me, my mom made ham and bean soup only because her husband (my dad) loved it. But this was a ham and bean soup that my mom enjoyed along with him.

I had to try it. And I agree with my mom, this recipe is a keeper. With canned beans and some precooked ham, it is a super quick meal too.

 Ham and Bean Soup

2 carrots, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 T butter
3 cans (6 cups cooked) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups chopped ham
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp pepper
1 bay leaf

Saute carrots and onion in butter. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to boil. Simmer 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Serve to bean soup lovers - and haters.

Prepare - A Christmas Countdown - Week Two

Week Two - List Week - Oct 20-25

After considering your goals and priorities for your Christmas season, this is the week to do some practical planning.

1. On your calendar or planner, mark down every scheduled event from Thanksgiving to the New Year. This could include trips, family gatherings, work parties, and church events.

2. List the activities that are not on a specific date. For example, on my list is cookie baking with my children and singing at the nursing home. Either write these activities in the margin of your calendar so they are not forgotten or go ahead and pencil them in on a date. They could be changed at a later date.

3. Now start lists. Write lists of anything and everything you can think of.
Some list ideas:
Goodies to bake
Card mailing list
Gift recipients
Menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years...
Crafts

The back of your planner or a notebook is a good place for your lists. The back of an envelope is not. You want this paper to hold your brain for the next weeks.

Once I have lists - I can more easily see what I need to be doing next and what purchases need made.

Now take your lists and compare them to the thinking you did with last week's questions. How well do you lists reflect your priorities. Is there things you need to scratch out or add?

For example, I am going to ask my children which is their favorite Christmas cookie. These recipes will go to the top of the list. Then without guilt, I'm going to omit a few recipes on the bottom. I love to bake Christmas cookies, but my list can get a little out of hand. If we each pick our very favorite, that will give us enough variety.

Also look for ways to make your lists easier. Last year I finally entered all of our mailing addresses in the computer. Ed has been telling me to do this for years but every year I don't have time (I think) to type out addresses so I continued to hand-address our Christmas cards. Finally I made it priority - and it was SO simple to print off address labels. I don't know why I didn't do it ten years ago.

But don't feel bad if Christmas cards are one item you have eliminated from your to-do list. I know that with social media, mailing out Christmas greetings is becoming obsolete. But I still love receiving family pictures to hang in our kitchen all year - and I actually enjoy writing an end-of-the-year letter to friends - so this is one tradition I'm hanging on to.

Now to look at preparation in Scripture.

 "11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
 12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
 17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee."

(1 Chronicles 29:11-12, 16-17)

In 1 Chronicles 29, David tells of his preparations to build a temple for the Lord. He stockpiled huge quantities of gold and other valuable items. But David remembered that all He possessed came from God. All of it.

My downfall in planning can be that I get smug in my plans. I need to remember Who it is that gives me life, health, and days. I need to open my calendar up before the Lord and like David, offer my days back to the God Who gave them to me in the first place.

Homemade Chocolate Syrup

Chocolate syrup is so easy to make that there is no reason to ever buy syrup in a bottle. I like to keep this in the fridge for an impromptu ice cream sundae, frappe, or chocolate milk.

I've tried several recipes but I like this for its simplicity (only three ingredients) and because it stays liquid even in the fridge.

For years I used this cocoa mix recipe for hot cocoa in the winter, but it took so much whisking to blend into the milk. Recently I found that this chocolate syrup works much better to make cocoa.

I'm sure you could replace the sugar with a healthier sweetener alternative. Personally I figure that the small amount I use - I'm just going to enjoy the sugar.

Chocolate Syrup
Makes 3 cups


1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup water
1 cup cocoa
1/2 tsp salt

Mix together. Heat to boiling. Cool. Store in refrigerator.

Homemade Mocha Frappe

I don't like coffee. I like the frangrance. I think it smells good enough to eat, but after several tries I decided I just don't enjoy coffee.

Unless it is masked with lots of sugar, milk, and chocolate

But I never wanted to get in the habit of indulging in the treat of sugar-laden coffee. Far better to not be enticed by the expensive coffee-shop drinks. And I don't need any extra temptations to ingest sugar - I get more than enough already.

But this summer I kept reading about cold-pressed coffee. According to what I read, cold-pressed coffee was not as bitter or acidic as regular brewed coffee. I figured if it was less bitter, I would need less sugar. We already owned a french press which was perfect for cold-pressed coffee, though a jar would have also worked fine.

All I had to do was give the suggestion to Ed. He cold-pressed coffee, poured it into ice cube trays, and the next morning was mixing up a Chocolate Chip Frappe. Mmmm...



And so began our summer indulgence.

I know summer is only a memory, and we are all thinking of hot drinks now, but I'll share the directions so that next summer I can have this memory jogger.



To Cold-pressed Coffee: 
In a french press or quart jar, pour 1/2 to 3/4 cup of ground coffee. Some like it stronger than this and add more coffee. Personally, I liked it a little milder. But remember, I don't like coffee!

Fill jar or press with cold water. Stir coffee and water. Cover. Allow to steep for 8-24 hours.

If using a french press, push down strainer and pour off coffee. If using a jar, pour coffee into a fine strainer or cheese cloth.

Freeze half the coffee in an ice cube tray. Refrigerate remaining coffee.

You could also use regular brewed coffee and cool it. I just like the mild flavor of cold-pressed coffee.



To make Mocha Frappe:
6 ice coffee cubes
1 cup milk
1 cup cold coffee
chocolate syrup
optional garnish: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, etc

Combine coffee cubes, milk, coffee, and syrup in blender. Blend well. Pour into glass. Garnish as desired. May also add chocolate chips to blender if you like chocolate shavings in your frappe.

Makes two servings.

 

Usually we skip the garnishes, but one morning I came out to the kitchen to find that Ed made this lovely concoction. Wow. That is a great way to start a morning!

I do not add any extra sugar- the sugar in the chocolate syrup is enough for me. But if you like your coffee stronger, or your drink sweeter, adjust to your taste.

I don't measure the syrup, just drizzle some in. I'll share my easy chocolate syrup recipe tomorrow.

I use whole raw milk. I love how it makes a foamy layer of cream on top. I'm not sure other milk would have the same affect. You may need to add some cream to get the same creamy affect.

 

After almost forty years of saying that I don't drink coffee, it is rather shocking to be describing a coffee drink that I love.

How do you like your coffee?

Prepare - A Christmas Countdown - Week One

Today I was out shopping and was shocked to find a full displays of Christmas decorations. I wasn't quite thinking it was time for Christmas lights yet.

On the other hand, my husband would tell you that I'm already talking about Christmas. I know some of you don't celebrate Christmas but here in our home we choose to enjoy this celebration of Christ's birth with special times of worship, service, and family gatherings. I've learned from experience that I like to start planning for Christmas early to eliminate (or at least lessen) the holiday stress.

A few years ago I found a holiday timetable that I adjusted for my use. To me, a little planning can maximize the joy of the season. This timetable gave a specific project for each week. Last year we were looking forward to a new baby in early January (who ended up arriving on December 31st.) That gave me motivation to not only prepare for Christmas but also catch up on other household tasks. I loved starting out the new year feeling prepared, not frazzled and behind.

Since both our families live nearby, typically we neither travel over the holidays nor do we host overnight guests. Some of you will add packing to your to-do list. Others will have extra cleaning to prepare for hospitality. Though my lists include neither, feel free to adapt to your needs.

For the next eight weeks I plan to share every Monday on preparing for Christmas. The eight weeks will end in the first week of December giving adequate time to finish any uncompleted tasks and enjoy the season before Christmas Day.

I don't want to add to your guilt and give you more to do. Don't expect photos worthy of Southern Living (because I do almost no holiday decorating). Hopefully this will give you some ideas of how to plan ahead and lessen your holiday stress.

So we'll start in with...

Prepare - A Christmas Countdown 

Week One - Goal Week - October 13-18

Sit down with a pen and paper (or keyboard) and jot down the answers to these questions and any ideas they bring to mind. This is best done with your husband - and maybe your children too.

1. What would my ideal Christmas be like?

2. What activities are particularly important to our family this Christmas?

3. Is there any activities that can have a lower priority?

4. How can I use this holiday to point others to Christ?

5. How can I build in times to rest during the holiday to reduce the stress of busyness? 

A note on the last question...I'm thinking of not just a nap (thought that can be good too) but times of spiritual refreshment. I know the first thing I lose when I am busy or when routines get upset is my time with the Lord. What steps can I take to make sure my spiritual health stays priority?

And last...out of curiosity I looked in a Bible Concordance to see what it has to say about preparation - and I was encouraged by what I found, so each week I'll share a Scripture that includes the word "prepare" or similiar.

 "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him." Isaiah 64:4

What a promise! God says that I can't even imagine what He has prepared for those who wait on Him.

Want to join me in preparing our hearts to wait and listen to Him these next weeks? Sometimes I go from the busy summer harvest season, to busy school season, to busy holiday season, always looking forward to some future day when life will slow down, not realizing that God wants a heart that is waiting on Him. Today. Now.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you keep a quiet God-focused heart in busy seasons.

Goal Worksheet - a free printable

Visit to Northern PA

Last weekend we were camping in northern Pennsylvania in Tioga County. This is a lovely part of God's world.



We stayed at Hill's Creek State Park. The accommodations in the tiny camping cottage was very simple (only beds and a table) but far better than tenting and we like to cook outdoors.



The park was lovely. A short walk from our cabin found a beaver lodge and signs of beaver like this young cut tree that still had green leaves. In the morning, the lake was shrouded in fog. While Ed cooked breakfast, the children and I sneaked down the trail to the lodge in hopes of catching a glimpse of the beaver. But before we saw them, we heard a huge splash. And all we saw were ripples.



Summer in Pennsylvania's forest is a deep silent green. But fall in the woods has a completely different feel. The golden leaves pulls down the sunlight. There is something vivid and alive in the autumn forest even though I know that the coloring of the leaves is a sign of winter and the leaves demise.

Though we were a week or two before peak leaf color, we don't think we could have picked a better weekend. The weather was perfect, not cold, not hot. The leaves were just beginning to turn with the red, yellow, and orange maples set off by green oaks and pines.

We began our trip with a visit to the Anthracite Museum in Scranton. We learned about mining and immigration. This museum is part of the Pennsylvania Heritage Trails. We had purchased a one year family pass and have enjoyed many of the museums and historical sites this year. We definitely have gotten our money worth and learned more about Pennsylvania's history. If you live in or near PA - this is a good deal! Check it out here.

We drove from Scranton to Tioga County by way of Rt 6, a lovely scenic road in northern Pennsylvania. We spent the remainder of our day enjoying Hill's Creek. Ed thinks it would be fun to stay at every Pennsylvania State Park that offers overnight accommodations. We have never been disappointed in any park we've stayed at. I think this is our fifth park. Only about 65 more parks to go! Maybe we should change our goal to having a picnic at each park instead of staying overnight!



We attempted to find several geo-caches during the weekend - but were not successful at all. We have never had such poor results. Maybe part of our trouble was that we were a little wary of rattlesnakes at this time of year. Digging through leaves and rolling over rocks made me skittish.



The second day found us at another museum on the Pennsylvania Heritage Trail - the PA Lumber Museum. The museum was moving into a lovely new building and we couldn't view the indoor exhibits but were able to tour the outdoor collections.



Then we went to Colton Point State Park to enjoy a picnic and awesome views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon from the western rim.

 

Then we went down to the canyon floor to bike the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

Anyone with children knows how hard it is to get a photo with the whole family. I didn't even pack the camera along on our bikes since I figured I wouldn't even try to get any pics. But we ran into some friends who happen enjoy photography. So thanks Carolyn, for offering to take our photo and emailing it to us.

The Pine Creek is lovely and many bikers were out enjoying the perfect weather. A highlight was watching a bald eagle ride the thermals.

We ended the day with a trip to the Leonard Harrison State Park on the eastern rim of the canyon. We hiked the overlook trail which was quite a bit steeper than I had expected. We were all ready to head back to our cabin for a late supper.

Saturday we headed up to the Tioga/Hammond Lakes Recreational Area. Once again we biked, picnicked, and hiked. (And failed to find geo-caches.) The four-mile hike, much of it over rough trail or steep climbing, was a challenge but sure made us all feel good when we made it to the overlook.

I think that it can be good to push our children a little bit past what they think they can do. The next time will be a bit easier and they will hopefully be willing to tackle other hard tasks.

Hmmm...Maybe that is what the Lord is saying when He gives tasks that look too large? The challenge will be good for my child. So thankful that He walks alongside with encouragement.