Wednesday I met a few new mommas at the Springdale Public Library (Miss Erin leads a really fantastic toddler story time, so go visit her sometime! She is a doll!). We decided to meet up this morning at Veterans Memorial Park. It's shaded!
Guess who came striding into the play area! Dan Faires' HGTV producer. Then Dan Faires himself. I know he's a local celebrity, but I can't help but be slightly star struck. Plus Mark & I used to work with his wifey at Outback. Boy, it's a small world!
So here's the really cool part: Dan and his brother Tim have been investing heavily in downtown Springdale. If you look at the bones -- the architecture, the older, early- to mid-century homes, the civil engineering that pieces our little city together, it, while disheveled, truly is a diamond in the rough. It's why we bought our house here! If any of you have seen some of the work Dan is famous for, you know that whatever he chooses to revitalize is going to spring back to life.
Another really cool bit about Springdale is that our portion of the Razorback Greenway is under construction. That means that a 36 mile trail will connect south Fayetteville to Bentonville by this fall. Connecting our communities, creating a different yet safe way to commute, and promoting healthy living are slices of the impact this Greenway will have on Northwest Arkansas.
I live in a vibrant, growing, flourishing town. Come play this us sometime! I keep sweet tea and lemonade on hand, just knock! Or at least go visit Warehouse 54 Indie Market or Bella's, both just east of 71 on Emma in Springdale. You're gonna love them!
Friday, July 12, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
becoming a runner
As it turns out, if I don't run for a week, what used to be easy is really hard. A month ago 3 miles was cake. Monday it was hard, today I didn't even finish. What did I do wrong?
1) I thought I could take a "break." What does that even mean?
2) I thought I could be like my marathoner friends who run on coffee. For someone to whom running does not come like breathing, food, i.e. energy, is needed.
3) I thought running at 9 am was a good idea. In Arkansas. In the middle of June.
I really want to call myself a "runner," but it's really really hard sometimes. But I am lapping myself. I am burning calories and making my body work hard. It hurts, but it's super rewarding. Tomorrow *has* to be better than today. Right?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Greater
Okay!
Whew!
What just happened?
A few weeks ago, I got a knock at the door.
A: Hi, come on in! [I thought it was a contractor here to bid the demo of our sunroom.]
JT: Um. I am with the movie Greater. It's the Brandon Burlsworth story. Ever heard of him?
A: Huh. No.
JT: He's a Razorback who walked on in 1994, got drafted by the Colts, then died tragically.
A: Uh huh.
JT: I love your windows. I think your house would be great as the set for his childhood home.
A: What? ...I like my windows, too. It's actually why I bought my house.
JT: Do you mind if I take some pictures, share them with the Director. If they like them, we'll draw up a contract and your house will get to be in the movie.
A: [Reeling. It's not like I have illegal paraphenalia lying around... Nor is it like I don't post photos of my house on FB and other media all the time.] Uh. Sure.
JT: Great. [5 minutes later] I think this is the house. I'll be in touch.
That evening we got a call from JT and the Director and much of the Art crew did indeed want to come check the house out. They drew up a contract and we let them take over for two whole weeks. Part of the contract was that we live in a hotel while they prep, shoot, and redress. It all happened really fast. But they offered us compensation and were very accommodating in terms of answering questions and keeping the lines of communication open. We were allowed full access to our home throughout the process.
They didn't just love my windows. They loved the fact that my kitchen is dated, especially the flecked yellow formica. Since the movie is set in the 1980s & 90s, it was a perfect fit.
I had to keep a really open mind and not get all anal about where things were or how out of place I thought things felt. Every time I came to the set after it had been set up, it was like stepping into a time warp. But we don't really spend a whole lot of time in the house; we have our routine -- gym, park/library/errands, lunch, stories, naps, snacks, dinner prep -- so we kept to that and our days just seemed to fly by.
The best part was that they painted the front half of the house for us. I debated about blue versus linen. I settled on "linen thread" because it is bright and refreshing, and because it coordinates with a fabric I am jonesin for a curtain redo project.
Not only did they put thing back where they belong, but they tidied up better than when they arrived. I even came home to fresh flowers in each room. It has been an absolute blessing, and I hope the very best for these very sweet, amicable professionals.
Whew!
What just happened?
A few weeks ago, I got a knock at the door.
A: Hi, come on in! [I thought it was a contractor here to bid the demo of our sunroom.]
JT: Um. I am with the movie Greater. It's the Brandon Burlsworth story. Ever heard of him?
A: Huh. No.
JT: He's a Razorback who walked on in 1994, got drafted by the Colts, then died tragically.
A: Uh huh.
JT: I love your windows. I think your house would be great as the set for his childhood home.
A: What? ...I like my windows, too. It's actually why I bought my house.
JT: Do you mind if I take some pictures, share them with the Director. If they like them, we'll draw up a contract and your house will get to be in the movie.
A: [Reeling. It's not like I have illegal paraphenalia lying around... Nor is it like I don't post photos of my house on FB and other media all the time.] Uh. Sure.
JT: Great. [5 minutes later] I think this is the house. I'll be in touch.
That evening we got a call from JT and the Director and much of the Art crew did indeed want to come check the house out. They drew up a contract and we let them take over for two whole weeks. Part of the contract was that we live in a hotel while they prep, shoot, and redress. It all happened really fast. But they offered us compensation and were very accommodating in terms of answering questions and keeping the lines of communication open. We were allowed full access to our home throughout the process.
They didn't just love my windows. They loved the fact that my kitchen is dated, especially the flecked yellow formica. Since the movie is set in the 1980s & 90s, it was a perfect fit.
I had to keep a really open mind and not get all anal about where things were or how out of place I thought things felt. Every time I came to the set after it had been set up, it was like stepping into a time warp. But we don't really spend a whole lot of time in the house; we have our routine -- gym, park/library/errands, lunch, stories, naps, snacks, dinner prep -- so we kept to that and our days just seemed to fly by.
The best part was that they painted the front half of the house for us. I debated about blue versus linen. I settled on "linen thread" because it is bright and refreshing, and because it coordinates with a fabric I am jonesin for a curtain redo project.
Not only did they put thing back where they belong, but they tidied up better than when they arrived. I even came home to fresh flowers in each room. It has been an absolute blessing, and I hope the very best for these very sweet, amicable professionals.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
seven times seven plus one
This past Sunday we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost. I may have mentioned it in previous posts, but I'll mention it here again -- there are 7 holy days a year: two during the spring, Pentecost, then 4 in the fall. They are outlined throughout the old testament, but especially in Deuteronomy & Leviticus, and they were kept throughout the new testament.
Pentecost might sound familiar to most because it's kind of a huge day in Christian history. Christ had come, died, and had been resurrected, but the Holy Spirit hadn't been given to the people who had been calling themselves Christians, i.e. followers of Jesus. Until this day. Acts 2: read it. It was a very dramatic, miraculous event.
It's called Pentecost because it's 50 days from the Sabbath during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
The Sabbath has really incredible implications, one of the greatest being that it's a day of rest. And it happens on the 7th day of the week, as God established it at creation, every week, forever. Every single week you are to complete your work, tie up loose ends, make time for peace, and get together with people you love. It's incredible. Pentecost is seven times seven, Sabbath times Sabbath, 49, plus one. The Sabbath is the starting point, it represents obedience, in the same way the spring holy days represent the about-face commitment to living the Way God intended life to be lived. Pentecost represents going above and beyond repentance and obedience.
This weekend, like Pentecost weekend each year, we had a double Sabbath. That means we had three sermons -- one on the weekly Sabbath (Saturday), then two on the holy day of Pentecost (Sunday). The theme that ran through all of them that Pentecost is about human relationships. What holds us up when things get rough? Who loves me unconditionally, even when I am a complete spaz? Family. What are we supposed to do when people don't make sense and get all crazy on us? Paul says it in just about every single one of his epistles -- bear with one another. Longsuffering is one of the fruits of the spirit. Loving each other despite our faults, and building each other up is key to growing as a Christian.
The impact family has on an individual is tremendous. I think it can be assumed that most families aren't perfect. But the building up of individuals and the whole of a family makes for strong society. It's what God originally intended for the house of Israel -- a family dynamic, that, despite their glaring faults, could be made strong. God wanted to prove that if they'd live His Way, they'd trump human error. The house of Israel proved that humans not only need the Way, they also need the Spirit, that Helper.
Christ fulfilled the first two holy days during the Passover season, then the Holy Spirit being given fulfilled Pentecost. The focus of the spring holy days is on the church and on our temporal time here. The fall holy days will be fulfilled upon Christ's return. The fall holy days are so incredible, because they focus on the hope of all mankind.
Being a Christian means that I've committed my life to His Way and that I depend on His strength to bond me to people in His church. Tapping into and magnifying that strength, navigating what can be a blur of human relationships, is what the day of Pentecost is all about. If I get to be a part of building someone up or helping someone find their peace, that relationship is drawing me, and hopefully others, closer to God.
It is a tall order to commit to a life of continual self-examination, to constantly admit that, alone, I am inadequate. But the power God gives us, by living His Way and committing to relationships that He says matter, gives not only me but this whole wide world hope. Pentecost is just another stepping stone in the huge Plan. It's full of hope and it reminds me how special my physical but especially my spiritual family is.
Pentecost might sound familiar to most because it's kind of a huge day in Christian history. Christ had come, died, and had been resurrected, but the Holy Spirit hadn't been given to the people who had been calling themselves Christians, i.e. followers of Jesus. Until this day. Acts 2: read it. It was a very dramatic, miraculous event.
It's called Pentecost because it's 50 days from the Sabbath during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
The Sabbath has really incredible implications, one of the greatest being that it's a day of rest. And it happens on the 7th day of the week, as God established it at creation, every week, forever. Every single week you are to complete your work, tie up loose ends, make time for peace, and get together with people you love. It's incredible. Pentecost is seven times seven, Sabbath times Sabbath, 49, plus one. The Sabbath is the starting point, it represents obedience, in the same way the spring holy days represent the about-face commitment to living the Way God intended life to be lived. Pentecost represents going above and beyond repentance and obedience.
This weekend, like Pentecost weekend each year, we had a double Sabbath. That means we had three sermons -- one on the weekly Sabbath (Saturday), then two on the holy day of Pentecost (Sunday). The theme that ran through all of them that Pentecost is about human relationships. What holds us up when things get rough? Who loves me unconditionally, even when I am a complete spaz? Family. What are we supposed to do when people don't make sense and get all crazy on us? Paul says it in just about every single one of his epistles -- bear with one another. Longsuffering is one of the fruits of the spirit. Loving each other despite our faults, and building each other up is key to growing as a Christian.
The impact family has on an individual is tremendous. I think it can be assumed that most families aren't perfect. But the building up of individuals and the whole of a family makes for strong society. It's what God originally intended for the house of Israel -- a family dynamic, that, despite their glaring faults, could be made strong. God wanted to prove that if they'd live His Way, they'd trump human error. The house of Israel proved that humans not only need the Way, they also need the Spirit, that Helper.
Christ fulfilled the first two holy days during the Passover season, then the Holy Spirit being given fulfilled Pentecost. The focus of the spring holy days is on the church and on our temporal time here. The fall holy days will be fulfilled upon Christ's return. The fall holy days are so incredible, because they focus on the hope of all mankind.
Being a Christian means that I've committed my life to His Way and that I depend on His strength to bond me to people in His church. Tapping into and magnifying that strength, navigating what can be a blur of human relationships, is what the day of Pentecost is all about. If I get to be a part of building someone up or helping someone find their peace, that relationship is drawing me, and hopefully others, closer to God.
It is a tall order to commit to a life of continual self-examination, to constantly admit that, alone, I am inadequate. But the power God gives us, by living His Way and committing to relationships that He says matter, gives not only me but this whole wide world hope. Pentecost is just another stepping stone in the huge Plan. It's full of hope and it reminds me how special my physical but especially my spiritual family is.
Monday, April 15, 2013
8 mile race!
We did it! We completed the Hogeye Marathon Relay. Myself and three friends (from three different states) ran the 26.2 miles. My portion was 8 miles. It's the longest distance I've ever run. It was fantastic. The Hogeye used to be a really rough course. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I decided to have no expectations. The 4 of us completed the course in 5 hours even. We had an average of 11 minute, 45 second splits. Our fastest teammate had an average 9 minute split. Rock on, Shannon! Our average might seem really high, and it is, but I am not sure you can classify any of the four of us as "runners" necessarily. So I am very proud of everyone.
This race has been something I have been looking forward to for months. About 6 months ago I had a conversation with some of my local mommy friends, and they were just very encouraging. It was then that I decided "if they can do it, I can do it." I have never been super athletic, but who cares? I don't have the goal of being the best, but just doing something I have always told myself I couldn't do.
The training has been tricky. Being a mom with no caregivers (grandparents, older siblings) and a husband with a very demanding schedule, it was hard to work in the runs. I prefer to run outside, but most days that's just not an option. So we joined a gym with reputable childcare. I got the flu twice, and I pretty sure I got it at the gym. That was super-discouraging, but if I was going to complete this race, it meant I had to get at it. Sometimes, I'd go in the morning, sometimes in the evenings, but usually I'd trek to the gym and run on the treadmill.
Yesterday was a huge day! I was so nervous, couldn't sleep the night before, and I was practically shaking when I met Shannon at our rally point. But those nerves were counteracted by the runner's high. I caught at mile 3ish and kept it til the end. I will run because that high is like nothing I have ever experienced. It's like you are looking at everything with rose colored glasses -- your body feels great, you hear the birds chirping, feel the wind, smell the trees, feel the sun. And it all makes you smile, a big, fat, inexplicable smile.
The other really beautiful thing about a race as big and long as a marathon is the encouragement you get from the sideliners, the volunteers who are handing out water, gatorade, fruit, etc. The hoop and holler for you the entire way.
Speaking of encouragement... It is incredible to me the people who have encouraged me through this process. Obviously, the chat I had with Angela & Brooke started it all. Then there's my runner friends from church who just do it, almost as a lifestyle, and are so supportive and an inspiration. I would be amiss if I didn't mention my teammates. Lou is new to running, and is thriving in his new shoes. Krista has been a runner, and found a good excuse to travel. She is a like a flying buttress -- she eloquently adds support. And Shannon is just one of those who will do what he can to 1) compete! and 2) be there for his friends. I couldn't have done this without them, and their being there for me, for us, for themselves is such a huge inspriration. I never expected the amount of support that I've gotten, but I am so happy to have it!
I feel like I needed this at this juncture in my life. The goal of it was healthy. The process was the challenge I needed. And the reward was more than I could have asked for -- strengthened friendships, support coming out of the woodwork, a stronger body and mind. Running may not be for everyone; everyone is at different places. But it has been a very tangible achievement, and I have found something to keep me healthy on so many levels. If I can do it, you can do it!
Maintenance is my goal now. In the very near future, I want to run a 1/2 marathon, but I want to work on my split times and do some resistance training. The hills and the wind were intimidating and definitely slowed me down.
So here's to the future!
This race has been something I have been looking forward to for months. About 6 months ago I had a conversation with some of my local mommy friends, and they were just very encouraging. It was then that I decided "if they can do it, I can do it." I have never been super athletic, but who cares? I don't have the goal of being the best, but just doing something I have always told myself I couldn't do.
The training has been tricky. Being a mom with no caregivers (grandparents, older siblings) and a husband with a very demanding schedule, it was hard to work in the runs. I prefer to run outside, but most days that's just not an option. So we joined a gym with reputable childcare. I got the flu twice, and I pretty sure I got it at the gym. That was super-discouraging, but if I was going to complete this race, it meant I had to get at it. Sometimes, I'd go in the morning, sometimes in the evenings, but usually I'd trek to the gym and run on the treadmill.
Yesterday was a huge day! I was so nervous, couldn't sleep the night before, and I was practically shaking when I met Shannon at our rally point. But those nerves were counteracted by the runner's high. I caught at mile 3ish and kept it til the end. I will run because that high is like nothing I have ever experienced. It's like you are looking at everything with rose colored glasses -- your body feels great, you hear the birds chirping, feel the wind, smell the trees, feel the sun. And it all makes you smile, a big, fat, inexplicable smile.
The other really beautiful thing about a race as big and long as a marathon is the encouragement you get from the sideliners, the volunteers who are handing out water, gatorade, fruit, etc. The hoop and holler for you the entire way.
Speaking of encouragement... It is incredible to me the people who have encouraged me through this process. Obviously, the chat I had with Angela & Brooke started it all. Then there's my runner friends from church who just do it, almost as a lifestyle, and are so supportive and an inspiration. I would be amiss if I didn't mention my teammates. Lou is new to running, and is thriving in his new shoes. Krista has been a runner, and found a good excuse to travel. She is a like a flying buttress -- she eloquently adds support. And Shannon is just one of those who will do what he can to 1) compete! and 2) be there for his friends. I couldn't have done this without them, and their being there for me, for us, for themselves is such a huge inspriration. I never expected the amount of support that I've gotten, but I am so happy to have it!
I feel like I needed this at this juncture in my life. The goal of it was healthy. The process was the challenge I needed. And the reward was more than I could have asked for -- strengthened friendships, support coming out of the woodwork, a stronger body and mind. Running may not be for everyone; everyone is at different places. But it has been a very tangible achievement, and I have found something to keep me healthy on so many levels. If I can do it, you can do it!
Maintenance is my goal now. In the very near future, I want to run a 1/2 marathon, but I want to work on my split times and do some resistance training. The hills and the wind were intimidating and definitely slowed me down.
So here's to the future!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
2DUB
The Israelites were shepherds -- they naturally knew how to tend sheep, goats, and other herd animals. It is very likely that as they journeyed out of Egypt, they ate lamb. Lamb isn't a usual meat in our house, simply because it's more expensive than beef or chicken. But this week, I made allowance for it. Tonight, perhaps like the Israelites may have, we are having lamb on the Second Day of Unleavened Bread. Mulligan stew, to be exact.
2 pounds of lamb meat, 2 inch cubes
2 cups of chicken stock
one medium onion, sliced
3-5 sprigs of thyme
1 bay leaf
2 and a half cups of water
Bring it to a boil, then set to low and simmer until the lamb is cooked tender.(My recipe said "let simmer for an hour," but my burners run hotter than a normal low, so I only needed to give it a 1/2 hour.)
3 carrots, chopped
3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 medium rutabaga, peeled & chopped into 1 inch pieces (if you've never worked with rutabaga, it's a really tough root vegetable, smells like radishes, cuts like sweet potatoes, but it has a really thick skin...I love the flavor, a little spicy and sweet, and it comes out really tender.)
6-8 red potatoes, cubed
1/2 a cabbage, chopped
Mix in the veggies, set to high to bring to a boil, then to simmer for another 1/2 hour.
Eat some lamb along the way, it will tintilate you tastebuds!
2 pounds of lamb meat, 2 inch cubes
2 cups of chicken stock
one medium onion, sliced
3-5 sprigs of thyme
1 bay leaf
2 and a half cups of water
Bring it to a boil, then set to low and simmer until the lamb is cooked tender.(My recipe said "let simmer for an hour," but my burners run hotter than a normal low, so I only needed to give it a 1/2 hour.)
3 carrots, chopped
3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 medium rutabaga, peeled & chopped into 1 inch pieces (if you've never worked with rutabaga, it's a really tough root vegetable, smells like radishes, cuts like sweet potatoes, but it has a really thick skin...I love the flavor, a little spicy and sweet, and it comes out really tender.)
6-8 red potatoes, cubed
1/2 a cabbage, chopped
Mix in the veggies, set to high to bring to a boil, then to simmer for another 1/2 hour.
Eat some lamb along the way, it will tintilate you tastebuds!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
NTBMO
I read and reread my entry about Passover. I'll take just a moment to reword some things -- Christ is our Passover lamb. He is the new covenant. His blood paid the penalty for mankind's sins. We commemorate His passing each year. Every year, we are to examine our spiritual lives and recognize areas where we need to grow, where Christ's shed blood can make a difference. This is what I was implying and getting at when I said, "these days are about self-examination, cleaning, and cooking." The self-examination bit is HUGE, and I don't want to minimize it at all.
At this time, around sundown on the day of Passover, just before the annual Sabbath, the first day of Unleavened Bread, Christ was being laid in His tomb.
Exodus 12 documents what happened the day after the Lord "passed over." By this point, the Egyptians were fed up with the Israelites. They so badly wanted the Israelites to leave that they were throwing their gold and jewels in the streets the morning following the Passover. That evening, 24 hours after the Passover, they had a very special meal. It was the night before the morning they'd leave Egypt. They ate unleavened bread (since they didn't have enough time to leaven it), and they had a huge prepatory meal.
We commemorate this meal every year, and we call it the "Night to be Much Remembered" or the "Night to be Much Observed" (which is just a rewording of Exodus 12:42). Our congregation gets together with food, wine, unleavened bread, and fellowship to start this week of the Days of Unleavened Bread.
Last night, I took cheese sticks, jewish almond bread, a white cake, and roasted veggies.
The cheese sticks are awesome! It's an Ina Garten recipe. A friend once compared me to the Barefoot Contessa. I wish I had hydrangeas like her.
So simple: This recipe called for gruyere -- 1 cup (I got it at Sam's, now I have wayyyy too much), parm -- 1/2 cup, and minced fresh thyme -- 1 tablespoon. You can use whatever cheese and herbs you love. Mix it all together in a bowl and set it aside.
Beat an egg with a little bit of water, set aside.
2 boxes of puff pastry (in the freezer section, unless you really feel like making it), thawed, then rolled out a bit. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg (it will help the cheese stick), layer with the cheese mixture, roll it again to work the cheese mixture into the pastry.
Use a pizza slicer to make strips (I did a strip at a time), and twist. Lay them on parchment lined cookie sheets. Cook at 350 until the cheese is golden.
--
Sometimes unleavened bread is referred to as the "bread of affliction" (Deuteronomy 16:3), and I like to make something each year that isn't perfectly enjoyable. The flavor of the Jewish Almond Bread is awesome, but the texture...could use leavening.
4 eggs
1 cup of sugar
3 cups of flour
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of almond extract
I love to whip my eggs until they're stiff, add the sugar, then cut in the butter, vanilla & almond extract. Add the flour bit by bit, then the almonds. (I wonder what would happen if I used less flour...) It comes out kind of like cookie dough, so I make small balls and put them in mini cupcake pans. Bake in a 350 oven for 30 minutes.
--
I googled the white cake recipe. I haven't actually tried it yet, so I'll have to update and let you know how tasty it is.
2 eggs, whipped
1 cup sugar, added into the eggs slowly
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup flour, but don't beat for too long...
Fold in 1 cup milk & 2 tablespoons butter scalded (2 minutes in the microwave)
Pour ingredients into an 8 inch greased & floured cake pan & bake at 375 for 22-25 minutes.
I made a chocolate cream cheese frosting, which was super easy: 4 ounce (1/2 block) cream cheese, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, whipped, add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 cups powedered sugar. Then add 2 tablespoons cocoa.
--
The last thing I made, not bread, but a side for the meal, was roasted veggies. It's a REAL Simple recipe, and I LOVE it. I made it in mass, to feed 20-30, and we have lots of leftovers. You can edit as you prefer, I always do, depending on what I have on hand.
1 large onion, chopped
4 red potatoes, skins on, scrubbed, and cubed
4 sweet potatoes, peeled, and cubed
1 lb. of fresh green beans, trimmed, and in 2 inch pieces
6 carrots, scrubbed, quartered, and chopped
1 stalk of celery, trimmed, sliced, and chopped
Toss all the veggies in about 4 tablespoons of olive oil, a tablespoon of kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of pepper. Spread onto cookie sheets (I used 2), a generous (10 sprigs?) of thyme, and roast at 350 for 45 minutes or so. When you can smell the sweet of the sweet potatoes, they're well on their way to being done. I always taste test for texture. Carrots are the hardest veggie in this mix, so they will help you gauge. If they're still hard, give it a few more minutes.
Chop a 1/4 cup of flat leaf parsley. Toss the cooked veggies in the fresh parsley, and you're ready to serve.
The parsley and the thyme make all the difference. I forgot the onion last night, so there wasn't that sweet roasted onion flavor. I missed it!
There really is something significant and quite special about breaking bread with friends! Happy Days of Unleavened Bread, friends :)
At this time, around sundown on the day of Passover, just before the annual Sabbath, the first day of Unleavened Bread, Christ was being laid in His tomb.
Exodus 12 documents what happened the day after the Lord "passed over." By this point, the Egyptians were fed up with the Israelites. They so badly wanted the Israelites to leave that they were throwing their gold and jewels in the streets the morning following the Passover. That evening, 24 hours after the Passover, they had a very special meal. It was the night before the morning they'd leave Egypt. They ate unleavened bread (since they didn't have enough time to leaven it), and they had a huge prepatory meal.
We commemorate this meal every year, and we call it the "Night to be Much Remembered" or the "Night to be Much Observed" (which is just a rewording of Exodus 12:42). Our congregation gets together with food, wine, unleavened bread, and fellowship to start this week of the Days of Unleavened Bread.
Last night, I took cheese sticks, jewish almond bread, a white cake, and roasted veggies.
The cheese sticks are awesome! It's an Ina Garten recipe. A friend once compared me to the Barefoot Contessa. I wish I had hydrangeas like her.
So simple: This recipe called for gruyere -- 1 cup (I got it at Sam's, now I have wayyyy too much), parm -- 1/2 cup, and minced fresh thyme -- 1 tablespoon. You can use whatever cheese and herbs you love. Mix it all together in a bowl and set it aside.
Beat an egg with a little bit of water, set aside.
2 boxes of puff pastry (in the freezer section, unless you really feel like making it), thawed, then rolled out a bit. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg (it will help the cheese stick), layer with the cheese mixture, roll it again to work the cheese mixture into the pastry.
Use a pizza slicer to make strips (I did a strip at a time), and twist. Lay them on parchment lined cookie sheets. Cook at 350 until the cheese is golden.
--
Sometimes unleavened bread is referred to as the "bread of affliction" (Deuteronomy 16:3), and I like to make something each year that isn't perfectly enjoyable. The flavor of the Jewish Almond Bread is awesome, but the texture...could use leavening.
4 eggs
1 cup of sugar
3 cups of flour
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of almond extract
I love to whip my eggs until they're stiff, add the sugar, then cut in the butter, vanilla & almond extract. Add the flour bit by bit, then the almonds. (I wonder what would happen if I used less flour...) It comes out kind of like cookie dough, so I make small balls and put them in mini cupcake pans. Bake in a 350 oven for 30 minutes.
--
I googled the white cake recipe. I haven't actually tried it yet, so I'll have to update and let you know how tasty it is.
2 eggs, whipped
1 cup sugar, added into the eggs slowly
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup flour, but don't beat for too long...
Fold in 1 cup milk & 2 tablespoons butter scalded (2 minutes in the microwave)
Pour ingredients into an 8 inch greased & floured cake pan & bake at 375 for 22-25 minutes.
I made a chocolate cream cheese frosting, which was super easy: 4 ounce (1/2 block) cream cheese, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, whipped, add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 cups powedered sugar. Then add 2 tablespoons cocoa.
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The last thing I made, not bread, but a side for the meal, was roasted veggies. It's a REAL Simple recipe, and I LOVE it. I made it in mass, to feed 20-30, and we have lots of leftovers. You can edit as you prefer, I always do, depending on what I have on hand.
1 large onion, chopped
4 red potatoes, skins on, scrubbed, and cubed
4 sweet potatoes, peeled, and cubed
1 lb. of fresh green beans, trimmed, and in 2 inch pieces
6 carrots, scrubbed, quartered, and chopped
1 stalk of celery, trimmed, sliced, and chopped
Toss all the veggies in about 4 tablespoons of olive oil, a tablespoon of kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of pepper. Spread onto cookie sheets (I used 2), a generous (10 sprigs?) of thyme, and roast at 350 for 45 minutes or so. When you can smell the sweet of the sweet potatoes, they're well on their way to being done. I always taste test for texture. Carrots are the hardest veggie in this mix, so they will help you gauge. If they're still hard, give it a few more minutes.
Chop a 1/4 cup of flat leaf parsley. Toss the cooked veggies in the fresh parsley, and you're ready to serve.
The parsley and the thyme make all the difference. I forgot the onion last night, so there wasn't that sweet roasted onion flavor. I missed it!
There really is something significant and quite special about breaking bread with friends! Happy Days of Unleavened Bread, friends :)
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