"He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot . . ."

The Bishop of Myra

This Tuesday, December 6th marked the Feast of St. Nicholas, which, in certain Christian traditions, is the day when children find gifts that were left for them during the night.  It is the precursor to our American tradition on the morning of December 25th when gifts from Santa Claus are discovered in our homes.  So how did we get from a feast day of a saint to a jolly old legend known well by children?

A quick check of Wikipedia reveals that Nicholas was indeed a real person.  He was the Bishop of Myra, in what is now modern-day Turkey.  He lived in the 4th century and is most famous for coming to the aide of a poor man with three daughters.  Because the poor man could not afford a dowry for the girls, Nicholas decided to help.  He went to the house under cover of night and threw three purses filled with gold coins through the window opening into the house.  In another version of the story Nicholas drops a bag down the chimney instead. Yet another story holds that one of the daughters washed her stockings in the evening and hung them over the embers to dry and the next morning a bag of gold was found in the stocking. 

Sounding a bit familiar?  Let's check with Clement Clark Moore's description of St. Nicholas from his legendary poem that has defined our modern-day image of Santa Claus. 

A Visit from St. Nicholas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,

When what to  my wondering eyes did appear,

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash way! dash away all!"

As the leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the housetop the coursers they flew

With a sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too --

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly

That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight --

"Merry Christmas to all, AND to all a good night!"

I recite this poem every Christmas Eve as part of a little game that we have played at our table for over thirty years.  After dinner we clear the table and small, wrapped gifts are placed at each setting.  The poem is read (by me) and every time the word "and" is said, each person passes their gift to the person on the right. It  is a "hot-potato-type game" that gets a little crazy by the end given all the passing.  (Note that I have made each "and" in bold above to help you get started.)  I read with great animation, emphasizing each "and" as it often takes a few promptings for everyone to get it :)  When the kids were small I had a silly glove with finger puppets for each of the characters in the poem that was my "prop" to tell the story.  These days I recite mostly to adults and dispense with the theatrics.  But either way, it's always fun to be a kid again!  When I get to the last line it has become our tradition that everyone chimes in as we shout, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"  Then we go around the table as each person opens their gift; chocolates, books, calendars, tools, blankets, etc. 


It only seem fitting to include a Christmas Cookie recipe for the customary treat that is waiting for Santa when he arrives.

Snowballs 

This is one of my most cherished Christmas cookie recipes.  It was given to me by the always effervescent, Josie Bachleda, my neighbor Kim Fratto's mom.  She wrote it on an index card in the most beautiful cursive handwriting and even laminated it so that it would not get stained while baking!   Sweet memories of someone near-and-dear to my heart . . .

     1 lb. unsalted butter
     12 tablespoons powder sugar
     4 cups sifted flour
     4 cups finely chopped pecan or walnuts
     2 teaspoons vanilla

Cream together butter & sugar.  Beat until light & fluffy.  Stir in vanilla.  Gradually add flour.  Lastly, add nuts and mix until blended.  Chill mixture several hours for ease of handling.

Pinch off small piece of dough to make a ball 1 inch in diameter.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake in 350 oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly brown.

While still warm, roll balls in powder sugar to make a white coating.  Store in airtight container and use was paper between layers.


"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights . . ."  James 1:17

Dear Jesus,
The story of St. Nicholas, and even the legend of Santa Claus, have a wonderful theme of  gift giving. What a delight to be surprised by a gift!  And how often in our lives do You, Lord, surprise and delight us?  Thank you Jesus, for the gift that You became for us . . . our Joy to the World!  In the name above all names we  pray. 

What intersection are you at?

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'" Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'  And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.'"

Matthew 25: 35-40


Warm Gestures

I finally broke down and bought a puffer coat!  I had resisted for years as my son Jake reminded me that these coats are nothing short of wearing a sleeping bag!  But the elements of cold, blustery Chicago winters prevailed . . . I needed good cover for my twenty-minute walk from Union Station to my office on Michigan Avenue.

So each day during the workweek, I trek down Adams Street to get to my office.  On my way, I encounter several homeless/street people.  One that I have befriended is a guy named "Hawk."  He sits in a wheelchair at the corner of La Salle & Adams, the Chicago equivalent of Wall Street.   Hawk is probably in his 50's or 60's.  He is a veteran that sports a long braid and a beret.  He has been on this corner for at least 8 years that I know.  What struck me about him is that, unlike the others, he did not ask for money . . . he just shouted encouragement & affirmation to people passing by.  "Go Blackhawks!" is a familiar chant during the hockey season.  And in the summer he shouts to the girls, "Hey, I like your toes!"  (Hawk does not have feet as his legs were amputated just above the knee.)

Imagine the contrast of Hawk  to the rush-hour frenzy of emotionless people, focused on their destination, quickly  brushing past him.  Silent drones compared to the gregarious Hawk, saying hello and striking a conversation with anyone that will give him the time!

Lately his "post" is often empty. On the days that he is there, his words have changed to pleas.  I worry about his health and how cold he must be siting there for hours each day.  Today he was slumped over, dozing, in his gray puffer with a hood.  His immediate needs are so great; my little gifts of food or money seem inconsequential by comparison.  Please remember him in prayer.

"If I look at the masses I will do nothing.  If I look at the one, I will act.
Mother Theresa

This week marked the annual charitable event of "Giving Tuesday." I am sure your inboxes were as full as mine with fund raising campaigns.  As I think of the homeless that will be on the streets during these next few cold winter months, I submit to you the following opportunities to help out:

• One Warm Coat is a national organization that supports over 3000 coat drives each year.  Check their website www.onewarmcoat.org to find a coat drive near you. 

• A more creative outreach occurred in the town of Seymour, Indiana where Casey Cornett began tying winter scarves around trees and light poles, left as a gift for people who are in need of warmth.  Her family does this each year so the kids learn there's more to Christmas than presents.  It has grown into a movement across America . . . consider this random act of kindness by taking a scarf and tying it around a light pole or tree in your city or town.  Tuck a little note inside to add some cheer! 

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."

Mother Theresa

Glazed Pecans

I leave you with a small gift, a favorite recipe, that I have been making for Christmas for many years.  I usually make about 10 lbs. at a time and add 3 bags of red & green M&M's for color.  These yummy morsels are given as gifts in all kinds of containers like decorative  bags, "take-out" boxes, tins and glass jars.  They are a crowd-pleaser so it is no wonder that this is my most requested recipe.  Enjoy!

          1 egg white
           1 tsp. cold water
           1 lb. whole pecans

Beat egg white & water in a large bowl until frothy.  Add pecans to the bowl and mix well.

           1/2 cup sugar
           1/4 teaspoon salt
           1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix together the above ingredients and sprinkle over pecans.  Mix well.

Using a large cookie sheet, butter completely and spread the nuts in a single layer.  Bake 1 hour at 225 turning nuts every 15 minutes to keep them from sticking together.  Remove from oven and cool.  Store in an airtight container for several weeks . . . if they last that long!  Serves "many handfuls."

Thank you Lord for the blessing of a warm coat! I am reminded of this each winter day that I walk to work.  I lift up my friend, Hawk, that his way may become a little easier by the help of those you put in his path.  Help us Lord to see the need of others and to give, however great or small. Amen.

It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood . . .

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1

A Recipe for Family

Today is THE DAY; Thanksgiving!

We will sit down at Mom's table; vintage 1950.  She bought this table with dad when they were first married.  It has two corner cabinets that fit snuggly into her dining room.  Inside the drawer of one is a small metal plaque that states it is made "Expressly for Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Battaglia."  What a priceless family heirloom!  What a blessing that Mom, at 86 years young, will celebrate with us as we enjoy some of her treasured recipes!

Two of our four children will sit at our table.  Kate is traveling from her home in Alberta, Canada with her boyfriend Johnny.  Daniel is coming out to the burbs from the Southside of the City where he has lived these past few months with his fun, vivacious Aunt Dori. (Her house has become a launching pad of sorts for some of the cousins . . . THANK YOU Dori!)

Our other two children will be quite a distance from Chicago.  Jake and Amy are half-way around the world enjoying a much anticipated trip to Hong Kong & Macau.  Luke and his new little family will be with Erica's folks in Phoenix.

Looking back it seems that each year we assemble a different group of people to our Thanksgiving Dinner.  (We will surely remember good times with the Canales, Hughes and Jacksons today!)  In this current season of life, we seem to have a moveable feast as we have celebrated in a different city these past four years.  But no matter "who" or "where," we are drawn together by tradition and love.  All the preparation, anticipation and yes, sometimes anxiety, melts away as we take our places; passing plates, sharing food, telling stories.  This is the "stuff" that memories are made of . . .

My favorite memory of 2016 is about family.  I will try to set the scene with words but the image below says it all.  It was taken during the marriage ceremony of Luke & Erica this past July.  Little Anthony, Erica's son, was the ring "bear" (bearer).  As he walked down the aisle before his mom, Luke knelt down on one knee and spread his arms open wide for Anthony!  There was hardly a dry-eye among us.  A flood of emotion overwhelmed me as I thought of the unconditional love, acceptance and belonging that defined this moment   . . . a family was born!  We are so proud of the life that Luke, Erica and our new little grandson, Anthony, are making together.  And so the legacy continues . . .

Father God,

We thank You for the gift of family.  You bless us with precious loved ones that give meaning and purpose to our lives.  Thank you for the abundant love that is ours to share!   In Jesus name we pray . . .

Grandma Pearl's Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Dan's Grandma was famous for her Pumpkin Chiffon Pie.  Like, his other Grandma Sue, she did not have many written recipes.  So we received them by word-of-mouth and this recipe has been cobbled together from memory and the help of a magazine clipping that provided a good base.  It is a light compliment to a heavy meal ;)  

As I become older, I now recognize the importance of tradition.  We make the same foods each year not because of their culinary significance but because they connect us to people and places that are a sweet memory.  And this recipe is no exception . . . I remember a great lady with a tremendous heart for her family; Grandma Pearl!

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup granulated sugar

8 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup canned pumpkin

2 eggs, separated

1/3 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 pint whipping cream

Mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter.  Press into 8-inch pie plate and bake for 7 minutes in a 350 oven.  Remove from oven and cool completely.

In a small saucepan combine brown sugar, gelatin and spices.  In another bowl, mix pumpkin, egg yolks and milk.  Pour into saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it boils.  Remove from heat and put into a bowl and refrigerate until it "mounds" when dropped from a spoon.

Meanwhile, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy.  Beat in the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time until stiff and glossy. 

Fold the meringue into the pumpkin mix.  Pile the mixture into the pie shell.  Chill a minimum of 3 hours.

Meanwhile, beat the cream until fluffy.  Gently spread over top of pie and chill for another hour.  Serves 8

My neighborhood at work . . . a little gem

of a garden at Adams & Wabash!

"For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the Glory of God."
2 Corinthians 4:15


It's about time . . .

"We haven't time, and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time."
Georgia O'Keefe

My work has been one of the greatest blessings of my life . . . it is truly a gift from God!  As a member of the design community I am exposed to some of the most amazing people, places and ideas of our time . . .

The most recent inspiration came in the form of a TED Talk a colleague shared with me.  The speaker is an artist who is transforming some of the most challenging neighborhoods in the South Side of Chicago; one building at a time.  His name is Theaster Gates and he is a potter by training but his life work is the sum total of so much more.  He has built a diverse portfolio of businesses that connect to a central theme:  cultural transformation.  Beyond simply investing in the community, he has connected with this community in such a deep, meaningful way.  The residents are engaged and energized by new possibilities.  If you have some time this holiday season be inspired by Theaster in his TED Talk, "How to Revive a Neighborhood: with Imagination, Beauty and Art."

As I think of my own community I am reminded of our village motto, "Darien, A Nice Place to Live."  To this I would agree.  It has been our home for most of our married life.  It's the place where we raised our four children, attended church and established our businesses.  Our friends and neighbors have become extended family.  We've shared our lives and opened our hearts & homes to each other.  We are a community.

It was on the sidewalks of Darien that I first strolled with Jake & Kate over thirty years ago.  How many pieces of candy did the kids pick-up along the parade route on the Fourth of July?  Safety Village taught Luke & Daniel the "rules of the road."  What about the warm summer nights that the neighborhood kids played "Ghosts-in-the-Graveyard" in the yards between Winterberry and Evergreen?  Sweet memories of a time and place that connect us to people that have a special place in our hearts.

Whatever you call "community," this is the time of year to celebrate the blessing of the people that you do life with.  As you "break bread" and "talk turkey" remember to savor the moments together and share the stories that  define your lives.

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

No Thanksgiving table would be complete without a bowl of these jewel-toned berries to serve alongside turkey and dressing. Alone, the cranberry is quite sour.  But allowed to mingle with some fruit and sugar, the flavor is transformed.

Native Americans were the first to use cranberries as food.  It is said that Algonquin peoples introduced cranberries to starving English settlers in Massachusetts.* 

     1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries

     1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice

     1/2 cup apricot jam

     1/3 cup sugar

     1/4 teaspoon ginger

     2 ounces dried apricots, finely diced

Place all ingredients together in a medium, heavy pot.  Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium.  Stir constantly until the berries pop and the sauce starts to thicken; about 8 minutes.

Remove from heat and transfer to a medium bowl.  Cool, cover and allow the flavors to intensify in the fridge at least a day or two before serving.

Serve cold in a glass or crystal bowl to allow the contents to glisten on your Thanksgiving Table.  It also makes a great condiment for a late night turkey sandwich!

*Background on "Cranberry," Wikipedia; Etymology & History 

Father God,

You have created us to be together, in community.  What a blessing it is to share our lives with friends and neighbors!  We thank You for the places that we each call home.  May peace and unity prevail this holiday season.  Amen.

A lovely city . . . even in the rain

". . . be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 5: 18-20

Quintessential Cat

Morning has broken like the first morning

Blackbird has spoken like the first bird

Praise for the singing

Praise for the morning

Praise for them singing fresh from the world

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven

Like the first dewfall on the first grass

Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden

Spring in completeness where his feet pass

Mine is the sunlight

Mine is the morning

Born of the one light Eden saw play

Praise with elation, Praise ev'ry morning

God's recreation of the new day

     Morning Has Broken by Cat Stevens, 1971

Have you ever noticed that Thanksgiving does not have a song to represent it?  Considering it is a national holiday, and no matter your persuasion, most Americans celebrate it.  Wouldn't you think that someone would have written an "Ode to Abundance" by now?

The Fourth of July proudly claims the National Anthem as its favored tune.  The Star Spangled Banner is played at countless parades, ball games and fireworks displays throughout our country.  Then there are the seasonal holidays like Christmas with its plethora of carols.  Why even Halloween has a genre of music with its spooky, haunting notes!

Yes, music has the power to define a day, a season or even an era.  The Big Band swing of the 1940's, the sound of Elvis in the 50's and Rock 'n Roll ruled the day in the 60's & 70's!  This is my kind of music; the sound that entertained the Baby Boom Generation.  Ask any Boomer about "Good Vibrations," "Let it Be" or "Take it to The Limit" and you'll see a smile of nostalgia on their face.

A colleague, Brent Hussong, burned three CD's of hits from the 60's & 70's as a gift to a client for his birthday.  I received a copy and played it multiple times on our trek from Baltimore to Chicago when Dan and I picked up my "Beetle" on the east coast.  It was a flash-from-the-past to listen to The Byrds, The Monkees and The Turtles while cruisin' through the Allegheny's heading to our Midwest prairie.  ". . . making melody with my heart . . ."

Folk singer Cat Stevens captured a sweet sound in the hymn "Morning has Broken."  It's lyrics of praise make it a good entry to any Thanksgiving Play List :)

"Thankfulness is the song of heaven learned on Earth."  Ellen White

One Egg Pancake

For a special morning breakfast, like Black Friday, consider a "One Egger; a light alternative to typical pancakes.  Think "Dutch Baby" made on the stove-top.  It is one of our family classics, handed down from Grandma Marge :)

     1 egg

     1/2 cup milk

     5 tablespoons flour

     1/4 teaspoon baking powder

     Pinch of salt

     1 tablespoon butter

Pour milk into 16 ounce glass measuring cup.

Break egg into measuring cup.  Using wire whisk, beat until blended.

Add flour, baking powder and salt to mixture and beat again until well-blended.

In the meantime, melt butter in a 10" non-stick, open skillet.  Pour mixture into skillet and cook on medium heat until the liquid becomes firm.  Peek on the underside of the pancake by lifting an edge to check to see if it is lightly browned.

Using a pancake turner with an extra-large head, flip the pancake and cook the other side a minute or two until it is lightly browned.  (This part takes a bit of practice as it is really a two-handed action: one hand controls the pan and the other lifts the pancake.)

Carefully slide the pancake onto a large round plate and serve immediately.  Powder sugar, jam, jelly, maple or agave syrup are my favorite toppings depending on the season, mood or what's in the fridge.  Serves one.

Since only one pancake can be made per skillet, I sometimes use two pans to make the process go faster when feeding my hungry crew!

Lord Jesus,

We thank You for the gift of music that lifts our spirits and touches our hearts.  It is so amazing how a certain melody or lyric can evoke such emotion within us.  What a joy to experience the beauty of sound!  So with one voice we lift up our praise to You for the wonder of your creation and the abundance we enjoy.  In Your Mighty Name We Pray.

Happy Monday from Chicago!

". . . and He took the seven loaves and the fish, and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  And they all ate and were satisfied."

Matthew 15: 36 & 37

Comfort Food

According to Feeding America:

• In the US, 1 in 8 people struggles with hunger.
• Up to 40% of food produced in America never makes it to people's plates.  Instead, 40% goes to waste.

Food insecurity deals with a basic human need and the resulting condition it produces: hunger.  I know someone who is doing his part in the fight to end hunger.  He is Chief Operating Officer of a Food Bank that distributes approximately 30 million pounds of food annually to local food agencies.  He works with Food Pantries, Homeless Shelters and Soup Kitchens.  His Food Bank provides emergency food relief in the form of a box with food staples for an individual or family that has suddenly fallen on hard times.  For children, they provide backpacks with nutritious snacks that are distributed through schools.  And the list goes on.

It is no coincidence that this guy landed in Food Banking as the business of food is in his DNA.  He started his career 40 years ago in the Stockyards area of Chicago working for the family wholesale meat business.  After 20 years, he set out to develop and manage two fast-casual restaurants.  It was during this time that he began to help those who hunger by running the yearly food drive sponsored by a local service organization that he belonged to.  It became a mission as he solicited donations throughout the year. After Thanksgiving he began to stockpile food in his garage, restaurant and the local school where the food drive was orchestrated.  In all, as many as 250 families each year received a turkey, a ham and four bags of produce & canned goods to fill a holiday table! "And they all ate and were satisfied."

His gig with the restaurant ended after fifteen years and the big question of, "What next?" loomed large.  His wife recommended that he look into something called "emergency food relief."  She had heard about it through a conversation with a woman who sat next to her on the plane.  They looked up the term on the internet and the first entry that popped up on the screen was a job for the Director of Operations at the largest food bank in Chicago.  Five weeks and three interviews later, he landed the job! (Providence.)  It was a natural fit as he managed meal production and food distribution in a 250,000 square foot facility.  He is known for his trouble-shooting capabilities and has gone on to streamline processes for two other Food Banks.

If you haven't guessed already, the man I refer to is my husband, Dan Kaminski.  He loves to feed people, especially family & friends . . . food is his "love language."  I thank God for him and the work that He has blessed him with! 

This holiday season, check out the Feeding America website www.feeding america.com to see how they are working in the fight to end hunger in America.

Dan's Dressing, formerly known as Stuffing

Dan used to "stuff" our birds out of tradition.  But after a few years he realized that the stuffing usually went to waste.  Instead, he put the "stuffing" in bowls and baked it separately in the oven, thus becoming "dressing."  It is one of the great Thanksgiving debates but whatever vessel it is cooked in, it is sure to please!  The following recipe is really the centerpiece of our meal as our children have heaping plates of dressing with a requisite slice of turkey!  It's true comfort food :)

     4 - 12 oz. packages breakfast sausage links

     4 - 14 oz. bags Pepperidge Farm Sage & Onion Cubed Stuffing

     4 medium yellow onions

     2 bunches of celery

     8 sticks of butter

     Olive oil

     10 cups low-sodium chicken broth

     6 tablespoons. sage

     2 teaspoons. salt

     2 tablespoons pepper

Place sausage links on cookie sheet and bake in a 350 oven until cooked through.  Remove from oven and let cool.  Cut links into 1/4" slices and place in an extra-large bowl.

Dice onions & celery.  Sauté in a large pan with two sticks of butter and a splash of olive oil until slightly translucent.  Scrape into bowl with sausage.

Dump stuffing into bowl with sausage, onion & celery.  Sprinkle sage on top and mix well.

In a large pot heat broth and remaining 2 sticks of butter until boiling.  Pour mixture into bowl.  Add salt & pepper; adjust to taste.  Mix well.

Put mixture in large, oven-proof serving bowls and bake in 350 oven for 60 minutes.  Remove from oven and serve hot with brown gravy & turkey . . . allow time for a nap afterward!  Serves a crowd :)

Jehovah Jireh (The Lord will provide),

There is such great need to feed those who are hungry.  We can each do our part by sharing the gifts You have blessed us with.  Some have time & talents that serve those in need.  Others have resources that lend support.  We pray that You, Jehovah Jireh, may open hearts so that Your provision may flow through.  Amen.

Greetings from Chicago!

"Let all the people's praise You, O God;
 Let all the people's praise You.
 The earth has yielded its produce;
 God, our God, blesses us."
 Psalm 67: 5 & 6

                                                  
As American as Apple Pie

My friends Mary Kay & John Rogers have a small farm in South-Central Michigan.  Nearby is an apple orchard where they "rent" two apple trees from a farmer.  (Who knew you could rent a tree!)  Each autumn, when the harvest is ready, the farmer calls them to let them know the time is right for picking.  In turn, Mary Kay & John call family & friends to summon them to their annual apple-picking tradition.  Equipped with ladders, bushels, chairs and a moveable feast, they head to the orchard for this "elevated experience."  This year they picked over 600 apples, of which, I received a lovely basket.  The heirloom varieties are not perfect; some are small, others spotted and even misshapen . . . but what intense flavor and sweetness!  So what does one do with this abundance . . . make butter, cider, crisp, slice, sauce or the quintessential all-American dessert, apple pie?

I have sweet childhood memories of baking apple pie with my mom and her parents.  Grandma & Grandpa lived with our family for many years.  Grandma was mostly a homemaker with a narrow repertoire of things she could cook and/or bake and apple pie was one of her specialties.  So each fall bowls full of apples would appear on our kitchen counter signaling it was time to make pie.  It was an all-day affair.  Mom would get Grandpa started peeling and with a single knife, he produced a perfect curlicue.  The naked apples were then diced and placed in earthenware bowls that Grandma used for all her baking.  She seasoned by taste and we all eagerly sampled the mixture.  Mom prepared the dough; the early years with a pastry cutter and later graduating to the more modern food processor that produced the flakiest crust.  Mom and Grandma would roll out the crusts, fill each "shell" and together crown the filling with another sheet of dough.  The crust was crimped and, for my part, I sprinkled cinnamon sugar over the top. Not the most important contribution but . . .

My day would come many years later when I made my own version of Apple Pie for Thanksgiving Dinner for Dan and the kids.  I have a recipe that was shared by a former colleague, Lona Massong.  I adjusted it to make an open-faced pie with a crumb topping and caramel drizzle (thanks to Culvers!).  I dread making it each year as it is such a mess . . . so imperfect!  But each time I set it out on our Thanksgiving table, I gaze upon it lovingly, my crowning achievement in this celebration of abundance.

What a metaphor as we recall those things we are thankful for!  600 apples . . . loving hands making memories in my heart . . . sharing heartfelt thoughts from the abundance of my life --- "God, our God, blesses us."

Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie

(inspired by Lona's recipe; this is Jake's favorite!)

Sour Cream Pie Crust:

     1 1/4 cups flour

     1/2 tablespoon sugar

     3/4 cup butter

     1 1/2 oz. sour cream

     1 tablespoon ice water

     1/8 teaspoon salt

     egg white - beaten

In food processor, combine flour & sugar.  Add butter and pulse until just blended.  Add sour cream, water and salt.  Stir with a fork to form dough.  Shape into a large, flat disk.  Wrap in plastic and chill 30 minutes.

Roll out crust and fit into 10 inch pie pan.  Trim dough close to rim of pan.  Turn dough under to form edge.  Finish by crimping.  Prick bottom crust with fork.  Brush inside of pie shell with egg white.

Filling:

     3 tablespoons flour

     1/4 cup sugar

     1 teaspoon cinnamon

     1/8 teaspoon salt

     8 cups peeled, sliced & diced apples (Granny Smith are best!)

Combine filling ingredients and scrape into pie shell.

Topping:

     1/2 cup melted butter

     1 cup brown sugar

     1/2 cup flour

     1/2 cup oatmeal

Stir together ingredients and crumble over pie.

Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.

Reduce heat to 350 and bake another 45 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle top of pie with 1/2 cup pecans.

Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel over topping and cool.  Serves 8

Lord,

We are thankful for this land of plenty in which we live.  We are reminded of simple abundance like the harvest of apples.  We remember simple pleasures like baking pie with those we love.  As we gather at the Thanksgiving table this Thursday, bless the food that we share and the people we hold dear.  Amen.