Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day 2009
Father's Day picnic at Moir Park. Hoagies, salad and fruit and walking by the river. Wind and light sprinkles kept the people and bugs away. Perfect afternoon for a picnic.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
five down, one to go
My little brother graduated this last Friday night ... crazy fast, the time goes.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
the neighborhood rabbits' land of temptation
I'm expecting great things from this little box. 10x12 of endless possibilities. Planting Monday after this weekend's last May frost of the season. (I hope.)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The reason for my existence
I created this bit of paradise for Easter-slash-birthday celebration this past weekend and even though I was making it for the first time I knew that I had come home. This is what I was made for and created to do. My life is now complete. The tricky part of the whole deal is that the leftovers (and there will be leftovers unless you're feeding a party of 100) sit around the house whispering to you and staring at you with a longing that pierces your soul until you pay it some attention and go visit it (many times a day). So here's the goods. But I'm warning you - severe addiction is not only possible, its probable. (Click on this post's title and you'll be transported to another time and place where you'll get pictures and step by step instructions for making this delightful treat courtesy of Pioneer Woman.)
Pioneer Woman Chocolate Sheet Cake
Combine in a mixing bowl:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
In a saucepan, melt:
2 sticks butter
Add 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa. Stir together.
Add 1 cup boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Pour over flour mixture, and stir lightly to cool.
In measuring cup, pour 1/2 cup buttermilk. Add:
2 beaten eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture. Pour into sheet cake pan and bake at 350-degrees for 20 minutes. While cake is baking, make icing.
Icing:
Chop 1/2 cup pecans finely.
Melt 1 3/4 sticks butter in a saucepan.
Add 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa, stir to combine, then turn off heat. Add:
6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lb minus 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Stir together. Add pecans, stir together, and pour over warm cake.
Pioneer Woman Chocolate Sheet Cake
Combine in a mixing bowl:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
In a saucepan, melt:
2 sticks butter
Add 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa. Stir together.
Add 1 cup boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Pour over flour mixture, and stir lightly to cool.
In measuring cup, pour 1/2 cup buttermilk. Add:
2 beaten eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture. Pour into sheet cake pan and bake at 350-degrees for 20 minutes. While cake is baking, make icing.
Icing:
Chop 1/2 cup pecans finely.
Melt 1 3/4 sticks butter in a saucepan.
Add 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa, stir to combine, then turn off heat. Add:
6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lb minus 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Stir together. Add pecans, stir together, and pour over warm cake.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Easter Weekend, April in MN
Its beautiful outside. Easter weekend finds us pushing the upper 50's, maybe even hinting at the lower 60's, and the sun is the strongest its been yet this winter. Thankfully there are no spring blizzards in the forecast, as has happened in years past (many an Easter that happy spring frocks were worn to sunrise services with Sorel boots and ankle length wool coats, cheery Easter hats replaced with furry mad bombers). Minnesota is finally starting to believe that the promise of renewed life will be realized very, very soon. The theme of this weekend is easy to hear in whispers vollied back and forth in the spring wind. Creation boldly proclaims the awe-inspiring message I fumble: Jesus Christ still lives, death awaits its final breath, we live as Christ does, every day an invitation to re-enact the resurrection work He initiated. My heart is deeply grateful that there is more to this weekend than colored eggs and chocolate bunnies. Let His Church compete with creation in the worship of the One who lives and loves best.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Broders' Cappuccino Brownies
Mmmmmmmm - my delectable little bit of happiness - where have you been my whole life? After having this after dinner (dinner being Pasta Carbonara - heaven in its own right) tonight all of the questions in my life have been answered and I can die in peace. In advance, you are most sincerely welcome for sharing this with you. (This recipe is courtesy of Broders Pasta Bar, Minneapolis, MN - my most favoritist place to eat and the one restaurant responsible for restoring my hope in mankind - if everyone ate here, world peace would be within our grasp.) :) Here's the details ...
Brownies
Butter and flour 9x13" pan. Preheat oven to 350°.
4 oz. good quality unsweetened chocolate
4 oz. butter
2 tbsp fine ground espresso (instant espresso works)
4 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1. Melt chocolate and butter in a large bowl fitted over a pan of simmering water.
2. Stir in espresso and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Beat eggs in with a wooden spoon, one at a time.
4. Stir in salt and sugar.
5. Add flour 1/3 at a time stirring until barely blended. Do not overmix!
6. Pour into prepared pan.
7. Bake at 350° just until mixture starts to loosen from side of pan and toothpick comes out almost clean, approximately 20 minutes. Cool on rack.
Icing for Cappuccino Brownies:
1. Mix together until well blended:
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2. Cover top of brownies with icing.
3. (Optional ) Melt 2 oz. semisweet chocolate (optional). Drizzle melted chocolate over icing.
Brownies
Butter and flour 9x13" pan. Preheat oven to 350°.
4 oz. good quality unsweetened chocolate
4 oz. butter
2 tbsp fine ground espresso (instant espresso works)
4 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1. Melt chocolate and butter in a large bowl fitted over a pan of simmering water.
2. Stir in espresso and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Beat eggs in with a wooden spoon, one at a time.
4. Stir in salt and sugar.
5. Add flour 1/3 at a time stirring until barely blended. Do not overmix!
6. Pour into prepared pan.
7. Bake at 350° just until mixture starts to loosen from side of pan and toothpick comes out almost clean, approximately 20 minutes. Cool on rack.
Icing for Cappuccino Brownies:
1. Mix together until well blended:
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2. Cover top of brownies with icing.
3. (Optional ) Melt 2 oz. semisweet chocolate (optional). Drizzle melted chocolate over icing.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sabbath
Sundays, my Sabbath days, are when I’m reminded of who I am and what I’m here for.
The noise, rush, clamor, yelling, secrets, back biting, distrust and corporate politics of the week’s workplace slowly crumble away like sand castles when Friday evening rolls around. After a few healthy hours of slow decompression the troubles of M – F dissolve, leaving me in a groggy and semi-lethargic euphoria.
Eventually the core of my existence, my spirit, my truest hope in this life, once again returns and refreshes the weary places. By Sunday afternoon I’ve been emptied enough of the worries and stresses of last week’s concerns to be able to remember again what it is I am here for. I remember who I am. I remember the Story. I remember Him who holds and sustains.
Often it seems like it takes until Sunday for me to be quiet enough to hear once again the subtle strains of the Creator’s song that reverberates through the spaces of creation. Creation need not be reminded of His ever faithful kindness, goodness, care and attention. Creation never stopped knowing. But we need reminding. Often. And He knows that. So He gave us the Sabbath. And in His giving of the Sabbath the observing of it was not optional. The Sabbath was God’s command to rest, to be still and to know. He cares deeply about the well-being of our souls. He cares that we be refreshed when we’re tired. He cares that we retain our heart and desire to be a caring, loving people.
So our Sabbath days should not resemble the other days of the week at all. Our Sabbath days ought to look different and feel different, so very different. Life itself, in its barest and simplest form, was and is His gift to us and it follows that the Sabbath is a weekly gift to (our) life, a way God made to help us keep the holiness/sacredness of life within our sights. Sabbath is our habitual way to keep the character and mind of God before us and the means to keep His Spirit and ours in friendship.
Our Sabbath days should look and feel unique, set apart, odd, even. The Sabbath is not an earthly creation but the stuff of heaven residing on earth. Getting in the habit of keeping the Sabbath may feel awkward at first, but take it as a good sign … if it doesn’t feel natural you’re probably on the right path. Eventually it will feel right and eventually you will start to long for it. You might not like it at first … you may feel lost without your “To Do” lists and you might even find yourself stealing glances at the clock, wondering when this boring day will ever end so that you can get back to doing the important things in life. Don’t mistake me, these important things may not be all bad – it could be finally cleaning that forgotten bathroom in the basement, getting around to fixing that broken item your spouse has been bugging you about for the last few months, balancing the check-book, grocery shopping, catching up with friends on the phone. But my suggestion would be to ask yourself, “Do I feel the Lord’s rest in this? Is this a busy distraction that may come between quiet time with Him? Are the lines of communication open between us while I do this? Is this something I can do during the week?” If you feel that you’re unable to hear the voice of God in any particular activity you’re considering doing, I’d suggest not doing it. I prefer to not have my Sabbath full of things that make it hard for Him to speak to me. (Does T.V. watching fall into that category? At risk of sounding legalistic I’d say probably. But this is a guideline, not an absolute.)
When you start observing Sabbath you might feel weird … lazy … unproductive. But Scripture says that when God observed the very first Sabbath “He rested”. He’d just worked a full 6 days and He unhesitatingly and unashamedly took the 7th day off. He didn’t feel guilty about it and neither should you. Go for the long nap … the quick meals (if you hate cooking) … the long walk outside … dink around in the garden if that brings you pleasure … make horribly fattening cookies … reminisce … play an instrument … wrestle with the kids … go on a date with your spouse … spend time with family … eat a lazy dinner outside on the deck, soaking up the sunset … just be …
God worked, then He rested; He enjoyed the fruit of His labors. I believe the key to Sabbath is not only the resting but the delighting in – pure, unashamed delight in what’s been given and in who He is.
Discover the gift of Sabbath.
The noise, rush, clamor, yelling, secrets, back biting, distrust and corporate politics of the week’s workplace slowly crumble away like sand castles when Friday evening rolls around. After a few healthy hours of slow decompression the troubles of M – F dissolve, leaving me in a groggy and semi-lethargic euphoria.
Eventually the core of my existence, my spirit, my truest hope in this life, once again returns and refreshes the weary places. By Sunday afternoon I’ve been emptied enough of the worries and stresses of last week’s concerns to be able to remember again what it is I am here for. I remember who I am. I remember the Story. I remember Him who holds and sustains.
Often it seems like it takes until Sunday for me to be quiet enough to hear once again the subtle strains of the Creator’s song that reverberates through the spaces of creation. Creation need not be reminded of His ever faithful kindness, goodness, care and attention. Creation never stopped knowing. But we need reminding. Often. And He knows that. So He gave us the Sabbath. And in His giving of the Sabbath the observing of it was not optional. The Sabbath was God’s command to rest, to be still and to know. He cares deeply about the well-being of our souls. He cares that we be refreshed when we’re tired. He cares that we retain our heart and desire to be a caring, loving people.
So our Sabbath days should not resemble the other days of the week at all. Our Sabbath days ought to look different and feel different, so very different. Life itself, in its barest and simplest form, was and is His gift to us and it follows that the Sabbath is a weekly gift to (our) life, a way God made to help us keep the holiness/sacredness of life within our sights. Sabbath is our habitual way to keep the character and mind of God before us and the means to keep His Spirit and ours in friendship.
Our Sabbath days should look and feel unique, set apart, odd, even. The Sabbath is not an earthly creation but the stuff of heaven residing on earth. Getting in the habit of keeping the Sabbath may feel awkward at first, but take it as a good sign … if it doesn’t feel natural you’re probably on the right path. Eventually it will feel right and eventually you will start to long for it. You might not like it at first … you may feel lost without your “To Do” lists and you might even find yourself stealing glances at the clock, wondering when this boring day will ever end so that you can get back to doing the important things in life. Don’t mistake me, these important things may not be all bad – it could be finally cleaning that forgotten bathroom in the basement, getting around to fixing that broken item your spouse has been bugging you about for the last few months, balancing the check-book, grocery shopping, catching up with friends on the phone. But my suggestion would be to ask yourself, “Do I feel the Lord’s rest in this? Is this a busy distraction that may come between quiet time with Him? Are the lines of communication open between us while I do this? Is this something I can do during the week?” If you feel that you’re unable to hear the voice of God in any particular activity you’re considering doing, I’d suggest not doing it. I prefer to not have my Sabbath full of things that make it hard for Him to speak to me. (Does T.V. watching fall into that category? At risk of sounding legalistic I’d say probably. But this is a guideline, not an absolute.)
When you start observing Sabbath you might feel weird … lazy … unproductive. But Scripture says that when God observed the very first Sabbath “He rested”. He’d just worked a full 6 days and He unhesitatingly and unashamedly took the 7th day off. He didn’t feel guilty about it and neither should you. Go for the long nap … the quick meals (if you hate cooking) … the long walk outside … dink around in the garden if that brings you pleasure … make horribly fattening cookies … reminisce … play an instrument … wrestle with the kids … go on a date with your spouse … spend time with family … eat a lazy dinner outside on the deck, soaking up the sunset … just be …
God worked, then He rested; He enjoyed the fruit of His labors. I believe the key to Sabbath is not only the resting but the delighting in – pure, unashamed delight in what’s been given and in who He is.
Discover the gift of Sabbath.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Have you had a hankering lately for a good ravioli stamp? Trying to find the perfect mortar and pestle to fill that hole in your life? Looking for that special cake mold for someone's birthday? Discovered you had a sudden need for some steam pudding molds? Coveting your neighbor's krumkake iron? Been hunting for that perfect yet elusive Dutch oven? Feeling like your kitchen won't be complete without some adorable espresso/cappuccino cups? If any of the previous or following (banana peeler/slicer/clips, shamrock pan, pressure cooker, milk frother, herb chopper, ham rack, meat grinder, egg coddler, fruit ripener, cream horns, alphabet ice tray) have ever been on your kitchen item shopping list or just might be in the near future, than Fante's Kitchen Wares Shop is just for you. But be warned, a tissue may need to be on hand in the event of open-mouth drooling. Fante's has infinite ideas and good deals aplenty.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
homemade vinaigrette dressing
ingredients needed:
extra-virgin olive oil
balsamic vinaigrette
mustard (dijon or regular)
honey
water (optional)
pressed garlic
lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
dill
thyme
oregano
salt/pepper to taste
it was dinnertime. i was hungry. i wanted a salad. and i did not feel like using the creamy sludge posed as dressing they sell in bottles in the grocery store. so i made my own. i didn't exactly know what i was doing, so i have no measurements for you. but this is most tasty. look at the list of ingredients. how could it not be??
in a small mixing bowl pour in some olive oil. olive oil is the base of your dressing, so however much you pour in will be approximately how much dressing you'll end up with. dump in some vinaigrette. you'll want a nice little puddle in the middle of the olive oil (but not too much - a little goes a long way). add some globs of honey (just enough to take the edge off the vinaigrette) and a few good squirts of mustard. (mustard is an emulsifier, helping it all to blend well, besides tasting awesome.) a smidgen of lemon juice is a nice addition and just a tad bit of water is optional if you feel that things are getting a little too thick. if you're making this dressing for one, or even two, one clove of pressed garlic (or finely chopped) is sufficient, giving the whole thing a nice little kick in the pants. a pinch each of dill, thyme and oregano adds some flavor and finish off with salt/pepper to taste. mix well before pouring over greens and eat with an impish grin on your face. as i'm sure you've guessed, taste as you go. if you get to the end and its terrible ... i can't help you. i gave you the basics. the artistry and tasting is up to you.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Will you still be my friend?
I'm not sure if you'll still be my friend after I begin to divulge some of my health-maintenance secrets, but ... I'm gonna do it anyway. I'm getting healthy on you here ... I've not entered too many health-related posts on here (ever?) but can't stop the flow any longer. Taking care of the body I've been given is one of my greatest convictions/passions. Educating others in the pursuit of the same follows closely behind. This first entry finds me voicing my love of apple cider vinegar ... it serves as the base for most of my skin/hair care and diet needs. I've used ACV as a hair rinse (directions follow below) for close to two years now and will never stop using it. My hair thanks me for it ... thick, healthy, shiny. It looks infinitely better than with any other conditioner I've ever used and you can't compete with the price! I also use ACV as a facial toner twice a day and my skin has never felt/looked better. I'd even go so far as to say that it actually glows and my complexion is so much clearer than when I used over the counter product on it. ACV has a pH balance almost the same as your skin's natural balance which makes for a very safe, non-harsh cleanser for every skin type. You might balk at the thought of putting something smelly on your skin, but trust me, once its on and dried, you can't smell it. Besides, if it did, wouldn't you have noticed it on me before? :)
The following info was taken from a very comprehensive and helpful website, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.
Vinegar Hair Rinse – Natural Hair Care Product
Hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale and has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is close to that of an apple cider vinegar rinse (pH 2.9).
On the other hand, many of the hair care products we use, such as soap-based shampoos, bleaches, hair colors, and permanents are strongly alkaline.
Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup that can result from the use of these styling products and inexpensive shampoos.
Rinsing will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface which reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage.
Don't worry about the slight vinegar smell you will notice after rinsing. It will disappear completely as your hair dries.
Make your own healthy after-shampoo hair rinse by mixing 1/3 of a cup (75 ml) of ACV into a quart (1 liter) of water. You can then store this mixture in a plastic bottle and keep it in the shower for ready use.
If you would like to prepare a smaller batch of this vinegar hair rinse recipe to experiment with, try mixing 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup (250 ml) of warm filtered tap water.
Apply the vinegar rinse after shampooing and then rinse it all out, or for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. This natural hair care product can be used once or twice a week or more often as needed.
(Erika's note - I mix up the smaller 1 cup amnt of rinse and keep in the shower, using 1-2 times a week, and rinse it out. Praying the Lord's Prayer is usually a long enough time to get it rinsed thoroughly and doesn't hurt your heart-health either. :)
Facial Toner
Mix one teaspoon of cider vinegar and two tablespoons of water in a cup. Make as much as you want and keep in the toner bottle that you remembered to not throw away ... the one your old stuff was in (the stuff that you won't be using anymore). A funnel is handy for transferring the liquid. This mixture keeps well and works for all sorts of general cleansing purposes, scrapes, bug bites, ear piercings, armpits (well, that's for a whole separate post) ...
Let me know if you like it! Don't give up, it takes a little while to get your mind wrapped around it, but its so worth it!
The following info was taken from a very comprehensive and helpful website, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.
Vinegar Hair Rinse – Natural Hair Care Product
Hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale and has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is close to that of an apple cider vinegar rinse (pH 2.9).
On the other hand, many of the hair care products we use, such as soap-based shampoos, bleaches, hair colors, and permanents are strongly alkaline.
Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup that can result from the use of these styling products and inexpensive shampoos.
Rinsing will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface which reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage.
Don't worry about the slight vinegar smell you will notice after rinsing. It will disappear completely as your hair dries.
Make your own healthy after-shampoo hair rinse by mixing 1/3 of a cup (75 ml) of ACV into a quart (1 liter) of water. You can then store this mixture in a plastic bottle and keep it in the shower for ready use.
If you would like to prepare a smaller batch of this vinegar hair rinse recipe to experiment with, try mixing 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup (250 ml) of warm filtered tap water.
Apply the vinegar rinse after shampooing and then rinse it all out, or for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. This natural hair care product can be used once or twice a week or more often as needed.
(Erika's note - I mix up the smaller 1 cup amnt of rinse and keep in the shower, using 1-2 times a week, and rinse it out. Praying the Lord's Prayer is usually a long enough time to get it rinsed thoroughly and doesn't hurt your heart-health either. :)
Facial Toner
Mix one teaspoon of cider vinegar and two tablespoons of water in a cup. Make as much as you want and keep in the toner bottle that you remembered to not throw away ... the one your old stuff was in (the stuff that you won't be using anymore). A funnel is handy for transferring the liquid. This mixture keeps well and works for all sorts of general cleansing purposes, scrapes, bug bites, ear piercings, armpits (well, that's for a whole separate post) ...
Let me know if you like it! Don't give up, it takes a little while to get your mind wrapped around it, but its so worth it!
Monday, March 02, 2009
StoryPeople - Brian Andreas
I like people until they give me reason not to, she said.
Some days they just drop like flies, though, she added.
Norwegian/American baking - my heritage
These bars are quite rich so make them sparingly ... or at least only when you're sure you won't be stuck with leftovers ... on a weekend when you're home by yourself ... with nothing to do but stare at them longingly ...
Rommegrot Bars
• 2 cans original crescent rolls (make sure they’re the triangular strips, not the pre-separated rolls)
• 2 – 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened (the real stuff, not low fat)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg, separated
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup sugar (can use less, if desired)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
Grease a 9x13 pan well. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press into bottom of pan. Mix cream cheese, cup of sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. Spread mixture in pan and cover with second can of crescent rolls. Beat remaining egg white until foamy and spread on top. Top with 1/3 cup of sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Keep refrigerated. Serve with coffee, but I'm sure you were already planning on doing that.
Rommegrot Bars
• 2 cans original crescent rolls (make sure they’re the triangular strips, not the pre-separated rolls)
• 2 – 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened (the real stuff, not low fat)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg, separated
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup sugar (can use less, if desired)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
Grease a 9x13 pan well. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press into bottom of pan. Mix cream cheese, cup of sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. Spread mixture in pan and cover with second can of crescent rolls. Beat remaining egg white until foamy and spread on top. Top with 1/3 cup of sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Keep refrigerated. Serve with coffee, but I'm sure you were already planning on doing that.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
A bit of happiness
Do you want to be loved forever? Make this dessert and you will never lack for friends. Easy Sticky-Toffee Dessert is exactly what it says, super easy and incredibly satisfying. It ranks in the top three of desserts I've ever had/made. Give it whirl.
Easy Sticky-Toffee Dessert, recipe courtesy Nigella Lawson, 2007
Time: 60 min Level: Easy Serves: 6-8 servings
Ingredients for the cake
Butter, to grease baking dish, plus 1/4 cup, melted
Scant 1/3 c dark brown sugar, packed
1 c plus 2 Tbsp self-rising flour
1/2 c whole milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 c plus 2 Tbsp chopped, rolled dates
For the sauce
3/4 c dark brown sugar, packed
Approximately 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in little blobs
2 1/4 c boiling water
Directions for the cake
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and butter a 1 1/2-quart capacity baking dish. Combine the sugar with the flour in a large bowl. Pour the milk into a measuring cup, beat in the egg, vanilla and melted butter and then pour this mixture over the sugar and flour, stirring with a wooden spoon to combine. Fold in the dates then scrape into the prepared baking dish. Don't worry if it doesn't look very full; it will by the time it cooks.
Directions for the sauce
Sprinkle the sugar over the cake mixture and dot with butter. Pour over the boiling water (yes really!) and transfer to the oven. Set the time for 45 minutes, though you might find the dessert needs 5 or 10 minutes more. The top of the dessert should be springy and spongy when it's cooked; underneath, the butter, dark brown sugar and boiling water will have turned into a rich, sticky sauce. Serve with vanilla ice cream, creme fraiche or heavy or light cream, as you wish.
Easy Sticky-Toffee Dessert, recipe courtesy Nigella Lawson, 2007
Time: 60 min Level: Easy Serves: 6-8 servings
Ingredients for the cake
Butter, to grease baking dish, plus 1/4 cup, melted
Scant 1/3 c dark brown sugar, packed
1 c plus 2 Tbsp self-rising flour
1/2 c whole milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 c plus 2 Tbsp chopped, rolled dates
For the sauce
3/4 c dark brown sugar, packed
Approximately 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in little blobs
2 1/4 c boiling water
Directions for the cake
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and butter a 1 1/2-quart capacity baking dish. Combine the sugar with the flour in a large bowl. Pour the milk into a measuring cup, beat in the egg, vanilla and melted butter and then pour this mixture over the sugar and flour, stirring with a wooden spoon to combine. Fold in the dates then scrape into the prepared baking dish. Don't worry if it doesn't look very full; it will by the time it cooks.
Directions for the sauce
Sprinkle the sugar over the cake mixture and dot with butter. Pour over the boiling water (yes really!) and transfer to the oven. Set the time for 45 minutes, though you might find the dessert needs 5 or 10 minutes more. The top of the dessert should be springy and spongy when it's cooked; underneath, the butter, dark brown sugar and boiling water will have turned into a rich, sticky sauce. Serve with vanilla ice cream, creme fraiche or heavy or light cream, as you wish.
Friday, February 20, 2009
minnesota
minnesota is so much more than just a location where i happened to fall and sprout. it is the story of my journey to find my heritage and in the process, discovering myself.
minnesota is the smell of sweet, cut hay suspended in the humid, summer air.
minnesota is the sound of nothing but the sun setting, the gentle lapping of 10,000 lakes on the shore and the gossiping of the crickets and cicadas about the bullfrogs.
minnesota is minnesota public radio and a prairie home companion.
minnesota is snowfall and buried vehicles.
minnesota is the automatic addition of vests (down, fleece, flannel, wool) to everyday winter wear, both inside and out of doors, as necessary as ones' underpants.
minnesota is dark coffee and kringla.
minnesota is the st. olaf college choir's christmas concerts.
minnesota is the breathtaking colors of fall, turning leaves on the north shore, dying, falling and crunching quietly underfoot.
minnesota is the cracking of ice and the rush of melting snow, determined budding trees, giddy songbirds and the ethereal scent of new grass.
minnesota is throngs of people awaking from winter slumbers and descending upon summer art fairs and open air music festivals.
minnesota is training your eyes to spot loons on a choppy lake and falling asleep to their plaintive cries.
minnesota is the minneapolis institute of arts and the american swedish museum.
minnesota is arctic cat jackets and flannel-lined jeans, carhartts and mad-bomber hats.
minnesota is cheap beer, bonfires and mosquitoe repellant.
minnesota is a long drive up to the north shore, camping, kayaking, portaging and sleeping under the stars by lake superior, then gorging at betty’s pies on the way home.
minnesota is lutheran choral music and norwegian hair ribbons.
minnesota is when with the significantly fewer hours of daily sun and frequent overcast days I only use my sunglasses 2-3 days in any given winter month.
minnesota is when you step outside to start your car on a winter morning and it feels so much warmer than the last couple days, only to discover that today’s high temp of +4F feels so much warmer than the last couple days’ highs of -10F.
minnesota is having the luxury of your car double as extra fridge/freezer space in the winter.
minnesota is detailing your dirty car outside while its 25F and snowing and seeing nothing out of the ordinary with that.
minnesota is a drive up to duluth and wandering the historic port town, viewing the tug boats in two harbors and catching the sunset in grand marais.
minnesota is getting every inch of your skin eaten alive when the week your family picks to go camping in ely in the late spring also happens to be the peak week of biting black fly season.
minnesota is going to bed for the night with the sleeping, winter ground bare and waking up to 4 inches of beautiful, sparkling, fresh powder.
minnesota is the smell of sweet, cut hay suspended in the humid, summer air.
minnesota is the sound of nothing but the sun setting, the gentle lapping of 10,000 lakes on the shore and the gossiping of the crickets and cicadas about the bullfrogs.
minnesota is minnesota public radio and a prairie home companion.
minnesota is snowfall and buried vehicles.
minnesota is the automatic addition of vests (down, fleece, flannel, wool) to everyday winter wear, both inside and out of doors, as necessary as ones' underpants.
minnesota is dark coffee and kringla.
minnesota is the st. olaf college choir's christmas concerts.
minnesota is the breathtaking colors of fall, turning leaves on the north shore, dying, falling and crunching quietly underfoot.
minnesota is the cracking of ice and the rush of melting snow, determined budding trees, giddy songbirds and the ethereal scent of new grass.
minnesota is throngs of people awaking from winter slumbers and descending upon summer art fairs and open air music festivals.
minnesota is training your eyes to spot loons on a choppy lake and falling asleep to their plaintive cries.
minnesota is the minneapolis institute of arts and the american swedish museum.
minnesota is arctic cat jackets and flannel-lined jeans, carhartts and mad-bomber hats.
minnesota is cheap beer, bonfires and mosquitoe repellant.
minnesota is a long drive up to the north shore, camping, kayaking, portaging and sleeping under the stars by lake superior, then gorging at betty’s pies on the way home.
minnesota is lutheran choral music and norwegian hair ribbons.
minnesota is when with the significantly fewer hours of daily sun and frequent overcast days I only use my sunglasses 2-3 days in any given winter month.
minnesota is when you step outside to start your car on a winter morning and it feels so much warmer than the last couple days, only to discover that today’s high temp of +4F feels so much warmer than the last couple days’ highs of -10F.
minnesota is having the luxury of your car double as extra fridge/freezer space in the winter.
minnesota is detailing your dirty car outside while its 25F and snowing and seeing nothing out of the ordinary with that.
minnesota is a drive up to duluth and wandering the historic port town, viewing the tug boats in two harbors and catching the sunset in grand marais.
minnesota is getting every inch of your skin eaten alive when the week your family picks to go camping in ely in the late spring also happens to be the peak week of biting black fly season.
minnesota is going to bed for the night with the sleeping, winter ground bare and waking up to 4 inches of beautiful, sparkling, fresh powder.
Temperance
There is such a sweet beauty and attraction in temperance, a refreshing place in the land between excess and denial. Its residents enjoy the simple delights and bounty of life, but own the strength of will to not be enslaved by them. Overindulgence is no one’s master and the goodness of life is enjoyed in moderation and gratitude as a fine gift. A person of true temperance (not just of temporary self-denial) is an oasis in the wilderness of obsession. They are alive and astute to recognize and receive with grace and gratitude the excellent things but their respect for themselves, the beauty of those good things and the Giver of good things maintains an unwillingness to mar the purity of these good things by excessiveness. Their deference to beauty and purity is a refreshing reminder to revisit reverence often. These ones have not forgotten that reverence for God involves recognizing His characteristics and goodness in all of His gifts, accepting them all as good and right, even necessary in this, though temporary and mortal life. Delighting in the goodness of His provision they enjoy with temperance the perfect gifts He has given, practicing moderation by neither refusing all in the name of self-denial or over-indulging, playing the glutton.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
StoryPeople - Brian Andreas
Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Legacy, Part 2 - Nov. '08
So what’s my legacy? As a single woman the twin themes that God has impressed on my mind are holiness/purity and the place of the wilderness, dual themes laying claim to a life of faithful obedience springing from a place of trust. Singleness is my testing ground of discipline and devotion to Him, a time of preparation. This is the time where the purity of my heart (or pretense thereof) is seen for what it really is. Now is the time when I have no husband to answer to but the Lord. He is the One watching me, the One who cares deeply about who I am in private, the One who wants to teach me to love. Though singleness may seem at times like a difficult time of discipline, it is also a gift of a season, a time when I can give Him my undivided heart and let Him see it for what is, in both its beauty and its unattractiveness.
Hosea 2:14, “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, bring her into the wilderness and speak kindly to her.” For each person the wilderness looks different and each season of life brings different types of wilderness. Every time He pulls one of His children aside it is not to simply leave them suffering alone, though it may feel like it. The individual conversations He longs to have with you in this place of quiet and solitude are unique to your person, your heart, your mind, your needs, your desires, and your situation. But for now I know that singleness/celibacy is my wilderness. Now is the time where I let God be what I long for in a husband. Now is the time when my mind and heart can be happily, undividedly and undistractedly His.
Yes, there are times when this season is punctuated with loneliness and the particular longing for that threatening but sweet intimacy and accountability, the need for affirmation and the closeness of friendship with the husband I may never own. But these emotions ought to drive me to the heart of my Loving Maker because not only is His character the creating source of intimacy but the answer to these feelings as well. My longing heart should not, and does not, seek satisfaction in tiny morsels of daydreaming, fantasies and wishful thinking but in the feast of the reality of the deep intimacy I daily share with the Lord.
I’m learning to let God be the answer to every longing in my heart, to give Him the opportunity to show me how He can surprise me and surpass everything I’ve hoped for. God has a unique habit of being excessive in His grace. When I go to Him for affirmation and companionship He doesn’t just fill my need, He eagerly overflows my empty places, creating additional and unexpected pools of blessing and character. True, I still experience loneliness from time to time, and that’s okay. But I’ve found that my emotional and physical longings are most diminished / absent when I am most contented in Him.
Of course God refines us in every season of our lives, no matter where we’re at. There is never a wrong season. Every time in our life is the right time to let God have His way. But for those of us who aren’t married, singleness/celibacy can be a wonderful season of preparation. Naturally, responding to His discipline is up to me. Holiness and purity is not easy. It isn’t born overnight but is birthed over time, through long labor-pains of hard decisions, bad days, wrong choices, humbling apologies, the persistent pursuit of wisdom and discernment and regular, honest intercession.
My wilderness is a gift of a season wherein my pretentious purity can be transformed and perfected. Now is my time of preparation. So what will my legacy be?
Hosea 2:14, “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, bring her into the wilderness and speak kindly to her.” For each person the wilderness looks different and each season of life brings different types of wilderness. Every time He pulls one of His children aside it is not to simply leave them suffering alone, though it may feel like it. The individual conversations He longs to have with you in this place of quiet and solitude are unique to your person, your heart, your mind, your needs, your desires, and your situation. But for now I know that singleness/celibacy is my wilderness. Now is the time where I let God be what I long for in a husband. Now is the time when my mind and heart can be happily, undividedly and undistractedly His.
Yes, there are times when this season is punctuated with loneliness and the particular longing for that threatening but sweet intimacy and accountability, the need for affirmation and the closeness of friendship with the husband I may never own. But these emotions ought to drive me to the heart of my Loving Maker because not only is His character the creating source of intimacy but the answer to these feelings as well. My longing heart should not, and does not, seek satisfaction in tiny morsels of daydreaming, fantasies and wishful thinking but in the feast of the reality of the deep intimacy I daily share with the Lord.
I’m learning to let God be the answer to every longing in my heart, to give Him the opportunity to show me how He can surprise me and surpass everything I’ve hoped for. God has a unique habit of being excessive in His grace. When I go to Him for affirmation and companionship He doesn’t just fill my need, He eagerly overflows my empty places, creating additional and unexpected pools of blessing and character. True, I still experience loneliness from time to time, and that’s okay. But I’ve found that my emotional and physical longings are most diminished / absent when I am most contented in Him.
Of course God refines us in every season of our lives, no matter where we’re at. There is never a wrong season. Every time in our life is the right time to let God have His way. But for those of us who aren’t married, singleness/celibacy can be a wonderful season of preparation. Naturally, responding to His discipline is up to me. Holiness and purity is not easy. It isn’t born overnight but is birthed over time, through long labor-pains of hard decisions, bad days, wrong choices, humbling apologies, the persistent pursuit of wisdom and discernment and regular, honest intercession.
My wilderness is a gift of a season wherein my pretentious purity can be transformed and perfected. Now is my time of preparation. So what will my legacy be?
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