Bread of Life

Point of the Week: Jesus said I am the bread that gives life! John 6:35

Exodus 16  tells the story of the Israelites struggling through the desert and the Lord giving them manna, and then in John 6 you read Jesus comparing himself to that manna. 

John 6:32 says, "Jesus said to them, 'Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' 

' Sir,' they said, 'always give us this bread.' 

Then Jesus declared, ' I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

Jesus is the bread of life! Jesus compares himself to the miraculous gift of manna that God sent from heaven. Just as God sent the manna, God sends Jesus to bring life. And I just love how his disciples responded to him saying, "always give us this bread." I hope that is always my prayer and response to God - so cool. And sticking with the theme of bread, we found a fun recipe to make pretzels! 

My aunt found this recipe for pretzels that only takes sugar, salt, yeast, and flour! And the best part is you don't need to let the dough rise; just mix it up, knead it and then roll and twist away! We are calling them preschool pretzels, because this recipe is easy enough and quick enough you can make these with little kids. This recipe is similar to the one found here. And you can even watch a video of a mother and daughter duo on youtube making a similar recipe here. 

Preschool Pretzels 

1 Tbs sugar or honey

1 1/2 C warm water

1 tsp salt

1 pkg yeast

4 C of flour

1 egg (for egg wash)

Toppings:

Kosher/course salt

cinnamon/sugar

butter melted

Mix warm water, sugar, salt and yeast and set aside. It should start to bubble a little bit. Scoop 4 Cups of flour into a mixing bowl. Pour water mixture over flour. Stir until a thick dough forms. Sprinkle flour on dry/clean surface. Put dough mixture on surface and knead for 6-8 minutes. Cut strips of dough (about 3 oz) and roll into long strips. Pull out while you roll. Then twist it like a pretzel or however you desire. 

Mix one egg to "scramble" it and make an egg wash. Use a basting brush to brush the egg wash over your pretzels before baking. Sprinkle with course salt. If you prefer cinnamon and sugar omit the salt but still use the egg wash. 

Bake at 425 degrees for 12-18 minutes until golden brown. If you're wanting cinnamon and sugar brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. 

Mary and Martha

Point of the Week: Be more like Mary! 

Luke  10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a women named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary was chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." 

Martha was busy working in the kitchen and preparing everything that needed to be done, frustrated that Mary wasn't helping one bit and frustrated that Mary was in the room (full of men!!) focusing on Jesus. Martha was doing all of the work and she even called Mary out for not doing anything, and yet Jesus says that Mary had the right idea. Mary was focusing on Jesus and the relationship. 

Lou (my mom) and Kitty (my aunt) shared this easy appetizer sure to dazzle a crowd and easy enough you won't have to sacrifice time in the kitchen instead of visiting with your friends!

Baked Goat Cheese 

1 block/log of cranberry cinnamon goat cheese 

1 can crescent dough, rolled out into one large rectangle 

1 egg, whisked together

Grease a cookie sheet or use silpat baking liner, press the crescent dough into one large rectangle. Open the log of cheese and mold into a large patty (like a hamburger). Place in center of dough rectangle. Fold the dough around the cheese. Turn the cheese/dough upside down so the edges are on the bottom. Brush the dough with the egg wash. Bake according to crescent roll instructions or until golden brown.  (**You can try this recipe with Brie, too!)

Serve with crackers. 

I forgot to take a picture before we dove in! 

Herk's Girls Tip of the week: Use a crinkle cutter to cut carrots. Then serve in little glasses to make individual appetizers. Also try and make homemade ranch, with prepared seasonings from Penzy's Spices and adding sour cream and mayo or buttermilk. SO delicious! 

Herk's Girls

My mom is one of three girls and I've always been mesmerized by their relationships. Every Fall would come and we (myself, my brother, and sister and dad) knew it was time for my mom to be off for a trip with her girls. Herk's girls, my mom, my aunt Kitty, my aunt Judy and my grandma Jeanne. They would always go on a trip, whether it was a road trip out east or a plane ride over to Italy they went. They also are the best garage saling team around and if you need your vehicle to fit one more bag or a large sofa they'll find a way for you to make it. They're Bible Loving, God- Fearing, penny-pinching, honest, and a whole lot of fun. Three daughters of an inventor, chef, VW bus driving, Fixer of anything,  foodie; Jake, Harold Jacob Hershey to be exact. Herk is what he was called at work. I found this out many years after he passed but this name has stuck with me. 

So back to my my mom (and her sisters). My mom has unique gifts, she can turn any room, home, or living space into a magazine ready home. She can decorate up a storm, and host any type of party on a dime and make it look like a million bucks. She finds joy in searching for the best deal and making things pretty. I on the other hand, THOUGHT I loved doing all of these things. But it turns out I love watching her do this dance, this dance of making things beautiful for others. For reupholstering furniture, finding home goods on a dime to put on an event, staging homes, throwing showers, decorating for every celebration and making it feel like you walked onto the set of your favorite holiday film. She makes magic. 

So her dad, Herk, loved food. My mom loves food. I love food. Foodie food. Mouth watering, local, gourmet, ooey-gooey, can't eat for a week if i have one bite FOOD. And so comes this idea of hospitality, hosting gatherings, sharing food, and learning about each other and Jesus while doing what Jesus called us to do in the first place - have relationships.