Christmas, Part Two

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Christmas, part One

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Chronicles of a Kitchen Alchemist, Part 1

Recently, I caved and purchased this book. I use the term 'caved' because I had been afraid that if I bought this particular cookbook I would go a little nuts and become totally consumed with all the incredible possibilities for healthy recipes.

Since getting the book, I have made butter, whey, cream cheese, soaked blueberry muffins, and Kimchi. I have been amazed at the ease and simplicity with which these formerly formidable soaked and fermented foods came together.

This afternoon, I made Korean Sauerkraut, or 'Kimchi' as it is called there. I have never made anything like this, and this being my first foray into the world of fermented vegetables, I thought it necessary to chronicle my experience here.

For a little background, here is an excerpt from Nourishing Traditions (by Sally Fallon) about fermented fruits and vegetables-

"The ancient Greeks understood that important chemical changes took place during this type of fermentation. Their name for this change was "alchemy." Like the fermentation of dairy products, preservation of vegetables and fruits by the process of lacto-fermentation has numerous advantages beyond those of simple preservation. The proliferation of lactobacilli in fermented vegetables enhances their digestibility and increases vitamin levels. These beneficial organisms produce numerous helpful enzymes as well as antibiotic and anticarcinogenic substances. Their main by-product, lactic acid, not only keeps vegetables and fruits in a state of perfect preservation but also promotes the growth of healthy flora throughout the intestine. Other alchemical by-products include hydrogen peroxide and small amounts of benzoic acid."

Does this give me license to call myself an alchemist? I think I shall.

"Lacto-fermented condiments are easy to make. Fruits and vegetables are first washed and cut up, mixed with salt and herbs or spices and then pounded briefly to release juices. They are then pressed into an air tight container. Salt inhibits putrefying bacteria for several days until enough lactic acid is produced to preserve the vegetables for many months. The amount of salt can be reduced or even eliminated if whey is added to the pickling solution. Rich in lactic acid and lactic-acid-producing bacteria, whey acts as an inoculant, reducing the time needed for sufficient lactic acid to be produced to ensure preservation. Use of whey will result in consistently successful pickling; it is essential for pickling fruits. During the first few days of fermentation, the vegetables are kept at room temperature; afterwards, they must be placed in a cool, dark place for long-term preservation."
(all italicized text from Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon)

The ready-to-ferment product!

Korean Sauerkraut, or 'Kimchi'

(from Nourishing Traditions)

makes 2 quarts

1 head Napa cabbage, cored and shredded
1 bunch of green onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, grated
1/2 cup daikon radish, grated
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes
1 tablespoon sea salt
4 tablespoons whey* (or use additional 1 T salt instead)

Place vegetables, ginger, red chili flakes, salt and whey in a bowl and pound it with a wooden pounder or a meat hammer to release juices. Place them in two quart sized glass jars and press down firmly until all the juices come up to the top and cover the vegetables. The top of the vegetables should be at least an inch from the top of the jar. Cover tightly and keep at room temperature for about 3 days at which time you can put it in the fridge or cold storage.

Or, you can store the kimchi in your dungeon if you have one handy.

What, you don't have a dungeon?! Oh, how much you miss.....

While I was making this recipe, I saw that it called for using a meat hammer or wooden pounder to help the mixture get juicy. I had neither on hand, and so I went ahead and used the remnant of the daikon radish (which was at least 20'' long and 3'' in diameter) to pound it with. Yes, I just said to mash your vegetables with a vegetable. But, it works!

Well, there are some who do not appreciate my efforts.....

but hey, that leaves more for the rest of us!

Stay tuned for part 2, in which I shall attempt a %100 Whole Wheat yeast-less sourdough bread.

With Loving Memories...

My dear Grandma (who was affectionately known as "GiGi") passed away early Friday morning, May 1st. She had battled the crippling effects of Alzheimer's for fifteen years. In her honor I am posting the slide show that was played at her beautiful memorial service this past Sunday.



We love you, GiGi.

A Recipe

Strawberry Cake With Whipped Cream Cream Cheese Frosting

Cake:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups turbinado sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup mashed strawberries
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and the turbinado sugar. Add the eggs, and beat for 1 minute. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and the baking soda until the baking soda has dissolved. Add the sour cream mixture and the flour to the egg mixture. Beat well, then stir in the mashed strawberries.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched.

Icing:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1. In a small bowl beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside.
2. In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then fold in whipped cream.

Frost the completely cool cake any way you wish. You can also easily use this recipe to make about 24 cupcakes. Enjoy!


If you are like me and just don't do white sugar most of the time, it is definitely worth the splurge.

I think that it is so ironic that I haven't posted a single recipe on here, seeing as we bake and cook all the time. And later, so that my little blog will be healthy and will not perish from a sugar and cream overdose and a lack of wholesome food, I think I will be posting another recipe soon- either my favorite hummus recipe or whole wheat graham crackers. We'll see. :-)

Have a blessed day!
~Margaret

Sullivan's 11th Birthday Celebration

Today is my third-youngest brother Sullivan's 11th birthday!! It seems like yesterday that he was just a little shy toddler, and now he's nearly a man! Here are some pictures from his birthday party this past Sunday.

This year (like last year!) Sullivan asked for his favorite cake- Strawberry cake with Whipped Cream Cream Cheese frosting, in the shape of a Lego. I tried my best to work with the fluffy frosting which is much different from the stiff decorator frosting I am used to, and it turned out pretty well. I was going to garnish it with strawberries, put Lillian and Zion got into them and ate 'em all. I am going to be posting the recipe for the cake and icing later today.

Israel, look at the camera!!

Good! Now....Zion!! What are you doing with your tongue?! Oh well. :-) That's Father and Papa in the background talking bees most likely.

I love how in this picture Israel is pursing his lips like he's the one blowing them out!

The cake is demolished, and served up....

...and started to look rather like one of those bad-for-the-environment factories that are so condemned these days. Odd....

The 11 one dollar bills that Grandma and Granddaddy gave to Sullivan, signifying his 11th birthday.

The first of three Lego sets! This one is a "Separatist Fighter Droid." Aren't you impressed with my knowledge of Lego Star Wars sets? Not that I even know what that means or even what a 'separatist' in Star Wars terms is. ;-)


Ooh! A big box!

The biggest 'surprise' was the set that Galen got and put together for him-


The Republic Attack Shuttle!!

They spent the rest of the evening putting together all of the sets, and they are still playing with them today. Right now, in fact. I hear them upstairs making all the sound effects.

HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY, SULLIVAN! I LOVE YOU!

Easter (or, also known as, better late than never!)

Yes, it is a bit late for an Easter post but I must recount our....interesting....Resurrection Day!

But first, you must allow me to show you this picture of the newest (and cutest!) mascot for Chick-Fil-A.
Okay, so maybe Oliver is not a mascot, but he is modeling his new cloth diapers. These happen to be the fancy schmancy ones with the cow print. He is so cute that if he wasn't sleeping right now I would have to get up from writing this and go squeeze his cute little cheeks.

I love babies....

Anyways, back to the program....ah yes, Easter Sunday!

Lillian with her two Easter Eggs in the shapes of sharks. One was named Ginger, and the other was named Bruce.

Excitement! The children rip through the contents of the Easter baskets at record speed. Oh, and Lillian and Zion think that it is so funny that *SPOILER ALERT* Mother is the Easter Bunny!

After miraculously leaving for church on time, Father navigated us along the curvy road. Everything was going fine until we neared Tennessee, and then the call made its way through the car like lightning-"Israel threw up!" And it wasn't just on his pants-it was all over his shirt, pants and seat. We concluded that it was probably a result of his not having enough breakfast, having too much candy, and being rather carsick. It was not a pretty sight! That fragrant smell floated through the van, causing all of us to bury our noses in our laps in disgust. When we finally made it to church, Everyone except Israel and Mother went in. Poor Mother had to spend the first half of the service cleaning up vomit! Unfortunately, it would not be the last time that day that someone threw up...

As I was walking out of the service to check on the situation in the parking lot, Mother came down and said that he was going to have to have new clothes. So, I went with them to Wal Mart, which was actually open, and sat in the car with Israel and Oliver while she ran in to get jeans and a shirt.

When we got back to church, we could hear the final song playing and so we waited for the others to appear. They finally did, and so we set off for lunch.

Of course, all the restaurants in Boone except McDonalds and the China Buffet were closed, and so we opted to buy lunch supplies at the grocery and picnic at the park until we would go to the Taylor's house. It turned out to be very delicious lunch, and all the boys needed to get out some energy on the park anyways.

Surprisingly, we were the first people to arrive at the Taylor's, and Summer Grace immediately showed us her room. Lillian and Zion loved to play with her dollhouse, and she graciously let them play with her other toys. I stayed in there for a good while, watching them play, and considering my somewhat socially awkward nature, it suited me quite well for a time and then they all wanted to go outside and play. Lillian loved swinging and so I sat there observing all of the other boys and girls playing. I like doing that.

Anxiously awaiting for the hiders to finish hiding!

Then the children hunted eggs, and I took pictures of the mayhem.

Lillian is there in the middle with her blue dress I made for her from Mrs. Chancey's Girls Regency Pattern. Isn't she cute?


Israel strikes a typical pose with his very full Easter basket.
I love the look on children's faces as they eagerly hunt the eggs



Sullivan checks out Lillian's spoils

"Look, money!"

Finn and his easter eggs!!

After the hunt I went over to 'the bar' where the girls were trying to out-do the boys in standing on the bar, swinging off the bar and landing it, etc. Sound familiar? :-) It is most entertaining to watch. During this time, Wyndham was walking by and told me that Israel cut his foot pretty bad, if I didn't know about it already. At this point I was not surprised in the least.

I made my way over to Galen who was standing near the house to get the scoop. Apparently, he had been running around in the woods (barefoot, of course!) and he slipped and got a very nice puncture wound on a jagged stick. When I asked him how bad it was, he replied,

"Yeah, well......the fatty layer is hanging out, and....."

I didn't stick around to hear the rest. This was beginning to remind me of the Israel incident at Lucy and Pat's wedding when he gashed his head. We just seem have a knack for getting gashes or rashes or throwing up.

Are you tired of hearing about throwing up yet? :-)

It was not long after this that we gathered everyone to leave, because we still had to bake for the coffee shops that evening. Once we got home, everyone went outside except the bakers and we made muffins and cookies for Baldguy.

When we were through, Mother heard a gagging sound coming from the bathroom. She went in, and nearly screamed at the sheer volume of....well....vomit that covered the toilet, the rug, and splattered on Zion's clothes.To say the least, he missed, and quite badly, too. This time we thought that the cause of his upset stomach was that he had been jumping on the trampoline directly after eating and drinking a lot of water.

It was shortly after Father cleaned up the mess that the nursing home called about Gigi being rushed to the emergency room. It would be the beginning of a long week, to say the least!

But we survived.