Italian Sweet Bread

 

I used to make this recipe a lot back in the day.  For most of my life I've liked to bake some type of yeast bread or quick bread (like biscuits or cornbread) to accompany soups.  For the past couple of years and trying to eat more low carb, I've gotten away from that.  

A couple of weeks ago, though, I was preparing a birthday meal for my daughter -- lasagna and salad, and wanted a homemade bread to accompany it.  I just wasn't in the mood to make focaccia bread, which might be my usual go-to.  But then I remembered this Italian Sweet Bread -- which isn't actually very sweet, as it contains only 1/4 cup of sugar.  I remembered it as being quite easy, and it makes two loaves, which is a definite plus when one is feeding teen grandchildren with hearty appetites!

The only problem was that this recipe uses a bread machine to make the dough, and I no longer own one.  So I decided to tweak it and see if I could make it work with a more traditional method.  Here's what I did, and thankfully it worked.

ITALIAN SWEET BREAD

3/4 cup warm water
1 Tblsp. active dry yeast
1 Tblsp. sugar
2 Tblsp. butter, softened
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 Tblsp. sugar
1/4 cup cream
1 tsp. salt
3 cups flour

 In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 Tblsp. sugar.  Stir well and let stand 5 minutes until bubbly.  Stir in the butter.

In a large bowl, beat the egg.  Stir in the 3 Tblsp. sugar, the cream, and salt.  When well blended stir in the yeast mixture.  Stir well and then add the flour.  You may need a little more flour to make it less sticky.  Turn dough out on a floured surface.  Let rest while you clean the bowl and grease it. Knead the dough a few times and form into a ball.  Place in the greased bowl, turning to grease the top of the dough ball, then cover with plastic wrap.  Let rise until doubled in bulk, about 50 to 60 minutes.

Then punch down the dough and return to the floured surface.  Cut the ball of dough in half and shape each half into a ball.  Flatten slightly and place each half into a greased 8-inch or 9-inch round pan.  Cover pans with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.  

Recipe calls for brushing an egg wash (1 beaten egg/1 Tblsp. water) on top of the loaves before sprinkling on some Italian seasoning and baking.  I didn't want to go to that trouble, so I brushed on some cream instead.   Then I sprinkled lightly with Italian seasoning.

Bake the loaves at 350º for 20-25 minutes or until loaves are golden brown.  Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.  Makes 2 loaves, 3/4 pound each.  Photo shows the loaf cut in slices, but we chose to cut ours in wedges.  

This bread went over big at the birthday dinner!

Answering just two

 

Vintage Thinking of You card sold in my Etsy shop

 No time for a long post today, and some of the Hodgepodge questions would have taken much more thought than I am capable of at the moment.  So I picked just two of the questions that I could answer quickly and easily.  Here goes:

2. Do you have a special place or organizational system for gift wrapping? Do you still buy 'real' cards to send for birthdays, anniversaries, get-well, etc? 

I keep most gift wrap, ribbon, tags, etc.  in two under-the-bed storage totes.  Everyday gift wrap for birthdays and such is in one tote. and Christmas gift wrap in the other, larger one.  I also have some smaller gift bags in each tote -- and the one with the Christmas wrappings also contains some packaging for kitchen gifts -- food-safe tissue paper, foldable cookie boxes, cookie bags, and the like.

Oh, and yes, I do still buy "real" greeting cards to send for birthdays and other occasions.  Often birthdays sneak up on me so I will resort to an e-card, but I try to keep get-well and thinking-of-you cards on hand at all times.  I will either buy them at the dollar store (where they are only 50¢!) , at Christianbook.com or sometimes at our local thrift store.  I also like to keep blank note cards on hand for writing notes of encouragement to folks.

3. It's National Banana Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite thing to make with bananas or, if you're not a cook, your favorite thing to eat that contains banana? 

I do like bananas but they need to be fairly green.  I've eaten very few bananas in the past 18 months or so, since I try to watch carbs quite carefully.  Probably my favorite way to eat bananas would be in a banana split.  

As for baking, I like to make banana coffeecakes or muffins more than banana bread.  I'll link to a couple of favorite recipes for you.

 This Banana Split Coffee Cake is from Jocelyn at Inside BruCrew Life.  I've never been disappointed in one of Jocelyn's recipes.  I leave the glaze off this one as it's sweet enough without it.

And this Banana Crunch Cake found in an old cookbook is really tasty too!

It's a gorgeous spring day here though just a little cool still.  Have a wonderful Wednesday, all!

Sunday Scripture

 

It's time for another Sunday Scripture!  Back in 2018, I did a simple study from Rachel Wojo called Everything Beautiful.  You can read about it here: Everything Beautiful Bible reading plan. My answers and input on this series are a combination of what I learned back then, and what I found in looking over the Scriptures now, six years later.  I'm going to attempt to SOAP the passages too, though some of them are longer. The passage for this week is Psalm 111:1-10.

S= "Praise ye the LORD.  I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
"The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them who have pleasure therein.
"His work is honorable and glorious: and His righteousness endureth forever.
"He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
"He hath given food unto those who fear Him; He will be ever mindful of His covenant. 
"He hath shown His people the power of His works, that He may give them the heritage of the nations.
"The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His commandments are sure.
"They stand fast forever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
"He sent redemption unto His people; He hath commanded His covenant forever; holy and reverend is His name.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.  A good understanding have all they that do His commandments; His praise endureth forever."  (Psalm 111:1-10)

O= This psalm is titled by Scofield as "Praise for God's wonderful works."

The psalmist directs, "Praise ye the LORD" (v.1).  He states that he will praise the LORD:

🌿 with his whole heart
🌿 in the assembly of the upright
🌿 in the congregation (v.1)

He goes on to discuss God's wonderful works and workings: 

• The works of the LORD are great (v.2)
• God's work is honorable and glorious
• God's righteousness endures forever (v.3)
• God has made His wonderful works to be remembered
• God is gracious and full of compassion (v.4)
• God has provided food to those who fear Him
• God will always be mindful of His covenant (v.5)
• God has shown His people the power of His works
• In doing this, God has given His people the heritage of the nations (v.6)
• The works of God's hands are verity and justice
• All of God's commandments are sure (v.7)
• God's works stand fast forever and ever
• God's commandments are done in truth and uprightness (v.8)
• God has sent redemption unto His people
• God has commanded His covenant forever
• God's name is holy and reverend (v.9)

The psalmist concludes:

• The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
• All who do God's commandments have a good understanding.
• God's praise endures forever.

For the phrases "fear Him" (v.5) and "fear of the LORD" (v.10), there is a note: " 'The fear of the LORD' is an OT expression meaning reverential trust, including the hatred of evil."

For "redemption" (v.9) a note says: "1) Redemption is wholly from God (John 3:16); 2) Redemption is through a Person (John 3:16-17); 3) Redemption is by blood (1 Peter 1:18-19); and 4) Redemption is by power (Romans 8:2).  The blood of Christ redeems the believer from the guilt and penalty of sin (1 Peter 1:18-19) and the Holy Spirit delivers from sin on the basis of Calvary (Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:16)."

A cross-reference for "beginning of wisdom" (v.10) is Proverbs 1:7 -- "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

A= In his book With the Word, Warren Wiersbe explains that Psalm 111 "explains how to be a student who pleases the Lord and grows in understanding of truth."  Wiersbe notes that a student of God's Word should:

1) Start with worship (v.1);
2) See God in His works (v.2-6);
3) See God in His Word (v.7-9);
4) Obey what God teaches you (v.10)

Concerning God's works and Word, Wiersbe notes, "Whether it is science or history, you are examining God's works in this world.  His works are great and glorious, revealing His power and wisdom ... The Word of God and the book of nature do not contradict each other, for the same Author wrote them."

There were a number of ways to apply this Scripture as prompted in the journal.  

"I know it is God's work when it makes me stand back in awe." -- Rachel Wojo

The question was asked: How can I realign the eyes of my heart to see the Father's present of everyday elegance ?

My response in 2018: I tend to notice this as a rule.  When walking with a friend, I found I often noticed things that she did not.  But right now, in a season of physical pain and being mostly indoors, it's challenging.  Yet God's work is always evident if I keep my eyes open.

Answering this same question in 2024

My response:  I do try to keep the eyes of my heart aligned to see the Father's present of everyday elegance.  I think it has become pretty much of a habit by now, and am so thankful.  And, interestingly, my walking friend now notices many more details than she used to.

This prompt was given, along with a list: Today I will keep my eyes open for God's beauty in one or more of these places.

Between both 2018 and 2024, these are the places I circled: The words I read; the music I hear; the air I breathe; the people I encounter; the weather I experience; the rest I receive.

In 2024 I can note the following:

 For the words I read and  the music I hear,  a beautiful violin solo of "How Deep the Father's Love for Us".  The words, which I am fairly familiar with, were on the screen for all to read as the gifted young teenager played.

For the weather I experience, I noted: More snow!  (Only a foot this time.)

For the air I breathe, still and quiet at sunrise.  Filled with birdsong these days.

And for the rest I receive, I'm always so thankful when we sleep well.

A journaling prompt was this: Everything God made is beautiful.  Where have I noticed God's beauty in the last 24 hours?

My response in 2018: In the beauty of the snow.  In the hands of my husband, massaging arnica oil into my injured back.  In fresh air to breathe deeply.  In seeing juncos hopping and flying about in the new snow.  In photos of my grandchildren.

My response in 2024: In seeing a brilliant red cardinal at the bird feeder.  In appreciating a meaningful Easter church service and scrumptious fellowship breakfast.  In sharing a beautifully set Easter table and celebratory meal at our daughter's home.

P= "Lord, there are so many times I have stood back in awe as I have watched You work.   I know that You are always at work, whether or not I can see it in a particular situation.  I need to continually keep the eyes of my heart focused on You, Lord, and I pray that You will help that to be my focus.  Today's reading reminds me that You have made Your wonderful works to be remembered.  Help me to do just that today and every day, in Jesus' name, Amen."

And there is the Sunday Scripture for this week!  I appreciate those of you who've shared your thoughts with me concerning this series, and I continue to welcome your input.

A snippet of a poem

 

 I found this snippet of poetry on a vintage stationery box.  The stationery (by Brownie, apparently a design called "Sweet Clover")  is long gone and the box is in poor shape.  But this bit of verse is too lovely not to share:

I know a place where the sun is like gold,
And the cherry blooms burst with snow,
And way underneath is the loveliest spot
Where the four leaf clovers grow.

Beautiful, don't you agree?

"Where the sun is like gold" gives a fairly recognizable picture.  "Cherry blooms burst with snow" is a little bit more difficult, but when you realize that cherry trees in bloom often have a snowy look it makes more sense.  Just a pretty, pretty bit of verse that paints a sweet picture for the reader.

Stationery, like so many other things, was so much more meaningful and lovely back in the day. 

Sunday Scripture

 

We're back to our ongoing series for Sunday Scripture!  Back in 2018, I did a simple study from Rachel Wojo called Everything Beautiful.  You can read about it here: Everything Beautiful Bible reading plan. My answers and input on this series are a combination of what I learned back then, and what I found in looking over the Scriptures now, six years later.  I'm going to attempt to SOAP the passages too, though some of them are longer. The passage for this week is Psalm 19:1-6.

S= "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.
"Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.
"There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
"Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.  In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun,
"Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
"His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the end of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof."  (Psalm 19:1-6)

O= This psalm is titled by C.I. Scofield in the Scofield Reference Bible: "The works and Word of God".  Very appropriate, since verses 1-6 have to do with God's work in creation and how it speaks to mankind, and verses 7-14 deal specifically with His Word.

This is a psalm of David, and one can't help but think of how often David must have observed the night sky, as well as the rising and setting sun, during his time as a shepherd.

David says: * The heavens declare the glory of God
* The firmament shows God's handiwork.
* Day unto day utters speech.
* Night unto night shows knowledge
* There is no speech or language where the declaration of the heavens cannot be heard.
* Their line (or sound) has gone out through all the earth.
* Their words have gone out to the end of the world.
* God has set a tabernacle for the sun in the heavens.
* The sun is compared to a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.
* The sun rejoices like a strong man about to run a race.
* The circuit of the sun goes forth from the end of the heaven to the ends of the heaven.
* Nothing is hidden from the heat of the sun.

Cross-reference for "declare" -- (v.1) "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them.  For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse."  (Romans 1:19-20)

Scofield comments that the universe "is a revelation of the power and Deity of God."

Cross-reference for "firmament" (v.1) -- "And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.  And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so.  And God called the firmament Heaven."  (Genesis 1:6-8a)

"Firmament" in Hebrew literally means "expanse". 

In the ESV verse 2 reads: "Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."

For "their line" (v.4) although the ESV reads "their voice", it also notes that it could be "their measuring line".  Other texts read "their sound".  The ESV references Romans 10:18 where Paul quotes this verse:

"But I say, Have they not heard?  Yes, verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the end of the world."

For "which comes out" (v.5 -- referring to the sun) -- a cross-reference is Judges 5:31 -- "So let all Thine enemies perish, O LORD; but let them who love Him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might."

For verse 6 we are referred to Ecclesiastes 1:5-6 -- "The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it arises.  The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns."  (ESV)

A = For this Scripture, there were a number of ways to apply it as prompted in the journal.  

"Glancing upward always reveals the beauty of God." -- Rachel Wojo

The question was asked: Which of my own words have blocked the beauty of God's Word?

My response in 2018: Maybe words like "I am so tired of this", when I should be thinking on the fact that God's grace is sufficient for me, and His strength is made perfect in my weakness. 

Answering this same question in 2024

My response:  "I can't" -- when God's Word clearly tells me I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

"It's too hard" when God's Word clearly states that there is nothing too hard for Him.

"I feel as if my body (not to mention our world) is falling apart" when God's Word makes it clear that He is holding all things together.

"I'm afraid" -- when God's Word tells me explicitly, numerous times, to fear not, and that fear is not from Him.

When I fail to take God at His Word, I am failing to trust Him. 

This prompt was given, along with a list: Today I will keep my eyes open for God's beauty in one or more of these places.

These are the places I circled: The words I read; the places I go; the music I hear; the air I breathe; the people I encounter; the weather I experience; the rest I receive.

In 2024 I can note that the words I read in Psalm 19 are very beautiful indeed as they describe the heavens so magnificently and make it so clear that God intends the skies to proclaim His glory.

For the places I go, I included an interesting downtown, a river bridge, the sight of a robin hopping about on a side street, and the aromas of Thai and Greek food as we strolled past the backs of buildings. 

 For the music I hear,  and the people I see, I noted this: Our church teens did the entire service on Palm Sunday.  The beautiful music and their servant spirits -- doing all to God's glory -- made it even more of a blessing.

For the weather I experience, I noted: Over 20 inches of snow!  Although we thought spring was on the way, our winter has been extended.  We might as well enjoy it!

For the air I breathe, still and quiet in the early morning.  It feels so fresh.

And for the rest I receive, I noted that we're making a serious effort to get to bed earlier.  It's really helping.

A journaling prompt was this: List one or more ideas to remind myself to intentionally look for God's beauty throughout the day.

My response in 2018:  Look out the window and notice the wintry beauty.  Soak up any sun that may come my way.  Walk on the porch if possible, breathing deeply and listening for birdsong.

My response in 2024: Take a walk downtown.  Enjoy the spring sunshine.  Appreciate the beauty of 20-plus inches of new snow.

P= "Lord, I need to glance upward throughout this day.  I'm realizing that I often block the beauty of Your Word with my own inaccurate words.  I pray that You will forgive me for this and continue to deepen my trust in You.

Remind me that there is nothing too hard for You and that Christ will strengthen me to do all things through Him. I know that You are in full control, even though things may appear otherwise, and that You are holding all things together.  So many times in Your Word You tell people that they need not fear in the midst of difficult circumstances.  I know that fear is not from You.  Help me to cling tightly to all that I know about You.

I need to remember that Your grace is sufficient for me and that Your strength will be perfected in my weakness  I pray that You will help me to continually look to You and not my circumstances  ...  and I praise You for all You have done and are doing, in Jesus' name, Amen."

And there is the Sunday Scripture for this week!  I'd love some input on this series so far.  I hope some of you will share your thoughts with me!  

Random thoughts on a Saturday

 

Beautiful graphic by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

 Just a few minutes to blog today so I will just share a few random things.  

🌿  I wanted to share the carrot recipe I used on Easter.  I changed it a lot and can't now remember where I found it, but will share it as I made it.

ORANGE-MAPLE GLAZED CARROTS

1 1/3 cup orange juice (I purchased a small bottle of the fresh squeezed juice from the supermarket), divided use
2 pounds baby carrots
1/3 cup maple syrup
Freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup butter
2 Tablespoons cornstarch

Place 1/3 cup of the orange juice in a small bowl or custard cup and set aside.

Pour remaining 1 cup of orange juice into a medium saucepan and heat to boiling.  Add the carrots and stir to coat with juice.  Cover and cook for 15 minutes or so.  Stir in the maple syrup, freshly grated nutmeg to taste (recipe called for 1 teaspoon, but I wasn't sure how the kids would go for it, so I used probably 1/2 teaspoon or a little less), and the butter.  Stir until butter melts; cook, uncovered for another 10 minutes or so, or until nearly tender.  

Mix the cornstarch into the reserved orange juice; mix well and stir into the carrot mixture.  Cook, stirring, until mixture thickens somewhat.  If you think you'd like it thicker, mix up some more cornstarch in a little water or juice and add that.  (The cornstarch was my addition as I didn't think the carrots could be described as "glazed" at all.  Just carrots cooked in orange juice.)

Makes about 6 to 8 servings.  We thought they had a very nice flavor and made a good side for Easter dinner.

 🌿  Just looked at a writing prompt for today.  One was to list 5 things blooming in their garden.  Sadly, my garden is under inches of snow.  Possibly some shoots are up, like bloodroot or maybe even daffodils.  But they are not visible.

🌿  I'm getting back into making kombucha.  So far, so good!  

🌿 Cleaning the attic is proceeding apace!  We try to do a little bit every week and think we are a little over half done.   We are doing this by bringing boxes down a section at a time, and going through them in the living room where it's warmer and more roomy.  The stuff we save! I believe my hubby said that almost everything left up there still to go through is in plastic totes, so that will be a lot easier.  The cardboard boxes we've been going through have been such a mess.  Mice have really had their way up there for years.

Several of the local grands had been planning to help us with this project (and they may yet get in on it, or on the garage attic when we do that) but I am really just as glad they were quite busy with other things the past few weeks.  Dealing with mouse nests and food caches is just messy.

🌿  I finally finished the study Stand Firm, the Daily Grace Co. study on the armor of God.  What a blessing!  I think I will start their study on the book of Habakkuk next.

🌿 For those who are thinking something looks a little different with my blog, apparently The Cutest Blog on the Block, where I had obtained the blog background I'd had for years, is no more.  I can't tell you how shocked I was, at the end of a volunteer work day on Tuesday, to find the backgrounds missing from both of my blogs, and The Cutest Blog on the Block domain name apparently available for the taking.  

What to do?  I liked those backgrounds a whole lot!  The next day I did a little looking around and I am moderately pleased with what I found for my Christmas blog, but I'm not really crazy about the one for my Kitchen Table.  It will do for now, however.

All right, back to the kitchen!  Our local daughter had a birthday yesterday, and we are celebrating with supper this evening. 

Quote for the day

 

Image by Pixabay

 Inspired by my devotional study of Charles Swindoll's Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, I've begun the daunting task of cleaning and organizing my computer desk.  If that sounds like an odd inspiration, I'lll quickly explain.  Today's devotional reading in this book was all about orderliness and how important it is. Verses from Proverbs were cited as well as Paul's words to the Corinthians and Colossians.  

Some probing questions were asked including if the reader could easily find important documents, or if one's desk remained permanently cluttered.  My hubby and I have struggled for years with trying to get our paper clutter under control -- so that question is one we will be addressing yet again.

The desk question also struck a nerve.   Although I can frequently clear my little crafting desk in our bedroom (and it always fills up again), my computer desk is another story.  It has a bookshelf as part of it  and I had done lots of decluttering of those books.  But on the small shelf above that, oh, what a mess.  I had many very dusty CDs that I will never use again, a desk lamp that I literally never use, and so on.  So I dived in.

In the cleaning and sorting that ensued, a yellow post-it note surfaced.  

 There is no indication where I heard or found the quote, or who said it, but it certainly is wise advice:

"At the fork in every road, choose the road that brings you closer to God."

I need to take this to heart.  There are so many choices, so many forks in the road even in a day, never mind a lifetime.   May I always choose the road that brings me nearer to my heavenly Father.