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Grandma B’s recipes #4 & 5: Gilding the Lily

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A long time ago I learned the phrase “gilding the lily” from my Aunt Jean. (Of course it was in reference to food.) She told me about how her husband, my Uncle Ernie, used to spread preserves on the already magnificent cream buns that Grandma made.

Let’s pause here for a moment. My Grandma Brubacher used to make the best treat ever known to man. The cream bun. It is a sweet yeast roll with a delicious fluffy cream spread in the middle. Nothing else needed. Spreading preserves on a cream bun is a quality example of “gilding the lily”.

With that in mind let me tell you about my creations from Grandma’s recipe box this week. I made cookies: Butterscotch Oatmeal Drops. And I also made a fruit concoction called Polynesian Fruit Fluff.

Sunday after church we had company over for lunch- our pastor and a mutual friend of ours who was visiting from out of town. I’ve never felt so confident about using Grandma’s recipes in this setting, following her example of hospitality. Sunday lunch – what could be more like Grandma?

We had a cold lunch of sandwiches and pasta salad, that kind of thing. The fruit fluff and cookies were perfect on the menu! But, let me tell you what happened! Our pastor, Al, loved the cookies and the fluff so much – and he pulled an Uncle Ernie! He scooped a spoonful of the fluff right onto his cookie.

That’s right. He definitely gilded the lily. And he was quite happy about it!

Here are the recipes – and a few pictures for you to enjoy!

A few quick notes about the recipes: I added mini chocolate chips and white chocolate chips to the cookies instead of nuts. It seemed more festive. For the fluff, I did not use dream whip – I guesstimated the amount of cool whip and it seemed right. Also – I added mini marshmallows to the fluff!

Let me know if you try any of these recipes! I’d love to hear about it!

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Grandma B’s recipes #1-3

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This past Sunday we celebrated Father’s Day a week late. Sometimes there’s just no way to do all the things, all at once! Am I right?!? So, I decided it was the perfect time to start baking some of Grandma’s recipes!

The first 3 I tried out were: Pineapple Cake, German Chocolate Upside Down Cake, and Red Velvet Punch! We were celebrating three dads: My dad, Michael’s dad and Michael. So three desserts felt right! It may have been a small sugar high. But it was delicious!

#1 Pineapple Cake: After gathering opinions from the taste-testers, I think the pineapple cake was the favorite. And for good reason! It was amazing. I’ll definitely be making it again. Unfortunately, my mom doesn’t remember Grandma baking this particular recipe. It was pretty dense, like the texture of a pound cake. However it had a very bright flavor because of the pineapple. And – I also added tiny splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting that really gave it a zing!

#2 – The German Chocolate Upside Down Cake was a close second. But, If I’m honest with you, I didn’t turn out the way I thought it would. The topping wasn’t as gooey as the traditional coconut and brown sugar topping you normally make for a German chocolate cake. The cool thing about this recipe was that, while I did find it in my Grandma’s recipe box, she actually got it from my GG, my dad’s grandmother. So, just for that fact- I love the history of it!

#3 – Red Velvet Punch! This is a keeper! I will definitely make it again. I think you could sub ingredients so that it is entirely sugar free. I didn’t do that this time, because I’m trying to make these recipes mostly the way Grandma might have made them. in this case, the punch is made with Cranberry juice so its not super sweet!

It really was the perfect way to kick off this new baking project! We had a yummy time trying everything! And bonus: no one went into a diabetic coma. You might notice the little luncheon plates and cups on the table as a part of the spread. Those were given to me by my mother-in-law – but, they are identical to the ones my GG had – and used all the time when we would visit. Getting to use those dishes – that was the proverbial “cherry on top” for the day!

More baking to come, soon! Later this week!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen · Uncategorized

Begin Again

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2017 was one of the good ones. It was such a fun year for me. Really- it was probably pretty good for my friends and family, too. That was the year I baked a cake a week. Fifty-two bundt cakes in 2017. Many folks enjoyed my endeavors!

Not long after that I had a health situation and I just couldn’t do the extras. Things like cake baking were set aside – and I stuck to the basics. Since then – I’ve baked some here and there – but I’ve longed for a project like “Cake-a-Week”. I knew when the right thing presented itself, it would be obvious and it would feel right to dig in again!

Well, here we are and it’s time!

How do you make a fresh start? How do you begin trying something again, without putting too much pressure on yourself? I had so many thoughts about all of these questions, but I realized I just needed to stop over-thinking things.

So, in an effort to enjoy the process, I got out the recipe box. I read through the cards of several sections and picked out the first 45 recipes that I want to make! Goodness, I have no idea how long this project will take. And, I haven’t set many parameters at this point- only that I will NOT bake with raisins. Among all the cards, there are recipes with hard-to-find ingredients. There are recipes without instructions, only ingredient lists. And unfortunately, there are recipes that do not appeal to me. How will this all turn out? I DO NOT KNOW!

But do you know what I DO know? My heart has already been completely overtaken by these cards. They are handwritten by my grandmother, and the friends and family who loved her. Even more, they are a part of my history, and I’m learning so much about where I’ve come from. It is literally THE BEST!

Ready or not, I’m jumping in the deep end and getting started. Hopefully I won’t drown. I’m starting with the first recipes this coming week, so keep watch! You never know what I might make first! Whatever it is, it probably will have coconut in it – that or Dream Whip- both are very popular ingredients in Grandma’s recipe box.

For my Brubacher family: I’m being very careful to put the recipe cards in page protectors in a notebook for the duration of the project. That way I will be able to reassemble the box when I’m finished!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

You’ve Got Mail

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Man, do I have good news for you!

A few days ago, a box arrived. My cousin from up north put it in the mail to me maybe a week or two back. And now here it was in my hands! I was holding my Grandma Brubacher’s recipe box. Full of hospitality and history. Really it is a piece of Grandma herself.

The contents of the box are examples of all the ways she fed and cared for family, friends, missionaries and travelers from all around the world. It’s rich with ideas for ways I can do the same. And I could not be more excited.

More specifically – at first glance it appears that maybe 9 out of 10 cards are devoted to desserts and sweets. Cookies, cakes, pies, breads, spreads & frostings, squares, frozen treats and party punches. Then, there are a few meats, veggies and salads. This is directly proportional to the sweet tooth Grandma genetically bestowed on all of us in the family. Just ask any Brubacher…

After absorbing the good news that this recipe box brought to me, all the way here in Chattanooga, I realized there’s only one thing to do. It’s time to bake and blog. I’m going to take a little time to plan and prepare and then I’m going to work my way thru a bunch of these recipes. When I’m ready, I hope to blog about each recipe as I make them and SHARE THEM WITH YOU! Won’t that be fun!?!

I’m terribly excited about it all. There are recipes for treats like Sparkling Red Velvet Punch, German Chocolate Upside Down Cake, Zucchini Honey Nut Loaf, Dad’s Oatmeal Cookies and Maple Syrup Pie. Don’t those sound delightful?!?

Now, I’ll admit there are also unusual items like Ham and Macaroni Loaf which really makes me raise an eyebrow and possibly question Grandma’s judgement. And there’s also a Raisin Loaf– which I have no words for and definitely do not intend to make. (I do NOT endorse raisins, baked in any form)

It’s going to be quite the adventure! I hope you’ll read along! Watch for more posts later this Summer! 🙂

friends and loved ones · home schooling · Uncategorized

time flies when you’re having fun

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Eighteen years ago this July, (July 6th, 2006 to be exact) Isaac Harris Day came into this world. In some ways if feels like just a few years ago. Life with Isaac as our boy, the middle child of the family has flown by.

This past weekend we celebrated his graduation from high school. And what a party it was. Friends and family came to congratulate him; the joy and love was overwhelming! I can say this without hesitation – I could not be more proud of the young man he is becoming! He’s full of good humor, super smart and best of all – he is kind!

He always gets annoyed with me, because I constantly say to him, “Isaac, I think you’ve grown again!” To which he says, “Mooo-ooom! Stop saying that! I’m not growing”.

But he is!

I’m his mom! I know.

I’ve told a few people this short anecdote, but I thought I’d tell you guys too! Back in the fall, around the end of November, I took Isaac to the pediatrician to change a prescription. They did all the normal things – check your height, weight, blood pressure. At that time his height was 6’1.5″. He had already passed quite a few of his friends, not to mention his dad and his Uncle John who aren’t exactly short.

Over Christmas break Isaac slept. a lot. I didn’t know anyone could sleep as much as he did sometimes. And he complained of his back hurting. I just figured he’d lifted something wrong while he was helping his grandaddy with some yard work.

Well, January rolled around and we went back for a followup at the pediatrician. Same rigamarole – weight, height, blood pressure – and the nurse looked at me and said- “Man, you’re tall!” to which I replied, “Exactly how tall is he?” and she said, “Six foot three and a half!” I was dumbfounded. And also a little happy that I was vindicated!

Isaac grew two inches in basically two months.

And that’s not the only way he is growing. I’ve seen my sweet boy mature : we’ve watched him deal with disappointment, make good choices and really good grades too. He’s becoming an adult, and the best version of himself – and we couldn’t be more proud. But, best of all, our boy loves Jesus. He shows signs of fruit growing in his character – and thats so exciting to watch.

I write that all to say : my heart is full. My gentle giant son, Isaac, has finished his home schooling career and he’s off to college in the fall as a mechanical engineering major. (He’ll be living at home, for now, which is just fine with this mama.) And that is A LOT to celebrate!

Thank you Lord, for your goodness to our family and your love for our boy Isaac!

friends and loved ones · music, my true love

Mary

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In early May of 2023, I was scrolling through Facebook, which I really don’t do that often. But on that day, I happened to see a post on a local homeschooling resource page. The person posting was looking for a piano teacher to help with hymn playing. She wanted to play hymns for church, but make them interesting, not just play what was on the page. And I responded saying I could definitely help her.

That student was Mary.

Just a bit more than a year ago we started lessons. Unfortunately, my house sits at the top of a steep driveway. And there are a lot of steps to get into my house and a lot of steps inside my house. My studio situation was daunting for Mary because of knee trouble. So, we worked it out to have lessons at my parents’ house, which sits beside a flat, circular driveway and has only two stairs to the front door.

Did I mention Mary is in her 70’s?

I’d never taught an adult student before, but I’ve taught hymn playing. In fact, I’ve been playing hymns for Sunday School or church services since I was 10. It seemed like a natural fit to take her as a student. I was confident I knew how to help her. But I didn’t know how much her lessons would help me.

Did I mention Mary hadn’t taken piano lessons since middle school?

We began our first lesson, and there were challenges. But Mary was ready and she had resolve. She also had a deadline. Her husband was the pastor of a church and their pianist was not able to play any more. Mary needed to learn, and there was no time to waste. She worked hard and week after week she improved.

Mary would pick the hymns for Sunday and we would work on learning them. I wasn’t prepared for how wonderful it would be teaching her to play all the old hymns I had learned so long ago. “At Calvary,” “Saved By The Blood,” “It is Well” – just to name a few… We’ve done so many, I can’t even begin to remember them all. But, they all were so familiar I found myself singing along as she played.

“Glory, I’m saved! Glory, I’m saved! My sins are all pardoned my guilt is all gone! Glory I’m saved! Glory I’m saved! I’m saved by the blood of the crucified One!”

These days, most Monday mornings, we start by chatting a bit about the week. Then Mary plays her most recent hymn selections and we have church, sitting right there at my mom’s piano. It’s not that I am an amazing piano teacher or that Mary plays every note perfectly. But singing and playing together these hymns filled with truth is the most beautiful music to my ears! Just thinking about it swells my heart almost to the point of bursting!

I often think, in spite of reality, that I’m in charge of my circumstances, that I’m the one controlling my next steps. But when I think of this small thing, that I never knew I needed – and certainly could not have planned for myself- I’m reminded that it is God himself who orders my steps. He’s the one who knows exactly what I need and puts the plan into motion.

Did I mention Mary’s really a teacher, too?

Mary’s perseverance, dedication to piano, and her love for the Lord are all a testimony to me ; He’s using her in so many ways for His glory! Even though Mary pays me for piano lessons, I think she’s been just as much my teacher. And I’m grateful to God for all of the lessons.

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Did I tell you about my hibiscus?

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Several years ago, our neighbors across the street let us know they were moving. We watched our friends prepare to leave the neighborhood; they packed up belongings in boxes and tossed unwanted things into a dumpster. It would have been moderately entertaining, if we weren’t so sad about it all.

One evening, a week or two before the move was scheduled to happen, Jackie, the mama of the house, came over while I was watering my front porch flowers. “Hey! I want to give you my flower bush from in front of our house. Clyde’s gonna dig it up and bring it over!” Completely caught off guard, I didn’t have time to ask exactly what plant she was bestowing on me and went to my backyard to dig up a big hole, along the fence in the shade.

Clyde dutifully brought it over and deposited the root ball and stem in the giant spot I had prepared. and that was that. Later that fall I realized nothing had really come of what we planted – the leaves fell off and there it sat, in the shade, sort of forlorn, with nothing to do- a bare stick standing up near the fence. I’m sure it was lonely and sad.

Fall and Winter turned to Spring and I started thinking about my yard and what to plant and what would need my attention. As the season went along, my beautiful hydrangea budded and bloomed. My peony had lovely large flowers. And the garden had sprouts poking their heads through the soil, promising many more buds to come. One day I remembered the plant, so I went to check it out.

To my surprise, there it stood, with large green leaves all over. Examining the foliage I realized : I had planted a tropical hibiscus in the most shaded, cool part of my yard. It was absolutely in the worst possible place. Not sure what to do, I just left it, planning to replant in the fall when it was dormant. A few weeks later, when July was in full swing, hot and humid as it gets in Chattanooga, Michael came in from mowing the yard. “Hey that thing Clyde brought over has a couple flowers on it.”

I went out to the fence and there, in my backyard, that previously pitiful hibiscus, even though it was not planted anywhere near where it should have been, was green and tropical and covered in big, gorgeous, bright pink flowers. How could it be? I was dumbfounded.

Now, every time I see that plant grow and bloom in the summertime, I’m reminded, first, of our friends who had to move away. And I smile because I’m thankful for the friendship we shared. But then I’m also shocked that it is actually thriving. Sometimes the wrong place is the right place. Sometimes God plants us in places that seem like the most impossible spot for us to bloom. Worse, sometimes it takes a long time to see growth, or any fruit at all. And yet, with God, in spite of our notions, or comfort levels, so much is possible!

I love the promise in Ephesians 3, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,  to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” There is so much that we cannot accomplish humanly, but God is able! His power is at work in us, and in all of creation! And I think that even applies to a small Tropical Hibiscus displaying His glory in my back yard!

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less might be okay

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A Poem.

= = + == +

It may be okay.

I mean, it might work out

if I don’t think of myself quite so much.

There might be a moment

of uncertainty.

But is it necessary to know

all the things?

Can’t I choose to trust?

Can’t I choose to believe:

He’s the Designer, the Orchestrator,

not me?

Can’t I remember: it doesn’t help

my situation in the least

to think more?

(maybe I should call it worry.)

I suppose less is only “more”

if I choose whole-hearted confidence

in Him.

and, then, It really might be okay.

=+=======+=========+======+=======+========+======+=======+

Luke 12:6-7 : Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

= + = = = = = = + = = = = = =. =+ = = =. = = = =. = = = + = = = = = =+=========+

I went to the lovely Chester Frost Park tonight with my youngest. She likes to swing, and I like to watch the sunset. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It only reminded me that all of my hope really is in Him.

a bit of history · Uncategorized · who knows?

joy in the morning

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from Psalm 30:

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
    and give thanks to his holy name.
 For his anger is but for a moment,
    and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

When I was a young I used to think David, the author of many of the Psalms, was so dramatic and melancholy. Having heard often in Sunday school that David was a “man after God’s own heart” I had a hard time believing his life could be all that bad. He was a king after all…

But then I stepped into the darkness of my own night, and I realized I had misunderstood. When a difficult situation stretches on and on into the darkness with no relief in sight, it can be almost impossible to keep going. The longer I live I realize that none of us are immune to the darkness – no matter how strong a believer, or how faithful you might be – its possible you’re either just coming out of the darkness, or you’re about to walk through it.

Recently, when I was in a place of deep sadness, I remember asking Michael if it would always be this way. We had left our church of 15+ years, and had not found a new place to worship. That meant we were not playing our instruments or using our gifts which has always been life-giving for us. Visiting different churches just felt empty. Was there not a place for us? Would we ever find a community where our hearts would connect? I shed a lot of tears and tried to believe the words of Psalm 30 might be true

fast forward ….

This past Friday I had a meeting at Mission Red Bank, where our family worships regularly now and I’m on staff as the Creative Director. The meeting was at 7am. Friends, in spite of the fact that I am in no way, shape or form a morning person – I loved going to that meeting. Walking into that space, meeting with colleagues and friends to plan and imagine and think – it was warm and hopeful.

Driving home afterwards, I realized the later part of Psalm 30 had proven true. What I’d been praying for was actually happening: The night has turned to morning! And my heart is so very glad!

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
    you have loosed my sackcloth
    and clothed me with gladness,
 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Thank you, Heavenly Father for your goodness to me and my family. Thank you for these mornings of joy. amen.

= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +

Blessings all mine, with 10,000 besides…. You may not believe it, but our church meets in a space that is adjacent to the lovely “Meeting House” coffee shop, where they make all kinds of delicious concoctions, like this beautiful Blueberry Iced Tea. It is the most wonderful, glorious, summertime beverage you could ever partake of – and if you live near Red Bank, TN you should stop in for one. You’ll thank me.

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Way too good…

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(Pictured: something really good – my first yellow rose of the season.)

Before you dig in here… It’s possible I’ve told you about this song before. But the truth is this blog has been going a long, long time. I’ve searched and searched and have not found reference to it in any of my writing. However, feel free to move on if you’ve already heard it all… I won’t be offended. promise

Last week was a tough one. I wouldn’t lie to you about this. Some stuff went down and I can’t breathe a word of it here. I really can’t. But we’ve all had that happen before, right? (I want to take a moment to assure you that my marriage is wonderful, my family is healthy and safe – so no major concerns in that regard) It’s just too hard, too heart-breaking, too personal to share. Life gets complicated, and none of us are immune to that truth.

In Psalm 27, the writer is in a bad way. threatened. disheartened. overcome. And then, at the end of the chapter he remembers, and encourages the reader:

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!

So, when I read these words, my heart ends up singing one of my favorite songs. It gives me hope and courage in spades. Not just the world”s hope that says, “ I wish things were different.” No- I’m talking about the real-life, good news, Jesus kind of hope. Over and over it has rescued me from a disheartened state because of its truth. The goodness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting – completely beyond comprehension, and yet it is our REALITY.

Here are the words for you to think over. (and a link for you to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIe0Rl0n7GE ) It is my prayer these words encourage you too!

TOO GOOD, by Jess Ray.

It is not as we’ve seen
It is not as we’ve read
It is not as they said
How we need to forget
And we need to reset
And be like children again
Are you hungry?
And have no money?
You can sit at this table

Are you thirsty?
And unworthy?
You can draw from this well
Are you weak? Are you poor?
Are you wanting for more in the quiet of your heart?

To yourself you say,”I wish someone would pass my way and give me a new start.”
Sweetheart, stopping cutting your sweet arms, no hope
Smoking dope and drinking your life away
Let’s dance and sing
Let’s eat from the tree
Come down to the river with me

It may be too good to be understood
But it’s not too good to be true

From the dust we came
To the dust we all will go
We brought nothing with us
We’ll take nothing home, heaven knows
Keep in mind it’ll take a little time but darling you’re gonna find Where you came from
Don’t let your eyes deceive your heart
Believe that the best is yet to come

It may be too good to be understood
But it’s not too good to be true
It may be too good to be understood
But it’s not too good to be true
He may be too good to be understood
But He’s not too good to be alive!