Chocolate Chip Biscotti

This recipe makes a pile of biscotti - plenty for a supply to dip in your afternoon tea as well as to give to friends.

Chocolate Chip Biscotti
3 1/2 C. flour
3 tsp. baking powder
4 oz. room temperature butter
1 1/3 C. sugar
5 large eggs
1 tabl. vanilla
1 C. mini chocolate chips
1 egg white, slightly beaten

Mix flour and baking powder. In large mixer bowl, beat butter and 1 cup of the sugar until light. Beat in eggs and vanilla until thick. Gradually add flour, mixing well. Stir in chips. Divide the sticky dough into thirds; wrap in plastic and chill 3 hours, until firm.

Position 2 racks to divide oven into thirds; heat to 350. On lightly floured surface, shape dough portions into 12" logs. Place 2 logs 4" apart on one lightly greased baking sheet, the third on another. Brush egg white on dough; sprinkle with remaining sugar (I didn't use near that amount). Bake 30-35 minutes, switching sheets on rack halfway through baking. The logs will be firm at the center and slightly flattened; tops will crack slightly.

Leaving oven on, move sheets to wire racks. Loosen logs with metal spatula. Let cool 10 minutes. Slide logs onto cutting board. Place foil on warm sheets and wipe foil with a paper towel. Use a serrated knife to cut each log diagonally in 15 slices. Place slices close, cut side down, on sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes, turning once, until dry and lightly toasted. Cool fully on rack. Makes 45 biscotti.

Alstroemeria

I've discovered that some cut flowers are a much better buy than others. Alstroemeria (also known as the Peruvian lily) is one of them - they quite often go on sale at the supermarket, come in a variety of colors and last for about two weeks. I get a lot of joy for $2.50 when I buy a bouquet of alstroemeria.

National Velvet

Last evening after a supper of grilled sausage sandwiches and onion rings, the five of us watched the 1944 version of "National Velvet." Set in the countryside of England in the 1920's, it stars a young Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney. The beauty of the countryside, English village, schoolhouse, and country cottage add so much to the story of a young girl who sets out to win the Grand National Steeplechase of England with her horse, Pie. Filled with sweet domestic scenes and simple joys of jam jars, paper horses, and cups of tea, the movie is a delight for the eyes and spirit. What a lovely film!

Blossoming

"Take the very hardest thing in your life - the place of difficulty, outward or inward, and expect God to triumph gloriously in that very spot. Just there He can bring your soul into blossom."

-- Excerpt from "A Passion for the Impossible - The Life of Lilias Trotter" by Miriam Huffman Rockness

Enjoyable Sites

* Marybeth shared this site with me after she read about our worm unit study in this month's newsletter. Homeschool Share is filled with lots of great unit study ideas for various subjects, books, holidays and seasons. A wealth of information . . .

* ButtonWillow Chronicles is pure candy for the eyes. The beautiful photos, art, and quotes are just lovely as well as the quaint way which the author composes her posts. A sweet place to visit . . .

Baking Day

Fresh from the oven:
* Homemade French Toast Sticks - see this recipe (the only changes I made were to use White-Wheat Bread instead of Whole Wheat and I used sugar-free syrup instead of maple syrup)
* French Vanilla Scones - my Winter Spice Scone recipe but with French Vanilla creamer substituted
* Soft Pretzels - These aren't hard to make but take a little time - WELL worth it!

Fresh from the freezer:
* Frozen Honey Yogurt

Soft Pretzels
1 tabl. sugar
1 tabl. yeast
5-6 C. all-purpose flour
1 tabl. salt
2 tsp. oil
2 tabl. baking soda
1 large egg
Coarse or pretzel salt
Cooking spray

Pour 2 C. very warm water into a large bowl. Add sugar, and stir to dissolve. Sprinkle with yeast; let sit 5 minutes; yeast should bubble. Mix in 1 C. flour with wooden spoon. Add in salt and another 4 C. flour; mix well. Add another 1/2 C. flour, and mix well with hands. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Pour oil into a large bowl; swirl to coat sides. Transfer dough to bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a kitchen towel; leave in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until dough has doubled in size. Heat oven to 450. Lightly spray two baking sheets with cooking spray; set aside. Punch down dough. Transfer to a lightly floured surface. Knead once or twice, divide into 16 pieces and wrap in plastic. Roll one piece of dough at a time into an 18" long strip. Twist strip into pretzel shape; transfer dough to prepared baking sheet. Cover with kitchen towel. Continue to form pretzels; eight will fit on each sheet. Let the dough rest until it rises slightly, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile fill large, shallow pot with 2" of water. Bring to a boil. Add baking soda. Reduce to simmer; transfer 3-4 pretzels to water. Poach one minute. Use slotted spoon to transfer pretzels to baking sheet. Continue until all pretzels are poached. Beat egg with 1 tabl. water. Brush pretzels with egg wash. Sprinkle with salt. Bake 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool on wire rack, or eat warm. Pretzels are best when eaten the same day, and will keep at room temperature, uncovered, for two days. Do not store in covered container.

Bird Sightings

Eli took this photo of a mourning dove perched on our porch railing this morning. We were distracted from our schooling for a bit when we realized that this dove and his mate have decided to set up housekeeping in the transom above our front door. Later in the morning as I sat in the living room writing a letter, I so enjoyed listening to the soft coo of the doves.

This afternoon we enjoyed another bird sighting - a beautiful bald eagle. As I was out planting pansies in our windowboxes, Eli pointed out the eagle soaring above us. How big and majestic he was! M. and the other boys saw two of them a week ago out near the barn - hopefully, they've decided to stay for a bit so that we can enjoy their beauty.

Amish Pullets

The little ladies are growing old, and we need some fresh layers to give us eggs. Last evening we drove to an Amish farm about an hour away to order 11 pullets. They'll notify us by letter in June when we can go back and pick them up - the chickens will be all ready to begin laying eggs for us. Hopefully, the youngsters will receive a warm welcome from Goldie and her crew . . .

Pebbles & Diamonds

"We ourselves are 'saved to save' - we are made to give - to let everything go if only we may have more to give. The pebble takes in the rays of light that fall on it, but the diamond flashes them out again: every little facet is means, not simply of drinking more in, but of giving more out."

-- From "A Passion for the Impossible - The Life of Lilias Trotter" by Miriam Huffman Rockness

Sunday Afternoon Project

Time to Garden

Last evening we drove to the small, family-owned farm and feed store where we usually buy our garden seeds. It's such a neat little place - filled with seeds, herbs, bags of onion sets, books, and a big bucket of peanuts for you to shell and eat while you wait your turn.

Our list included food for the body AND for the soul:
* snap and sugar peas
* string beans
* sweet corn
* onion sprouts (for salads)
* lettuce - buttercrunch and leaf
* red onion seedlings and yellow onion sets
* Red Pontiac potatoes
* sunflowers - big ones to decorate the garden and small ones for bouquets
* wildflower seed

Today we planted our potatoes, onions and lettuce. Between gardening, cleaning the house, baking apple pies, putting away ice hockey skates and snow shovels, ironing, giving Eli his piano lesson and washing snow clothes, I'd call it a pretty productive Saturday.

Favorite Read-Alouds

Over the years, I have read aloud dozens of chapter books to the boys. Our favorite ones sit on a shelf of their own in the schoolroom. They're waiting patiently for the day when I read them again . . . to my grandchildren.

* The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
* The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder
* Christian Heroes: Then & Now series of books on missionaries by Janet & Geoff Benge
* Doctor Dolittle's Post Office by Hugh Lofting
* Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop
* The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams by Charles E. Sellier Jr.
* Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
* Miss Hickory by Carolyn S. Bailey
* Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
* The Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books by Betty MacDonald
* The Wolf Dog by Ken Anderson
* Little Rascal by Sterling North
* Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
* Pippi Longstocking, Pippi Goes on Board, and Pippi in the South Seas by Astrid Lindgren
* Tales of Mr. Pengachoosa by Caroline Rush
* God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew
* The Great Brain and The Great Brain Does It Again by Mercer Mayer

I haven't read these last three to the boys - just to myself. They stay on the shelf with the others in case the Lord sees fit to bless me with granddaughters.

* The Secret Garden and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
* Hitty - Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field

Golden Delicious

While I was baking this afternoon, my mother- and father-in-law brought me a 1/2 bushel of beautiful Golden Delicious apples that they bought at a produce auction earlier in the day. Now for the joy of deciding what to do with them all . . . apple crisp, apple pie, apple dumplings? Or all of the above?

Baking Day

The kitchen is finally and totally cleaned up. (Boy, I make a mess baking.)

Here's the run-down:
* four loaves of Honey Wheat Bread (used Peggy's recipe with white wheat flour)
* a pan of luscious Schoolhouse Gingerbread
* a pie plate of Bread Pudding
* two dozen Coffeecake Muffins

Buds on the Lilacs

Humility

"He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone."
-- John 8:7b

Matthew Henry writes in dealing with another's sin that we should, in a spirit of meekness, remember:

"We either are,
or have been,
or may be,
what he is."

Birds in the Kitchen Window

Embellishing Menus

"You are a housewife or cook, for whom the whole thing has become dull and prosy. You have to write out menus for special occasions - Christmas, New Year, Sunday High Tea - and also menus for every day, perhaps following a plan for a week ahead. As you write the menus, do not just scribble them on the back of an old envelope, but select art paper, or at least good quality paper, and embellish your menus with illustrations: table settings, food, garden scenes or market scenes, or just decorations. Do something more than simply write out the menu. Then pin it up where it will encourage you in your cooking, and encourage others who are hungry for a meal. It will not only be efficient, but will also add importance and dignity to the task of cooking. Your kitchen will take on a more interesting air. Perhaps it will not be a duplication of an art studio, but at least it will have a hint of something more than the peeling of potatoes."

-- From "The Hidden Art of Homemaking - Creative Ideas for Enriching Everyday Life" by Edith Schaeffer

Never to Lose Sight

"Grant me never to lose sight of
the exceeding sinfulness of sin,
the exceeding righteousness of salvation,
the exceeding glory of Christ,
the exceeding beauty of holiness,
the exceeding wonder of grace."

-- From "The Valley of Vision" (a book of Puritan prayers)

The Boxcar Children Cookbook

I found this cookbook by Diane Blain on a recent jaunt to the library. It's a simple little cookbook with easy and yummy-sounding recipes to make with children - each dish being mentioned in one or the other books from the Boxcar series. It was fun browsing through - a bit of a trip down memory lane as I remember reading several of the books to the boys when they were little. A handful of the recipes have been copied and added to my recipe folder to try:

* Hobo Stew
* Hollow-Leg Bread Pudding
* Miner's Blueberry Pie
* Snow Ice Cream
* Aunt Jane's Favorite Asparagus
* Campout Cornbread (which we've already tried for breakfast one morning - a definite keeper)

An Afternoon at A Wildlife Sanctuary

After packing a basket of fruit, cooler of drinks, binoculars and the camera, we spent this afternoon at a wildlife sanctuary. We visit there this time of year to view thousands of Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, and Canadian Geese that break there before finishing their migration to Canada and beyond. The sight of thousands of these waterfowl flying through the sky is breath-taking.


The variety in size, shape and color of birds' eggs is yet another piece of God's handiwork.


Eli took this shot of a display of old hunting licenses - reminded me of a patchwork quilt.

Goats on the Brain

As the big boys were away this morning, Eli was the only boy to help his daddy cut and stack wood. M. decided to pay him a bit for his help this time which E. promptly announced would be added to his Goat Fund. His desire for a goat (which he plans to train - to do what, I'm not sure) has spurred him on to save his pennies. I think he's got just about enough now and already has a name picked out . . .

Ironing & Old Films

I don't mind ironing at all. The fact is that I really do enjoy it. Call me crazy, but I find it somehow comforting and soothing. Maybe because it reminds me of my grandmother - who used to iron everything from sheets to underthings. (I'm not that bad.) Or maybe it's the same thing I feel about most housework - I find great satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Or maybe it's because I watch old movies at the same time. Movies that my house full of men wouldn't appreciate.

This afternoon I finished watching "Roman Holiday." In black and white from 1953, it's a story about a princess who spends one day in Rome, not as a princess but as a simple girl. The movie was filmed entirely in Rome - the scenery is wonderful, Princess Ann's royal outfits are stunning, and I would love to live in Joe Bradley's quaint little apartment with a balcony. The film stars Gregory Peck and a young and beautiful Audrey Hepburn. "Roman Holiday" was listed in a book I ordered - "The Family Guide to Classic Movies" by J. S. Ringler. Our family is discovering the wonderful wealth of old movies by using this book and ordering the films through our Inter-Library Loan System. That reminds me - I need to order something for next week's batch of ironing . . .

An Evening On the Town

As he and the big boys would be away tonight, M. suggested that Eli and I go out for the evening together. We decided on a trip to the craft shop for some supplies and an early supper. On our way, we stopped along the road to admire a flock of sheep. Eli popped out of the van to gather some wool that had caught on the fence and take a few photos. After our craft shop stop, we crossed the river for an early supper. E. and I ate at a quaint little place - actually a 50-year-old pharmacy with a little restaurant. The food is "from scratch" and always delicious. Dessert came with Eli's meal - a HUGE piece of chocolate cake with peanut butter icing - which went down quite easily with a HUGE smile to match.



After our meal, we browsed through the pharmacy which has a lovely selection of vintage-type gifts, cards and decorative items besides all the regular pharmacy amenities. A pile of goodies was gathered to take home with us - Easter egg dye, paper Easter grass for the boys' baskets (such a beautiful shade of green), tiny chocolate lambs for the boys on Palm Sunday, two reels for Eli's ViewMaster, and a gorgeous Easter card. On the trip home, it was decided that our evening "out" was very successful . . .

Our Generous God

"And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted." -- John 6:11

Every time I read this passage of the loaves and fishes, I marvel over and rejoice in this verse. Notice that the verse says " as much as they wanted" - it doesn't say "as much as they needed." That is so like our generous God. How many times in my life has He given above and beyond that which I needed - until my belly is filled and my cup overflowing? Time and time and time again. I'm so thankful He does not give like I so often give - grudgingly, out of duty, giving only that which is necessary. May God's grace transform my stingy heart into the likeness of my Savior's generous one!

Baking Day

This house smells like a bakery. The line-up for today:

* a pan of Corn Bread (of which we've already eaten every crumb)
* three loaves of White Bread (still needs a bit of tweaking)
* two wedges of Cinnamon Chip Scones
* two cookie sheets full of Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Cinnamon Chip Scones

2 1/4 C. flour
1/3 C. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 C. butter
1/2 C. cinnamon chips, heaping
1/2 C. milk
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse oatmeal. Mix in cinnamon chips. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and mix thoroughly, not overworking the dough. Dump out onto floured surface and shape into a large ball. Cut in half, forming two rounds, and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Gently score into desired number of pieces. Bake at 425 for 13-15 minutes.

Spring Beauty

Though this photo may not be considered especially aesthetic, it does portray a sweet kind of beauty to me. The plowing of the garden represents the beautiful fact that spring is definitely on its' way.

Pizza Dough

I love this dough. It is a pleasure to work with, spreads out beautifully onto the pan, and has such a beautiful sheen and texture to it. So simple for an easy pizza supper on an overcast March afternoon.

Pizza Dough

1 packet of Active Dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp. yeast)
1 1/3 C. very warm water
4 C. flour
1/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. salt

Sprinkle the yeast over the water in a small bowl. Combine flour, sugar and salt and then pour dissolved yeast into this mix. Mix well with wooden spoon and then knead for 5 minutes on counter. Put in a large bowl, cover with a damp towel and place in a warm area for 45 minutes. Cut dough in half and press out onto two oiled sheets. Add sauce, cheese and toppings; bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes.

Lavendar & Vanilla Scented Sheets

I FINALLY made it to the laundry closet in time for the final rinse cycle. I've been wanting to try the Simple Pleasures Vanilla & Lavendar fabric softener that Downy makes but have a hard time remembering to get to the washer at the point I need to add it. But today was the ticket! And it was all I hoped for. Our sheets have a sweet, fresh scent of lavendar and vanilla that is perfect - faint yet fragrant. An added bonus: as I stood outside grilling burgers for supper, I noticed the scent of lavendar wafting on the breeze from our outside dryer vent. I had a hard time deciding which smelled better - the sheets or the burgers.

Update on the Boys' Blogs

Ben had some technical difficulties with his original blog, so he's deleted it and started afresh. Click here to take you to his new site. As for Eli, he has just put up a new post on "Eli's Journey" after a brief blogging break last week.

Sweetness at the Park

'"After all," Anne had said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.'"

Button Garland for the Kitchen Window

Baking Day

Had to change my original list of baking ideas for today as an unexpected appointment came up, but here's what made it out of the oven this afternoon:

* a pan of Chocolate Chunk Brownies
* two large loaves of Zucchini Bread
* a cookie sheet of Dependable Biscuits (E. slathered apple butter all over his sample)
* a pan of Ginger Shortbread
* and for good measure, a bowl of Dill Dip to serve with pretzels

To the Real Library

Yesterday afternoon the boys and I crossed the river into the next county to visit a new (to us) library. Our huge pile included books for Eli on owls and libraries, a computer book and bike stunt books for Ben, another biography for Caleb called "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch!", an audio version of "Prince Caspian" done by Focus on the Family, a big stack of documentaries for schooling purposes, and a more modest stack for me for gleaning ideas and trying recipes (click on the photo for a better look). All these wonderful goodies - our's to enjoy for a whole two weeks.

A Great Gift

This morning I was studying the first part of John 5 where Jesus heals the man who had been lame for 38 years. As I was reading through the passage, I unconsciously moved my hand across my face. At that moment, the thought occurred to me that every movement I make is a gift from God - the thousands (perhaps millions?) of movements, processes, and functions that go on about my body all through the day. Each one - every blink, every nod, every bend, every laugh, every bite, every turn, every tear, every step - is a gift from God. Our bodies are an incredible example of His generous grace and of great cause to praise our amazing Creator.

Icicles

"Praise the LORD from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and heaven."

-- Psalm 148:7-8, 13

Even icicles praise Him . . .

Reading Aloud

"I think reading aloud in a family, after dinner as you sit around the table and the candles burn down until they sputter out; around the fireplace as you read on and on and someone puts more twigs on the fire; in the rowing boat as you drift along slowly close to shore; in a country field under the only tree, looking over the endless cornfields and the blue sky; in an old fashioned porch in the twilight of a summer evening; in the cosiness of a home or cabin as the rain slashes against the windows; in an apartment in a city above the waves of human voices below; in the bedroom as the whole family is ready for bed and in pajamas and robes, or already tucked in, listening sleepily together - is the most together thing a family can do. This is a far more uniting experience than being entertained by radio, TV or any sort of entertainment you go to, or sit and watch. You are plunged into the life of the characters in the book, you identify with another moment of history, another part of the world, another person's imagination and you exchange glances of amusement, excitement, appreciation, understanding - or you laugh aloud together. You interject remarks, or stop to have an exchange of views or a conversation based on the characters or the events in the book. Whether is is with small children, adults, or a group of varied ages, there are questions or thoughts that simply burst out at times as the book is shared together, and which open up opportunities for knowing each other and each other's responses and attitudes in ways which no other 'entertainment' could ever do. Attitudes and ideas come out which might never be brought out in ordinary conversation. It gives the family a background for thinking and growing in their concepts and understanding, together, rather than always separately."

-- From "The Hidden Art of Homemaking" by Edith Schaeffer

To The Library

On a recent Sunday afternoon Eli was introduced to the concept of how library books were checked out before libraries were computerized(!). He was intrigued by the idea of cards and pockets and date stamps. Suddenly the idea of a library in his room was born. After rearranging his book shelf in an eye-catching manner, setting up a check-out area and writing up several index cards to tuck in his books, he opened his library for business. Granted, his only patron is me - but we sure do have fun playing library.