A Little Boy's Jungle Room

Framed illustrations from vintage books -

My sister had a friend and me over Saturday afternoon for a Spring Tea (an upcoming post!).  Before we sat down to the repast, J. was eager to show us her recent creation.  She transformed her youngest son's room from a pink and blue nursery to a beautiful green jungle room.  It looks marvelous - simple, uncluttered - yet sweet and vintage and fun. 

Tortellini Soup

I tasted this delicious concoction a few weeks ago when a friend served it at her home one afternoon for lunch.  It's been adapted to better suit the taste of my guys, and it was a big hit the first time I served it.  It's on the menu again for tonight with a loaf of bread-machine bread - perfect for a rainy, cool, spring day . . .

Tortellini Soup

2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 C. chopped onions
1 C. diced carrots
4 C. vegetable stock
4 C. chicken stock
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tabl. Season-All
1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 - 14.5 oz cans of petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 - 19 oz. bag of frozen cheese tortellini

Heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add onions and cook 5 minutes.  Add carrots, stock and seasonings; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium and cook until carrots are tender.  Stir in tomatoes (and juice) and tortellini.  Cover and cook 5-7 minutes. 

Thank You, LORD . . .

For the magnificence of Spring -

5413.) that You provide in such personal, intimate, loving ways with absolutely perfect timing
5414.) that Your Son is at Your right hand, interceding for me even as I write this
5415.) for reminding me that our true need, above all else, is a personal, interactive relationship with You
5416.) for the lessons that I always come away with from the nursing home
5417.) for a few hours of fun and the treasures I brought home from the book sale on Saturday
5418.) that You've done it, do it and will continue to do it - all for love (Psalm 136)
5419.) that You are a God of order and detail (Numbers 4)
5420.) that even the evil spirits testified that Jesus was the Son of God (Mark 3:11)
5421.) for the warning about removing a border that's been set in the past - there is wisdom in looking for the reason and principle behind it (Proverbs 22:28)

Photo credit to Eli Druck Photography

A Book Review of The Little White Horse

Elizabeth Goudge's work is sheer magic.  Having been introduced to her writings several years ago, I've become enamored with her books.  She doesn't just write stores, she weaves them.  And there is an elusive quality to her work that I find difficult to put into words.  She writes with a profound depth of understanding of people and their humanness - she creates characters that are rich and deep.  She makes me sigh and ponder and cry and think hard and soar.

Sadly, it seems that most of Goudge's adult fiction is out of print.  I've managed to find a handful of her books in our local library system, and I keep my eyes pealed for them at used book sales.  My most recent read was The Little White Horse, which is classified as Junior Fiction and re-printed by Puffin Books.  Out of the Goudge books I've read so far, this one's my favorite.  It's fairy tale at its finest.

In 1842, Maria Merryweather comes to Moonacre Manor in the countryside of England and finds mystery, romance, tragedy, and hope in the people and creatures that she quickly takes to her heart.  Woven amidst salmon-pink geraniums and bouquets in the mornings and candied cherries with milk and cottages made in caves, this is a story about all things being made right.  I wanted to climb inside the book and live at the Manor with Maria and Miss Heliotrope and Marmaduke Scarlet forever.

The Good in Symbols

I grew up in a church tradition that looked upon incense and vestments and candles as almost idolatrous because they focused the mind on palpable things which might take the place of the purely spiritual.  Yet as long as we recognize the incense for what it is - a symbol of the fragrance that Christ imparts to his church by his sacrifice and the sweet savor of the giving of ourselves as living sacrifices back to him - then it may be a good use of our physical senses to remind us of spiritual truth.

-- Dr. Paul Brand, God's Forever Feast: Letting God Satisfy Your Deepest Hunger

Rosemary-Chocolate Chip Shortbread

One of the members of our Herb Club made this recipe to share last month during our show-and-tell-type program called "My Favorite Things."  She made samples of it and passed the container of shortbread around to share.  Fortuitously, I was sitting next to her and she urged me to take home the remaining small pile of samples.  She said to pop them in the freezer and enjoy them with my daily afternoon cup of tea.  I didn't need to be urged too hard!!  A deliciously interesting flavor -

Rosemary-Chocolate Chip Shortbread

1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
1/4 C. sugar
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. flour
1/3 C. mini chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugar with a mixer.  Mix in rosemary, salt and flour (1/4 C. at a time).  Add chips by hand.  Gather dough into a ball.  Flatten slightly, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes.  Roll dough into a 1/2" thick, 8" long and 4" wide rectangle.  Cut down center to make two strips each 2" wide.  Cut 8 cookies down each strip to make 16 cookies.  Use a fork to prick each cookie several times.  Bake at 300 for 20-25 minutes.

Tips from the Herb Festival

A collage created with past Herb Festival programs -

A vignette at one of the stands -

The weekend before Easter our Herb Club participated in the annual PA Herb Festival held at the city fairgrounds.  We set up a small table with info. about our club and volunteered in one-hour increments to answer questions about the club and herbs in general.  I took the first hour on Saturday morning and really enjoyed chatting and interacting with people.  My second hour was spent taking tickets and stamping hands at the door.  That was a treat as well - people were enthusiastic and friendly, and the hour flew by.  My volunteer status earned free admission to the show, so I spent the remainder of the morning wandering around the hall.

I took a few photos and some notes for ideas that I'll share below:

* At our Herb Club's table, one of our members displayed a pint jar of honey in which she had submerged sage leaves.  This, of course, will flavor the honey and give it a different taste twist.  I was imagining that lavendar honey made this way would be lovely.  Actually, the sky's the limit - experiment!

Instant, convenient lettuce garden -

* The stand next to our's (an organization encouraging those in the city to grow their own fresh food) had a fun (and very popular) idea to grow lettuces and spinach for those with little space - in a bag of potting soil.  Poke holes in the bottom, cut open the top and sow seeds directly into the bag for an instant, convenient garden!

* Across the way was a local garden club who shared lots of ideas using recyclables in the garden.  One easy and clever one was to stuff scraps of yarn pieces into a suet cage for the birds to make their nests. They also had a sample of a firestarter to use for your campfires.  Simply stuff a toilet paper tube with dryer lint!

* One of the vendors was selling all kinds of herbal baked delights.  From rose geranium cookies to lavendar shortbread to anise biscotti to rosemary cookies, there was a whole host of interesting ideas to get me inspired to create such goodies in my own kitchen. 

Herbal Easter eggs -

* At another herb club's stand was a basket of beautiful herb-decorated Easter eggs.  The eggs were hard-boiled ahead of time.  Place a piece of fresh herb against the egg, hold tightly and secure the egg into a piece of nylon stocking.  Twist end very tighly, secure with a twist-tie and allow to soak in a pot of water in which you've boiled lots of red onion skins.  Remove, allow to dry and paint with a coat of watered-down glue.  Most of the eggs had been recently made, but the volunteer shared that one of them had been made 20 years ago!

Tomorrow . . . a delicious herbal recipe -

A Book Review of First We Have Coffee

First We Have Coffee by Margaret Jensen is the true story of a family of immigrants in the early decades of the 1900's.  It's a simple but encouraging tale of faith during trials, perseverance through hardships and obedience to the LORD.  The star of the show is Mama Tweten - the Norwegian mother of six whose love and coffee ministered to not only her own family, but countless others wherever her preacher husband was called.  The book includes funny stories and sad ones, too, but always with a hope-filled thread woven throughout.  My favorite parts of First We Have Coffee are the little scenes of home life that the author (one of the children in this family) paints so beautifully - fresh loaves of rye bread, linen tablecloths, starched petticoats, kettles of meatballs, and the weekly housekeeping schedule.  Vignettes to delight my homemaker's heart!

Thank You, LORD . . .

For daffodils on the bank of the pond, in front of the clubhouse and in the flowerbeds -

5368.) for Easter joy and the reality of His resurrection that ensures that I, too, will One Day be raised to eternal life with You!
5369.) for Dove chocolate bunnies from my boys, homemade coconut eggs from a friend, and beautiful orange tulips from my Secret Sister
5370.) for the fun of hiding Easter eggs in the warmth of Spring sunshine
5371.) for a new book from a friend to add to my morning devotion line-up: 10,000 Things to Praise God For
5372.) for a bright, new morning
5373.) that You do what is right (Psalm 129:4)5374.) for Your holiness (Leviticus 22:32)
5375.) for the new agreement You made with Your people (Hebrews 8)
5376.) for the reminder that a person with understanding is always looking for wisdom, but the mind of a fool wanders everywhere (Proverbs 17:24)
5377.) for the peace, rest and healing balm I find in Your presence.  Thank You that I can come boldly to Your throne and find grace and mercy there Every. Time.  You are Life and Breath to me.

An Easter Wish For Each of You

An Easter Wish

May the glad dawn

Of Easter morn

Bring joy to thee.

May the calm eve

Of Easter leave

A peace divine with thee.

May Easter night

On thine heart write,

O Christ, I live for thee!

-- Author Unknown 

A Mighty Impression

(Jesus) died not as a martyr but as the representative of a sinful race.  Although God loved him infinitely, still, as the representatives of a sinful race, in his displeasure he poured down upon him the vials of his indignation.  The death of Christ was intended to make an impression upon the universe, and all the circumstances attending it show what a wonderful effect it had.  When he was nailed to the cross the sun refused to look on, and the heavens were clothed with sackcloth; the whole universe seemed shaking to its foundations.  Heathen philosophers observed it, and said, Either nature is being dissolved, or the god of nature is dying.  The dead could not sleep in their graves, the earth trembled, and the tombs opened, and those who had been dead issued forth, and walked into the city.  The veil of the temple was rent in twain.  God made a mighty impression upon the entire universe, when, in order that sinners might be pardoned, he thus made a fearful demonstration of his hatred against sin.

- Charles Finney, 19th century revival preacher, from his sermon Christ the Mediator

Remembering the Bread of Life

It is clear from Jesus' own words, and also from the practice of the early church, that the service of "breaking bread together" is intended to be at the very center of our worship and fellowship.  It certainly is that for me.  I try to ensure that I get the full meaning of what God intends for me every time, so I have a personal discipline of remembrance every time.

When I take the bread, I try to be thankful for three aspects of that broken bread that have significance for me.  First I remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, when his body was broken for me.  Then I think of the way in which his life continues to sustain me today; his body, the Living Bread.

Then I look around me and recognize those who are worshipping with me.  I need to remind myself of our essential oneness, and I do it individually.  Deliberately downplaying our differences, I seek to see Jesus in each one of them.  That way it becomes indeed a love feast as well as a memorial service and, not least, a celebration of the continuing life of the Lord within me.

-- Dr. Paul Brant, God's Forever Feast: Letting God Satisfy Your Deepest Hunger

The High Priests of Leviticus & Hebrews

I heard it recommended recently to read Leviticus and Hebrews in tandem: Leviticus dealing with the appointment and duties of the earthly high priest for God's Tabernacle and Hebrews focusing on our Great High Priest, Jesus.  Since I've come to Leviticus in my daily reading time, I decided to skip ahead in my New Testament reading to Hebrews to see what all the fuss was about.

Coming to Leviticus 8, I found the description of Moses preparing Aaron for his duties as high priest
. . . and it wasn't long until I was grabbing my pen to take notes.  Why?  Because I immediately saw Jesus.  The contrasts between the preparation of Aaron and Jesus are striking:

Moses washed Aaron with water.
Jesus was spit upon.

Aaron was dressed in beautiful, skillfully-made clothes.
Jesus was undressed.

A turban with a strip of gold, the holy crown, was placed on Aaron's head.
A crown of thorns was jammed on Jesus' head.

Aaron's head was anointed with oil.
Jesus was anointed with oil . . . after He was dead.

Aaron was sprinkled with the blood of a sheep that he might be holy in God's sight.
Jesus, who was already holy in God's sight, shed His own blood that we might be made holy.

"The LORD commanded the things that were done today to remove your sins so you will belong to him."  (Leviticus 8:34)

"And because his (Jesus) obedience was perfect, he was able to give eternal salvation to all who obey him.  In this way God made Jesus a high priest, a priest like Melchizedek."  (Hebrews 5:9)

How Silently?

SILENT night . . .
"But the crowds cried out,
'Crucify him.  Crucify him.'"

Holy night . . .
"Then they spat in his face and
struck him with their fists.
Others slapped him and said,
'Prophesy to us, Christ. Who
hit you?'"

All is calm . . .
"When Pilate saw...that
an uproar was starting, he took
water and washed his hands...
'I am innocent of this man's blood.'
All the people answered,
'Let his blood be on
us and on our children.'"

All is bright . . .
"And darkness came over the
whole land until the ninth hour,
for the sun stopped shining.
And the curtain of the temple
was torn in two."

Round yon virgin, mother and child . . .
"Who is my mother, and who
are my brothers?...From now
on...family divided against each other..."

Holy infant . . .
"And carrying his own cross, he
went out to the place of the
skull."

So tender and mild . . .
"And he cried with a loud voice,
'My God, my God.  Why have you
forsaken me?'"

Sleep . . .
"Foxes have holes and birds of
the air have nests, but the Son
of man has no place to lay his
head."

In heavenly peace . . .
"Do you think I came to bring
peace to the earth?  I did not
come to bring peace, but a
sword."

Sleep in heavenly peace.
"'It is finished.'  With that,
he bowed his head and gave up
his spirit."

"And we beheld his glory, the glory
of the one and only Son."

-- Ruth Senter, excerpt from The Stone That Rolled Away

Thank You, LORD . . .

"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." - Martin Luther

5336.) for our visit with M.'s parents yesterday on a gorgeous spring day - lunch together, a long ride through the countryside, ice cream and a walk around the neighborhood (we also met a man who handcrafts pens from exotic wood - fascinating!)
5337.) for all the sweet animals we saw yesterday on our little road trip - a creamy white, newborn calf; flocks of sheep with their lambs and several alpacas guarding them; a herd of Texas longhorn cattle; farm after farm of beautiful, black racehorses; and several deer in the growing dusk during the road home
5338.) for a fun Saturday morning volunteering at the annual herb festival
5339.) that Spring seemed to come upon us overnight - the spring peepers are singing on the pond and the trees and flowers have popped - You are quite the Artist, Abba.
5340.) that Holy Week has begun - and that He "steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem . . ."
5341.) that You surround Your people now and forever (Psalm 125:2)
5342.) that "the LORD's glory came to all the people" (Leviticus 9:23)
5343.) that Your Word is alive and working and sharper than a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12)
5344.) that the righteous can look forward to a bright future because of His righteousness (Proverbs 13:9)

And So It Begins

Holy Week begins as every Christian walk begins, with Jesus coming into our lives.  Our individual Palm Sunday may be as public as that first one: a religious rally, an eager crowd.  For others, as it was for me, the event is quieter, more personal.  But always a palm branch waves in our hearts: He is here . . . at last, at last!

And once He has made His triumphal entry into our hearts, we experience "little Palm Sundays" all along the way.  Each time we receive love or forgiveness - and recognize that it is God Who is entering our lives in this way - we are once more standing on the royal road, welcoming the King.  Palm Sunday represents all our personal encounters with God.

And only that.  Some of the people who cried Hosanna on that first Palm Sunday mistook their personal experience for the whole of the truth.  They had seen the Savior, they believed the battle was over.  They mistook the beginning for the end.  They thought the struggle was behind them; in fact the fiercest fight was just ahead.

-- Elizabeth Sherrill, excerpt from The Struggle Begins in The Stone That Rolled Away

A Book Review of God's Forever Feast

God's Forever Feast: Letting God Satisfy Your Deepest Hunger by Dr. Paul Brand is a fascinating book because it was written by a fascinating man.  Dr. Paul Brand was a compassionate medical missionary, a gifted surgeon, and an incredibly wise man who loved and served God with all his heart.  I have read several of his books and always come away from them with a deeper gratitude and awe of our Amazing Creator's brilliance and power.  God's Forever Feast is no different.  In his own words, Dr. Brand writes that this book looks "at parallels between the physical human body and the spiritual body of Christ."  In an easy-to-understand style, Dr. Brand explains the intricate workings and make-up of our incredibly designed bodies and draws lessons from them.  He illuminates Scripture by sharing insights he's discovered through his studies and research.  Dr. Paul Brand's humility and passion for His Savior shines through on every page - making each book he's written a testimony of God's amazing grace.

A Spring Centerpiece

A milk glass dish, some filler, a few plastic eggs and pruned, budding twigs from our lilac bush equals a lovely spring centerpiece for the table.

Herb Club: "My Favorite Things" & Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars

The program for April's meeting of our Partners in Thyme Herb Club was called "My Favorite Things."  Instead of an outside speaker, the individual members of the club each participated in this program.  Last month's newsletter requested that each lady bring a favorite item to share with the other members - a "show and tell" type idea.  We were to bring a favorite gardening tool, kitchen tool, cookbook or gardening book, or recipe containing herbs and prepare to share why the item we brought is a favorite.  The program turned out to be very informative (that group is so incredibly knowledgeable and creative).  There was a nice mixture of various tools, books and recipes and not a single repeat item.  I took my favorite meatball recipe which contains dried oregano and basil, as well as the ice cream scoop that I use to shape the meatballs.  (It's great to stuff pasta shells with meat or cheese, as well as scoop muffin and cookie batter, too.)

I had volunteered to be one of the dessert makers for the month.  So I've included the recipe for these delicious bars below:

Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars

3/4 C. butter, softened
1 C. sugar
2 eggs
3/4 C. sour cream
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1 C. white baking chips
1 1/2 C. dried cranberries, divided

Preheat oven to 350.  In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Gradually beat in eggs, sour cream and extracts.  In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.  Fold in chips and 1 C. cranberries.  Spread into a greased 15x10x1" jelly roll pan.  Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool completely in pan.  Frost with favorite cream cheese icing recipe and sprinkle with 1/2 C. cranberries that have been chopped in small pieces.  Cut into bars or triangles; refrigerate. 

Making Garbage Fun

Eli made this monster garbage "can" from the instructions in the current issue of Family Fun Magazine.  He told me that it makes him look forward to throwing away his trash . . .

Thank You, LORD . . .

For this sweet little tote bag I was given this weekend -

5287.) for the creativeness and generosity of my fellow Herb Club members (going to a meeting is like being in a big think tank that's just brewing with ideas and beauty to savor!)
5288.) for the beautiful pussywillow bouquet that a friend sent me
5289.) for a Saturday morning breakfast outing with all my boys
5290.) for the many blessings of the volunteer luncheon I attended on Saturday
5291.) for the first Sunday evening walk-over-the-farm of the year with M. - Spring is slowly blooming!
5292.) for the beauty of the little piece of land by the creek that E.'s preparing as a campground of sorts (with plans for tenting this summer with his friends and cousins)
5293.) for the boys' joy last evening over having a campfire supper with their cousins
5294.) that when I call, You answer (Psalm120:1)
5295.) for the attention to beauty and detail in the fashioning of the components for the Tabernacle (Exodus 37)
5296.) that even the demons testified of Jesus' deity! (Mark 1:24 & 34)
5297.) that those who find Wisdom, find life (Proverbs 8:35)

Prayer to Live in the Present

God,
I spend so much time reliving yesterday
or anticipating tomorrow
that I lose sight of the only time
that is really mine - the present.
Remind me that the past - with its
successes
and failures - is over.
I can make amends where I have hurt
others
or let them down.
But I can't undo what has been done.
The future is yet to be
and eagerness or apprehension
will not hasten it - or postpone it.
You give me today, one minute at a
time.
That's all I have - all I ever will.
Give me the faith that knows that each
moment
contains exactly what is best for me.
Give me the hope that trusts You
enough to
forget past sins and future trials.
Give me the love that makes each
minute of
life an anticipation of eternity with You.
Amen.

-- Richard Armstrong, included in The Stone That Rolled Away: Living the Miracle of Easter

Cranberry Punch

This new-to-me punch recipe was made for a ladies' gathering last month.  With lots of different tangy juices in contrast to the sweet ginger ale, it's just the right combination of sweet and tart. 

Cranberry Punch

1 qt. 100% cranberry juice
18 oz. 100% pineapple juice
1 C. 100% orange juice
1/2 C. lemon juice
2 qt. ginger ale, chilled

A day before the event, combine fruit juices.  Take some of the mixture and fill a mold or ice cube trays and freeze.  Before serving, pour the juice mixture into a punch bowl and add the chilled ginger ale.  Float the ice mold or cubes in the punch to keep it cool without watering it down.  Makes about 20 6-oz. servings.

Parallels

I love, love the Old Testament.  Everywhere you look, it's filled with shadows of Jesus.  This morning's passage was no exception.  Reading in Exodus, I came across a verse about a tax collected to upkeep the Tabernacle.  Spoken by the LORD, he tells Moses:  Gather from the people of Israel this money paid to buy back their lives, and spend it on things for the service in the Meeting Tent.  This payment will remind the LORD that the Israelites' lives have been bought back. (Exodus 30:16)

I knew immediately what I wanted to record in my thanksgiving journal about that passage.  For upon reading the verse, my mind instantly jumped to the remembrance of the price that God paid for my life.  The death of His precious Son.

With a grateful heart, I turned to my next place of reading, the New Testament.  My marker was in Matthew 27 - almost the end of the book - and as I began reading, I had to smile.  Why?  Matthew 27 is the chapter which contains the account of Jesus' death on the cross.  It's all about the payment that God used to buy back my life.  Coincidence?  Hardly.  I can't tell you the number of times that my reading for the day in the Old Testament perfectly paralleled the chapter in the New Testament.

Yet another evidence of our personal, loving, perfect God.

April Idea Board

Thoughts and Ideas to meditate on in April:

Notes from Jennifer Rothschild's talk, Your Thought Closet Make-Over, on Revive Our Hearts:

* The life I'm living right now is a direct reflection of my thoughts.

* Hold every thought captive and make it obey Christ.  Confront mental lies with truth: thinking and acting on what is known, not speculated.  Truth is always constructive, even when it's not necessarily what we call "positive." 

Notes from Nancy Leigh DeMoss' Lenten series called The Wonder of His Name on Revive Our Hearts:

* The Son of God became the Son of Man, so that the sons of men could become the sons of God.

* Whether I have peace at any given moment reveals who I am trusting: The Prince of Peace or myself.

* Whatever we need, whatever we lack, He is.

* You are what you eat.  Feed on the Bread of Life, and you will become like Him.

Other thoughts:

* Are you living for the dot or the line? (temporal things or eternal things) (a friend heard this quote and shared it)

* I want to breathe the Word of God to the point where I don't know where I stop and He begins. - Elizabeth Foss

*  Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair. - G. K. Chesterton

Baking Lessons: Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Back in January, two friends and I gathered to make candied peel in anticipation of Lent.  Our pastry chef friend, Terry, taught us how to make and freeze the peel so that we could later gather before Easter and use it to make traditional hot cross buns.  We met in the morning to prepare the dough and, while it rose on Terry's hearth, we enjoyed a lunch of homemade tortellini soup.  We then formed the risen dough into buns and baked them in time to sit down for daily tea at 2 with fresh hot cross buns and a cup (or two) of tea. 

The buns can be made, baked, glazed and frozen between sheets of waxed paper.  Pull one from the freezer, slice in half, toast and slather with butter to eat with your morning tea all through Lent.  Perfect.

Hot Cross Buns

Slightly warm 5 oz. milk and 2 oz. warm water in a pan; set aside.  In a large bowl, combine 4 oz. of all-purpose flour with 1 tsp. sugar.  Stir in warmed milk and water mixture.  Sprinkle mixture with 1 tabl. of yeast and stir just a bit.  Leave mixture in a warm place for 20-30 minutes or until frothy.

Mix 12 oz. of flour with 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. of mixed spice.  (Mixed spice is NOT all-spice.  It is an English spice which can be created by combining 2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg and 1/4 tsp. cloves.)  Add 2 oz. of sugar.  Set aside.

Once yeast mixture is frothy, gently stir in 2 oz. of cooled melted butter and 1 beaten egg.  Gradually fold in flour mixture, 1 oz. currants and 1-2 oz. of candied peel.  Knead the dough until perfectly smooth (approx. 10 minutes).  Divide the dough into 12 pieces and shape into buns.  Place buns on greased AND floured baking trays and leave them in a warm place to double in size, covering them loosely with greased plastic wrap. 

Once doubled in size, use a razor blade or SUPER SHARP knife to gently make a cross on top of each bun, taking care not to knock the air out of them!

Bake in a preheated 375 oven (just above center) for approx. 15 minutes.  While warm, brush with glaze made from 1 1/2 oz. sugar dissolved in 2 tabl. water over low heat.