by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
My Aunt Rose’s Nut Bars were an essential part of family beach trip. Bites of chewy browned sugar left a perfect powdered lining around the lips, my version of sunscreen at the ripe age of 10.
Aunt Rose’s sister, my grandmother, aka Ma-Ma, also served these yummy bars at some of her Garden Club parties. I wish I could share a square with you now but since I can’t, I thought I’d serve up this family recipe, straight from my aunt’s own 1970’s handwritten recipe card. Enjoy!
And just in case you can’t read it…
2 sticks butter
2-1/2 cups plain flour
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 box light brown sugar
1 cup chopped nuts
3 level teaspoons baking powder
Melt butter in a saucepan; to this add sugar, stir and then add eggs. Stir, then add flour, flavoring and nuts. Add baking powder to flour. Cook at 300 degrees until light brown. Cool. Cut into squares and roll in powdered sugar.
This would be a delightful addition to last week’s Sharing Your Treasure Tea celebration, as well as a perfect go-to drop off goody for someone in need.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Ever been caroling? If not, this is a great year to give it a try. Round up friends, co-workers or your life group, print out some favorite Christmas songs (or download this app), and choose a street in your neighborhood. Knock on the door and start singing! A few songs will do (especially if it’s a chilly night!)
Consider baking cookies with the group beforehand to share with those you visit. A ribbon tied around the batch of cookies (perhaps along with the recipe?) could be tagged: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8
Afterwards, head back to a home base to enjoy hot cocoa and leftover cookies. It’s a memory you won’t soon forget.
Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. Psalm 147:1
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Growing up, my dad often helped others anonymously, especially elderly people living nearby. My favorite excursion involved waking up at the break of dawn and dropping off an anonymous gift (fruit, firewood, or another need) on a porch step before the recipient awakened.
Let’s take that basic idea and kick it up one glorious notch. A few ideas to get the creative juices flowing:
- Cookies, banana bread, healthy treats, fruit, etc. If time is limited, pick up something. After all, our focus is not on what we give, but rather, Who. Simply attach a note to the gift bag: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8
- Muffins or a loaf of bread. Or maybe a mini-loaf with canister of tea? A possible tag option: I am the Bread of life. Your strength. John 6:35
- A beautiful candle for those who are hurting this year. Consider going with a mild scent, such as vanilla, for those with allergies. Attach a card: John 1:5 – I’m the Light in your darkness.
Other ideas: Top 25 Food Gifts
One more! Today is National Poinsettia Day. No doubt one of these would certainly brighten anyone’s back porch. 🙂
Do you have a favorite anonymous gift-giving idea? I’d love to hear it!
