Do you enjoy cooking and baking? I certainly do. There is something about taking a number of different ingredients, mixing them together, and creating something yummy. A creation that makes the house smell warm and inviting. Homey. Love wafts out of the pan. It is so calming.
For me baking is a way to destress and also to show my family and friends that I love them. I love it when my parents stop by and I have made a big kettle of soup to share. It warms my heart when family pops by and I just happen to have made their favorite pie. Sometimes it lightens their load and gives them a smile if only for a short time.
Does it work like that for you, too? Do you enjoy cooking? Do you have happy memories from Times in your kitchen? Most people that love to cook and bake have precious, “sweet” memories of time spent in the kitchen. The women in my family taught me to cook. I loved being with them and they were always in the kitchen. It seemed natural that the kitchen was a place I would love. My mother and hers were the two women who taught me the most about cooking.
Everyone has something special they make or a special added ingredient that like to toss into their dishes. If I’m cooking a savory dish, garlic is my secret ingredient. Even if it’s a smidge, I love garlic. Now baking, that’s a toss up. Depending on the dessert I will reach for vanilla or cinnamon. Mmmmmmmm. They both smell heavenly. However, the most powerful secret ingredient is love. People can tell if you made something lovingly. My Grandmother always told me “if you cook with love, you will always love to cook.”
God makes sure we have all of the things we need for our daily bread. He sees that we have money to buy ingredients. There are cookbooks and family members to guide us. We have been given the ability to put the ingredients together to make all different kinds of wonderful dishes. All we need to do is have faith it will turn out and add our secret ingredient of love.
He has given us every thing we need for faith, too. We have all of the things we need. The Bible is our instructional book. Church is our classroom, and other Christians are there to help. God has the ultimate secret ingredient . . . Jesus. There is no greater love.
Best Banana Bread Ever
| 1 c. sugar 2 eggs 1/2 c. oil 3 bananas, mashed 2 c. flour 1 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 3 T. milk 1 c. chopped nuts, optional Preheat oven to 350º. Beat sugar, eggs, oil, and bananas. Stir in dry ingredients, nuts, vanilla and milk. Bake for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean. |
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 