All Creation speaks to us of God and His works. That is why no occupation, no matter how mundane, is merely drudgery.
Others may feel trapped on a treadmill of meaningless repetitions, but children of the Creator should understand that it isn't a treadmill. It's the stairway to heaven. Every task can speak to us of something He has done for us or in us or by us.
It's a fractal universe. Every shape is made up of shapes just like the larger shape. Our gestures echo, in microcosm, His. He uses our own small hands to teach us the cosmic textures of spiritual realities.
Take bread. For most of the world, it's the strength-for-the-day staple. Bread and salt; the invitation to life. Bread is the foundation of hospitality. The aroma of baking bread draws us into "Welcome home!" and "Remember when?"
It is the mystery of secret growth; sin and righteousness, the Serpent's seed and the Church. Revolution hiding in plain sight. Penicillin and the death of men's plagues.
Bread is the appetizer for the Lamb's wedding feast. It is the memorial of Christ's ordinary, gracious, invitational, mysterious, nourishing, healing sacrifice.
Break it. Drink in the steamy fragrance. And, with the disciples at Emmaeus, recognize Him.
This recipe was a gift from a dear friend, who brought it to our Thanksgiving feast one year. Isn't female bonding all about food 90% of the time?
Cheese Bread Knots
Combine:
10-11 cups white flour
4 pkgs. Dry yeast
Heat in saucepan until just warm:
4 cups milk
12 oz. Swiss Cheese
1 cup sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter
2 tablespoons salt
Combine milk mixture, flour, and 2 eggs. Beat for ½ minute at low speed of mixer. Beat at high speed 3 minutes. Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough, then knead until smooth and elastic (5-8 minutes).
Shape into a ball and place in greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled (1 ½ hours). Punch dough down and turn out on floured surface. Divide dough into four equal pieces. Shape each into a ball. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
Roll each ball into a 12x16 inch rectangle. Cut crosswise into 6x1 inch strips. Tie each strip into a loose knot. Place on a greased baking sheet.
Cover and let rise until doubled (about 40 minutes). Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
These freeze well.
5 comments:
Dear Kim,
What a beautiful post. Thanks for your encouraging post at my blog. I look forward to trying your recipe. Have a beautiful day!
In Christ,
Julie D.
www.homeschoolblogger.com/juldos/
I like the spiritual lesson that came with the physical food. This sounds like the perfect accompaniment to a special made-from-scratch meal. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent post, Kim! Thanks for visiting my blog and bread post. I'd love to hear how you enjoyed the blueberry-orange bread. Blessings in Christ Who is the Bread of Life!
Neat post...thanks for sharing.
Looking for the Kim Anderson who shared Chesbrough genealogy research with me - Larry (at) Chesebro.net
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