“Intelligent people are always ready to learn, their ears are open for knowledge.” Proverbs 18:5
The Ideal Cookbook
Headnotes: A few years ago, I discovered the beauty of reading cookbooks. This is the spot where the author captivated my taste buds with a story. It might be a story filled with intrigue in which the author has spent years trying to replicate a favorite cake from a beloved grandmother. Maybe, the author didn’t like snickerdoodles in the past but discovered that blooming cinnamon in brown butter is the secret (I am still on the fence on snickerdoodles). It could be the story of an immigrant recalling a favorite dish from their country of origin and wanting to share it with the next generation. This story must be compelling to make me try the recipe despite the number of ingredients and steps. Finally, this piece should not be an afterthought, but well-written and intentional.
Ingredients:
real, whole ingredients
no box mixes, canned soups, or canned vegetables
unfamiliar spices explained
size clearly indicated in the list of ingredients (diced, sliced thin, etc.)
occasionally, a favorite brand if it is important
a list of some possible substitutes if ingredients are hard to find
Steps:
It must be tested by several different people besides the author.
It leaves no room for guessing what the step means.
It should offer visual cues when needed, like pea-sized chunks when adding butter for dough, or crispy around the edges when baking.
It should indicate how much it serves.
It should tell us how to store it for leftovers and how to reheat if necessary.
Finally, I love pictures that accompany a recipe. I want pictures to add to the story being told. Maybe it includes a picture of grandma, or it is a picture of the author’s favorite serving dish. It could even be pictures of certain ingredients like Fenugreek, or how a passion fruit looks when opened. I also love pictures from the country of origin, a street in Spain or farmer’s market in California. I even love the occasional hand-illustrated cookbook.
“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all in the lights in the heavens.” James 1:17 NLT
Every morning, I wake up to the glorious smell of freshly brewed coffee. I wipe the sleep from eyes, slowly stretch like a slumbering cat, and stumble out of bed. Thirty minutes later, I waltz down the stairs, greeting my husband but secretly looking over the railing to see if my cup of coffee has been made. Well over 90% of the time, he has picked out my favorite mug and made me a perfect cup with just the right amount of cream. I smile to myself, forever grateful for that warm beverage that makes my soul sing.
I love coffee in almost all its forms: from hand-selected beans for a pour over experience at Omega Coffee Collective (my favorite place in Chambersburg) to an ordinary cup of joe brewed at home. I love lattes with oat milk, cortados, cappuccinos, and cold brew. I love homemade syrup from the Fig Cardamom I found at Café Emis in Kennett Square to the more than occasional caramel latte at Dunkin’, with only half syrup. I love espresso flavored ice cream and find affogatos one of the most decadent desserts ever.
I identify with one of my favorite characters, Lorelai Gillmore, when she states, “I stop drinking coffee, I stop doing the standing and walking and the word-putting-into-sentence-doing.” It is part of my essence and maybe has even filtered into my pores, making me smell a little like coffee with notes of mango, white peach and florals (this is the Tanzania Citrus Nectar Blend that I plan to buy the next time I go to Omega).
My love for coffee extends to coffee merch and places: mugs, coffee makers, and coffee shops. I love how different coffee shops have different vibes; some are cozy and warm, some are sleek and modern, while others are fresh and open. I love the weight of a solid hand-crafted mug, and the candy cane stripes on my Holly Jolly mug. I love dreaming about what espresso machine I might own someday.
But what I love most about coffee is not its taste, or its caffeine properties, or the trendy coffee merch. I love the many heartfelt conversations I have had with family and friends over steaming mugs. I love the laughter, the memories, and the life shared in homes and coffee shops over a cup of coffee. And for that I am more than just grateful for coffee, I am indebted to God who created the coffee bean.
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
The Super Bowl, Fasnacht Day, and Valentine’s Day have hit the calendar this week with a bang. Wings, donuts, and flowers packed shelves in the grocery stores. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, Madri Gras, and restaurant menus fill my social media feed. It’s a week of feasting, partying, and celebrating. Although all three events are supported by food, these three days are distinct with very different vibes. But if you set aside the commercials, beads, and flowers, they all point to the importance of connection. And with our polarized nation, we all need more opportunities to connect.
Because of my Wisconsin roots, I call myself a Packers fan, but I am not a football aficionado. I may have watched two Super Bowls in my entire life. And this year, even though we didn’t watch the game, we still made mini appetizers to enjoy while spending the evening together. I fully recognize that we are in the minority here. This year, the Super Bowl had the largest viewership ever at 123.4 million. If I am doing my math right, this means one out of every three Americans watched the big game. And I am sure that those who were not watching were like me, still checking their phones for updates and to hear the buzz about the commercials.
Now some may argue that it’s just a game unworthy of all the hype. Others may say viewership was up due to the “Swifties” showing interest. But whatever the case, this is one of the only major events that Americans seems to come together and share collectively. And I think it’s important we have these types of events, whether it’s football, the Olympics, or the Barbie movie. It forces us to put aside our differences and have fun. And this “fun” or play is valuable because it helps to create camaraderie. It reminds us that we are not so different, and as a Christian, it reminds me that everyone is created in His image.
Whether you call it Fat Tuesday, or Fasnacht Day, Tuesday, February 13, 2024, is another day that most people recognize on the calendar. Historically, this was the last day before the start of Lent. People would empty out their pantries of sugar, butter, and lard to prevent spoilage over the next forty days of fasting. An easy way to do this was to make donuts, named Fasnacht by the Pennsylvania Dutch. Even if you were not a liturgical Christian, you would still benefit by indulging in donuts due to your neighbor’s excess. The point of this indulgence was not to eat as many calories as you can, but to mark the upcoming season of remembrance of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Since moving to Pennsylvania, the Collins family has celebrated Fasnacht Day by sharing donuts with our family and friends. I discovered this day thirteen years ago, a lonely month and half after leaving Wisconsin. The idea of a day set aside for donuts made the hard move seem more palatable. It’s hard to eat a donut and not be joyful. And a donut shared in the company of others makes the donut even sweeter. Additionally, my first Fasnacht day gave me hope that my move to Pennsylvania could be sweet. I could make new friends and new traditions.
Traditionally, Valentine’s Day has been set aside for couples to celebrate romantic love. But like all holidays, the love has spread with Valentine gift exchanges in schools and Galentine Day celebrations. Today, we don’t celebrate with just a card and an appropriate sentiment. Instead, the National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend an average of $185.81 per person letting their loved ones, including pets, know that they are special with cards, flowers, candy, and gifts. And if money is an indicator of importance, it seems many Americans believe this day is as valuable as our relationships!
At different points in our marriage, we have prioritized this day to a greater or lesser extent. How we celebrated was often an indicator of the healthiness of our marriage. This year, we are not spending the average amount, but we are still taking time to be together as a couple and celebrate our love of 28 years. In no way do I think flowers or chocolate will heal a broken marriage, but I do think setting aside days to celebrate love is important. It signals to those you love that they are valuable and cherished.
All polls, whether related to politics, economic satisfaction, or mental health indicate that there is a prevailing sense of apathy, anxiety and loneliness across all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The average American feels a general sense of hopelessness for the future. And with that lack of hope comes a higher rate of suicide, depression, and substance addiction. Additionally, our avid use of devices, whether for social media or news headlines, increases our anxiety and sense of being alone. How does one look to the future with an impending election that guarantees more divisiveness? How does one look past the genocides and wars happening across the world? How does one find support if they are struggling or support others who are struggling with mental health issues?
I don’t have all the answers, but I think a little football, donuts, and flowers are good ways to start. I need to find ways to connect with others in larger gatherings centered on fun. This may involve a game night at my home or watching a movie with friends. This checking in with people can help others feel less isolated or alone. It also reminds us not to take everything so seriously, but to spend time just enjoying each other’s company. Plus, whenever you have a group together, laughter is both likely and contagious!
On a smaller note, connecting with small groups is another way to combat hopelessness. Joy is not found just in a bundle of fried sweet dough; it’s found in meaningful conversation that glorifies God. Although my extroverted nature thrives in large gatherings, my most meaningful connections are with a small group of friends. These connections not only contain laughter, but also moments of truth and beauty found in deep abiding relationships. This is where I refuel and glean from others. It’s a place of safety, where I am known and loved. And if I feel this from my friends, I am confident that others feel this as well in small groups. And just like buying a box of donuts gave me a glimpse of hope, I can cultivate small groups in my life as well to bring hope.
Finally, the health of my most treasured relationships should reflect where I spend my time, money, and energy. If I value my husband, my adult children and in-loves, and my grandchildren, they should receive the best of what I have to offer. This doesn’t require extravagant gifts, but it does require me to be intentional in my relationships. It is all too easy to take for granted those you love the most. And the gift of Valentine’s Day is that it is a reminder to put those you love front and center.
Like most people, it is easy for me to fall into despair over the upcoming election, the state of our world, and the myriad crises we face. But this week is a gentle reminder to me that there is a lot to celebrate and, more importantly, lots of ways I can personally build connections. And if football, donuts, and flowers can’t get you out of the doldrums, watch the Dunkin’ Super Bowl commercial. I promise the Dunkin’ tracksuits alone will make you laugh!
By Sherry Collins 