With the arrival of spring, it comes a time of renewal and cleaning out not only our homes, pantries, wardrobes, and gardens, but those old eating habits as well. It is important to detox and to remove the impact of the cold winter weather, the less active lifestyle, and the accumulated toxins. As the days warm up my cravings start to turn away from rich, warm and decadent food toward more lighter and healthy dishes, more spring vegetables and fruits. Not to mention the fact that I desperately need to lose a few pounds. Last spring, I was obsessed with home sprouting. You can see how to germinate seeds at home here.
This spring, on my latest trip to Bulk Barn, the friendly seller brought to my attention a product that I hadn't heard of. He was even surprised that I know nothing about Chia Seeds. After a short lecture about this tiny speck of seeds, I bought the package. What is so special, I couldn't stop thinking. After a little research, yes, a little, you don't need to browse hours in the net to be convinced that this small chia seed is highly nutritious and rich in easily digestible protein, vitamins, soluble fiber, antioxidants, minerals, you name it. It contains more omega-3s than flax seeds, more calcium than milk and is a gluten-free whole grain. Known as Salvia hispanica, these "magical" seeds are an ancient food that belongs to the mint family and was originally grown in Mexico and Central America. In fact, "chia" is the Mayan word for "strength." But you might be familiar with them because of their mention in Christopher McDougall's bestselling book Born to Run (which is on my reading list now), or you might remember the kitschy Chia Pet with grass-like hair only that these seeds are grown organically and for human consumption. You can read more about the health benefits of chia seeds here.
Since chia seeds readily dissolve into the water as they create a cool gelatin-like substance, researchers suggest chia seeds can help you lose weight and they are very beneficial to your skin. Nutritionists recommend one tablespoon of chia each day. And because of its earthy taste or perhaps the absence of taste, chia can be combined with basically everything you like to eat, sweet or savory. You can toss the seeds in smoothies, sprinkle them on oatmeal and salads, or soak them directly in flavourful milk. You can eat them raw or bake bread and muffins with them, or make puddings. Whatever your imagination comes up with in terms of cooking, put chia in it. Some people even use it as a safe egg substitute and to thicken soups and sauces.
I have been using chia seeds for more than a week and have been experimenting with various recipes.
I love to have my yogurt in the morning packed with fruits and chia seeds. I also enjoy making healthy chia seed puddings. It is easy and no cooking is necessary. Click here to see some really interesting chia recipes.

After mentioning all this and much more if you look up sources, how would you not want to add chia seeds to your kitchen cupboard? Make sure when you buy them to look for good quality, certified organic product, not GMO since low-quality chia can be poor in nutrition value.

Berry Chia Pudding 


Ingredients: 

1/2 cup chia seeds
2 1/2 strawberry milk, or any other flavored milk (almond, coconut, banana)
1 cup fresh berries (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Blend milk, berries, vanilla, and syrup together in a blender on high till smooth.
Pour berry mixture over chia seeds and stir thoroughly with a whisk or a fork. Let the mixture rest for five minutes, and stir again. About ten minutes later, stir again. Refrigerate. If you desire, let the mixture sit overnight.
If the texture is too thick, simply add more milk. You can substitute berries with 3 tbsp cocoa powder for chocolate chia pudding.




Have you ever tried chia seeds? What is your favorite way to eat chia?



Stone Gable/ Be Inspired/ Home Sweet Home

• April 20, 2013
• food

Super Seeds, or Simply Chia

With the arrival of spring, it comes a time of renewal and cleaning out not only our homes, pantries, wardrobes, and gardens, but those old eating habits as well. It is important to detox and to remove the impact of the cold winter weather, the less active lifestyle, and the accumulated toxins. As the days warm up my cravings start to turn away from rich, warm and decadent food toward more lighter and healthy dishes, more spring vegetables and fruits. Not to mention the fact that I desperately need to lose a few pounds. Last spring, I was obsessed with home sprouting. You can see how to germinate seeds at home here.
This spring, on my latest trip to Bulk Barn, the friendly seller brought to my attention a product that I hadn't heard of. He was even surprised that I know nothing about Chia Seeds. After a short lecture about this tiny speck of seeds, I bought the package. What is so special, I couldn't stop thinking. After a little research, yes, a little, you don't need to browse hours in the net to be convinced that this small chia seed is highly nutritious and rich in easily digestible protein, vitamins, soluble fiber, antioxidants, minerals, you name it. It contains more omega-3s than flax seeds, more calcium than milk and is a gluten-free whole grain. Known as Salvia hispanica, these "magical" seeds are an ancient food that belongs to the mint family and was originally grown in Mexico and Central America. In fact, "chia" is the Mayan word for "strength." But you might be familiar with them because of their mention in Christopher McDougall's bestselling book Born to Run (which is on my reading list now), or you might remember the kitschy Chia Pet with grass-like hair only that these seeds are grown organically and for human consumption. You can read more about the health benefits of chia seeds here.
Since chia seeds readily dissolve into the water as they create a cool gelatin-like substance, researchers suggest chia seeds can help you lose weight and they are very beneficial to your skin. Nutritionists recommend one tablespoon of chia each day. And because of its earthy taste or perhaps the absence of taste, chia can be combined with basically everything you like to eat, sweet or savory. You can toss the seeds in smoothies, sprinkle them on oatmeal and salads, or soak them directly in flavourful milk. You can eat them raw or bake bread and muffins with them, or make puddings. Whatever your imagination comes up with in terms of cooking, put chia in it. Some people even use it as a safe egg substitute and to thicken soups and sauces.
I have been using chia seeds for more than a week and have been experimenting with various recipes.
I love to have my yogurt in the morning packed with fruits and chia seeds. I also enjoy making healthy chia seed puddings. It is easy and no cooking is necessary. Click here to see some really interesting chia recipes.

After mentioning all this and much more if you look up sources, how would you not want to add chia seeds to your kitchen cupboard? Make sure when you buy them to look for good quality, certified organic product, not GMO since low-quality chia can be poor in nutrition value.

Berry Chia Pudding 


Ingredients: 

1/2 cup chia seeds
2 1/2 strawberry milk, or any other flavored milk (almond, coconut, banana)
1 cup fresh berries (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Blend milk, berries, vanilla, and syrup together in a blender on high till smooth.
Pour berry mixture over chia seeds and stir thoroughly with a whisk or a fork. Let the mixture rest for five minutes, and stir again. About ten minutes later, stir again. Refrigerate. If you desire, let the mixture sit overnight.
If the texture is too thick, simply add more milk. You can substitute berries with 3 tbsp cocoa powder for chocolate chia pudding.




Have you ever tried chia seeds? What is your favorite way to eat chia?



Stone Gable/ Be Inspired/ Home Sweet Home

Read more »

                             

An early Sunday morning in cold April. We find ourselves in the Old Town walking slowly toward St. Lawrence Market. The farmer's market is closed on Sunday, but we are heading to the Sunday Antique Market right across the street. Downtown is surprisingly empty, the morning air and light envelop the city and that's exactly how we love it. It is the only honest way one can meet Toronto's historic buildings and enjoy its vibrant architecture. And it doesn't happen very often, it is a megalopolis, after all. We are lucky today. Getting up early on Sunday it seems to pay off.

Standing on the traffic island at the intersection of Front Street East and Church Street we are catching the 5-story red brick Flatiron Building's narrow end dead center standing proudly in front of two skyscrapers. What many do not realize is that Toronto's Flatiron actually preceded New York's famous Flatiron building by more than 10 years, though the one in NYC gets much more publicity.  

I left my camera home intentionally. My day is devoted to my family.

As avid lovers of antiques, three of us adore spending time at flea markets. They are, in fact, rare in urban cities, however, right in downtown, St. Lawrence indoor and outdoor antique market is the retro oasis we love visiting. While I am looking for old china, kitchen utensils, vintage textiles, and furniture, my son is browsing collectible comic books. When it comes to negotiating, bargaining and making a deal, it's my husband's job. He is good at that! I mean, really good! I, on the other hand, am probably the most desirable client for all vendors. Thanks to my man, I am leaving the antique market with a steal of a deal for an old English blue and white ironstone plate, two wonderful linen napkins, vintage photographs and books, and four French Limoges china saucers. I am more than happy; how little I need...

There is an even more overwhelming excitement when we pass by the spectacular Gothic Revival architecture of St. James Cathedral and the ringing bells fill the moment with joyous sound and a sacralized sense of time. It immediately brings me back to Italy where I spent one whole summer in my aunt's house waking up every morning to the reassuring, gentle, yet solemn bell of the local church. I stop. I breathe. I am present. The slow and steady ringing of the church bells awakens my spiritual pulse reminding me of the significance of every moment, of the marvels that surround me... The wonders of the world aren't far away.

We are rambling around the neighborhood, enjoying each other's company and immersing in the charm of our town; our son standing tall beside us, my husband making jokes, I, myself, trying to hold my dress to prevent a Marilyn Monroe moment when the air from the street vent shafts blows it up unexpectedly. Brunch at the restaurant gives us lasting energy for the day. We laugh, we share impressions, we agree "Toronto is one cool city!" The hesitant sun touches our faces as we make ourselves comfortable on the bench and watch people passing. We feel cozy in a very large place. We spot a friend...

Everything seems brighter, everything tastes better, everything is exciting and promising, everything has a pleasant smell, everything we do feels right this day.

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return."                                                                                                                                                                                   ~ Mary Jean Irion, "Let Me Hold You While I May"

You can see more of my iPhone photos and Instagram gallery here or click on the button on the righthand side of the blog. 

What are your weekends looking like lately?

Oh, The Places I've Been

• April 15, 2013
• life and family

A Day in The Old Town

                             

An early Sunday morning in cold April. We find ourselves in the Old Town walking slowly toward St. Lawrence Market. The farmer's market is closed on Sunday, but we are heading to the Sunday Antique Market right across the street. Downtown is surprisingly empty, the morning air and light envelop the city and that's exactly how we love it. It is the only honest way one can meet Toronto's historic buildings and enjoy its vibrant architecture. And it doesn't happen very often, it is a megalopolis, after all. We are lucky today. Getting up early on Sunday it seems to pay off.

Standing on the traffic island at the intersection of Front Street East and Church Street we are catching the 5-story red brick Flatiron Building's narrow end dead center standing proudly in front of two skyscrapers. What many do not realize is that Toronto's Flatiron actually preceded New York's famous Flatiron building by more than 10 years, though the one in NYC gets much more publicity.  

I left my camera home intentionally. My day is devoted to my family.

As avid lovers of antiques, three of us adore spending time at flea markets. They are, in fact, rare in urban cities, however, right in downtown, St. Lawrence indoor and outdoor antique market is the retro oasis we love visiting. While I am looking for old china, kitchen utensils, vintage textiles, and furniture, my son is browsing collectible comic books. When it comes to negotiating, bargaining and making a deal, it's my husband's job. He is good at that! I mean, really good! I, on the other hand, am probably the most desirable client for all vendors. Thanks to my man, I am leaving the antique market with a steal of a deal for an old English blue and white ironstone plate, two wonderful linen napkins, vintage photographs and books, and four French Limoges china saucers. I am more than happy; how little I need...

There is an even more overwhelming excitement when we pass by the spectacular Gothic Revival architecture of St. James Cathedral and the ringing bells fill the moment with joyous sound and a sacralized sense of time. It immediately brings me back to Italy where I spent one whole summer in my aunt's house waking up every morning to the reassuring, gentle, yet solemn bell of the local church. I stop. I breathe. I am present. The slow and steady ringing of the church bells awakens my spiritual pulse reminding me of the significance of every moment, of the marvels that surround me... The wonders of the world aren't far away.

We are rambling around the neighborhood, enjoying each other's company and immersing in the charm of our town; our son standing tall beside us, my husband making jokes, I, myself, trying to hold my dress to prevent a Marilyn Monroe moment when the air from the street vent shafts blows it up unexpectedly. Brunch at the restaurant gives us lasting energy for the day. We laugh, we share impressions, we agree "Toronto is one cool city!" The hesitant sun touches our faces as we make ourselves comfortable on the bench and watch people passing. We feel cozy in a very large place. We spot a friend...

Everything seems brighter, everything tastes better, everything is exciting and promising, everything has a pleasant smell, everything we do feels right this day.

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return."                                                                                                                                                                                   ~ Mary Jean Irion, "Let Me Hold You While I May"

You can see more of my iPhone photos and Instagram gallery here or click on the button on the righthand side of the blog. 

What are your weekends looking like lately?

Oh, The Places I've Been

Read more »

For some, a daffodil is just a flower that announces the arrival of spring. But for us, who live in Canada, it is a symbol of hope, strength, and courage in the fight against cancer, a way of showing support for people living with cancer and remembering those who have lost their battle. The daffodil's relationship with the Canadian Cancer Society started when a group of enthusiastic volunteers organized a fundraising tea back in the 1950s. I wrote about the beginning of Daffodil Month April here. 

It's April and throughout the Daffodil Month, volunteers across Canada are working together to kick off the daffodil campaign Fight Back. Everyone can show his or her support by purchasing a bunch of fresh daffodils and wearing the bright yellow daffodil pin, which was introduced two years ago. While the daffodil flowers can die very fast, the daffodil pins can be worn all month, especially on Daffodil Day- April 27. The Canadian Cancer Society promises that "money raised through flower and pin sales funds the most promising cancer research, supportive care to people living with cancer, comprehensive cancer information, prevention initiatives, and advocacy for healthy public policy." Look here to see what daffodils do.

To spread the word and to show support in my own small way, I would love for you to pull up a chair and join me, my family and my friends for a cup of tea and lemon poppy seed cakes. I don't know how cancer has affected you and your family, but I am sure it's touched your life in some way.
Who would you wear a daffodil pin for this April?  

"Imagine the unthinkable: You're a well-known, prominent physician, you have a loving wife and two beautiful kids, and you've made a meaningful difference in the lives of many thousands of people. Your only major unfulfilled desire is to be a rock star, and you're working on that one, too.

In a heartbeat, your life is turned upside down: your doctor just told you that you have metastatic cancer and you probably have less than a year to live. 

We all know we're going to die one day; the mortality rate is still 100 percent, one per person. But it's not something we think about very often unless we've had a brush with a life-threatening illness or know someone who has. Even then, though, the awareness of our mortality is hard to hold on to..."

from the book "Enjoy Every Sandwich: Living Each Day As If It Were Your Last" by Lee Lipsenthal, who died of esophageal cancer in September 2001; the book was released in November 2011;

Thank you!



Savvy Southern Style/ HOME/ Homemaking Party/ Inspire Me Wednesday/ Creative Things/ Be Inspired

• April 09, 2013
• causes

Daffodil Tea for A Worthy Cause

For some, a daffodil is just a flower that announces the arrival of spring. But for us, who live in Canada, it is a symbol of hope, strength, and courage in the fight against cancer, a way of showing support for people living with cancer and remembering those who have lost their battle. The daffodil's relationship with the Canadian Cancer Society started when a group of enthusiastic volunteers organized a fundraising tea back in the 1950s. I wrote about the beginning of Daffodil Month April here. 

It's April and throughout the Daffodil Month, volunteers across Canada are working together to kick off the daffodil campaign Fight Back. Everyone can show his or her support by purchasing a bunch of fresh daffodils and wearing the bright yellow daffodil pin, which was introduced two years ago. While the daffodil flowers can die very fast, the daffodil pins can be worn all month, especially on Daffodil Day- April 27. The Canadian Cancer Society promises that "money raised through flower and pin sales funds the most promising cancer research, supportive care to people living with cancer, comprehensive cancer information, prevention initiatives, and advocacy for healthy public policy." Look here to see what daffodils do.

To spread the word and to show support in my own small way, I would love for you to pull up a chair and join me, my family and my friends for a cup of tea and lemon poppy seed cakes. I don't know how cancer has affected you and your family, but I am sure it's touched your life in some way.
Who would you wear a daffodil pin for this April?  

"Imagine the unthinkable: You're a well-known, prominent physician, you have a loving wife and two beautiful kids, and you've made a meaningful difference in the lives of many thousands of people. Your only major unfulfilled desire is to be a rock star, and you're working on that one, too.

In a heartbeat, your life is turned upside down: your doctor just told you that you have metastatic cancer and you probably have less than a year to live. 

We all know we're going to die one day; the mortality rate is still 100 percent, one per person. But it's not something we think about very often unless we've had a brush with a life-threatening illness or know someone who has. Even then, though, the awareness of our mortality is hard to hold on to..."

from the book "Enjoy Every Sandwich: Living Each Day As If It Were Your Last" by Lee Lipsenthal, who died of esophageal cancer in September 2001; the book was released in November 2011;

Thank you!



Savvy Southern Style/ HOME/ Homemaking Party/ Inspire Me Wednesday/ Creative Things/ Be Inspired

Read more »

Something special made my day this early morning!

In some forgotten corner of the fence, a bunch of white tender snowdrops were calling for my attention. As soon as I saw these dainty white flowers, my pulse rate raced, my heart went pitter patter, my face was covered in a smile and a happy warmth poured over my body... I have been craving for greens and flowers for so long, so these little creatures put on a delightful surprise when little else was blooming; They were gently whispering "Spring is really on its way, be patient..." So tiny and fragile, yet hardy, they reminded me of a premature baby who couldn't wait anymore to show its head and meet the world.... I, on the other hand, felt as a little child to whom his parents just bought an ice-cream ... only that Mother Nature gave me snowdrops... And I couldn't think of nothing else, but one of the most beloved stories of my childhood, the story  of "The Snowdrop" by Hans Christian Andersen. 

"Welcome! Welcome!" sang and rang out every sunbeam as the Flower rose above the snow, out into the world of light. The Sunbeams caressed and kissed it, so that it opened itself fully, white as snow and adorned with green stripes. It bowed its head in happiness and humility. 

With images in my mind of my grandma's garden enveloped with the first sign of Spring and memories of her tiny snowdrop bouquets she always gave to me saying "the Herald of Spring just for You", I went on my way... happy...

                                                                                        What has made you happy today?



Be Inspired/ Seasonal Sundays/ Blissful Whites Wednesday

• April 04, 2013
• spring

Snowdrop Happiness

Something special made my day this early morning!

In some forgotten corner of the fence, a bunch of white tender snowdrops were calling for my attention. As soon as I saw these dainty white flowers, my pulse rate raced, my heart went pitter patter, my face was covered in a smile and a happy warmth poured over my body... I have been craving for greens and flowers for so long, so these little creatures put on a delightful surprise when little else was blooming; They were gently whispering "Spring is really on its way, be patient..." So tiny and fragile, yet hardy, they reminded me of a premature baby who couldn't wait anymore to show its head and meet the world.... I, on the other hand, felt as a little child to whom his parents just bought an ice-cream ... only that Mother Nature gave me snowdrops... And I couldn't think of nothing else, but one of the most beloved stories of my childhood, the story  of "The Snowdrop" by Hans Christian Andersen. 

"Welcome! Welcome!" sang and rang out every sunbeam as the Flower rose above the snow, out into the world of light. The Sunbeams caressed and kissed it, so that it opened itself fully, white as snow and adorned with green stripes. It bowed its head in happiness and humility. 

With images in my mind of my grandma's garden enveloped with the first sign of Spring and memories of her tiny snowdrop bouquets she always gave to me saying "the Herald of Spring just for You", I went on my way... happy...

                                                                                        What has made you happy today?



Be Inspired/ Seasonal Sundays/ Blissful Whites Wednesday

Read more »

The other day my son showed me this video while I was complaining about something ridiculous... Yes, it was the taste of the tap water I was commenting on... Next time, when he wants Kevin Durant's new shoes, I promised to remind him of the video. And I will probably refer to the phrase "the first world problem" quite frequently... until... one day, our family miraculously stops complaining and stops wanting things we don't need.

Then, I thought how often I, myself, fall into this vicious cycle of wanting and buying unnecessary things, of complaining and sweating over small, trivial issues. I don't underestimate our problems at all, but the fact is that the values driving the contemporary society have experienced a wide swing. Modern culture has created individuals obsessed with glamor, material possessions, hedonism, physical beauty, brands, ambition... Today, a person needs a truly stoic character and strong will in order to simplify life and not lose the true meaning of it. Moreover, our society promises quick and immediate solutions to any kind of problems. We even teach our children that life can be lived without struggles and sacrifices if they behave in an expected way. We pray for their days to be with no pain and heartache. Yet, at the corners of our minds, we know that

"the most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depth."(Elisabeth Kubler-Ross).

We all know that without difficulties, arrogance can easily arise, without obstacle, the knowledge will not be challenged and broadened.
I am sharing these thoughts today because it is Easter and many of us celebrate the agony, the death and the resurrection of Christ – the most humble, devoted and graceful man. And whether you are a believer or not, it is undeniable that today, more than ever, the whole world is searching for meaning, for salvation, for renewal. Renewal is to be the way of life.
Many will find comfort in the promise of eternal life. But, I hope that when He raises the crucified man and gives him eternal life, He raises us all too so that we experience a spiritual rebirth. I hope, in Jesus's resurrection, we find the strength to revive human goodness, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, generosity, and humbleness. In the power of resurrection, we feed our own souls so we help to nourish the souls of others. We spread love and feel grateful and content with a simple life.

I wish you a happy and meaningful celebration of life, love, healing, and peace. 

Brown Butter Almond Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk, room temperature
1 tbsp dry instant yeast
2 tbsp rum
2 tsp pure almond extract
6 large eggs, room temperature
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
5 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 egg whisked with 2 tbsp water for brushing
1/4 cup sliced almonds


Directions:

Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat until butter has browned, about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, stir milk, yeast, rum and almond extract to blend. Add eggs and combine. Add flour, ground almonds, sugar, and salt. Blend dough until evenly incorporated and it develops an elastic consistency yet still clings to the side of the bowl. Slowly pour in the cooled butter and incorporate.
Place in a bowl, cover, and chill overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 ºF.
On a lightly floured surface, turn dough out and cut into 7-8 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange in a greased 9-inch cake pan. Cover loosely and let rise for 1 hour.
Brush top of buns with egg mixture and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake for 45 minutes until tops are a rich golden color.
For icing, beat icing sugar and water together until smooth and pipe cross each bun.



Thank you!




Seasonal Sundays/ Stone Gable

• March 29, 2013
• Easter

A Time of Hope

The other day my son showed me this video while I was complaining about something ridiculous... Yes, it was the taste of the tap water I was commenting on... Next time, when he wants Kevin Durant's new shoes, I promised to remind him of the video. And I will probably refer to the phrase "the first world problem" quite frequently... until... one day, our family miraculously stops complaining and stops wanting things we don't need.

Then, I thought how often I, myself, fall into this vicious cycle of wanting and buying unnecessary things, of complaining and sweating over small, trivial issues. I don't underestimate our problems at all, but the fact is that the values driving the contemporary society have experienced a wide swing. Modern culture has created individuals obsessed with glamor, material possessions, hedonism, physical beauty, brands, ambition... Today, a person needs a truly stoic character and strong will in order to simplify life and not lose the true meaning of it. Moreover, our society promises quick and immediate solutions to any kind of problems. We even teach our children that life can be lived without struggles and sacrifices if they behave in an expected way. We pray for their days to be with no pain and heartache. Yet, at the corners of our minds, we know that

"the most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depth."(Elisabeth Kubler-Ross).

We all know that without difficulties, arrogance can easily arise, without obstacle, the knowledge will not be challenged and broadened.
I am sharing these thoughts today because it is Easter and many of us celebrate the agony, the death and the resurrection of Christ – the most humble, devoted and graceful man. And whether you are a believer or not, it is undeniable that today, more than ever, the whole world is searching for meaning, for salvation, for renewal. Renewal is to be the way of life.
Many will find comfort in the promise of eternal life. But, I hope that when He raises the crucified man and gives him eternal life, He raises us all too so that we experience a spiritual rebirth. I hope, in Jesus's resurrection, we find the strength to revive human goodness, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, generosity, and humbleness. In the power of resurrection, we feed our own souls so we help to nourish the souls of others. We spread love and feel grateful and content with a simple life.

I wish you a happy and meaningful celebration of life, love, healing, and peace. 

Brown Butter Almond Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk, room temperature
1 tbsp dry instant yeast
2 tbsp rum
2 tsp pure almond extract
6 large eggs, room temperature
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
5 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 egg whisked with 2 tbsp water for brushing
1/4 cup sliced almonds


Directions:

Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat until butter has browned, about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, stir milk, yeast, rum and almond extract to blend. Add eggs and combine. Add flour, ground almonds, sugar, and salt. Blend dough until evenly incorporated and it develops an elastic consistency yet still clings to the side of the bowl. Slowly pour in the cooled butter and incorporate.
Place in a bowl, cover, and chill overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 ºF.
On a lightly floured surface, turn dough out and cut into 7-8 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange in a greased 9-inch cake pan. Cover loosely and let rise for 1 hour.
Brush top of buns with egg mixture and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake for 45 minutes until tops are a rich golden color.
For icing, beat icing sugar and water together until smooth and pipe cross each bun.



Thank you!




Seasonal Sundays/ Stone Gable

Read more »