A Sparrow's Home

but every day!

As a tribute to my lovely American readers who are recovering from celebrating Thanksgiving this week

and simply because I am cultivating a habit that I (and many others) know is life-changing,

my Friday’s Fav 5 will be things for which I am THANKFUL:

1. Wise friends who inspire and encourage – Ann V. shared a link to this article and I shared with my Bible Study group (whom I affectionately call my “Fearless Friends”) and also with my husband who has shared it with his Session. I’ve no doubt it will work its way into a sermon, and be shared far beyond this little community. Take the time to read Replace Worry With Gratitude. Join Ann V’s Gratitude Community for daily doses of encouragement.

2. Beauty: What can I say? It snowed this week.

 

 

 

 

3. Feathered friends

Roger and I love to watch the little chickadees at the feeder. This is a very slimming picture of this fellow – here’s another shot that  shows how chubby these birds really are!

The bluejays are frequent visitors too – so pretty with their bright blue even though they can empty a bird-feeder in a day!

 

4. Furry friends

Little Jack and Lily experienced their very first snowfall.

They weren’t too sure what to make of it. At first, they stayed on any patch of dry ground they could find.

Sophie had to show them how to play in the snow.

They weren’t impressed!

5. Christmas Baking – Mmm mm …

• the spicy scent of ginger and cinnamon
•  brown sugar and butter melting for plum pudding sauce
•  and hot apple cider
•  the sight of red and green sparkles on sugar cookies
•  snow- white icing on gingerbread men
•  deep, dark fruitcake
•  and bright red raspberry trifle with mounds of whipped cream

So many special holiday recipes!

The Island even has a website especially dedicated to traditional holiday recipes. Check it out here.

Notice how many recipes use molasses! It has been a staple in Island households since the days of sailing ships, when we traded potatoes for Barbados molasses.

I’ll leave you with a simple plum pudding recipe that is very similar to the one my very dear MIL makes. I have yet to make one, because she always comes through for the family! Maybe this year will be the year I attempt it.

With warm wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Gram’s Plum Pudding – 1999
1/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 slice dry bread (crumble and put in the milk)
1 cup molasses
1 cup sweet milk
1 1/2 lb. raisins (small and sticky)
2 1/2 cups white flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Break apart the raisins and mix lightly with flour. Crumble dry bread into the milk. Cream butter and brown sugar stir in molasses beat in the eggs, mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 the milk, 1 cup flour, rest of milk, rest of the flour and the raisins. Mix well. Add last 1 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1 tbsp. of milk. Mix in well. Fill cans 3/4 full of pudding and cover the top with waxed or brown paper. Tie down with an elastic band or string. Place cans in Dutch oven. Have a couple inches of water on the boil when cans are put in. Pudding needs to be steamed for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Do not let the Dutch oven boil dry. I use 19 oz baked bean cans to fit my oven. You use what will fit your pot. This pudding can be made in November it will keep just fine in refrigerator until Christmas.Submitted by Joyce White, Hampshire, P.E.I.
PS

Don’t forget to check out all the other Friday Fave 5s at Suzanne’s!