One Dramatic Conclusion

 “Baking Bread” Helen Mary Elizabeth Allingham.  RWS 1848-1926.  Mrs. Allingham was a prominent artist in her own day.  From a young age her talent helped her make connections in English Society and provide a living for herself no matter the circumstances.  She was well known for her ability o paint things as they were and not idealize the way she would have them be.  This is particularly still valued today as architects still study her work of English cottages to see how they were constructed so long ago. 

She was a widow and mother of three, raising her children with the influence of some of the greatest intellectual minds of their time due to her husband’s connections.  She was the first woman to be inducted into the Royal Society of Watercolors.  She died of a sudden illness in 1926.

Mr Souwee was so grateful to all his friends for all their gifts, and was determined not to let the incident happen again.  That evening  after dinner, Mr Souwee himself tucked in each pig that night, and placed an extra padlock on each shelter to protect their prized pigs.  Not wanting to take any chances he also tucked in small Sam, telling him not to leave his bed for anything until morning just in case the wolves were waiting for another opportunity to strike.

Just before dawn, a crash awoke the whole Souwee house.  Mr Souwee grabbed his gun and ran into the yard as fast as he could.  But the trail of sticks leading down to the forest let him know that Chop too had been taken by the ravenous wolves. His shelter just could not keep out a whole pack of hungry wolves. Beside himself, Mr Souwee refused to go back to bed.  Instead he spent the morning hours making breakfast for his family.  He knew there would be no way that he could go back to sleep. 

Mr Souwee’s Breakfast Quiche

One deep dish Pie crust prebaked in 400 degree oven for 10 min

1 small onion,

1 TBS butter

10 oz fresh spinach

1 pinch salt

1 dash nutmeg

 1 dash clove

1 15 oz carton ricotta cheese

3 eggs

½ cup cream.

½ c Parmesan cheese grated

Cook onions in butter.  Add spices and spinach .  Mix eggs, cheese and cream.  Add to spinach then pour into  pie crust.  Bake 350 for 50 min or until cooked through with just a slight wobble when shaken. 

The family’s morning was made at least tolerable by Mr Souwee’s yummy quiche.  Once again the deliveries were  made, dinner was served and life moved on.  Yet it seemed that even the loaves of bread this day seemed to rise a little less, the cookies sagged just a little bit, and the muffins browned a little less, as the head baker himself seemed to be a little down from two long nights of worrying.

Mr Souwee refused to loose any more pigs and set traps out all around the final pig shelter.  As he finished setting the last trap, he heard his wife calling for help lifting a special cake, and he ran inside.  Unbeknownst to him he forgot to come back that evening to fasten the locks on the house of bricks or the house of sticks. Riblet, seeing that the lock was left undone, laid done blocking the door to make sure he heard every noise in the yard that night.

As the night crept in, and the clouds shrouded the moon, the whole town grew eerily quiet.  Three clever wolves taking their queue from the deep darkness crept from the woods ravenous once again for a taste of succulent swine.  Riblet woke to the sound of the wolves digging under the house of sticks.  He quietly opened the door leaving Betsy safe behind walls of brick.  Riblet charged the three wolves still digging under the stick structure, as Chop grunted in fear of being eaten.  Riblet hit both wolves in one fell swoop, squealing loudly to let Mr. Souwee know to come running. 

    Abraham Danielsz Hondius- “Wolves attacking a Boar in a wooded Landscape”

Abraham was an artist of the Dutch Golden Age.  He struggled to find his style throughout his life time, but became know for his depictions of animals. In fact, by the end of his life over 2/3s of his paintings were of animals.  In the idle of his life he moved from Denmark to England where he lived out his days painting.

The wolves were caught off guard and started tearing through the yard, breaking down the house of sticks right on top of Chop.  Riblet continued to chase one wolf until he came up cornered near the house by the other pursuing wolf.  Thankfully Mr Souwee stormed out of the house just in time, firing his rifle at the closest wolf, hitting him square in the thigh.  The noise scared both wolves so much that they ran straight for the forest, with gun firing ringing out behind them the whole way.

Mr. Souwee hurried back home to inspect the damage to the yard and make sure that the three pigs were okay.  Upon his arrival, he saw Riblet trying to unbury his brother Chop form the pile of sticks that used to be a shelter.  Despite the night’s events none of the pigs were hurt beyond a few scratches, bruises and some very frazzled nerves.  Mr. Souwee, though tired, gently took each pig and put each to bed in the brick shelter himself.  Tucking Riblet in last in his pile of fresh hay Mr. Souwee whispered “Thank you friend” and returned to the house. This time he triple checked the lock on the shelter of bricks for his prized pigs.

The sun shown bright the next morning, and with the dawn brought the smell of fresh bread and hope in every ray of sunshine.  Mr. Souwee, though exhausted, set out the first of the days’ wares to be sold.  As he placed the last muffins out for display, Sam and Riblet, happily trotted into the store ready for the day’s work.  The seasoned baker took his son in his arms and smiled with pride at how hard the young man worked.  Together they loaded up the cart once more for the daily route.

As the sun set, Sam and Riblet brought the cart back up the hill, both ready for dinner surrounded by family.  The Souwee’s sat down and ate their meal quickly, so Mr. Souwee could prepare the next day’s dough.  He knew that those wolves would never dare to cross the fence of a family who would risk everything for even the least member.

Discussion questions for children to consider:

1. "How do we protect each other in our own family?"

2  "Have you ever been in a situation when  you knew that your hard work would pay off?  

3. "How did it make you feel when you saw the fruits of your labor?"

4. "What situations make comfort less important than safety?"

Math Activity:

Get out your measuring spoons and cups, as well as 2-5 cups of rice, flour, sand, or other inert safe substance that you don't mind throwing out, but is appropriate for measuring. Demonstrate or talk through basic measuring skills, and equivalents.

Use the different spoons to demonstrate equivalents and parts of a whole.  Fractions, or counting can be brought into the conversation depending on the age and understanding of your child.

1 teaspoon

1Tablespoon= 3 teaspoons. 

1/4 cup = 4 Tablespoons

Use the fractions of cups appropriately.

1 cup= 16 Tablespoons

1 pint= 2 cups

Have fun filling each container from those smaller or practicing the scoop and sweep the top method that is most useful in baking.

Have fun discovering equivalents together, smiling and savouring more than just recipes, but the moments creating.

A variance from the pigs. Lessons from a Candy House

It stands to remember in the old tale of two children

The fact that life will never present a free luncheon.

Some might come and promise the world at your feet,

But leave you entangled and admitting defeat.

Never expect that eating off another's porch,

will bring the satisfaction of lighting your own torch.

When things are too easy we must call them suspect,

for comfort can make evil hard to detect.

If lost as dear Hansel from so long ago,

be thrifty and prayerful and don't harm a soul.

It is during the trials of life we are found,

whether faithful and true to the truths that resound.

Your are never forgotten, nor left alone,

the path though narrow will lead to your throne.

Keep your chin up and trust in the hand of the Divine,

and be guided by angels as you let your light shine.

For Gretel though guilty of nothing but hunger,

was left open to attack when good judgment deferred.

But through hard work and insight  recovered again,

to defeat the witch who presented as friend.

Don't give up your fight,

in the end you'll delight.

Finding real joy exists,

when you put things aright.

What to do with extra curry or masala spice:

Grandma went to India Pumpkin Cookies

Preheat oven to 375 F

1/2 cup Shortening 1/2 cup softened butter

2 cups white sugar

 Cream the above together.  

Add:

3 beaten eggs and beat until incorporated.

Then add:

2 cups pumpkin- canned is perfect

2t. vanilla

1 t salt

1 Tbs.  masala or curry powder.

In a separate bowl mix

4 1/2 cups flour 

2 t Baking soda

2 t Baking Powder

Then combine wet and dry mixtures until no white streaks remain- this is a stick batter that produces lots of cake cookies so do not be surprised.

 We also add  2 cups Chocolate chips or chunks because we like the combination.

Place with 2 inches between on cookie sheet, use a scoop or 2 teaspoons to create a cookie the size of a ping pong ball. 

Place in oven for 13-14 min

Smile and Savour.

Never fear a good deed.-- Mrs. Brownie

Lazy Luxury- doesn't mean happy.

Sow and Piglets under a Tree 1809 – James Ward (1769-1859) An English painting that perfectly shows how classic art is often put together in aesthetically pleasing forms Our minds are trained to think that certain shapes are pleasing.  In this painting, how many triangles of color or light do you see?  It is interesting that even in a rural natural setting an artist would not put the pigs in the middle of the canvas but in one thirds- the lower third in this case.  You might want to look outside or through a book of art or photographs and see how many times basic shapes appear in nature and art.

James Ward  (1769-1859)- James was both an engraver and a painter.  He was influenced significantly by Rubens, turning him from horses in nature to large scale landscapes.  James often was seeking contracts to paint to sustain his livelihood.  He suffered many tragedies through his life including the loss of his first wife and daughter.  His losses resulted in him turning to more religious themes at the end of his life.  He died in poverty after his stroke.

Unfortunately, Hamish became so comfortable in his new grass hut that he refused to pull the bakery cart for the many deliveries that had to be made every day. Chop, though the next biggest pig did not want the responsibility to fall to him either so he would wallow in the mud so much as to make it impossible for Mr. Souwee or for Sam to get him clean to take the baked goods to each customer. In the end, old Betsy and Riblet traded off taking the sugar laden cart around town. Niether was well suited to the position due to being the smallest pigs in the yard, but each was happy to serve the baker's family.

Riblet happily took more and more days at the head of the cart, until the three other pigs realized that if the slept just a bit later Sam would not fight the pigs and just call for RIblet.  The youngest pig loved knowing that he could help out Sam.  The two spent the days happily delivering orders around the town.  Each home was always excited to see Riblet pulling the cart with Sam helping to push the heavy load.  Mr. Souwee saw his business grow as the happy pig made each customer smile.  Soon each started to order more and more breads, cakes, and cookies from the family bakery.  The whole family felt blessed to have so much to do because of the pig’s perky personality.

Little Riblet got stronger and stronger each day, as the cart got heavier from the added weight.  While his older brothers squealed at him daily upon his tired return to the bakery.  They spent their days wallowing in the cool mud.  Neither pig even had to lift a snout in their days, and thought Riblet was crazy to fry in the sun working for the Souwee family.   Riblet simply smiled knowing that he was helping to create a better life for the bakers and his own family.  In fact, he would often skip his cooling mud bath so that Sam wouldn’t have to clean him before they went out on the route the coming day. 

The boy and his pig worked hard together, knowing when the other was tired or thirsty.  They had long talks throughout the day and made great friends of the families in town.  Their customers loved seeing the young boy and the handsome pig taking to the streets to help provide for their family.  Many enjoyed the company of the pair so much that the duo often got behind in their deliveries as each customer wanted to treat them to a lemonade or a good joke.  At the end of each day neither complained from the work of the day, for they were happy serving their new friends.

Muddy Piggy Pudding.

2 Large Pears peeled and cored sliced in half or quarters depending on thickness

Place pears in greased 8x8 pan and  place in 350 degree oven for 10 min- while you mix up the pudding mixture.

½ butter                                                                       ¾ c all purpose flour                           ½ tsp baking soda

½ c white sugar                                                       1 tsp ginger                                             ½ tsp salt

¼ c molasses                                                              1 tsp cinnamon                                                       2/3 c hat water

1 egg beaten                                                             1/8 tsp clove

In a medium size bowl combine first column of ingredinets and ream until smooth.  In a separate medium bowl combine all other ingredients except the water and stir until well combined.

Gently combine half of dry mixture with wet, stir 5 times then ad the water, stir 5 times, then add the rest of the flour and stir until just combined- a streak of flour still might remain.  Remove pears from oven. Pour the whole of the mixture over pears and return pan to the oven for 30-40 min depending on the type of pan you chose.  Test with a toothpick to ensure that only moist crumbs come out when tested not wet batter.  Allow to cool for 10 min then turn the who pano over onto a serving dish.  

Smile and Savour- even when there is work involved.

Sweet and Stubborn Swine:The Honest Story of the Three Pigs

George Morland born London 1763-1804. He was known for is animals and rustic scenes. He was exhibited at the Royal Academy at the age of ten. He had a severe dislike for formal education.  He painted what he knew, whether his wife or subjects in the world around him.  He was one who led a hurried life and was know for sacrificing perfection in his haste to finish individual works.  He brought interest and prominence to the most ordinary of subjects.  He and his wife were a life long love that ended very close together.

        It all started years ago in Mr. Souwee’s barn.  The night was dark and cold, despite it being April.  Mrs. Souwee stood with her small son holding blankets and water as Mr. Souwee crouched next to the family’s old sow, Betsy.  The sweet old pig was laboring with her most recent litter of piglets.   Mr. Souwee, though a baker, had always kept the prized pig to help pull his bakery cart, and tenderly cared for her through the whole night. 

Sam, the Souwee’s only son, insisted that they name each piglet as it was born. The first and largest was to be, Hamish.  In no time at all Chop was brought into the world as round and pink as fresh cotton candy.  Yet Betsy still labored for what seemed eternity, until finally a tiny piglet was born, he was immediately named, Riblet- being the runt of the litter.

Both  the Souwee and the new pig families were now exhausted.  Mr Souwee quickly put out fresh straw for the old sow and went inside to start baking the loaves of bread that had been rising, despite  his weariness the night’s lofty events. As the sky started to glow with the first rays of dawn, three piglets had survived the night with Betsy glowing with pride over her small brood, While inside the smell of the oven’s latest delight filled the chilly morning air.

Summer Stuffing- yummy light stuffing great for filling up tummies of all animals

1 small pan of day old cornbread- Recommend using half of the 9x13 pan or an 8x 8 pan on its own to provide the base. If the bread is not stale at all cut off top half and then cut into large cube.  Place all cubes- there will be some crumbles on a cookie sheet in an oven turned to 350 for 15-30 minutes- depending on how moist the bread was to begin with.

1 large washed peach cut into a large dice no larger than 1inch pieces. Peeled if your preference

1 cup frozen corn kernels

6-8 slices cooked bacon (option if not feeding to pigs) drippings reserved

2 TBs dried Parsley or 1/3 c finely chopped fresh parsley

Combine everything except the bread in a large bowl and stir to mix.  Gently add in and incorporate the bread into the mixture.  Drizzle with below recipe while dressing is still warm folding the mixture gently. Use only half at first to determine if you want the stuffing to be more wet or dry.

Dressing:

½ cup small diced red onion

1/8 tsp ground cloves

½ cup bacon drippings  or an equal amount of canola oil if not using bacon.

2 tsp cornstarchmixed with 2 tsp water

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ water

2 Tbs white sugar- or more to taste

salt and pepper

Add onion to oil or bacon fat in medium sauté pan and cook 5 minutes until onion is soft. Remove onion from pan leaving fat.  Set onion aside. Add fat/oil to cornstarch mixture and set aside. 9 Combine vinegar, water, sugar, cloves salt and pepper in small saucepan and heat to a boil. 10 Add cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened about 1-2 minutes.

In no time at all it seems both the piglets and the small boy from that cold night grew up, relying on each other as only the best of friends do.  Sam tried his hardest to make each pig the happiest on earth.  He would feed, and wash, and play with the piglets daily to make sure they grew up strong. Then one day, Sam realized that he needed to protect his pigs from the animals that roamed in the woods. Sam took the extra bricks from the old brick oven and built a quaint little shelter for all the pigs, but Hamish and Chop refused to sleep on the hard cold surface. 

Peanut butter Mortar

Combine 1 cup of your favorite peanut butter, 1 cup of powdered milk, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves and ¼ to ½ cup honey-depending on how sweet you want your masterpiece to be. Mix well, and add baking chips, dry cereal, or nuts to taste. Portion out into marble sized balls and chill until ready to enjoy. This combination also works great as ready eat play dough if you would like to try your hand at making a home for your own pet.

Despite the difficulty in finding sticks of the right shape and size, Sam built a wood shelter next to the other in the backyard for the two more picky pigs.  Sam was concerned  because no matter what he did to make the shelter as safe one of bricks.  No matter he thought. It was steady and would not fall down any time soon.

Thankfully, Chop walked straight in and made it his own, but Hamish went straight into the grassy field and laid down. Hamish Refused  to sleep on the uneven sticks.  Sam was so frustrated with Hamish, but Sam worried that if the pigs could not sleep in the open where animals could grab a free meal. 

Grudgingly, Sam went out into the field and cut the tallest grasses, braided huge matts large enough to house a pig, and glued the whole construction with clay. No matter how Sam tried he could not figure a way to secure the door with a lock to protect Hamish at night.  Sam figured that as long as he tied the door shut with string each night that the giant pig would remain safe. Finally, Hamish was in hog heaven, soft grass made the perfect bed.

From Mrs Brownie: Thank you for allowing me a leave of absence. I have settled in our new home in Texas, and have a thriving 10 week daughter. I appreciate your patience in awaiting this next story.

As always smile and savour.