Dilly Bread

I think bread baking should be done in the morning. I hadn't baked bread in quite some time, but want to get back into it. It can be the freshest, healthiest way to eat it. I decided to take an old family favorite and put a healthier spin on it. We've always loved my mom's dilly bread, so here it is followed by my healthier changes:

1 package yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1 cup cottage cheese, heated to lukewarm

1 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon minced onion

1 tablespoon dill seed

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 1/2 to 4 cups flour

Soften yeast in water. In mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, onion, dill seed, salt and egg. Add yeast. Add enought flour to form still dough. Knead about 15 minutes. Let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size (50 to 60 minutes). Sir down and let rise a second time. Grease and flour loaf pan or pans. Shape into loaf or loaves and place in pan(s). Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown. Brush with soft butter.

So I used organic whole wheat flour and some organic milled flax seed and I brushed it with olive oil. It's not as light as the original recipe, but that is to be expected. It is yummy! I think it made a pretty, rustic loaf and I will do it again. I took some of the dough and made 2 hot dog buns for Jim and I to have for supper. So tonight slaw dogs on whole wheat dilly buns!

House Cleaning Too

Now in our busy world most of us would be more tempted to throw out the weakened, tattered rug and replace it with a new one. Despite our attempts at conservation and recycling we are a throw away society. We buy pretty packages and when we’re through, that’s it. We are not living responsibly in this precious world of ours.

There was a time when folks took care of their possessions. If a sock got a hole, they darned it. We trash it and get new socks. Are we to busy to take care of our belongings? Is twenty-four hours not as long as it used to be?

Well, I think we are called to recycle and conserve God’s gifts, God’s creations. There is no doubt in my mind that our Master’s greatest creation is man. Jesus fills His teachings with tender love for all humans.

So, take time with people. If a person needs help, give it. If a relationship is broken, fix it. If a friend is weakened by this world, give them strength.

We are God’s most precious resource. If we don’t take care of us extinction is certain. We can not be to busy to conserve the human spirit.

Linda O’Rourke
July 26, 1994

House Cleaning

Sweeping the dirt under the rug is the quickest, easiest way to clean the floor. It's not the best. Dispose of the dirt properly or it could be destructive.

You see, dirt is abrasive. You may not see what it is doing to the rug, but underneath dirt particles tear the rug to pieces. The surface of the rug may look okay as it becomes fragile and useless.

With each step it weakens. Jumping or stamping could easily destroy it. All this and it still looks acceptable. The same rug, without dirt, can stand up to so much more.

The solution is simple. Don't sweep the dirt under the rug. If you already have removed it. There is still hope. Rugs can be mended. So can people.

Linda L. O'Rourke
June 27, 1994