​Aww! Reaction to today's treasure from a friend on Facebook - 

"How do you do it MW? The truly amazing part is how you make me feel positive as soon I notice your posts. That is a very special gift. TY for being you. God Bless!"

I'll be smiling all day! See! There's been a miracle already!

Today's treasure was making a lemon meringue pie the way my grandmother taught me. Mycala came into the kitchen while I was making the meringue and suggested I use a mixer but I cringed and continued whipping with my balloon whisk in my copper bowl There is a satisfaction with whipping a meringue that is similar to kneading bread. It is the physical effort that makes the task fulfilling. I've always believed that the we are 'fed' through the preparation of food. If we take the time to cut, chop, knead, whip, etc., we will eat less. My grandmother never had a weight problem and she cooked and baked constantly.

If I eat food that someone else has prepared I find myself eating more than if I make it myself. That may not be true for everyone, but it works for me! With all of the prepackaged food, pie crust mixes, bread machines, prepared soups and salads, many don't even remember what it is like to do the preparation. 

My grandmother taught me the tools and techniques of cooking and baking but she also left me with an appreciation for the satisfaction of not taking shortcuts. I treasure my memories of playing with her in the kitchen and am blessed that she entrusted me with using the best equipment and even more, her secrets for folding love into all of her culinary creations!

Yesterday I baked a loaf of cheddar cheese-Hungarian paprika braided bread. Today i baked six to share with the neighbors who shoveled my porch, walk, our sidewalks and the street! So sweet. The loaves were ready, hot out of the oven just as the sun was starting to set so Mycala and I hurried to deliver them before it got dark. Walking through the neighborhood was like a maze with paths between the car and snow walls as high as our shoulders. 
Kneading bread puts me in a meditative and peaceful state. It gives me time to slow down, consider all of my blessings and anticipate the rewards.

Monday nights at Liam Flynn'e Irish Pub feature Gypsy Jazz with some of the most talented musicians in the Baltimore area! Nancy and I hosted an event through the Renaissance Institute for the Winter in the City and over 20 people joined us for an evening of fabulous food and great music. My friend Michael even traveled up from Harrisburg, PA for the festivities. If you are in the Baltimore area, or even i you aren't, consider Monday nights at Liam Flynn's. There is no cover charge, but please be generous when they pass the hat. The musicians share their talent all evening with passion and enthusiasm and they equal or surpass a lot of the paid shows that I've seen!
Music at Liam Flynn's - today's treasure.