The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

We are fortunate enough to have a daughter whose in-laws
live in London, England. They sent to us this wonderful
magazine to view all the celebrations to honor her Majesty The Queen. 

One lump or two?

Tea Party
photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

With all the festivities going on in London at this time, I thought I would re-post some of an earlier posting. As I open up my "Sunday Times Magazine" of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration; my eyes glance down at a photo of the Queen. Yes, it is her Majesty the Queen, taking tea or a cuppa as it is called. It seems so elegant sipping tea in the middle of the afternoon. To think that even the Queen with her busy schedule knows the importance of stopping at some point, to relax and reflect before carrying on.

Tea has so many health benefits especially loose tea. I wonder how we got so far away from not taking time out of our day, as so many other countries do, to take time for tea. Maybe if we did we would feel a lot less stressed or rushed in our lives.

Taking tea is really a spa for the soul. If you have never done this why not find a time slot to fill with a nice steeped cup of tea. Find yourself a special cup and treat yourself today. Then sit back and relax as you enjoy every sip. You will feel refreshed and invigorated to then go about your day. Most importantly you will find that you will have more to give others.

I invite you to check out my etsy account for an assortment of pomegranate teas.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheRoyalPomegranate 

Psalm 122:6

Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is almost here and what better way to treat your mom and show her how wonderful she is than with a tea.  I had a tea party for a group of women to honor the Mother's in our lives. 

Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

             A Tea is like a spa for the soul and you can create one yourself for a group; or just for two. 

It is all about the unique little touches that make a tea so special. So pull out your teacups and gather some

things to make your tea unique.

I like to send each person away with a small favor. The favors for this tea were made from chocolate in the shape of a purse 

and hand painted with edible metallic paint. Then each candy

 was placed  in a chocolate brown box tied with a satin bow. I stacked them on a three tiered silver tray. My colors that I choose for my theme were Tiffany Blue, silver, gold, and brown.

I found a lovely recipe online for Lavender Scones made with edible lavender flowers. These I purchased in bulk at Better Health Market. You buy the flowers by the scoop. Don't be alarmed when you see the price for a pound because you only need a small amount.These scones had a nice light floral scent and 

 the perfect pairing with homemade lemon curd. 

I cut the scones in half and added a dollop of

lemon curd on each scone. You can serve your scones this way or place your curd in a nice glass

dish compote complete with a beautiful silver spoon.

Lemon Curd is great served cold and spooned onto scones. It is so yummy and tastes like the filling in lemon meringue pie. Lemon curd can also be used to fill tart shells after the crusts have been baked.

I am going to give to you a quick and easy recipe for Microwave Lemon Curd. I came across this recipe some time ago and it really makes the process so much faster.

LEMON CURD
1/2 c. butter
1 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. lemon juice
1  1/2 t. grated lemon zest
3 eggs

Melt butter in microwave for 1 minute. Beat eggs in a glass bowl with an electric mixer until frothy. Mix in butter, sugar, lemon juice,
and zest. Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes.

Beat mixture again until smooth. Microwave on HIGH for another 3 minutes.  Beat mixture again until smooth. Refrigerate until set/cool.  Makes about 1 c. of lemon curd.

Photo credit: Adriana Markovich

                                        POMEGRANATE/PEAR LOOSE GREEN TEA

The tea that was served this day was Pomegranate/Pear Green Tea which can also be

served iced. It is a wonderful tea filled with anti-oxidants. To order this tea you may go to my esty shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/theroyalpomegranate 

I chose to make napkin rings from lace with a ribbon strung through in my theme color.

For an added touch to the display table I made a large shoe from bittersweet dark chocolate. Then added a chocolate name plate with "Mother" written in script and dusted in gold metallic edible paint.

The Tiffany's box on the table was the perfect touch to set off the shoe.

Tulle is a great fabric to add a nice feminine touch.

Photo credit: Adriana Markovich

These are some of the things I did for my special tea topped off with a nice slice

of warm Kentucky Derby Pie!

In Honor of Mom

I'd like to introduce you to an amazing woman, my mother.

Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

 She has played a major role in guiding my life 

and in the lives of my own children. 

Out of her sacrificial heart she

has always been there as a listening ear. 

Mom was always ready and willing to lend a hand

when I needed help in any area.  

She is a talented artist, seamstress, and quilter.

She is a woman of faith and inspiration. She is a cancer survivor and has walked through many

surgeries with strength and dignity. 

She is a woman of beauty and of character....

and I am blessed to call her, MOM

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I LOVE YOU

Flash Mob in Jerusalem

Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

I WISHED I WAS THERE TO SEE IN PERSON

Israel Prepares to Celebrate Her Independence

Israel prepares to celebrate her Independence
photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce

For those of you that would like to make your own hot fudge sauce~ my daughter shared her recipe with me while I was visiting her in Minneapolis.

I made it to go with the cream puffs and some of her guests for Sunday dinner even had two!

Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

HOT FUDGE SAUCE

10 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 can coconut milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp almond extract

Melt chocolate in double boiler. Be careful not to get any water in it.
Once melted add everything else in and serve warm.

Delicious!!

Hot Fudge Cream Puffs

Last night I wanted to make some cream puffs for our Community Group and celebrate our friend, Ashley's, birthday. So I thought I would share with you the recipe that comes from a dear sweet lady named, Betty. She more affectionately is known as,"The Purple Lady," as she has an affinity for the color purple. Betty, is an amazing woman, motivated by love, to go about her little town in Northern Michigan taking home baked items to anyone she meets. Perhaps, you have been a recipient of some of her delicious baked goods.

This is a very simple recipe with very satisfying results.

What you will need for this recipe is: 1 cup water, 1/2 cup margarine, (or butter) 1 cup flour, 4 eggs

Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas 

RECIPE: Heat your oven to 400 degrees.

Heat water and margarine, (I use butter) to boiling in a saucepan

Next stir in the 1 cup of flour.

Stir flour until it forms a ball, about 1 minute, remove from heat.

Beat in the eggs

Beat them until smooth

Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Should make 10 puffs.

Bake until puffed up, about 40 minutes. They will have a golden appearance.

Remove from oven and cool

Cut the tops off the puffs and pull out any filaments of soft dough.

Now the best part~ Fill the cream puffs with ice cream and top with heated hot fudge sauce.

ENJOY!!

Only one cream puff was eaten during the filming of this post. Oh, and one afterwards!

I personally like the Sander's brand sauce. They come in a variety of flavors.

You can also fill the puffs with cream and be experimental with your toppings such as a raspberry fruit topping.

Christians Pick Potatoes for Israel

In the past few years, I have traveled to Israel five times. Without question, one of the highlights of a trip for me is taking others. I am fortunate to have my Pastor's blessing to take groups to this breathtaking land.

My goal is always to give back to the Chosen People in some way.

Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

On our last trip in May, we worked to glean (leket) a field picking potatoes for, Leket Israel.

There is a great amount of faith involved in planting potatoes. This is a crop you do not see the fruit of your labor until harvest time as it is hidden all underground.

It was thrilling to watch the tractor drive down each row tilling the soil and watch pop up the most beautiful potatoes. Together we picked 600 lbs that afternoon, enough to feed over 1,000 people.

Leket Israel, is
the largest food bank in the state. They feed all Israelis in need; anyone that is hungry.

In the event you are going to Israel why not contact Leket and see where you can be most used. Christian groups traveling on pilgrimage or Jewish groups can all help. Perhaps, your trip organizer can add this organization to your itinerary when you visit the land.


For contact information or to donate please go to: helpfeedisrael.com to learn more about Leket Israel.

I know first hand what a wonderful blessing you would be.

Ruth 2

Hebrews 12: 1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that

hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,

scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

NIV (New International Version)

The Bridegroom

Our beautiful daughter
Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

This is one of my favorite photos of our daughter as she patiently awaits for her wedding to begin.
This is her wedding day and it is finally here.
A card has just been hand delivered from her groom and she is peering through
the upstairs window from the bridal chamber at the arriving guests.

Yom HaShoah Remembrance Day

oil lamp
photo credit: Cheryl Christmas

Tropical Cucumber Avocado Salad

Here is a recipe I thought I would share with you. It looks great to me and I am going to make it possibly for dinner tonight. It sounds like it could be pared with just about anything be it salmon, chicken, shrimp, or eaten alone.

It comes from Essence Magazine, May 2012 issue in the Body & Spirit section.

Tropical Cucumber Avocado Salad
makes 4 servings
prep time: 15 minutes

2 T lime juice
2 tsp light brown sugar
1 tsp rice or white wine vinegar
2 T fresh orange juice
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
1 med. seedless cucumber, cut into 3/4-inch dice
1 avocado, cut into 3/4-inch dice
1 mango, cut into 3/4-inch dic
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
3 cups arugula

Combine lime juice, brown sugar, vinegar, orange juice and crushed red pepper flakes in a large bowl.
Slowly stream in the olicve oil while whisking to form an emulsion. Season with salt and pepper. Add
cucumber, avocado, mango and red onion; season and gently toss to coat. Serve over a bed of arugula.

Proverbs 31:10-31

"A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;out of her earning she plants a vineyard.

Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas (Nazareth)

She sets about her work vigorously

her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her

household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the

elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her

household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

photo credit: whimsicalraindropcottage.tumbler.com

                                                                                   Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is

fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to

be praised.

Give her reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at

the city gate."

Is There Room at Your Table?

I wonder how many of you have ever taken time to do a study on the Feasts of the Lord? It is a fascinating study if you have the time. You will find that, Passover, is filled with much symbolism to both Christian and Jew alike.

Last spring, my husband and I had the honor of sitting at the table in the home of a beautiful Jewish couple. It was for their family Passover Seder and we were the invited guests. It was a thrilling experience for both of us to take part in.

The table was beautifully decorated and the meal took days of preparation in the family kosher kitchen. The woman of the home made the meal all the more memorable with her exquisite touches. Everything prepared was visually and artfully arranged and tasted simply divine.

Photo credit: Cheryl Christmas 

The true Seder is not a meal that you rush through. As a matter of fact, this dinner goes into hours of feasting with numerous hand washings in between, tastes of wine, along with reading and singing in Hebrew. The Haggadah, is the traditional script one receives as the ceremonial foods are eaten. Sometimes they sang really fast or missed a few pages to move the dinner along. It is a night of reflection on the exodus from Egypt of the Jewish people. Truly, this night is not like all other nights.

Interestingly, our hosts did not know us ahead of time. The daughter of the couple had met me just the day before; and with a simple phone call to mom~asked if there was room at the table for two more.

This loving, Jewish couple, invited us both into their most intimate holiday. We were seated among their friends, welcomed into their conversation, ate their expensive kosher food, invited into their Master suite for hand washing, and had never prior met us. Truly, this was hospitality at best.

I wonder how many of us could do something similar for our holiday dinner?  Would you invest your time and money into someone you do not know?

Maybe for your next gathering you will take me up on this challenge. Ask yourself if there is room at your table for a few more. Then don't just think about it~invite them in to dine!

Matthew 25:35 "I was a stranger and you invited me in."

Haggadah

For those celebrating Passover and needing a Haggadah for each member of your table~check out my recommendation.

Creating Your Easter Table

Precious little lamb
photo credit: whimsicalraindropcottage.tumbler.com

HEBREWS 7

                           When creating your Easter tablescape you may want to look outside for inspiration. In many states the Forsythia are in bloom now and would look lovely in a clear glass vase as a simple yet elegant centerpiece. A bouquet of daffodils might be all you need for a splash of color that you can purchase for little money at the grocery store.

photo credit: whimsicalraindropcottage.tumbler.com

Your centerpiece does not have to be expensive so look for things around your yard or pantry that can create a nice visual.  Why not place a pretty white cake stand on the table with a crusty round artisanal bread on it. Add some sprigs of rosemary and some lemons around the side or underneath. You are not spending money on a floral display that won't last but rather are able to eat.

Craft stores like, Michael's, carry small bird's nests that would look nice running down the center of your table. You may want to buy eggs of the same color or hue and place in each nest. These can even be made of chocolate with a shimmering pastel colored foil. To complete the look add a little bird or make the bird your place card at each seat. You can even order ahead of time lemon leaves from your florist and write the names of your guests with a gold pen. These could be placed on top a rolled napkin tied with raffia or patterned ribbon to match your table.

Colored eggs would look lovely in a glass container with an added floral display. I tend to like an odd number of vases or canning jars rather than an even number which looks more formal. These could be all the same height or a grouping of various heights.

photo credit: whimsicalraindropcottage.tumbler.com

Make sure when using candles on the dining table that they are unscented as scented will interfere with your taste of the food. Votives add a nice touch intermixed with pastel colored eggs scattered down the  the buffet or table.


Be sure to keep all displays so that when seated your view is not obscured from the person seated on the other side. This will keep conversation open and your guests will not feel the urge to remove the centerpiece.


Don't be intimidated to host Easter dinner. The idea is to be creative and keep it simple. Enjoy your day and more importantly your guests.

So You Need A Hostess Gift

You've been invited to Easter dinner this year and you don't know what to bring for an appropriate hostess gift. These are always a nice gesture and appreciated by your hostess that has prepared your meal.

Hostess gifts are to be a token gift and not an expensive item. They are a small thank you to let her/him

know that you are thankful for the invitation to their home.

photo credit: whimsicalraindropcottage.tumbler.com

Why not bring a vintage looking bottle of French Lemonade. You can even tie around it a striped tea towel for your hostess that matches the kitchen. This is something different than the bubbly that most people tend to bring.

Taper candles are a nice option as well. Most homes have candle holders that require a taper for their

dining room or buffet. If you are not sure of a color keep it to a neutral as that will compliment any decor. Buy a number of tapers and wrap around them a piece of wide ribbon or raffia. Add a scrapbook tag with a short "thank you" for inviting us to dinner. 

Perhaps a small jar of green pepper jelly with a box of crackers. You can put them in a basket lined with a linen napkin or towel, add some paper or fiber filler, and a bow. This jelly is great served on crackers spread with cream cheese.

Check out your speciality gourmet shops for a bottle of dipping oil and spices. A jar of your own homemade chili sauce, or a pot of herbs would be great as well. You may even like to bring a lovely bottle of mint vinegar for those serving lamb. 

What you add to the item be it a tea towel, pretty ribbon, or basket, is what puts the finishing touch on your

item and makes it more personal.

You've Got Mail

Call me old fashioned but I still love getting handwritten cards in the mail. It seems as if it is a disappearing art these days. It is so much easier to just send a "thank you" text than an actual card.

For me, there is just something about opening up the mailbox and seeing an envelope addressed with my name on it. Now I am not talking in a narcissistic way or about just any envelope because bills come addressed to me too.

Think about it for a moment...are you not immediately uplifted when you are the recipient of a note from someone that has taken the time to pick out a card, write a quick note, put a stamp on it, and mail it?

Recently, I was seated in a restaurant observing a couple together. Both of them spent the whole meal texting on their individual phones and never shared a word together. How sad that was for me to sit and watch.

So with this challenge:

Let's try to encourage one another this week with a handwritten note or card. It could even be a little note on the mirror in the bathroom left for your hubby, or a note in your child's lunch box. Try and see if you are not blessed as well by sending something knowing it is making the person on the other end smile.

Keep those cards and letters coming!

Fashion Trend for Spring

The fashion trend for spring is bringing out some leather. That's right~leather~only this leather is a bit

lighter than the heavy metal leather. Much is being seen in metallic as its sheen. Metallic no longer goes  just for evening but for anytime. 

Color is vibrant and color blocking is the trend now.

Lace is making a come back as well. So why not add a touch of vintage to modern for a chic look. Be experimental and don't dress like everyone else all the while keeping in modesty, of course.

Let's Journey Together

I've started this blog out of recommendation from my youngest daughter. This is a place for Christian and Jewish women of faith to journey together through some things that matter to us. I'll be sharing some of the things I've learned on my faith walk through the years. My prayer is to hopefully challenge you, encourage you through hard times, and maybe inspire you. 

Please be sure to check out my new Etsy site as well.
Within a few weeks I will be carrying a variety of products.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheRoyalPomegranate