Rev. Dave Kowaleski's Blog
"Dining on the Word"
In Jesus' ministry we see times when even he found it necessary to get away for a period of rest and refreshment. Many times he would go to a place away from the crowds and distractions. If this were important for Jesus it is something we too need to do for our health and well being.
One of the places I go to get away from the crowds and distractions is the kitchen. Not to eat, but to pull out a favorite recipe. I find that when I start measuring and reading the directions I can put all else aside, concentrate on what I'm preparing and end up with a creative and fulfilling result.
In thinking about this article, I thought of taking all of this a step further. For the course of this year and into next, I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes and looking at them from a biblical perspective. The title of this series will be "Dining on the Word." I hope that this will offer something different but meaningful to our journey of faith. Remember, some of Jesus' most effective ministry was centered around a meal.
December 2008
Today's recipe is fairly common for the Christmas Season but is one that holds special meaning for me. This is a recipe that reminds me of growing up, sights and smells of the kitchen, and my mother. It's the Candy Cane Cookie recipe that was one of my favorites and has become the same for our children. When I bake these my memory returns to thoughts of my mother hard at work in the kitchen and my waiting in anticipation of those first warm cookies out of the oven. It's one of those special times that renews the real joy and meaning of Christmas.
In a similar way, the candy cane reminds us once again the importance of remembering who and what this season is really about. It reminds us of the birth, life, ministry and death of Jesus. The white, hard candy symbolizes the purity of Christ, the solid foundation of the church and the firm promises of God. The "J" represents the first letter of Jesus’ name along with the staff of the "Good Shepherd."
The three small red stripes remind us of the stripes upon his back from the lashes he received. The large red stripe was for the blood he shed upon the cross so we could experience forgiveness and life eternal.
Over the years the candy cane has lost its meaning to many. Yet, for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear the candy cane offers once again the memory of Christ we hold so dear. This Christmas remember the wonder of Jesus and His great love. "...for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
Candy Cane Cookies
1/2 cup shortening 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 tsp almond extract
1 cup confectioners sugar 2 1/2 cups flour
1 egg 1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red food coloring
Heat oven to 350. Mix shortening, butter, sugar, egg, flavorings. Mix flour and salt and stir in. Divide dough in half. Blend red food coloring into one half. Place in refrigerator for about 1 hour. Roll about 1 tsp each color dough into 4-6 inch rope. Place the two rolls side by side and twist together. Put on ungreased baking sheet. Curve top down for cane shape. Bake 9 minutes or until lightly brown.
