Mother to Mother · demand things (eating all the peas) that you won’t be enforcing. Do many...

Human Blossoms

Flowers? I love flowers and I’ll say that they are sweet

But no flower has pink toes on a pair of rose-leaf feet

And no flower has got arms that go ‘round a person’s neck

And no flower ever tells you that it loves you “most a peck”

And no flower is so weary when the long, long day is by

That it snuggles to your bosom almost ready for a cry

Till you start to count its piggies; I love flowers, they are fine

But it’s little human blossoms that have got this heart of mine!

It is little human blossoms that can holler and can run

With their hands held up to meet you when your workday is all done

That your eyes begin to look for when you turn into your street

While your ears begin to listen for the patter of their feet

That makes your arms reach out to hold them and your face break into smiles…

It’s life’s little human blossoms that make glad the weary miles,

And the bluest morning glory, its rare blossoms gemmed with dew

Is not as pretty as a baby with its hands held out to you. -Merton LeRoy Van Orden, adapted

Mother to

Mother

July 2012

Hello, friends…

Summer’s Boy

Can’t you see his laughing eyes,

Can’t you know his charms; Big old shaggy puppy dog

Cradled in his arms; Barefoot days and happy heart

Find the shaded nook, With a fishing pole and bait

By the little brook.

Can’t you see his mussed-up hair, Love his freckled nose;

Quite a precious little lad In his worn-out clothes;

Off to happiness and thrills, Doesn’t mind a thing;

Precious as a day in June, Summer’s boy is king.

-Garnett Ann Shultz

This poem reminds me of my children! They love summer

and are never happier than when they’re outside digging in the

dirt or riding bike or taking wagon rides pulled by the lawn mower.

Grimy and sweaty, with faces flushed from the hot sun, they’re

enjoying life to the fullest these days. My challenge is to keep their

energy directed into something constructive!

Thanks to each one who contributed to this issue. Have a

healthy, happy summer!

Glenn & Mary Beth Martin

595 Skyline Trail

Chester, MA 01011

Phone & fax: (413) 354-7860

email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

You Ask, You Answer…

Call their attention away from their hurts and ask them to be brave and

cheerful like Daddy, Grandpa, or some other role model. -Pennsylvania

Be matter-of-fact about their ouchies instead of smothering them with

too much sympathy or pity.

For example, when your child comes sobbing loudly about some

minor hurt, you might say, “Oh dear, what happened now? Well, you’ll

be fine.” Give a little hug and a kiss and they’ll probably be ready to be

on their way. If they are not able to “get over it,” you may need to be

firm with them and tell them they are not hurt badly and must stop

crying.

In contrast, the overly-sympathetic mother might exclaim, “Oh no,

you poor child! Here, let Mama hold you and you tell me all about it.”

This approach encourages the child to focus on their hurt and pity

themselves. Encouraging habits of self-pity when the child is young can

become a major issue later in life. There will be a life of regret with

children who develop a “victim mentality.” Help them now to take it in

stride and move on. -Massachusetts

I saw tomorrow marching by on little children’s feet;

Within their forms and faces read her prophecy complete. I saw tomorrow look at me from little children’s eyes,

And thought how carefully we’d teach if we were really wise.

Question : How do you teach 3-5 year olds to be brave without

being unfeeling toward their hurts? We have one who will be going to

school next year who is especially prone to cry over every little hurt.

We want to be sensitive, but it’s difficult to know how bad it is. We

don't feel like it's a security issue – we try to give him plenty of positive

attention.

Your 2½ year old son sounds like our daughter 8 years ago. She still has

an intense, high-strung personality, but we can reason with her now

and expect a positive response. We feel we can give credit to several

solutions, the first one being a sugarless diet (also includes eliminating

white flour which your body turns to sugar to use). This really calmed her

down and helped her be more manageable. We also gave her

calcium/magnesium.

Another big help was to have her evaluated by Elona Martin. We

discovered our daughter’s brain was not properly communicating to

the rest of her body causing her to become frustrated. Elona had many

small tests to demonstrate our child’s conflicting brain dominance. She

gave us daily exercises; after a number of weeks, we could see a huge,

rewarding change.

Also we found using varied punishments help break the cycle of

repeated spankings. For instance, one punishment would be that she

couldn’t go along with Daddy. When this created a tantrum, we would

hold her firmly, tell her we loved her, and repeat why she needed this.

We would draw the line at obedience on the first issue. As long as she

wasn’t getting her way, we overlooked her reaction and with time she

realized her tantrums were fruitless. The hardest for me was to stick to

this in public when I was sure others were thinking, “If that were my

child, I’d give her a good spanking!” This experience reminded me to

be a cautious judge of how others train their children.

Last but not least pray for wisdom. Ask advice like you have done,

sorting out what will work for you. Give lots of positive attention. Hold

him, read to him, kiss him, and tell him how glad you are that God gave

him to you. True compassion and love will eventually soften him. I’m

eager to see what others say.

(Editor’s note: Elona Martin specializes in therapy/exercises for

learning disabilities and handicaps. She lives in Kirksville, MO. Her phone

number is 765-438-9851; email address is [email protected] ). -Wisconsin

Question : Our son is 2½ years old and we often feel at a loss at how to

deal with him. When we spank him for an offense, he simply won’t get

over it for quite a while, but continues crying loudly and bitterly. So we

spank for that, and the cycle continues. Or he’s told to do something

and when he refuses, we spank him and he still won’t obey – and it goes

on and on and on. Eventually obedience happens but by then he’s so

besides himself and it still doesn’t appear that he’s truly submitted.

Sometimes he stamps his feet or talks disrespectfully when his will is

crossed. My husband has already missed most of a sermon while

dealing with him. What are we doing wrong? Why are we not seeing

positive results?

mailto:[email protected]

It’s about being consistent…here a little, there a little, line upon line,

precept upon precept. God will reward your faithful efforts. Keep on

praying and working. You’re in the heat of the battle! “Let us not be

weary in well-doing…for we shall reap in due season.” -Pennsylvania

Your question reminds me of a situation I was close to some years ago

and was able to observe. The child was an extremely strong-willed 4-

year-old but thankfully was blessed with wise parents, in particular a

very calm, determined father who never raised his voice in anger or

frustration as he dealt with her. In this case the parents found repeated

spankings was not the answer, as the child would get almost hysterical,

much like you describe. Many times the father would firmly hold the

child while she thrashed until she finally ran out of steam.

Sometimes a parent must “choose their battles.” While we have

many things we want to teach our children, they will not learn

everything in a day. “Overteaching” can easily become overwhelming

and frustrating. So your child isn’t eating his peas? Yes, eventually he

must learn to eat peas, but for now you may wisely choose to “let it

slide” while you focus on other issues you’ve been working on. Do not

demand things (eating all the peas) that you won’t be enforcing.

Do many things in your son’s life warrant a spanking? Don’t

discipline for immaturity alone. He should not be required to act like an

adult. He’s only 2½ and has many things to learn.

Don’t ignore the advice you may get from people close to you

who observe your family in real-life. Others may have valuable

observations.

The parents of the above-mentioned child made no claims to

perfection. At times they were at their wit’s end. But I was often inspired

as I observed them. Their daughter is now a happy, well-adjusted

Christian teenager. Take courage. The rewards may not be immediate,

but if you don’t give up, you will reap “in due season.” -State withheld

My husband and I were once where you are. Our oldest became quite

upset when we punished him, to the point we scarcely knew how to

handle him. Sometimes, after spanking several times, we would allow

him to sit in his bedroom alone to “cry it out.” I do not recall that this

had any harmful effects on our son. It helps to avoid a “tit for tat,” you-

kick-and-I-spank merry-go-round.

One great help for us was to fast and pray about our son’s needs.

Prayer does change things – not only improving the situation, but also

giving strength, wisdom and calmness. “If any of you lack wisdom, let

him ask of God…”

Our son eventually grew up, leaving his temper tantrums behind.

He is now a calm-natured, easy-going teenager. God answered our

prayers, and He will answer yours too. -Georgia

We had trouble with our daughter sitting in church, and even being

able to comprehend a two or three-command sentence. After reading

your question, I thought it sounded much like our daughter.

When she needed a punishment, she would just about go

ballistic. It was very difficult to know how to handle her. A lady from

church came to me one Sunday after an incident in the Sunday school

room that involved them both. She said, “I believe Joan Martin could

help her.”

After talking with others about the situation we faced, we chose

to go ahead and have Joan evaluate her. She told us after the

evaluation that our daughter was ambidextrous (both sides of her brain

were being used equally, neither side dominant). So Joan put her

through a regiment of therapy/exercises that we helped her with at

home. This will only work if you are consistent! We were able to see

results and it’s great to see the improvement. She did this about a year

and a half till she was finished.

(Editor’s note: Joan Martin assists children who have learning

disabilities. She lives in Pennsylvania, but also travels to help clients that

are out of state. She is currently scheduling appointments about three

months in advance. Her phone number is 717-626-1295). -Pennsylvania

We also have faced some trials with one of our children. A few

questions – Is he different than your other children (if you have more)?

When did his problems start – was he different as a tiny baby? Could

there be something going on in his body he is unable to handle? Does

he need some medical attention? Is discipline worsening the problem?

Children that young aren’t able to understand themselves and so

they can’t tell us what is frustrating them. We need God’s help and at

times feel very lost. God is faithful as we keep seeking His way.

2 Samuel 22:7 says, “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and

cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my

cry did enter into his ears.”

We can be thankful that we serve the same God that David did

and He still hears us when we call. We’ll be praying for you. -State withheld

I like to carry a small tablet in my pocketbook with such data in brief.

Cross out obsolete or incorrect entries as needed. -Pennsylvania

When I read the question my heart felt heavy. I thought of my friends

and me who are in similar situations. We discussed it… we focus on our

husbands and children. We are the ones who “spoil” them! Take them

on simple family outings. There is a lot you can do that is special that

costs little but your time! For example, hot dog and marshmallow roasts,

or a picnic in the woods. Invite other church families to share these with

you. They may be lonely too. Their family may be far away or of non-

Christian background. Resolve to be the “mothering” type of mother-in-

law some distant day, Lord willing. That starts today! Reach out and be

a friend to others, whether they be biological relatives or not. Pray

much about it! God will carry you through. Titus 2:3-5 is a challenge to

me; it is a list of what mothers and mothers-in-law should be. It is things I

can grow in now… if I want to be that way when I’m old! -State withheld

Because it often happens that not everyone has close relatives nearby,

I find it adds to my joys (and theirs) to reach out to the full circle of

young families and be friends with all. As a grandmother, I have lonely

spots to deal with too because of scattered family. But it’s a joy-builder

to pay attention to others’ families, taking an interest in their interests.

Helps to chase my “blues.” -Pennsylvania

We live far from both our families. But I am blessed to live just half a mile

from a dear motherly sister whose married daughters and

grandchildren live out of state. She is more than happy to

‘grandmother’ my baby! Can you find a lonely grandma and ‘adopt’

her? You’ll bless her as you are blessed yourself. - New Mexico

Question : I’m not sure how to write this without sounding selfish. My

mom is gone and my mother-in-law isn’t really the “mothering” type.

Then I look around and see other moms and their married

daughters…and grandmas “spoiling” their grandchildren. It gives me a

lonely feeling sometimes. I’d like to hear how others deal with this.

Question : Is there a way to keep track of the clothes I have stored

away for my children to grow into (especially coats, jackets and

shoes)? When I'm shopping and find a good deal I'm never sure if I

have this article at home in this size. I would like to have the

information in my purse but I need a convenient way to keep record

of it.

When a child becomes slippery, it is hard to pin them down and have

them admit to an untruth. Our son especially loved candy and would

sneak some from his siblings’ hidden stores or from the kitchen

cupboard. Lying about this became a repeat problem. Unless we had

hard facts that proved otherwise, we didn’t punish if he declared he

was telling the truth (we didn’t rely on his siblings’ word alone, but did

rely on his schoolteacher’s accounts).

My husband intentionally left candy lie on a sink and put a pack

of gum on the desk. The close, repeated offenses helped to drive home

the point that he would not get by with it. How rewarding it is to have

him voluntarily confess he lied when we gave him the benefit of the

doubt! With that response, we have only talked with him.

Has something big just happened in your child's life? Our son’s

problem mushroomed when he started first grade. Initially he felt a

need to be “macho,” but as he became more comfortable in his new

school environment and as it was repeatedly addressed, the issue

improved. Don’t give up because it will only get worse unaddressed

and will eventually ruin him. May God grant you wisdom! -Wisconsin

Stop your child’s lying quickly whenever possible. Help him retrace the

truth in detail.

Getting a child’s attention arrested as you see something wrong

developing is a great help. That applies to many areas of behavior and

conduct. No, they don’t outgrow this without some positive helps. -Pennsylvania

The Bible has very much to say about lying – it is an offense to God. That

is why we feel it should be dealt with severely. This is not a habit that

your child will eventually outgrow; this is a matter of right and wrong. If

left go, it will only bring shame. While your child may not yet be

accountable to God, he is accountable to you as a parent and how

he views you is how he may someday view God. By dealing with it

consistently, the Bible method will work. It may take more to get

through to one child than another. Keep praying! God bless you! -New York

Question : How do you deal with a 6-year-old lying? Is it something

they will grow out of? What if different methods of discipline only seem

to make the child resolve to be slyer next time? We have tried

spanking, taking away privileges, long talks, and praying.

Take The Time

Take the time to hold his hand

and build castles in the sand

Take the time to share his dreams

and travel through rocky streams

Take the time to hold him near

and tell him he has nothing to fear

Take the time every chance you can

before your little boy's a man.

-Author Unknown

These Wearisome Days

Dear Lord, I’ve been so weary these days--

So weary of tripping over fourteen little feet,

So weary of trying to evade eager ears

when I need to share a private word with my husband.

So weary of being surrounded by the clamor and clutter

that accompanies seven children under the age of nine.

So weary of answering to “M – o – m – m – y!”

countless times a day.

So weary of listening to hundreds of questions

and rambling tales that know no end.

So weary of squabbling and tattling,

tantrums and pouts—

And so weary of the discipline that should make everything right.

Dear Lord, I’ve been so weary these days—

So weary of searching for the “black holes” that captured

the flashlight, the last matching barrette, the hoe,

all the socks without holes and the pancake turner.

So weary of mending and patching clothes

that will need re-mending in a matter of days.

So weary of washing grimy faces and messy diapers,

dot-to-dotted windows and sticky floors,

mountains of laundry and stacks of greasy pans.

So weary of sweeping floors that never stay swept

and arranging bookshelves that never stay arranged.


So weary of teaching children who don’t seem to care

about the remedies for dirty dishes or a cluttered room.

So weary of teaching sons that proper etiquette doesn’t include

talking with stuffed mouths or licking knives

or belching contests at the table.

So weary of teaching children that empty ice cube trays

generally do not produce ice cubes.

So weary of hearing myself repeat, “The slower you go, the longer it takes,”

to children with selective hearing.

So weary of spelling out the Golden Rule to children

who would prefer it to say,

“Demand others to do unto you as they would rather

do unto themselves.”


So weary of struggling to decide

what should come first, then second,

then third in my day—and what has to be left go…again.

So weary of feeling a dozen steps behind because

of the speed at which

the days melt into weeks, the weeks into months.

So weary of wondering why I’m a mother if I’m so often irritated by

the childish actions that should melt a mother’s heart—

a sticky goodnight kiss, a suffocating hug,

or tears that accompany a microscopic “ouchie”.

So weary of wondering which child needs the most attention

when there’s seven of them, but only one of me..

So weary of asking You for more wisdom and grace,

more patience and strength—and then needing to ask for some more.

So weary of wondering if I’m doing it all wrong;

if I’m failing so miserably that not one of my children will want to follow You.

But, please, dear Lord, don’t let me become too weary—

Not too weary to realize that a good night’s sleep or a ten-minute nap

will make everything look brighter—

the mother more patient, the workload less daunting,

and the children so much more precious.

Not too weary to realize that in just ten years

I will yearn for these days that I’m living now.

These days of baby giggles and dimpled knees,

bouncing curls and childish glee.

These days when youth activities still haven’t intruded

on our family’s evenings and weekends.

These days when we still can govern our children’s choices

of clothes and friends, their books and music.

These days when childish trust still glows in our children’s sparkling eyes.

These days when our children’s most monumental decisions

involve questions like, “Whose turn to wash dishes?”

These days when the whole family is still under one roof…

These days…

Why, thank You, dear Lord, for these memorable days—

the BEST of our BEST years together!

Amen.

-Jodi Wise

New Questions…

1. How does a parent relate to a situation where your child has a

“friend” that is constantly hurting them and saying nasty things?

We have questioned our child to see if he is doing something to

bring this on himself and he denies it. I have even questioned other

parents and they have confirmed that our son in fact does get this

unkind treatment for no apparent reason. He is very hurt by this

and we don’t know what to say anymore. We have him stay with

Dad after church as much as possible. Please give some advice.

2. Is there any way to get babies’ days organized with a semblance

of schedule to them? We have read On Becoming Baby Wise, but

feel a little skeptical of their feeding/napping schedules after

trying them with no success. What are the pros and cons in a

scheduled feeding for your baby? Is it normal for wake-up times to

vary as much as two hours if we are fairly consistent with bedtime?

3. We’ve been blessed with twins! I would enjoy hearing from mothers

of twins or those who have helped care for twins. What tips can

you share for surviving – and enjoying – the first year? How did you

manage going away, feeding times, and giving the rest of the

family enough attention?

4. We read in Titus 2 that the older women are to teach the younger

women. What are your thoughts on effective ways for the older

women to give good counsel and for the younger to receive?

Both roles seem to take a mixture of courage and grace.

5. We are sending our first child to school this coming term. I’ll

probably be doing most of the driving, and it looks kind of big to

think of getting three children (including a baby) ready by school

time. Does anyone have ideas on how to get everyone dressed,

fed, and out the door on time, and in a good frame of mind?

Please respond with answers by August 15, 2012.

Behind the Scenes Someone is faithful in filling her place, Joy in her heart and a smile on her face, Doing each duty with ardor and grace Behind the scenes. She has removed many stones from the way So that another won’t stumble today; Often unnoticed she toils away Behind the scenes. It is most surely a heavenly art. Lord, in the work may she never lose heart, For she is filling so vital a part Behind the scenes. Men may consider it lowly, I know; Many are working for pomp and for show. I am so glad for the candles that glow Behind the scenes. Sister, take courage; God gave you this place; He will be with you and give you His grace. Find your delight in the smile of His face Behind the scenes. Though you may find that the thank-you’s are rare, In His reward you most surely shall share, For you have helped many burdens to bear Behind the scenes. Oh, in my visions I’m seeing the Lord Eagerly waiting till He can reward Those who in service His Name have adored Behind the scenes. -Mary Hursh

Across My

Kitchen Table…

This month’s recipes are in

response to a request we

received: “We are

missionaries in a village in

South America. I do all my

cooking on a two-burner

stove top, no oven. I’ve

been playing around with

baking in an iron skillet on

the stovetop. I’d love to have recipes for stovetop baking, especially

cakes and breads.” For next time….a recipe break! Look for more of the

breakfast recipes we received a few months ago and had no room for

then.

Pineapple Upside-down Cake 1/3 cup butter

½ cup brown sugar

1 can sliced pineapple rings

Maraschino cherries, opt.

Melt butter in heavy 10-inch skillet. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly

over butter. Arrange pineapple slices in an attractive pattern. Decorate

with pecans or maraschino cherries around slices and in the centers, if

desired.

1½ cups flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1/3 cup soft shortening

2/3 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla

½ tsp. lemon flavoring, opt.

1 egg

Measure flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Whisk

together. Add shortening, milk, and flavorings. Beat 300 strokes by hand or

2 minutes medium speed with a mixer. Add egg and beat another 300

strokes. Pour batter over fruit. Bake over medium-low heat with the lid on,

approximately 20-30 minutes or until it tests done. (Or bake in oven at 350°

for 40-45 minutes.)

Turn upside-down on a plate leaving the pan on for a few

minutes. Serve with whipped cream.

Marjie Otto, NY

Molasses Cake 1½ cups flour

1½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. ginger

¼ tsp. cloves

¼ tsp. salt

1 egg, beaten

½ cup butter, melted

1 cup light molasses

½ cup hot water

Sift together dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine remaining

ingredients. Add flour mixture and beat until smooth. Preheat greased

large frying pan 3-4 minutes. Quickly pour batter into pan. Cover and

cook over lowest heat for 30-35 minutes. During last 5-10 minutes, tilt cover

to remove excess moisture. Cake can be tested for doneness with a

toothpick. Makes 8 servings.

This recipe came with my kettle set. The following note was also

included: “With minimum moisture cookware, it is possible to bake on top

of the range. Prepare cake batter according to recipe or package

instructions. Grease skillet or saucepan and preheat over low heat 3-4

minutes. Pour batter into pan and cover. Reduce heat to lowest setting

and cook for recommended time. During last 10 minutes of baking time,

tilt cover to remove excess moisture.”

Mary Jane Miller, KY

Beef & Cornbread Ring

Cornbread:

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup flour

1 cup cheese, opt.

¼ cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp. parsley


½ tsp. salt

1 cup milk

¼ cup oil

1 egg

Corn & Beef Mixture:

½ cup water

¼ tsp. salt

2 cups corn

¼ cup black olives, opt.

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 tsp. garlic powder

½ cup ketchup

¼ tsp. pepper

½ tsp. salt

Mix cornbread batter until just moistened. Set aside.

Bring water, ¼ tsp. salt and corn to a boil and cook till corn is

tender. Set aside. Stir in olives.

Brown beef, onion, and garlic powder in a 10-inch skillet. Drain. Stir

in remaining ingredients. Push beef to the sides of the skillet to form a ring.

Pour corn (undrained) into the center. Bring to a boil. Pour cornbread

batter evenly over all and cover. Simmer 20-25 minutes. Uncover and let

stand 5 minutes. Invert on platter to serve.

Sharon Miller, WA

Pear Upside-down Cake ½ cup butter

1 cup brown sugar or ½ cup

honey

Fresh or canned pear halves

Melt butter in heavy 10-inch skillet over low heat. Sprinkle honey or

brown sugar over butter and stir to dissolve. Place 1 pear half in the center

of the pan, cut side down. Place other pear halves around the center

with stem ends toward the center one. Set aside.

1 cup flour


¼ tsp. salt

4 eggs, separated

1 cup sugar or ½ cup honey

1 Tbsp. melted butter

1 tsp. lemon or vanilla flavoring

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Beat egg whites at high speed till soft peaks form. Add sugar or

honey very gradually, beating well after each addition. Beat until stiff

peaks form.

Beat egg yolks at high speed until very thick and yellow. Fold

whipped yolks into beaten whites. Fold in flour mixture and melted butter

and flavoring.

Spread batter evenly over pears in skillet.

Bake on low-medium heat on stove top, covered (or 35 minutes

at 325° in the oven). Let stand 10 minutes, then turn upside-down on large

serving plate.

Serve warm with whipped cream, milk or ice cream. Serves 8-10.

Eileen Nussbaum, PA

Breakfast Casserole In a skillet:

Scramble eggs with salt and pepper.

Add meat of your choice.

Sprinkle with cheese.

Mix 1 can cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup milk. Pour over.

Top with bread crumbs and simmer until heated through.

Optional additions:

Chopped tomatoes

Chopped green onions

Chopped mushrooms

Chopped green peppers

My mother does not enjoy doing overnight breakfast casseroles and so

she makes this stovetop one instead.

Sharon Miller, WA

Caramel Dumplings or “Dampf Knepp”1 cup warm water

1 egg

1 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. shortening, melted

1 pkg. yeast (2¼ tsp.)

2½ - 3 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Beat egg and add sugar and salt.

Combine yeast and egg mixtures. Add flour and melted shortening and

work to a smooth dough. Knead for several minutes. Place dough in a

greased bowl, cover, and let rise until double in bulk.

Divide dough into six parts, work into smooth round balls and let

rise again. Place on top of boiling syrup.

Syrup:

3 cups water 2 cups brown sugar 1 Tbsp. butter

Combine all ingredients and cook together for 5 minutes in a

shallow saucepan. (Add raisins to syrup if desired.) Place dumplings in the

boiling syrup, cover, and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes. Do not remove lid.

Serves 6. Similar to sweet bread or sticky buns. A quote from Mennonite

Community Cookbook says, “The old-time Dampf Knepp, made by

dropping big balls of yeast dough onto hot fruit to steam is most

delicious.” Perhaps that would be a variation to try!

Beulah Van Pelt, OH

Easy Chocolate Skillet Cake1½ cups flour

1cup sugar

½ cup cocoa

1½ tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1½ cups buttermilk or sour milk

2 tsp. instant coffee granules

½ cup oil

2 eggs

Spray skillet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking

soda, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk and coffee granules

together until the coffee granules are dissolved. Whisk the oil and eggs

into the buttermilk mixture. Whisk the buttermilk mixture into the flour

mixture until just combined.

Pour into prepared skillet. Cover and cook over low heat until the

edges are cooked and the center is set, 40-45 minutes. (It may feel

undercooked in the middle, but it shouldn’t be goopy.) Replace the

cover and move the pan off-heat. Allow to stand for 5 min.

Uncover and let stand for about 5 minutes until the surface of the

cake is dry. Invert the cake onto a serving dish. Dust with powdered sugar

and serve. Serves 8 to 10. Light and fluffy and so delicious!

Mary Beth Martin, MA

Skillet Cornbread 1 cup cornmeal


½ tsp. salt

2 eggs

½ cup milk

8 tsp. oil, divided

In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. In

another bowl, beat eggs, milk, and 6 tsp. oil. Stir into dry ingredients just

until moistened. Heat remaining oil in a heavy 8” skillet over low heat. Pour

batter into the hot skillet, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes. Turn and

cook 4-5 minutes longer or until golden brown. Serves 4. Fast and delicious

and a favorite for our family!

Susanna Witmer, WA

Bunny’s Garden Carrot Cake 1½ cups flour

1¼ cups sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

¾ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

2 eggs, slightly beaten

¾ cup oil

1 tsp. vanilla

2/3 cup shredded carrots

1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple,

drained

¾ cup chopped walnuts, opt.

¾ cup golden raisins, opt.

Line the bottom of a skillet with a round of parchment paper.

Lightly coat pan and parchment with vegetable oil spray. Set aside.

Sift together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a

large bowl. Stir in the walnuts and raisins. Set aside.

Whisk together the eggs and oil. Add the vanilla, shredded

carrots, and pineapple. Combine with flour mixture.

Pour the batter into the skillet. Cover and place over low heat.

Cook on low temperature for approximately 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the

cake. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit covered for 15-20

minutes.

Remove the lid and allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes

uncovered. The top of the cake will be very moist but not raw. Run a

blade, if necessary, around edge of pan to free the sides of the cake.

Invert onto serving plate.

Serve plain or with cream cheese frosting. Serves 8-10.

Mary Beth Martin, MA

Miscellaneous tips… Do you have a waffle iron? Whoopie pies can be made in a waffle iron.

We’ve had success with chocolate, pumpkin and chocolate chip

whoopie pies made in a waffle iron. The batter from your favorite

recipe should work fine. Don’t overbake or the cookies will get crispy –

and be sure to grease the waffle iron generously with cooking spray!

Here are a few tips from Fix It and Forget It Slower Cooker Cookbook.

The book has some cake recipes in that could possibly be adapted or

used as the basis for stovetop cooking.

Bake cakes in a cake pan set directly on the bottom of your slow

cooker. Cover the top with 4-5 layers of paper towels to help absorb

the moisture from the top of the cake. Leave the cooker open slightly

to let extra moisture escape.

You can use a 2-lb. coffee can, two 1-lb. coffee cans, three 16-oz.

vegetable cans, a 6-7 cup mold, or a 1½ -2 quart baking dish for

“baking” cakes in a slow cooker. Leave the cooker lid slightly open to

let extra moisture escape.

Sharon Miller, WA

We have pretty much the same situation here (no oven). We usually use

whatever cake recipe we want, grease and preheat the pan, turn heat

on medium-low and cover. Cook for about the same amount of time

as the recipe calls for. My kettle set is waterless cookware and the man

I got it from claimed that you should be able to make about anything in

the kettle you would in the oven, with these directions:

Range top baking: Prepare cake batter according to directions.

Grease skillet and preheat over low heat 3-4 min. Pour batter into pan

and cover. Reduce heat to lowest setting and cook for recommended

time. During last 10 minutes tilt cover to remove excess moisture.

I made a Ham and Cheese Oven Omelet (from the Farmhouse

Cookbook, pg. 29) using the range top baking method and it turned

out very well. So I think most baked breakfasts would work too. I've

made Apple Crisp already. The oatmeal layer is more baked than

crispy but still good. Baked oatmeal works too.

Christa Baer, Hong Kong

Oh, weary mother, mixing dough – Don’t you wish such food would grow?

Your lips would smile, I know, to see A cookie bush or doughnut tree!

For the dads… A Little Fellow's Dad

I may never be as clever as my neighbor down the street,

I may never be as wealthy as some other men I meet;

I may never have the glory that some other men have had,

But I've got to be successful as a little fellow's dad.

There are certain dreams I cherish that I'd like to see come true,

There are things I would accomplish 'ere my working time is through;

But the task my heart is set on is to guide a little lad,

And to make myself successful as the little fellow's dad.

It's the one job that I dream of; it's the task I think of most;

If I fail that growing youngster I'd have nothing else to boast;

For though wealth and fame I'd gather, all my future would be sad,

If I failed to be successful as that little fellow's dad.

I may never have earth's glory; I may never gather gold.

Men may count me as a failure when my business life is told;

But if he gives his life to Jesus, then I will be so glad -

For I'll know I've been successful as a little fellow's dad. - David Buttram

Mother to Mother · demand things (eating all the peas) that you won’t be enforcing. Do many...

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