A piece of food for thought

Recently, I read about the 12 days of Christmas in the December 2015 – January 2016 Seton Magazine.  Christine Smitha presented some information about the famous carol 12 Days of Christmas. It was proposed to her that the song was the “Catechism for persecuted Catholics” during the 17^th and 18^th centuries in France. However she states that no one really knows and may turn out to be “a fun memory game” for that time period. (Smitha, 2015)

            I personally would like to think that it was a coded Catechism and could represent religious symbolism for all faiths. Also it could have provided a way for a people under hard times to keep their faith alive and strong through fun songs such as this one. I have heard stories similar to this were the words in songs have been messages of hope or direction. Also there have been songs made to help preserve cultural traditions under heavy foreign oppression. Why not so for this song?  This article has made me think a little more about really meets the ear.

I am grateful to have this Christmas season and to think a little more of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the source of our Salvation and happiness. I am eternally grateful that He has come to earth as a humble babe and in humble circumstances. I hope we may all renew our commitments to Him who is the author of our Salvation, Peace, and Happiness.

God bless you all this Christmas Season and New Year!

            Here are the possible interpretations of the 12 gifts mentioned in the article. (Smitha, 2015)

1.              A Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ

2.              Two Turtle Doves= The Old and New Testaments

3.              Three French Hens= Faith, Hope, Charity;

4.              Four Calling Birds= the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

5.              Five Golden Rings= First Five Books of the Old Testament

6.              Six Geese Are laying= Six Days of Creation

7.              Seven Swans are swimming= Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

8.              Eight Maid are milking= The Beatitudes

9.              Nine Ladies are dancing= Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit

10.          Ten Lords are leaping= the Ten Commandments

11.          Eleven Pipers are piping= the Eleven faithful Apostles

12.          Twelve Drummers are drumming= the twelve doctrines outlined in the Apostle’s Creed

Works Cited

Smitha, C. (2015, December 1). A Homeschooler's Guide to Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas. (K. Clark, & C. Smitha, Eds.) Seton Magazine , 4 (12), pp. 8-9, 16.

Setonmagazine.com

Peanut Butter is good when you make...

Apple Peanut Butter

About 2 cups of delight,

 I was amazed that the apple or peanut butter flavor did not come out but it served a good spread on toast.  

Materials

2 whole Apples washed and de-stemmed

5 Tbsp. Dry Roasted Unsalted Peanut Butter (preferably freshly grounded or made) 

Pinch of Salt (optional)

Tools

Food Processor or Blender

Wooden Spoon

Measuring Spoons

Clean storage bowl

Instructions

1. Half your apples and put them in the blender or food processor and blend them up until you make apple sauce
2. Add the peanut butter a tablespoon at a time until well mixed and until the mixture is fluffy and smooth
3. Add a pinch of salt in step one or two

Optional you can add raw honey to make it sweet. 

Apple Peanut Butter

A close up view

It is Honey Butter with out the butter...

Butterless Honey Butter

 This is a simple mind blowing dish. It has similar texture and taste of regular Honey Butter made from margarine. 

Materials

1 part Coconut Oil firm and cool

1 part Raw Local Honey

Sea or Himalayan Salt

Tools

Mixing spoon

Mixing bowl (glass preferably)

Measuring cups & spoons

Instructions

1. Mix the salt and coconut oil until it has a warm 'buttery' taste
2. Add the honey and mix until well blended. 
3. Place in refrigerator to cool and harden. Also can be served immediately according to preference. 

Enjoy on top of warm dairy free corn bread and goodies. I had to create something on the spot to give it a try and boy it was delectable. 

Please try it and let me know if you had similar successes