INSPIRASUNS

I started a new tradition this year, well let’s say I’m trying to start a new tradition this year. Actually, you could say I’m sort of picking up a past tradition and tweaking it.

Years ago, when our kids were younger, we had a tradition of enjoying a Swedish Tea Ring on Christmas morning. A friend and coworker used to make this wonderful pastry each year. She would take orders in the weeks before Christmas, and the week before, you’d pick up your frozen delight, or if you were like me, you’d pick up the several that you ordered. I gave them away as gifts—ya, they were THAT good!

On Christmas Eve, after we returned home from church, I’d take the tea ring out of the freezer and place it on a cookie sheet in the oven to rise overnight, (though not on, the oven was the warmest spot in the kitchen). Christmas morning it was almost as exciting as seeing what Santa had delivered when I opened the oven to see how this delight had risen to fill the sheet pan. As it baked the ring would fill the house with smells of sugar and cinnamon. Hot out of the oven I would drizzle on the icing as it would melt down the sides. The kids didn’t even have a problem pausing the opening of presents to enjoy digging into the flaky, gooeyness of this annual treat.

Over the past few years, I’ve thought about making one of these tasty treats for Christmas morning. Well, this year, I jumped in to see if I could make it. If you’ve read this little blog for very long, you know that my experiments in baking and working with yeast are hit or miss. Of course, this recipe uses it, AND hand kneading as well, double whammy.

Yesterday, I dove in head first, using my trusty thermometer to make sure I didn’t make any mixture too hot. I worked carefully and followed the recipe to a tee. Then the kneading, 10 minutes it called for. I set my timer and began the process. I glanced at my timer thinking I had to almost be finished only to realize I’d been at it for just three minutes 🙂 . I got into a groove after that and started to actually feel the dough change as I worked with it. It came together in my hands and before I knew it the timer went off. I carefully placed the dough in the bowl, covered it with a towel, and set it back to rise, (double its size). I set my timer again for the appropriate time and went off to wrap some gifts.

An hour and a half later the timer went off and I sheepishly went in to check on the dough. To my delight, it had more than doubled in size and looked great! I followed the rest of the recipe, rolling out the dough, brushed it with melted butter and sprinkled the cinnamon/sugar mixture onto the butter. I carefully rolled the dough, made the cuts in the top, and gently placed it in a container, (with the help of my husband), and into the freezer it went to wait.

Tomorrow evening after church, I’ll place the newly prepared ring on a sheet pan and slide it in the oven just like I used to years ago. And…I’ll say a little prayer that it rises like it did back then. Then, we’ll see how things turn out on Christmas morning. I did make arrangements for a backup plan in case that ring is a flop 🙂 .

So friends, just a couple of thoughts on this Christmas Eve, Eve. First, in my opinion, Christmas is about tradition. I hope you can enjoy some this year, or even start your own. Secondly, challenge yourself to try something that you have been putting off. Me, working with yeast, OY, but you know what, I enjoyed the process and it was exciting to see it come together and, so far anyway, turn out ok. Father has blessed us with talents we may not even know we have, so if something interests you, give it a try.

Have a wonderful day my friends. Please continue to lift prayers for Jan’s family, for the return of sweet Emily Rea, and for all those in Western NC still struggling from the storms this fall.

Luke 1:35
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God”.