Welcome to the weekend, my friends! My family spent a few days this week in Michigan on Lake Huron and it was an absolutely lovely spring break. We swam (in the pool – because it was way too cold for the lake!), played games, laughed, and truly relaxed. I’m looking forward to our summer road trip even more now, as well as our annual family camping trip in Arizona. I can hardly wait to see the whole family again.
If you want to see a few photos from the trip, you can scroll down to the end of this newsletter.
ON THE BLOG this week: Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal is lightly sweetened with bananas and honey. Your morning oatmeal meets up with banana bread in this fun twist on a classic breakfast. Served warm, topped with sliced bananas and a drizzle of peanut butter, it’s a favorite with kids and adults alike.
Creamy homemade ranch dressing coats every bite of pasta and vegetables in this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Sprinkled throughout with bacon and cheddar cheese, my kids went absolutely nuts over this salad.
Perfectly tender Broiled Chicken Thighs, marinated and then glazed with this homemade barbecue sauce made for a great weeknight meal. Learning how to broil chicken makes it easy to get a delicious dinner on the table fast.
Honey and Oat Gluten Free Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfectly sliceable gluten-free sandwich bread with a rich flavor from oat flour and honey. This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a snack on its own.
Whipped Strawberry Butter is fluffy, creamy, sweet, and buttery goodness in a pretty pink package. This is amazing on toast, scones, pancakes, popovers, muffins, breads, and just about anything else you might want to butter!
What I’m CRAVING: Have you ever had Paska Bread a.k.a Easter Bread? I’m fascinated by my friend Natalya’s grandmother’s recipe. Her Paska is made with light & fluffy brioche bread filled with plump, juicy raisins. Topped with a simple glaze, she says that it simply melts in your mouth. I can’t wait to try it!
What I’m WATCHING: Upload. This is an Amazon original show that has been on my radar for a while now and I finally started watching it last week. It’s a sci-fi comedy set in a future where people can upload their consciousness to a digital afterlife. With Greg Daniels (from Parks and Rec) directing, I assumed it would be a fun watch, but it’s more than just a comedy. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing future episodes.
What I’m READING: Betsy’s Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace. This is the last book in the Betsy series and it is my favorite one. Betsy’s struggles as a young wife (who has no clue how to cook, but wants to learn how – oh, how I relate to that one) and her desire to be a truly good and supportive wife for Joe is a refreshing perspective, so different from much that we see today. For anyone who loved Anne Shirley of Green Gables, or the Louisa May Alcott books, the Betsy Ray books are sure to make you smile.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wishing you a beautiful week full of little things that make you smile!
Mary
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