I don’t know about you but I’m feeling the slog of mid-winter. The sunshine sure has helped, but those long gray days seem to put us all in a funk. We’re getting outside when we can, and the kids are having fun building Calvin and Hobbes-esque snow creations in the backyard! I’m grateful for this time that they can be free and play.
For this week’s bake I polled my family. I had the other weeks of February planned out, and it was my daughter Miranda who vied for her choice to be on the list. She wanted to try the flavor combination of lemon and white chocolate in cookie form, and I have to say I was a bit skeptical. Turns out, the perpetually hungry teenager was on to something! I made a test batch and knew she was on to something. We don’t eat a lot of cookies here, but when we do we really try to do something special. I’m still tweaking the recipe, but the flavors are outstanding. They’re refreshing and cozy all at the same time, perfect for bright wintery days. I hope you’ll give them a try this coming week!
I’ve been thinking about the idea of success with the Winter Olympics in full swing. These elite athletes train a lifetime for a moment on the world stage. All of their preparation cannot guarantee a gold medal, or even a personal best. It’s been encouraging to hear athletes talk about success not only in terms of winning but of the pursuit of excellence. That idea seems fitting for long days where the routines of life can feel heavy. What does it mean to pursue excellence in the Christian life? How do we best think about success and shortcomings within that pursuit? Heavy questions for a bread email, I know!
Sourdough loaves with freshly-milled flour are available this and every week. If you’re looking for an introduction to sourdough bread, this is the one to try. Not overly sour, but full of flavor and nutrients from the grains, this is the bread I make most often, and the one my family eats most often!