THE OLD WOODEN RECIPE BOX
Thumbing through my old wooden recipe box the other day, I thought, “Wow, this is starting to look like Mom’s recipe box!” I remember as a child being intrigued with Mom’s recipes. She had two boxes, both packed tight with hand written cards of favorite dishes that she made for her family. It always amazed me how she knew right where to look to find a particular recipe. And you could always tell the favorites, the ones that were splattered and stained, tattered and torn, with the ink barely visible. Some had lines crossed out, with modifications made as they had been tested and tried, tested and tried. Many were written in the hand of a dear relative or friend, and many had a story behind them. Yes, a good cook’s recipe file is a treasure, indeed, actually reflecting so much of who that person is.
I got to thinking of how that compares with life. When others start thumbing through the pages of my life, what will they find? Will they see the touch of my Master’s hand, how He has tried me and refined me to make me more fit and usable for His Kingdom? Surely there are areas where I’ve been tattered and torn, splattered and stained, only to be smoothed over and patched up by my Creator, as only He can do. And just as my file box contains cards hand written by other special people, so also, my life has been etched by so many others who have shaped me into who I am. I pray that I allow the Lord to modify and adjust me where I need to be. My heart’s desire is that when the lid is lifted, Jesus will be seen, and that I will have much to offer in service to the King of Kings. Having my recipe box resemble my mother’s box is a privilege, indeed. But an even greater privilege would be to have a life that reflects Christ, that would “...spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” (2 Cor. 2:14) Will you join me in this pursuit?
Our apple trees produced well this year, and we have been enjoying this apple crisp recipe that was passed down from my mother. It is one of those well-used, splattered up cards out of my box. I hope you enjoy it, too!
APPLE CRISP
From the Kitchen of Robin Reinhold
1 qt. peeled, cored and sliced apples
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 T. flour
1/3—1/2 c. warmed honey
Mix honey, flour and cinnamon. Stir in apples. Place in lightly greased 8 x 8” pan.
Top with the following mixture:
3/4 c. quick or old fashioned oats
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder 3/4 c. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/3 c. melted butter
Mix together and crumble over apples. Bake at 350 for 40 - 45 minutes, or ‘til bubbly and lightly browned. Double for 9 x 13” pan.