Peace On Earth

by Kathy Humphrey

Mostly everyone says they want it. No one knows the secret—what switch to flick, what magic elixir to stir into the world’s water supply, what benign and hopeful seeds to sow in amongst the fields and forests of the world. Perhaps the solution lies in the cold and murky areas located somewhere between duty and sacrifice. Making a difference means doing something more difficult than quoting last week’s progressive editorial aloud to like-minded friends while cocooned in the plush comfort of your living room. Peace comes in all shapes and sizes and is visible in many different forms. Living in peace can mean having the freedom to walk where you choose, vote how you feel, and speak your mind. Peace can also refer to more basic things, such as freedom from hunger, from cold, or from unsafe living conditions.

History and circumstances limit us in our involvement: we can’t all pull on our black turtlenecks, stub out our Galoises, and valiantly head out into the dark to bomb bridges or rescue downed paratroopers. Not everyone will have the opportunity to offer shelter to someone in hiding from oppression, to protect someone being persecuted for what they believe, or wear, or to make any giant gesture that may feel like capital-H history, while it is happening.

But we can all do the things that make a difference, bit by bit, in the real lives of real people, every day. We can give a muffin from our lunch bag to someone living on the streets when we walk by where they sit. We can donate last year’s coats and boots to our local shelters and transition houses. We can do what we can, while we can, instead of sitting and waiting for our big chance to make a difference. Give peace a chance—share the gift of plenty with those who need it, and see that change starts in small measures.

Tiny Tim said it best: “God bless us every one!” Share the love, lead with your hearts, and have a very Merry Christmas.

Cranberry Loaf
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp grated orange peel
3/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup raisins
1 1/4 cups cranberries, chopped (fresh or frozen)

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. In a small bowl, beat egg. Stir in orange peel and orange juice. Pour orange juice mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until moist. Fold in raisins and cranberries. Spoon into greased 9"x5"x3" loaf pan. Bake at 350˚F for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until done. Cool, and remove from pan.

Banana Prune Muffins
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 egg
3 medium bananas, mashed
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped pitted prunes

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease and flour muffin tin (or use paper cups). In large bowl, combine sugar, oil and egg, Mix until smooth. Blend in bananas and vanilla. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in another bowl. Stir into egg mixture until just combined. Mix in prunes. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until springy at top and pulling away from sides.

Ginger Sparkles
3/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cream together butter, brown sugar, molasses and egg until light and fluffy. Measure flour, baking soda, salt and spices into bowl. Stir thoroughly to blend. Stir into creamed mixture until blended. Shape into balls (about 1" in diameter). Roll in granulated sugar and place 2" apart on greased sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until spreading and golden.

Spicy Oatmeal Muffins
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup raisins

In large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and butter. Stir in oats. Set aside. Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; stir into oats mixture along with raisins just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased muffin tins two-thirds full; bake in 400˚F oven for about 20 minutes (until tops are firm to the touch).

Kathy Humphrey lives in Victoria with her husband and two children. She tries to see cooking for a family not as a chore but as a creative outlet.