Good Friday

A few years ago, I found a marvelous book in a bargain bin. "Queen of the Castle" by Lynn Bowen Walker continues to be one of those books that I pick up over and over again. It's a hodge podge of encouragement, recipes, prayers, books lists, ideas, creativity... (you get the picture). We borrow her idea for a combined Bible reading and scavenger hunt each night during Holy Week. For Maundy Thursday, we read portions of Scripture about the Last Supper, foot washing, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal. Aaron and I had already hidden some bread, a hand towel, a BIG knife (since we have no sword), and three sets of lip-sticked lips on squares of toilet paper. (Sarah looked at me funny after I had created these. "Mama, are you wearing LIPSTICK?!?" Makeup was a part of my former life.) The kids had a blast finding each symbol, then we settled down to sing some hymns.

Olivia cracking the eggs for the dough

Benjamin rolling the dough...

...and decorating the cookie

Katherine sampling and pondering whether she should try another bite

the finished product!

Good Friday here is a bigger deal than anything we ever observed in the States. Several families here warned us that no shops (including the market and the bank) would be open, and the churches hold many services. The same is true for Easter Monday. So, today is a day off from school, a day to enjoy spending time together, and a day to reflect on Christ's sacrifice for us. We dug out the cross and egg cookie cutters to help make my Mama's famous sugar cookies, and we used the recipe from "Queen of the Castle" for chocolate truffles since we got some baking chocolate in the mail (thanks, Brewers, we've been saving it for today!).

Chocolate Truffles

Over very low heat, melt 5 oz. unsweetened chocolate
Remove from heat. Stir in, small pieces at a time:

1 stick butter, at room teperature until butter is melted.

Add 2 cups powdered sugar and stir well.

Roll into small balls (or egg shapes) and place on wax paper.

If desired, roll truffles in toasted coconut, chopped walnuts, or pecans.

Serve at room temperature. Makes about twenty-six.