Sharing good things on All Saints Day

I'm indebted to Suzie for the lovely presentation of this recipe - a long time favorite with me. She attributes it to Nigella, but I received it from an American missionary friend working here in France! So our women's networking capacity is in full swing as we share the good things we find or discover! I've used this so many times for our Ladies' Meetings, as thank you offerings to people who have given me a bed when I've had to stay over for my Christian Counselling course or the Femme 2000 (Christian Women in Leadership) meetings, and of course for my own family. They don't always appreciate it when there's no chocolate (this is truly the Nutella generation!!) or when they are in full dental braces treatment!

Thought for the day

Today is a public holiday in France where people clean and decorate with chrysanthamems the tombstones of their departed relatives and have big family get togethers. It's widely practised in this Catholic culture, even if there are not that many practising Catholics. There are masses being said everywhere and prayers in favour of the dead. We Evangelicals have a big problem with that. Our decision to follow the Christ has to be made in the here and now.

So here's my thought :

For those of us who are convinced that the Gospel is really truly the Good News of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, do we share this information as readily as this lovely recipe ?? Why don't we take the opportunity to share our convictions over a good coffee and a piece of healthy breakfast bar - including a minute of sharing with our own kids.

For those who are more adventurous and literary, we could even make the breakfast bar into a symbol of the Body of Christ - made up of many ingredients, forming a harmonious and healthy whole !!!!!!! The Condensed milk (I should add that I always used the sweetened form in deference to our Nutella generation!) could represent the Holy Spirit who binds us together!!! :)

INGREDIENTS

• 
• 

• 1 x 397g can condensed milk
• 250g rolled oats (not instant)
• 75g shredded coconut
• 100g dried cranberries
• 125g mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
• 125g natural unsalted peanuts

METHOD

Serves: Makes 16

1. Preheat the oven to 130°C/gas mark 1/2, and oil a 23 x 33 x 4cm baking tin, or use a throwaway foil one.
2. Warm the condensed milk in a large pan.
3. Meanwhile, mix together all the other ingredients and then add the warmed condensed milk, using a rubber or wooden spatula to fold and distribute.
4. Spread the mixture into the tin and press down with the spatula or, better still, your hands (wearing disposable vinyl gloves to stop you sticking), to even the surface.
5. Bake for 1 hour, then remove from the oven and, after about 15 minutes, cut into four across, and four down to make 16 chunky bars. Let cool completely.