Curl up with a Good Book

When I was a young girl (all those centuries ago) I don’t know which I enjoyed more – curing up with a good book or writing a story. Books are magical – they can carry you to the past, the future or to places that only exist in someone’s imagination.

Writing is also magical. When I was ten, my Dad built us a house in the back yard. It was a 10 by 10 foot stand alone dwelling. He ran an extension cord from the back patio to our little “house” so that we could have a light at night. During the day Brother Dear covered the door and windows with cardboard, converting the house into a spaceship that only allowed boys. On Sundays we put folding chairs and a folding table in the little house, transforming it into our own little church and played “Mass” with candy wafers as the Blessed Host. My cousin Paul was the priest, my brother an alter boy and all the girls were nuns. Once upon a time I thought I might grow up to be a nun. God had other plans.

Oh but on summer nights I was allowed to sleep in the little house. I had a cot for a bed, the folding table for a desk and a chair. I would watch the night sky and write. When I wasn’t feeling creative, I’d read. I was a strange kid. I read William Shakespeare. A Mid Summer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew, and of course Romeo and Juliet.

Today I still read, although not as much as I’d like to. Most of my fictional reading is Biblical based. There is nothing better than curing up with a good book, and a note pad (just in case inspiration should strike), a nice cup of coffee and a slice of Coffee Cake.

German Crumble Kuchen
2 Eggs
2-1/2 cups Flour
1-1/2 cups Sugar
12 tablespoons Butter
1 cup Milk
Cinnamon to taste
1 cup Apple Pie Filling, optional

Heat oven to 375-degrees. Grease an 8-inch by 12-inch casserole dish, set aside.

In a small bowl, beat eggs well. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer mix together flour, sugar and soft butter. The mixture should appear dry and crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup for the Crumble Topping.

To the remaining mixture add the well-beaten eggs and milk. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the crumble topping and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Place in the heated oven to bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

While the Crumble Kuchen is baking, mince the apples in the pie filling to smaller pieces. Warm filling for a few minutes in the microwave; set aside. When the Kuchen is ready, remove from oven. Spread pie filling over the top. Cut Kuchen into squares, serve with more butter if desired.

Don’t forget that cup of coffee or a nice cup of orange spiced tea.

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 I love you, O LORD, my strength,
O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.
I love you, Lord, my strength.