(War, huh) Yeah
(What is it good for?) Absolutely nothin’
In 1969 song writers Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote what would become the most recognized anti-war cry among Vietnam War protesters. The original recording was part of an album with the Temptations as the vocalists. A year later, by popular demand, it was re-released as a single with Edwin Starr as the powerful voice most of us are familiar with.
While D-Day will forever be remembered, and honored, sadly neither World Wars accomplished what was hoped to be the final outcome – and that was World Peace. Since then we have seen the conflicts of Korea, Vietnam, and countless others, especially in the middle east. War – what it is good for? The answer absolutely nothing isn’t completely accurate. Think for a moment if Hitler were allowed to continue unchecked. Would the Jewish people even exist today? While violence is never the answer, at times pushing back is necessary. Too often, pushing back gives way to violence. And yet, as horrific as war is, there are moments when conflict is inevitable.
Exodus 20:13: You shall not murder.
Ecclesiastes 3:8: A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Matthew 5:9: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Psalms 144:1: Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
Romans 12:18: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
While peace is always preferred, and peaceful resolutions should be our first line of defense, there are times when differences cannot be settled through negotiations without engaging in conflict. There are lessons to be learned in every war, in every battle, and even in our own conflicts. If no other lesson is learned, it’s important to take stock of your life, the world around you, those things you hold dear. And ask yourself this one question, would you die to ensure your children, your grandchildren and generations to come, know the same freedoms you have today.
Today’s recipe share is a step back in time, to a place that remains elegant and beautiful through the ages. It is the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosmite National Park.
It is only fitting to feature the hotel as a part of today’s share. Open for guests on July 16, 1927, the Ahwahnee was temporally used by the US Navy as a convalescent hospital for those wounded during World War II. The Navy repainted the hotel, turned chauffeur and maid rooms into quarters for the medical staff; renaming the hotel The US Naval Convalescent Hospital Yosemite National Park, California.
I for one cannot think of more peaceful surroundings to regain your footing than a National Park.
Ahwahnee Hotel Apple Filled Pancakes with Raspberry Sauce
Raspberry Sauce
24 oz frozen Raspberries
2/3 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Water
1 tablespoon Kirsch (Clear Cherry Brandy)
Rinse raspberries under cold water to thaw. Stir berries, sugar and water in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring occasionally. Puree mixture in processor. Strain into bowl, pressing on solids. Mix in cherry brandy.
Note: The Raspberry Sauce can be made a day in advance. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Pancake Batter
2 tablespoons Butter
2 cups Flour
4 tablespoons Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Buttermilk
2 large Eggs
Melt butter, allow it to cool to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl blend flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Set aside.
In another mixing bowl whisk together the buttermilk, eggs and melted butter. Whisk buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients until just blended. Set batter aside while the apples are prepared.
Apple Filling
5 Granny Smith Apples
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/3 cup Sugar
4 tablespoons Butter
Peel and core apples. Cut into 1/3-inch thick pieces.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apples, cinnamon and sugar, sauté until apples are golden, about 10 minutes.
Cook and Assemble
4 tablespoons Butter or as needed
Heat oven to 250 degrees. Place a baking sheet in the oven. Melt butter in a small bowl.
Heat 10-inch-diameter nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brush with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Pour scant 1/2-cup batter into skillet, tilting to form 7-to-8-inch diameter pancake. Cook until golden brow on bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until second side browns, about 2 minutes.
Place 1/6 of apple mixture on half of pancake; fold pancake over the filling. Slide out onto baking sheet, keep in warm oven. Repeat to form 5 more pancakes, brushing skillet with more butter as needed.
Serve pancakes with raspberry sauce on the side.
My mouth shall be filled with Your praise,
with Your glory day by day.
Welcome to Rosemarie's Kitchen 