As we continue our list of physical cookbooks, instead of e-books, it seems the perfect time to mention an actual muffin cookbook that has been on my shelf for decades. The Homestead Muffin Cookbook by Suzanne Wood and published by Homestead Studios in 1983. Both the Banana Oatmeal and the Blueberry muffin recipes have been used many times over the years. Suzanne’s simple instructions and lovely photos guarantee an enjoyable muffin making experience. I could not find a link for this book but there are many excellent muffin cookbooks out there for you to try. 

Were you as surprised as I was by the date of publication for The Homestead Muffin Cookbook? 1983. I knew I had had this book for a long time but I didn’t realize just how long. My love affair with cookbooks began when I was a child apparently. Another golden oldie on my shelf is The Laura Secord Canadian Cookbook, published by McClelland and Stewart Limited in 1966 and reprinted in 1967 and 1969. I love this book! Whenever I take it off the shelf and flip through it looking for a favourite recipe I am reminded why I love it so much and regret not referring to it sooner. There is a bookmark on the page with the recipe for Maple Sugar Cookies. This recipe contains the following inscription: “This tempting recipe has been passed down from the early days in Upper Canada, when cane sugar was scarce and maple sugar was a staple food. Nowadays maple sugar is a special treat,” (page 127). Perhaps my favourite recipe in this book is the one for Traditional Tea Biscuits. These biscuits are light and fluffy and beyond delicious when warm and buttered. The inscription with this recipe is a favourite too among all of my cookbooks. “The baked scones of the Scots and the baking powder biscuits of our American neighbours appear as tea biscuits on our menus. Knead the dough gently to give the flaky layers that become visible when the biscuits are halved for spreading with butter and jelly. ‘Crusty-sided’ biscuit devotees separate the little rounds on the baking sheet and ‘soft-siders’ know to snuggle them up closely before baking,” (page 29).Recently I noticed a recipe for Basic French Dressing on page 163 and so had to try that one that very night. Delicious!

These are just a few of the cookbooks on my shelves, whether they are physical ones or digital shelves. I have many more and in the weeks ahead I will offer other lists of cookbook suggestions for you to begin your own culinary adventure. Happy reading and happy cooking!

As I put the title onto this post I was reminded of Psalm 23:5, “…my cup runs over,” NKJV. Indeed with the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour I am truly blessed and each and every day I see little touches from Him that tell me I am loved and precious. Coming back from a walk in the sunshine the other day I had to stop and “chat” with the sparrow that loves the tree in my front yard. He was singing his merry little heart out and he reminded me that “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me,” C. Martin, 1905.

I am thankful for the love, grace and mercy He has poured into my heart and my life and I pray I am representing Him here on earth as He is representing me in heaven, 1 John 2:1-2. He has told us that we are salt and light and for many we are the only Jesus people will ever meet. This gives me pause as I go about my day. Lord, help me to be kind and gracious to all I meet and to be a witness for You. Amen.