What is Menasha?

Menasha

  It's a tasty and filling soup
 

You pronounce Menasha exactly like it's spelled.

This past weekend we had the pleasure of having my Mom here to help with a retreat. Not too long after Mom arrived, she showed me a beautiful cook book that she brought up. As I thumbed through the pages, she asked, "Remember the recipe I submitted for possible entry in a cookbook?" I did remember and as I was thumbing, I found the page Mom's recipe was on. I saw the photo of the Menasha, also called, Potato and Escarole soup. The editors liked her recipe and put it in the cookbook.

Mom's memories of eating this hearty soup are written in her own words on the same page as the recipe.

Immediately after letting her know how proud of her I was, I asked if she would make the soup for lunch on Saturday. She was happy to do so.

As the soup was cooking, the smell of garlic wafted through the air.  Since it was cold and snowy outside, the hot soup was a perfect meal. The ladies really enjoyed it. Many of them  wanted to know the ingredients, so Mom told them along with repeating the family story about the soup. Here it is:

Joanne Bucknum's recipe for Menasha

Many of us in my family love to cook. Both male and female. It's in my blood.  Here at Breath of Life Retreat House, I often share a quote I made up. "Food is Love," so I cook with love and offer healthy and satisfying meals to our guests. For the most part that is. Never mind the Oreo Delight and homemade apple pies that appear after supper.

Quite often, our guests ask if I have a cookbook.  My general response is, "Not Yet," and tell them that writing my memoir has taken up a year so far and that a cook book will more than likely be my next venture. But, there may be a little problem with me creating a cookbook. Cooking impromptu and tweaking recipes as I go may have to stop. I will have to be specific and organized. Ugh!

This will be a challenge for me. But Lord knows, this one should be easy.

Joanne and Candy

 

In addition to the Menasha, I made a roast beef soup that was delicious and the guests wanted that recipe also. I will share it with you next week.

 

Book News!

 

If you know of someone who is struggling with forgiveness or their faith, please consider purchasing my new book, Meet Me In The Mountains.

Below is a review from a woman named Terry. She sent it to me a few days ago.

"Once in awhile, you find that rare gem of a book that touches you deep in your heart. In those intimate places where hope, discouragement, painful memories, past mistakes, etc. like to hide. This book does just that, however, it doesn't stop there. It brings along healing, hope & light; a pot of spiritual soup, good conversation and the love of a good friend with it…

Candy Marie Bridges is that friend. She shares her life as it has been thus far, and let me reassure you, it has not been an easy, perfect one. In fact, it's been just the opposite – rife with challenges, losses and trials. However, even since childhood, Mrs. Bridges has had immutable strength to deal with whatever surprises life has thrown her way. In this, her memoir, she freely shares the secret to that strength, persistence, and determination which have carried her through. Candy Marie Bridges is a woman of faith, and her life reflects just that. Sit at her table and let her tell you about her Friend on the journey, the Lord Jesus Christ. You will be inspired, encouraged, and challenged to reflect on your own life and faith. In the pages of this book you will find hope, healing, encouragement, strength and peace for these troubled times."

***This book also contains Questions for Reading Groups. Would be a great book for small group study.

 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free book.
The drawing to win one of five books signed by me will be on
November 25, 2011.