FAMILY CORNER Expressions of Grace knows that the lives we lead today are extremely hectic as we try to juggle our family, work, and numerous activities.  Family Corner is a feature that Expressions of Grace is excited to offer to our readers.  It is a resource where readers can find recipes, activities, and tips to share and enjoy with their own families.

Family Corner November 28, 2008 Recipes I've barely recovered from preparing Thanksgiving dinner and yet I'm already thinking of what to cook for Christmas.  Because both of our families live nearby, we celebrate Christmas twice; on Christmas Eve with my family and on Christmas Day with my husband's family.  During the holiday season, between all of the family dinners, potlucks for work and church, cookie exchanges, and birthday celebrations, I sometimes feel like I'm permanently tied to the kitchen!  To keep my sanity, like other moms, I keep a collection of recipes that are reliable, easy to prepare, and most importantly delicious.  Here are a few of my favorites. Dinner Rolls 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°) 1/2 cup boiling water 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg, lightly beaten 3 3/4 cups bread flour Directions In a small bowl, mix shortening in boiling water. Stir 3-4 minutes until shortening dissolves. Add shortening mixture, warm water, sugar, and salt into bread maker.  Add beaten egg.  Add flour and yeast. Use the dough setting of the bread machine.  When bread machine cycle is complete turn dough onto a floured surface. Form 2-1/2-in. balls. Roll each ball into a 5-in. rope; shape into a knot. Repeat with remaining dough. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.  Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or unitl golden brown.  Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.  This is a great punch recipe, the base is fruit flavored gelatin mix.  I know...sounds totally weird, but tastes really, really good.   Party Punch   1 (3 ounce) packages fruit flavored gelatin mix (any flavor) 2 cups white sugar 13 cups boiling water 1 (48 ounce) can pineapple juice 1 (16 ounce) bottle lemon juice concentrate 1 (2 liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled 1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime soda, chilled   Directions   In a large bowl, combine gelatin and sugar.  Stir in boiling water until mixture is dissolved.  Stir in pineapple juice and lemon jucie concentrate.  Divide into freezer bags and freeze until solid. To serve, remove punch mixture from freezer about 1 hour before serving time.  Crush mixture and place in punch bowl.  Pour in ginger ale and lemon-lime soda.   November 28, 2008 Meal Time Prayers I never knew the variety of prayers for children at mealtime!  Once a month at church, families with young children meet for dinner and fellowship and we're constantly learning new prayers.  Two fun ones we learned were the "farmer prayer" and the "Superman prayer".  To the tune of the Superman theme song sing:   Thank you God for giving us food Thank you God for giving us food For the food we eat For the friends we meet Thank you God for giving us food Swish (circular hand motion) June 23, 2008 Summer Craft Activities The kids are home during the summer and it can be hard to find enough activities to entertain them.  How about making a bean mosaic or straw painting?  Never heard of either activity? Follow these simple directions for some great crafts.     Bean Mosaic   You’ll need:   Bags of various dried beans (kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, split peas) Thick cardstock or cardboard Glue   1.    Draw a picture onto cardstock or cut a page out of a coloring book and glue onto cardstock. 2.    Sort beans into separate bowls by type. 3.    Spread glue onto a small space and cover with beans.  Repeat steps until the picture is completely covered by beans. 4.    Allow to dry overnight. Straw Painting     You'll need : Straws Poster or tempera paint Paper   1.    Thin paint with a little water.  2.    Place drops of paint onto the paper, and blow! 3.    Maneuver the paint to go in any direction, by moving your straw. Archives June 2008 November 2008