The Simple Woman's Day book

FOR TODAY, December 21st, 2010...

Outside My Window...
It is dark and frigid. I have never known it to be so cold over here in the ten years I have lived here. So much for Global Warming!

I am thinking...
about the Nativity play the children put on in Primary on Sunday. They were all so excited to be doing it, and they did such a super job. Everyone in the congregation loved it. I can remember being in Nativity plays as a child . . . never as Mary of course, but always an angel. There are worse things to put on your CV I think than . . . always an angel!

I am thankful for...
A boiler which continues to work through this frigid patch of weather. The missionaries boiler has packed in and they have no heat or hot water. Their washing maching has also broken down. We had them bring their laundry over here last night and I washed it for them, and they have been told if they need to have a bath they are more than welcome to come and do that as well. I hope that it gets fixed for them soon though. Yesterday morning when I was doing my own laundry the water backed up into the house and spilled out all over the floor. The outside drainage pipe was frozen solid!!! It took Todd about half an hour and I don't know how many kettles of boiling water to empty it out! It was a solid block of ice. THAT'S how cold it is!

From the kitchen...
I baked cookies yesterday to take around with our local Christmas Cards. That is the type of thing I just love doing at Christmas time. I will probably bake more today!

I am wearing...
Pink pajamas, my red flannel Grammy Nightie over top and my furry blue robe!! Warmth people, comfort and warmth.

I am creating...
I made a mobile sort of thing to hand down from the mirror over the mantle here in the lounge. It says LOVE CAME DOWN. Those words are on three Christmas ball type thingies and hung on fishing line, which has hearts and stars staggered along it's length. I quite like it. I also did some figgie pudding felt ornaments, which turned out quite cute.

I am going...
I've got a Primary Presidency Meeting tomorrow evening, plus today we have a local dog trainer coming here to the house for two hours. Tomorrow afternoon we have an appointment to get Mitzie groomed before Christmas, but that is it! We've nothing else planned. Just relaxipating before Christmas and watching as many Christmas films, programs as possible and listening to as much Christmas music as possible!

I am reading...



In My Father's House by Dorothy Allred Solomon
Although the Principle of Plural Marriage was outlawed by the Mormon Church in 1890, it was secretly practiced by numerous underground sects. Solomon tells her story of growing up in a multi-mothered family and of her father, Dr. Rulon Allred, who had 7 wives and sired 48 children. Sent to jail in 1945, he continued to practice plural marriage after his release seven months later. In 1977 he was fatally shot by a rival polygamous sect. Clearly Solomon both loved and resented her father. This is less a description of the life the family led than it is a catharsis for her in coming to terms with Allred's chosen life style. She was raped as a young woman; she later married a man who became a Vietnam deserter and heroin user. Through it all she seems to have been seeking her father's love and approval. Her writing at times is clouded by poetic, flowery phrases, but she tells her story movingly, and her heart speaks from a tradition little known in American history. An excellent portrait of the author's relationship with her father. While the pressures he bears brings growth to many in the extended family, Dorothy feels the weight coming down between her and her father, seemingly severing them - eternally.

Through her journey into adulthood, she finally sees her father's true love for his wives and children, even all the group members, a revelation that shakes her unsteady convictions. With a forboding sense of doom, he allows her to chronicle his last days...

It is a beautiful story of transformation.

I am hoping...
I am hoping that all of my family have a lovely and blessed Christmas.

I am hearing...
Early morning sounds . . . clocks ticking, early morning cars, the honk of a taxi picking up one of the neighbours, and Mitzie snozzling next to me. Oh how I love that sound. So sweet. The floors creaking as the house warms up . . . and the whoosh of the gas in the boiler as it works away . . . I love the sounds that houses make early in the day. It's like the house is waking up as well . . . and I am the only witness to it's awakening . . .

Around the house...
My ironing basket has a few things in it. Thank goodness for Todd! He's been such a big help to me these past weeks with my knee problems. He's been hoovering and all sorts! I am so blessed to have such a loving husband.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
A little of this and a little of that . . . but mostly
C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S !!!


Here is picture thought I am sharing...



Is this not just the cutest family ever!!!! It's my eldest son, Anthony, his wife Anne and their two boys, Gabriel and Luke. They are waiting at the airport for Anne's sister to come in for the holidays. My son sent me this yesterday and I was just thrilled to receive it. I'm sure he won't mind me showing it to you. They are just the most fun family! I love this picture and I love them!

And just as a closing thought for today . . .

There is an unseen Guest at every table, hallowing . . . and transmuting by His presence every common thing . . . Break your bread with gratitude your gracious thanks expressing, for every meal is sacramental when He gives the blessing.
~Patience Strong

A thought to inspire for today.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!)



*Quick as a Wink Chicken Corn Chowder*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

You can have this delicious soup on the table in less than half an hour! Great anytime, but especially handy at this busy time of year!

2 TBS butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
2 TBS flour
3 cups milk
2 cups chopped roasted, boneless, skinless chicken breast meat
1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
pinch salt
1 (14 3/4 ounce) tin of creamed style corn

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onion, celery and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until softened and tender. Add the flour, cooking and stirring constantly for about a minute. Whisk in the milk, cookign and stirring until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Stir in the remaining ingredients and heat through for about 5 minutes. Ladle out into heated bowls to serve!



Baking in The English Kitchen today, delicious Nutmeg Fingers, just in time for Christmas giving!

The simple things of Christmas . . .

In the little window
Stands a tinselled Christmas tree,
Gay with candles, red and gold,
a lovely thing to see.

Lighting up grim surroundings
for the passer-by
With a glow that warms the spirit
and delights the eye.

To the ugly street
there comes the hint of Holy things,
A flash of glory in the gloom,
a rush of Angel's wings.

The heart is touched by something
that is strange and mystical,
And faith returns, the faith of childhood,
new and wonderful.

This is what we need today,
so shine out little tree!
give us back what we have lost;
faith, hope, simplicity . . .

Once again our country is in the grips of dangerously cold weather and plenty of snow. I dare say we are possibly going to have that thing that eludes us most years . . . the great elusive White Christmas! A very rare creature in these parts to be sure!

Airports, motorways . . . little village streets, all stogged full of snow . . . nobody's moving. I can well imagine how all of this snow has gotten a lot of people's Christmas holidays off to a very poor start, especially those who have spent the night sleeping on an airport floor. We don't have a lot of snow here in Chester, but it is very cold and the frost lays deep on every outdoor bush and surface.

My heart goes out to those who are homeless and have no place to shelter themselves from the freezing cold. I wish that I had a cupboard filled with extra blankets and scarves and mittens that I could give away to help them out. I remember thinking one year, why didn't everyone donate their mismatched socks and mittens to a charity so that they could be dispersed to those who could so very well use them . . .



I think it's important at Christmas, amidst all of our big meals and gift giving, to pause and remember those who do not have even the barest and basic necessities of life. That's why it's important to give to charities such as the Salvation Army . . . who do so much to help the homeless and the poor.

At the same time I am made mindful of my many, many blessings. A roof over my head, a warm hearth, hot food to warm my belly, friends, family and love. How can I, when I have so much, not pause to help another??? That is where the true meaning of Christmas is to be found and where it lives . . . the simple act of reaching out to others in need . . . service. Even a simple crust of bread tastes better when it is shared in love.

I am mindful also that at this time Mary and Joseph would have already begun their preparations for their long journey towards Bethlehem . The three wise men, whom had seen the star of prophecy, had already set out upon their long journey to find the Christ Child as well. Had they doubted or delayed, they might have missed their moment and arrived too late to see the newborn King . . .



In five days time . . . we too, must arrive at the manger with our gifts of praise and adoration. Spiritually, we should have already begun the journey, for there are many things along the way between now and the 25th to waylay and detain us. We make costly plans and elaborate and exhausting preparations to entertain ourselves, our friends . . . our families . . . when in reality, all we need to bring is our hearts.

It is not a complicated or dangerous journey to the stable door . . . but merely an act of opening our hearts and minds to the simple message of truth . . . of love.



Today, amidst our frantic holiday preparations, may we all take pause to remember those who are in need and to give, and to remember this most Holy reason for the season, as we too begin our journey towards the manger and the Christ Child . . .



Please do take time to watch the video. It will touch your heart and bless your day today.

A simple recipe to grace your holiday table . . .



*Glazed Carrots*
makes 12 servings
Printable Recipe

Delicious carrots in a cider vinegar reduction, almost a sweet and sour taste. Fabulous!

9 cups of carrots, peeled and cut into 3 inch sticks
(about 2 1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup packed soft light brown sugar
2 TBS butter
2 TBS apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp celery seed
1 TBS chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Place the carrots in a large saucepen. Cover with cold water. Bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until crispy tender, then drain well. Set aside.

Place the sugar, butter, vinegar, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and celery seed in a large nonstick skillet over medium low heat. Cook and stir until the butter melts. Bring to the boil. Toss in the carrots. Cook, stirring constantly, until the carrots are heated through and glazed, about 3 minutes. Add the parsley, tossing to combine. Serve.



In The English Kitchen today, Welsh Cheese Pudding. Delicious!

Christmas Blessings . . .

‘Tis Christmas
A bit of hope, a bit of love,
A tiny part of cheer,
A smile, a thought, an outstretched hand,
A dream, all soft and dear,
Some Faith and warmth and happiness,
And then a touch of prayer,
A bit of music, laughter too,
Of each a goodly share;
A window bright, a glowing fire,
Some holly and some pine.
A heart that holds a tenderness,
A peace on earth sublime,
Tranquillity and thoughtfulness,
A soul to seek a star,
A bit of each, and then we find
‘Tis Christmas . . . near and far.
~Garnett Anne Shultz

Blessings are all around us, especially at this time of year. We only have to look for them. They come in small packages, a friendly smile, a soft spoken word . . . they are the robin that sits on your window sill and cocks his friendly little head to say hello, the postman who smiles a greeting as he drops your letters into your letter box, (even if they are only bills!) the sounds of children's laughter in the local playground as it rings through the clear winter air, the glimpse of a clear night sky filled with stars in the heavens through an upstairs window . . .



The voice of a much beloved friend on the telephone, the feel of a growing puppy's wet nose against your cheek, the sight of big white fluffy snowflakes falling, a husband who runs . . . yet again . . . to the shops to pick up the newest ingredient that you have forgotten for that special dish you are preparing, knowing that in just a few hours you will be presenting a Nativity Play at church that you are all ill preparef for . . . but also knowing that everyone will love it anyways . . . because it's the children and it's Christmas . . . and Jesus is the reason for the season.

All these are blessings to behold and to experience, small gifts from above . . . rays of light in a world that sometimes seems all wrong. On this, the last Sunday before Christmas 2010, I would like to wish you a week ahead filled to overflowing with blessings, both large and small, a life filled to overflowing with love and peace and happiness . . . and a very Merry Christmas!



Oh yummmmm . . . we had this for our tea the other night. I'm quite sure Todd thought it was a blessing . . . man food . . . the food of his childhood, rib sticking, homey and comforting . . .



*Toad in the Hole*
Serves 2 - 3
Printable Recipe

I discovered this dish when I first moved over here to England. I had never heard of or eaten it before, although I had eaten sausages and Yorkshire pudding, just not together. The combination of the two is, well . . . heavenly! Don’t forget the mash and onion gravy!

1 package of good quality thick pork sausages (my personal favourite is Cumberland)
1 large onion, cut into chunks
1 TBS sunflower oil

For the Batter:
3 ounces plain flour
1 large egg, at room temperature
3 fluid ounces milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 heaping tsp of grainy mustard

Pre-heat the oven to 220*C/425*F. Pour the sunflower oil into a solid based 9 inch by 6 inch baking tray. Throw in the cut up onion and scatter in the sausages. Place in the hot oven, on the lowest shelf, for about 15 minutes while you make the batter.

Using a sieve and holding it up high above the bowl sieve the flour into the bowl. (Doing this from a height forces air into the flour and gives you a lighter batter) Make a well in the middle of the flour and using a whisk, whisk in the egg and milk, along with some salt and pepper. As you whisk the flour will be incorporated from the edges and you will end up with a nice lovely thick and smooth batter. Whisk in the grainy mustard.

Take the hot pan of sausages out of the oven and quickly pour the batter in and around the sausages while the fat in the pan is still sizzling. Return the pan to the oven, placing it on the highest shelf this time, and continue to bake for 30 minutes longer, until the sausages are nicely browned and the batter has puffed up all nice and brown around them. Serve hot, cut into squares with mashed potatoes and onion gravy for a delicious meal!



Over in The English Kitchen today, Figgy Pudding Truffles!

The Art of Making a Snow Angel . . .

Angels in the Snow

We didn't feel the cold that night
when fields lay deep in pristine snow,
and winter raised a silver moon
fringed in frosted afterglow.
The wonderland beneath our feet,
echoed with the sounds cold brings,
as we formed angels in the snow . . .
then fanned our arms to give them wings.
And when we felt the evening chill,
We walked the bitter cold away . . .
hands entwined and hearts content,
like little children in their play.
Those days I still remember well.
Oh, how I've cherished all these things,
so deeply etched into my heart,
like snow imprinted angel's wings!
And now when gray of night descends,
as it did then so long ago,
I think of you far into the night
and dream of angels in the snow.
~by Louisa Godissart McQuillen


I woke up this morning to a light dusting of snow on the ground, smooth and unbroken . . . the sight of it instantly brought making snow angels to my mind, and I've been in another world ever since!

As a child growing up in the fifties and sixties we seemed to get ever so much more snow than appears nowadays, and there was nothing more inviting than a fresh fall . . . pristine and untouched . . . laying there just begging for childlike ministrations and imprints and snowangels . . .



Making snow angels is a wonderful game to play. You don't need any special equipment other than a good warm snowsuit, hat, scarf, mitts and cosy rubber boots . . . oh . . . and a fresh fall of snow, which is a little bit harder to come by than warm clothing and boots, but . . . we won't think about that. If you have a hat with a tassel, so much the better. It makes a delightful addition to your imprint in the snow.

Making your way though the snow to the perfect spot . . . the sun shining down and turning the winter white expanse into a thousand glittering jewels . . . the cold biting your cheeks and teeth, your breath huffing and puffing, creating a winter wonderland of fog around your face. You find the best position, clear and white and then . . . letting go of all your control, and with complete abandoment . . . having faith that the soft snow will break your fall . . . you allow yourself to fall backwards with a soft thud . . . you lay there for a few minutes, quiet and looking up at the blue sky, enveloped in a soft cloud of cold white . . . and then you begin . . . amidst the gay twittering of birdsong . . . arms and legs gliding up and down in a flurry of activity . . . little bits of snow floating up into the air and gently falling down onto your eyes and cheeks . . . carefully bringing yourself up, you turn to gaze down at your creation for a few minutes . . . and declare that it is the most beautiful angel ever!!



Always step back and look at your angel before you make the next one. It's mighty hard not to look for that next clean spot of untouched snow right away, but it's neat to look at what you've done too! Before you know it, your clean white and untouched canvas is covered with oodles and oodles of snowy white angels . . . your arms and legs are aching . . . and your cheeks are feeling cold, yet strangely hot at the same time. You look at your companions through puffs of misty breath . . . the bright red noses and rosy cheeks, the smiles of accomplishment, hearts filled with joy.



It's time to run and get your dad and mom, so that you can share your creations with them. Then into the house . . . it's warmth enveloping you, unwrapping the layers of clothing and into the kitchen for hot steaming mugs of cocoa and Christmas Sugar cookies and giggles as you gaze out the window at a sea of angels . . . all pristine and white . . . Heaven's choir scattered all over your garden . . .

Life is good.

Here's a tasty recipe for some muffins that you can bake and keep in the freezer, just waiting for those unexpected callers over the holidays, or for a tasty breakfast on the run!



*Cranberry Orange Muffins*
Makes 1 dozen
Printable Recipe

Easy to freeze, cake style muffins featuring two very delicious holiday flavours, orange and cranberries. Keep in the freezer for those unexpected guests. Reheat on high for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave!

1 1/2 cups flour
3 TBS cornmeal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 tsp grated orange zest
2 medium eggs
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
3/4 cup chopped dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Butter a 12 cup muffin tin really well or spray well with cooking spray.

Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In another bowl cream together the butter, sugar and orange zest, until well blended. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next.

Whisk together the buttermilk and the ricotta cheese.

Add the flour alternately to the creamed mixture along with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Fold in the cranberries. Spoon into the prepared muffin cups.

Bake for 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean and the muffins are golden. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes on top of a wire rack before removing from the pan completely.








In The English Kitchen you'll find some lovely White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Blondies! So tasty they're dangerous!

A Season of Giving . . .

This is the season of giving. All over this country, and indeed . . . all over this world, in just a few short days, people will be exchanging gifts with their loved ones, and friends held most dear. Stores will be racking up record profits, and if they are not, they will be wondering what changes they can make in the year to come, so that next year will be a bumper year.

Children all over the world are busy tallying up their Christmas lists, and posting them to Santa Claus in hopes that he will take note and bring them what their little heart desires. My children were no different, they had Christmas lists, and as parents we tried really hard to get them at least one gift on their list every year. Some years it was a much loved doll or truck . . . others it might have been a game or a book. One gift we did give them every year though, wasn't something they could hold or touch. It was . . . the gift of giving.



We always tried to teach our kids that Christmas was not only about getting . . . it was very much about giving, and so, every year we would as a family, pick another family that we felt were in need. This was not a decision that was undertaken without a great deal of thought. We would spend the month before Christmas taking note of those we felt needed help, and then decide on the one that needed help the most. A big box would be gaily wrapped with our finest wrapping paper, and then, throughout the month . . . we would gather together gifts of food and trinkets of joy to put into the box.

We tried to put in everything one would need to cook a Christmas Dinner and some extra special treats that people enjoy eating during the Christmas Season. There would be a toy for each of the children. Maybe not an expensive toy, but a toy nonetheless. A bit of cheer for a family that might not be feeling alot of cheer at this special time of year. On Christmas Eve, after church, we would bundle the box into our car and then drive close to where the family we had picked on that given year lived. We would park close enough so that we could see, and then my husband would quietly drop the box on the doorstep of the chosen family , knock on the door and then hurry away before they could see who had done it.



As a family we felt joy at being able to do something to help someone in need. In that box was more than just tasty gifts of food and toys . . . in that box was the gift of love . . . and more important than that, it also held a gift for my children . . . the gift of giving and of compassionate service.

One year, we had a particularly bad year ourselves. My ex husband had gotten yet another transfer and we'd been forced to sell our home in order that we could be together. We lost quite a sum of money when we sold the house, the housing market having taken a big downturn at the time. We were living in a rented farmhouse out in the countryside surrounding the beautiful Georgian Bay. It was an old and drafty house, the only source of heat being the old fashioned Mennonite cookstove in the kitchen.



Because of the large sum of money we'd lost on the sale of our house, we'd been forced to declare bankruptcy, much to our shame . . . and there was not alot of money to go around . . . but we did our best to ensure that the children would have the best Christmas they could possibly have. It was doubtful that we would be able to enjoy our annual tradition of giving a box to someone that year. About a week before Christmas we got the news that a good friend of ours had lost his job, and that their family . . . devastated by this news, was going to have a very bleak Christmas indeed.

My children eagerly decided that this family would be the one they would give to this Christmas, and so we went about putting together a box for them. I didn't have the heart to tell them that we, ourselves, had little to give. Into the box went the small turkey I had bought for my own family, all the while saying a little prayer to myself that somehow I could cope. We filled that box with all that we could, and went off to deliver it to our friends, anonymously of course. The joy in my children's faces made my heart swell with pride and love for these precious babes of mine that indeed knew and understood the spirit of giving.



Afterwards when we got home, they all trundled off in to the living room, and started to watch a Christmas movie with a big bowl of home-popped corn as I sat at the table in our kitchen, looking out onto the snow that was now falling in big fluffy flakes, and wondering what I had that could be rustled in to a Christmas dinner on the morrow . . .

Imagine my surprise when I saw a car struggling up the drive, only to stop in front of our door. It was Rob, a special friend of ours from church, and he strode up to our doorway with a huge box held aloft. Inside the box were all the things needed to produce a Christmas dinner and some treats to enjoy . . . and an envelope containing a card and four crisp twenty dollar bills. Tears of gratitude rolled down my cheeks and I said a silent and humble prayer of thanksgiving . . . We enjoyed a lovely Christmas that year, and in many ways, for me at least, it was the best Christmas of all. Despite our own need, we had been able to give and in doing so had received the most precious gift of all. Kindness does matter . . .



This is the season of giving. Is there someone that you know is going to be alone, or someone that might need a helping hand? Extend the hand of friendship and love . . . and give . . . be it a pot of soup, a basket of cookies, or a few hours of your time . . .

Compassionate Service . . . it truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow man ye are only in the service of your God."
~Mosiah 2:17

Here's a delicious recipe for a turkey dinner that you can make ahead. I know most American's don't have turkey for Christmas lunch because they have only just had one for Thanksgiving, but as a Canadian and now a Brit, we always have turkey for our Christmas Dinner. This recipe results in a moist and tasty turkey, cocmplete with a delicious stuffing and gravy, and the best part is . . . all the hard work is done ahead of time!





*Make Ahead Turkey Breast With Herb Stuffing*
Makes 6 servings
Printable Recipe

A delicious make ahead meal that may help to take away some of the stress of the Holiday meal. The Turkey remains really moist because it is poached the day before in stock and then gently reheated. Tasty, yet very low in fat.

Stock:
4 quarts of water
1 cup sliced carrot
1/2 cup sliced celery
1 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 garlic cloves, peeled
3 bay leaves
2 tomatoes quartered
1 onion, peeled and quartered
1/2 lemon

1 (6 pound) whole turkey breast, skinned
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For the stuffing:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
16 cups cubes stale bread
2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
1/2 tsp rubbed dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Gravy:
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup flour

Combine all of the stock ingredients in a large stockpot. Bring to the boil. Add the turkey breast. Return to the boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer for about an hour and a half. Carefully remove the turkey from the stock. cover and refrigerate.

Strain the stock, discarding any solids. Bring back to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the liquid is reduced to about 2 quarts. This will take about an hour and a half. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning skim off any hardened fat and discard.

Preheat the oven to 130*C /250*F/ gas mark 1/2. Rub the turkey breast with the oil. Combine the dried thyme, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the turkey breast. Double wrap the turkey, wrapping it first in parchment paper and then in foil. Bake for 2 hours, or until thoroughly heated.

To prepare the stuffing, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Saute for several minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the bread cubes, seasonings and 2 1/2 cups of the reserved stock. Place into a rectangular baking dish. Place along side the turkey in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 55 minutes along with the turkey.

To make the gravy, melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 15 minutes over very low heat, cooking until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in 5 1/2 cups of reserved turkey stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until reduced to about 2 cups (will take about 2 hours)

Serve the turkey breast sliced along with the stuffing and gravy.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, easy and scrummy Christmas Crispie Cakes!