Start with an amazing setting

Our pastor and his wife are also dear friends of ours.  They have been realizing a dream to own a hobby farm on a sprawling piece of heaven on earth for a few years now.  The tiny house, which they have just renovated and expanded, was dwarfed by the magnificence of it all.  In fact, my blog banner picture was taken as we dined al fresco in their yard.  Here’s the original (grace please, it’s an iPod pic).

An old world tradition

Some time ago I came upon an Eastern European tradition, which I’m sure can be found in some form the world over.  It is to give a gift of bread, salt and wine, to bless the new home.  Behind the gift is the desire that the family would never be without food, flavour and joy.  I took the original concept and personalized it for our friends’ open house.

I baked a loaf of “no knead bread.”  I like this bread because it bakes up crispy and rustic, and is best when left to its own devices overnight.  I did play with the recipe a little (shocking, I know), by substituting rye flour for 1/3 of the all purpose.  I bought a container of coarse sea salt and some beeswax candles.  We included wine, and beer as well.  A bottle of 2010 Equuleus, a fabulous red from Chateau Des Charmes, a local winery, which can be enjoyed now, or it can be left to age for some years, perhaps on the anniversary of the new home. And a bottle of a black lager from Silversmith Brewing Company.  A box of chocolate biscuits rounded out the basket.

The blessing

The Bread
Lord let this bread be a blessing to those in this home
That their lives never be without a harvest

The Drink
Lord let this drink be a blessing to those in this home
That their lives never be without joy

The Salt
Lord let this salt be a blessing to those in this home
That their lives never be without flavour

The Treats
Lord let these treats be a blessing to those in this home
That their lives never be without sweetness

The Candles
Lord let these candles be a blessing to those in this home
That their lives never be without light

The Gift
Lord let this gift be a blessing to those in this home
That their lives never be without friends

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