Siblings
I love my in-laws. I know that I am blessed to have married such a wonderful man, and that he comes with such a wonderful family. That is not to say that we are similar. Sometimes it seems like we come from different planets! His family goes when mine stops. His family talks when mine is quiet. But the great thing is, his family brings a spice to my life.
His family, on Their Best Behavior
One of the first times that I knew this spark was in wedding presents. The two gifts from his family that stand out to me really make me crack up. First, there was a gift from his sister, Lauren. It was a spice rack (perfectly normal present, right?). It came with a note, addressed to him, "you're getting a nice rack" (and I cannot believe that I am sharing this with you.). I could never look at that rack in the same way. The other gift was presented to me at our rehearsal dinner. My father-in-law told me that they were giving me a piece of lingerie that was sacred to their family, in front of my family (who don't talk about such things in public). I am sure that my face was bright red, until I saw the "lingerie."
Can you see it? I'm wearing it over my dress.
A view from the back; I'm pretty sure Rocky Top is being played
Yes, our families are quite different. When it comes down to it, we are all human, and all created in the image of God. His family shows me a different, equally beautiful side of our creator. What an awesome commonality to share.
Parents (Mine above, his below)
His family has been generous to take an interest in my life. They have been incredibly supportive of my blog, and I don't know, but I wonder if more of my in-laws read my blog than my own family! I recently received a long letter from my aunt-in-law, with several recipes and the stories behind them. She requested that I try them to see what improvements or changes I would make. One of the recipes jumped out at me because I have been wanting to make it for a while. So here it is: Pumpkin bread. But you know, I couldn't leave it like it was. So here it is:
Bourbon Buttermilk Pecan Pumpkin Bread (A recipe in progress*)
1 cup sugar**
1 cup brown sugar**
4 eggs
2/3 cup vegetable oil
15 oz. pumpkin puree
3 1/2 cups flour (I mix half/half whole wheat and all purpose)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ginger
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup bourbon
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
In a large bowl, mix the first five ingredients. Add half of the flour, stirring until just combined. Mix in the bourbon and buttermilk. Add the rest of the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices, stirring until combined. Fold in the pecans.
Pour into two greased 9x5 loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 10 minutes, until a tester comes out clean (check at 1 hour).
*I am not completely happy with this recipe as-is. I'll keep working on it and let you know when I get it to where I love it!
**The original recipe called for 3 cups of sugar. If you prefer your bread sweeter, by all means, add more sugar!
14 comments :
Looks. Amazing. Definitely going to make this around the Thanksgiving holidays! Great excuse to spend money on good bourbon! :)
Danielle, I just tweaked this post a little bit (I know you're not supposed to do that after it's been posted!), but I'm not completely satisfied with the recipe yet--but I'll keep working on it! And the end result will definitely have the bourbon.
what a nice post! It's so refreshing to hear someone say such nice things about their in-laws! :)
I might be a little bias, but this is my favorite post! You are the PERFECT (other than Jared) :) addition to our family! I miss cooking with you.
Megan, thanks! It helps that I have a great family.
Lauren, when are you coming to visit!?
Well, if I can get the school to organize a field trip to Philly... I am there! I love the fact that you added liquor to the family recipe. That's just what the family needs. Classic.
Love the in-law stories! And I'm going to try the pumpkin bread soon! It sounds good!
Dorothy, this looks yum! Maybe I'm just an amateur, but do you have tips on the pumpkin puree? How does that work?
Lucy, thanks! I'm sure the bread doesn't compare with your family's bread, but it's a work in progress.
Emily, I probably should have clarified in the recipe, but I use canned pumpkin (usually found on the baking aisle)--but make sure that you don't pick up pumpkin pie filling. I've read where you can actually take a sugar (pie) pumpkin, cut it open, scoop out the seeds, and roast it at 375 degrees for an hour. I think you might get a slightly better flavor with that, but the canned pumpkin is much easier!
I just love your blogging style! So much great different information all in one post! I'll be subscribing for some!
Thanks for the add on Tasty Kitchen!
Hi there!
Love you writing... you're very talented. Thanks for the add on Tasty Kitchen. I enjoy all the recipes and Ree is so funny.
God Bless
I messed up prior post - sorry! I'm new to your blog (via Tasty Kitchen) but I absolutely loved this posting (and recipe). It was so well written and touched my heart. Alpha Hubby's parents were already in heaven when we married so I never got to experience anything like what you have - good, better, best, or funny! I agree there are too many stores about bad in-laws - yours are blessed in you (and, I'm sure, vice versa!). Keep up the great work, I'll be baaaack!
LOVE it!!!!! That bread looks so yummy! I want it in my belly!
I found you through SITS:)
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