Home Cooking for Body and Soul Lesson #6--Leavening the Family of God

Home Cooking for Body and Soul

Lesson #6—Leavening the Family of God

Dinner: Pancakes, Turkey Sausage, homemade pancake syrup (see below)

Verses: Luke 13:20-21; Leviticus 7:13; Matthew 28:19; 2 Kings 7:9; Matthew 9:30-31

Usually the symbolic meaning of leavening in the Bible is bad, but in one case, it is used to symbolize something good—something we should take note of in our lives. Before we read about it, think about the definition of leaven as used in the following verses. It means power, strength, mighty. Let’s read Luke 13:20-21.

What does it mean when it says, “it was all leavened”? The little bit of leavening she added affected all the flour.

How then, is the kingdom of God like leavening being put into flour? Just as a little leavening affects all the flour, we can touch the hearts of those we come in contact with; thereby, growing the kingdom of God.

Leavening expands by itself and not an outside force; it grows internally. What in the kingdom of God helps us and those we witness to grow? Holy Spirit

Meditate on this for a few minutes—a little “leavening” (witnessing) can grow the kingdom exponentially. We are being told to witness to others. This isn’t the only time we are told to share Christ with others. Let’s read Matthew 28:19.

One way to “witness” is to share the good news of what God is doing in our lives. Let’s look at 2 Kings 30-31 and Matthew 9:30-31. These men just had to share the good news!

What are some ways in which we can share our good news not only with friends and family, but with strangers? When people ask how you are doing, be honest and share why you are doing well. Create a blog and share your faith, blessings, etc. with all who read it. Mention it in your yearly Christmas letter. Leave tracts at restaurants, banks, public restrooms, etc.

We are making pancakes, turkey sausage, and homemade syrup for dinner tonight. I wanted to have a meal that used leavened bread and thought a breakfast meal might be fun.

Money-saving tip: Make your own pancake syrup. If you use regular sugar, it costs about 11 cents for a bottle compared to about $1.79 to buy it. If you use organic sugar, then it will cost more (probably equivalent to store bought regular sugar), but it will be organic. Also, you don’t have to worry about running out to the store just because you ran out so you’ll save gas money too!

Health tip: Make your own mixes to control ingredients and tailor to your needs. By making your own pancake mix you can use whatever flour you need and control the salt. By making your own turkey sausage, you are leaving out the preservatives.

Pancakes, Turkey Sausage & Syrup

Pancakes:

2 eggs 2 cups milk 1/4 cup oil

2 T maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups flour

2 T sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 cup ground flax (optional)

1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt

Whisk eggs, then add milk, oil, maple syrup, vanilla and whisk again. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined (small lumps are okay). Pour onto griddle (amount depends on how big you want the pancakes). Flip when bubbles start to pop. Cook another minute or two.

Turkey Sausage:

2 T maple syrup 1 lb ground turkey 1 T grill seasoning

1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp poultry seasoning

Mix ingredients together. Form 4 large or 8 small patties. Cook in a skillet with a little olive oil for about 5 minutes on each side.

Homemade syrup:

2 cups sugar 1 cup water 1 tsp maple flavoring

Bring sugar and water to a boil. Boil for approx. 5-10 minutes (until it starts to thicken a little) stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Syrup will thicken more as it cools. After it is cooled, add maple flavoring and stir. Store in refrigerator. (adding 1 T butter and/or vanilla is optional)