Unlike the last two recipes, this one is mine. I like to taste fresh ingredients, so vine ripe tomato and fresh basil are essential. That and a little grated parmesan cheese. Mmm. Mmm. I haven’t tried it GF yet, because how can you beat a hot, crusted baguette? So, if you’d like the recipe, email me. I’ll roll it off the top of my head to you.
Buddies for Life
That’s Tina. It seems everyone knows a Tina, and I sure miss mine. She moved away years ago, and sadly we lost touch. I think and pray for her often, as she’s on my heart and in my prayer journal. My good friend is not on Facebook, and neither of us is a phone person. But I hope to meet up with her one day. Seasons take us in and out of each other’s lives, but that’s what makes a true friend. They can pop back into your life any day or year, and it’s like time never missed a beat. That’s my Tina.
My friend was the hostess with the mostest, and that’s who Tina is in Shattered Guilt. I don’t have her entertaining in the book, but if she did, she’d make and serve up this recipe, gliding around the room, offering to each guest as if they were the most special person in the universe.
Introducing…Tina
A few years older than Melanie, Tina was Melanie’s next-door neighbor. A gorgeous African American woman with a full head of bouncy, ombre curls that framed her striking face. Large almond-shaped eyes peeked out from long, dark lashes, and high cheekbones graced her perfectly shaped lips. And to top it off, she had a positively effervescent personality that put everyone at ease. When Melanie and Lacey had moved to Bay Town the year before, they became fast friends with Tina. Tina’s fun-loving nature proved to be the best medicine for Lacey’s and Melanie’s grieving hearts after her parent’s death and the abrupt move to the south. ~Shattered Guilt
Food and Friends
Do you have a favorite food that brings happy thoughts? Not necessarily comfort food, but a dish that brings a smile to faces. Something that sparks fond memories? That’s what this dish does for me. I experimented a few times. Trying to make it just the way I liked it.
I finally got it down. I remember the first time I served it, but I can’t remember now if it was a graduation, birthday, or goodbye party. It was some sort of celebration with a packed house. Although with our large family, every occasion leaves little room.
At this celebration, guests mingled and chatted about, grazing at the dining table filled with all sorts of delicious food. When I took the bruschetta out of the oven, the parmesan bubbled on top, the ruby tomatoes glistened, and when I sprinkled a few freshly chopped basil leaves on top, it was breathtaking. I fell in love and just wanted to breathe in the aroma and relish its beauty. Instead, I plated it on a lovely platter and took it out to my mingling guests. Everyone politely took a slice, smiling and nodding, then gobbling it down and reaching for another.
The second batch didn’t make it out of the kitchen. That was the drawback of making bruschetta. My guests turned to hungry wolves waiting at the kitchen door! It was fun, and I laugh at how much joy this simple canape’ brought to our party. But then it makes me think of the heavenly wedding banquet talked about in the bible.
The Wedding Feast
Like the song says, ‘I can only imagine.’ But I really can’t. Whenever I’m filled with the joy this life brings, I’m almost brought to tears thinking about God’s blessings here on earth, even amid trials. But when I think of what His word promises us in heaven? I’m overwhelmed. That life will have no sorrow, no pain. I won’t sin anymore, hallelujah! And it will only be eternal bliss. Friends, food, and Jesus. Now that’s a joy I can’t wait for.
Who’s next?
To be perfectly honest, I haven’t decided who and what to feature in tomorrow’s blog, but I promise you’ll enjoy meeting whoever it is and the recipe they inspire. Unfortunately, one of my favorite people is Carol, but she doesn’t cook! You’ll read more about her next year in Restored Grace, Book 2 of the Bay Town Series. That’s her book.
But that’s for another time. Check back tomorrow, and you might meet Big Joe, Sally Trotman, or Chief Bert. I’m just not quite sure who will be joining us. It’s a surprise to me too.