I LOVE passionfruit. It screams 'tropical'. I came across a recipe site that had a gazillion recipes that each use passionfruit in one way or another. Ok, ok, so maybe not a 'gazillion' but there was a LOT of 'em.
I decided that I would share with you the gems that I found in all of them. I whittled many out for various reasons. If they used alcohol they were GONE. If the method was too long or too work intensive they were GONE. And finally if any of the ingredients weren't something I've heard of or regularly used (like dried lavender flowers or 'titanium strength gelatin leaves') they were GONE.
Here's what we have left. I hope you find something you could enjoy making, eating and sharing.
Passionfruit curd
Makes: 3 cups
Ingredients
* 4 eggs
* 2 egg yolks
* 3/4 cup caster sugar
* 3/4 cup passionfruit pulp (see note)
* 125g butter, chilled, chopped
Add above ingredients to your shopping list
Method
1. Place eggs, egg yolks and sugar in a 6-cup capacity heatproof, microwave-safe jug or bowl. Whisk with a balloon whisk until well combined. Add passionfruit pulp and butter. Stir to combine.
2. Microwave passionfruit mixture, uncovered, on MEDIUM (50%) for 6 to 10 minutes, whisking every minute, or until thick enough to coat a spoon. Pour passionfruit curd into sterilised jars and seal. Refrigerate to cool.
Notes: You will need 6 to 8 passionfruit for 3/4 cup pulp.
Passionfruit ice-cream
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (serves 4)
* 500ml (2 cups) thickened cream
* 375ml (1 1/2 cups) coconut milk
* 4 egg yolks
* 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
* 160ml (2/3 cup) strained passionfruit pulp
* Ice-cream cones, to serve
Method
1. Combine the cream and coconut milk in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Remove from heat.
2. Use an electric beater to whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl until thick and pale. Gradually stir the cream mixture into the egg mixture. Pour into a clean saucepan and place over low heat. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 15 minutes or until custard coats the back of the spoon. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly. Stir in the passionfruit pulp.
3. Pour mixture into a shallow metal container. Cover with foil and place in the freezer for 3 hours or until firm.
4. Roughly break up the ice-cream with a metal spoon. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Quickly return ice-cream to the metal container. Cover with foil and freeze for a further 3 hours or until firm.
5. Scoop ice-cream into cones or bowls and serve immediately.
Notes: You will need about 8 passionfruit for this recipe.
Passionfruit curd cheesecake
OK...this one has a little more to it than I usually like but it still seems easy enough and sounds YUMMO!!!!
Ingredients (serves 12)
* 250g butternut biscuits
* 200g digestive biscuits
* 120g butter, melted
* 500g cream cheese, at room temperature
* 1/2 cup (100g) caster sugar
* 300g sour cream
* 2 eggs
* 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind
*
Passionfruit curd
* 2 passionfruit
* 50g butter
* 2 eggs, lightly whisked
* 1/2 cup (100g) caster sugar
* 1 tbs lemon juice
Add above ingredients to your shopping list
Method
1. Line the base of a 20cm (base measurement) springform pan with baking paper. Place the biscuits in a food processor and process until finely crushed. Add the butter and process until well combined. Transfer mixture to the pan and use a glass to press the crumb mixture firmly over the base and side of the pan. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
2. In the meantime, to make the passionfruit curd, place passionfruit pulp, butter, eggs, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat and set aside for 30 minutes to cool.
3. Preheat oven to 160°C. Use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese and sugar in a bowl until smooth. Add the sour cream and beat until smooth. Add eggs and lemon rind and beat until just combined.
4. Pour half the cream cheese mixture into the biscuit base. Dollop spoonfuls of half the passionfruit curd over the cream cheese. Pour over remaining cream cheese and dollop half of the remaining curd. Use a bamboo skewer to gently swirl passionfruit mixture and cream cheese to make a marbled pattern.
5. Place on an oven tray. Bake in oven for 45 minutes or until centre is just set. Turn oven off. Leave cheesecake in the oven, with the door ajar, for 1 hour or until cooled completely. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill. Spread over remaining curd to serve.
Passionfruit marshmallow mousse
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
5 minutes
Ingredients (serves 6)
* pulp from 5 passionfruit
* 250g pkt marshmallows
* 200ml cream
* 1/2 cup natural yoghurt
* 1 cup cut up fresh fruit
* extra passionfruit pulp
Method
1. Use a teaspoon to remove the pulp from 5 passionfruit and place in a saucepan with 250g pkt marshmallows. Stir continuously, over a low heat until the marshmallows have melted.
2. Set aside to cool slightly, then stir in 200ml cream and 1/2 cup natural yoghurt until smooth. Transfer to serving glasses. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until thickens.
3. Top with the fruit and extra passionfruit pulp.
Passionfruit slice
Preparation Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 12
Ingredients
* Melted butter, to grease
* 150g (1 cup) self-raising flour
* 85g (1 cup) desiccated coconut
* 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
* 100g butter, melted
* 1 x 395g can sweetened condensed milk
* 125ml (1/2 cup) fresh lemon juice
* 2 tbs passionfruit pulp
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush a 16 x 26cm (base measurement) slab pan with melted butter to lightly grease. Line the base and 2 long sides with non-stick baking paper, allowing the sides to overhang.
2. Use a wooden spoon to combine the flour, coconut, sugar and butter in a large bowl. Use your hands to bring the dough together in the bowl. Transfer to the prepared pan. Use a metal spoon to press firmly over the base. Bake for 12 minutes or until light golden. Set aside to cool.
3. Reduce oven temperature to 150°C.Use a balloon whisk to whisk together the condensed milk, lemon juice and passionfruit pulp in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. Pour into the pan and spread evenly over the base. Bake in oven for 15 minutes until just firm to the touch. Set aside to cool completely. Cut into slices to serve.
Notes: You will need about 2 fresh passionfruit for this recipe.
Tropical ice-blocks
You don't need special ice block molds to make Popsicles. Use paper cups filled to your desired amount. Cover with foil. Poke a hole through where you want the stick to stand then put the stick through. I put the cups in muffin tins and put the muffin tray in the freezer to stop the cups from falling over.
Makes: 18
Ingredients
* 1/2 (750g) pineapple, peeled, cored, chopped (use canned pineapple is fine)
* 1 large mango, peeled, chopped
* 4 passionfruit, halved
* 2 cups lemonade/Sprite
Method
1. Place pineapple and mango in a food processor or blender. Blend or process until smooth. Remove to a jug. Add passionfruit pulp and lemonade. Stir to combine.
2. Pour mixture into molds. Insert paddle pop sticks or secure with lids. Freeze until set.
3. Remove ice-blocks from molds. Serve.
Notes: You'll need eighteen 1/3 cup (80ml) capacity plastic ice-block molds and 18 paddle-pop sticks.
Coconut and passionfruit self-saucing pudding
Ingredients (serves 6)
* 1 cup self-raising flour
* 1/2 cup caster sugar
* 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
* 2/3 cup light coconut milk
* 1 egg
* 80g butter, melted, cooled
* pure icing sugar, to serve
Sauce
* 1/2 cup caster sugar
* 3 teaspoons cornflour
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 small lemons, juiced
* 3 passionfruit, halved
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 6-cup capacity, 5.5cm-deep, 19cm x 25cm (base) ovenproof dish and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
2. Sift flour into a bowl. Stir in sugar and coconut. Whisk coconut milk, egg and butter together in a jug. Pour into flour mixture. Gently stir until combined. Spoon into prepared dish. Smooth surface.
3. Make sauce: Combine sugar and cornflour in a bowl. Sprinkle over pudding. Combine milk and 1/3 cup lemon juice (don't worry if mixture curdles) in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until mixture comes to the boil. Remove from heat and stir in passionfruit pulp. Pour hot lemon mixture over the back of a large metal spoon, over pudding.
4. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a skewer inserted halfway into pudding comes out clean. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately.
Summer Christmas pudding
YUMMO!!! Who wants to be slaving over a hot stove/oven around Christmas in Australia??? NO ONE! So here's the way to have your 'Christmas Pudding' and your 'cool' as well.
Ingredients (serves 12)
* 1 large ripe mango, cheeks removed, peeled, sliced thinly
* 350g Sunbeam mixed fruit
* 2/3 cup (160ml) fresh passionfruit pulp
* 100g packet glace red cherries, chopped
* 110g packet Sunbeam macadamia nuts, toasted, chopped
* 100g white chocolate, chopped
* 2 litre ctn vanilla ice-cream, softened
* 150g fresh mixed berries, to serve
Method
1. Line 8 cup (2 litre) pudding basin with plastic wrap. Line base of basin with half the mango slices.
2. Combine the mixed fruit and passionfruit in small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to soften. Combine remaining mango, fruit mixture, cherries, macadamias, chocolate and ice-cream in large bowl.
3. Spoon the ice-cream mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Cover with plastic and place in the freezer overnight to firm. Carefully turn pudding out onto a serving plate. Remove the plastic wrap. Top with berries to serve.
Frozen mango and lime cheesecake
This recipe looks super easy and I can not wait to try it. I'm thinking I'd even forget about the crust and just sit with the container and a SPOON!!!
* 250g packet plain sweet biscuits (see note)
* 60g unsalted butter, melted
* 2 x 250g packets cream cheese, softened
* 3/4 cup caster sugar
* 1 teaspoon finely-grated lime rind
* 300ml thickened cream
* 425g can sliced mangoes, drained
* 3 passionfruit, halved
Method
1. Grease a 6cm-deep, 20cm round springform pan. Line base and side with baking paper. Place biscuits in food processor. Process until finely chopped. Add butter. Process until combined. Press biscuit mixture evenly over base of prepared pan. Place pan in fridge.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and lime rind. Beat for 2 minutes. Add cream. Beat for 5 minutes or until mixture is thick. Spoon into prepared pan.
3. Place mango in a food processor. Process until smooth. Fold mango through cream cheese mixture to create a marbled effect. Cover with plastic wrap. Place in the freezer overnight or until firm.
4. Remove cheesecake to a plate. Stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Top with passionfruit pulp. Serve.
Notes: You will need half the packet of biscuits for this recipe.
White chocolate mousse torte
Yes I know this one also looks a little fiddly but HELLO....White chocolate!!! Passionfruit!!! I'm thinking it would be well worth it.
Ingredients (serves 8)
* 1 sheet frozen ready-rolled butter puff pastry, partially thawed
* 1 tablespoon milk
* 2 egg yolks
* 1/4 cup caster sugar
* 300ml thickened cream
* 250g good-quality white chocolate, melted (see note)
* 3 teaspoons gelatine powder
* 3 passionfruit, halved
* 1 tablespoon icing sugar
Method
1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Using a 24cm round plate as a guide, cut 1 circle from pastry sheet. Place on prepared tray. Brush top with milk. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool completely.
2. Grease and line a 22cm (base) springform cake pan with baking paper. Place pastry in prepared pan. Press gently to flatten (pastry will crack).
3. Combine egg yolks and caster sugar in heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure base doesn't touch the water). Whisk for 3 minutes or until mixture is thick and warm. Add 2 tablespoons of cream. Whisk to combine. Add chocolate, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Place 2 tablespoons of hot water in a small bowl. Sprinkle over gelatine. Whisk with a fork until dissolved. Stir gelatine mixture into chocolate mixture.
5. Beat remaining cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold cream into chocolate mixture. Pour mixture over pastry. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until set.
6. Transfer torte to serving plate. Combine passionfruit pulp and icing sugar in a small bowl. Pour over torte. Serve.
Notes: To melt chocolate: Place chocolate in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on medium (50%), stirring every minute with a metal spoon until almost melted. Stir until smooth.
Showing posts with label homemaking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homemaking. Show all posts
November 10, 2010
August 7, 2010
Old Time Cooking
When I was growing up I don't think I ever had a doughnut. Did I even know what they were? Probably not. Did I miss out by not having them? Heavens NO. We had something just as wonderful. We had 'Puftaloons'.
What are puftaloons? Well they are fried bits of dough smothered with golden syrup...or honey.
Here's the recipe:
Puftaloons
2 Cups S.R. Flour
1 desert spoon butter
¼ Teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
Oil for Deep Frying
Combine flour and salt in a bowl, rub in butter, make a well in the centre and mix in milk to make a soft dough.
Turn out on a lightly floured board and kneed lightly until smooth. Roll out to 2 cm thickness, cut into rounds with a scone cutter (about 3cms diameter).
Heat oil in a large thick based frying pan and gently fry until puffed, golden and cooked through turning as you go. Drain on paper towel. Serve hot with honey or Golden syrup or roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Note: Could make savoury ones with bacon and cheese.
What are puftaloons? Well they are fried bits of dough smothered with golden syrup...or honey.
Here's the recipe:
Puftaloons
2 Cups S.R. Flour
1 desert spoon butter
¼ Teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
Oil for Deep Frying
Combine flour and salt in a bowl, rub in butter, make a well in the centre and mix in milk to make a soft dough.
Turn out on a lightly floured board and kneed lightly until smooth. Roll out to 2 cm thickness, cut into rounds with a scone cutter (about 3cms diameter).
Heat oil in a large thick based frying pan and gently fry until puffed, golden and cooked through turning as you go. Drain on paper towel. Serve hot with honey or Golden syrup or roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Note: Could make savoury ones with bacon and cheese.
January 2, 2009
Eggplant Salsa
This recipe comes from a dear friend who is Spanish. My family are salsa fiends and simply LOVE this. I can not make too much of it.
Recipe:
Dice up the eggplant
Let it sit in water until you're ready to use it. This will stop it from discolouring.
Dice the onion and the capsicums
Blend/puree tomatoes. When you blend them there is no need to peel them. This makes things so much easier and less messy.
I couldn't find any vegetable bullion easily here in Utah so this is what I used. I have since found I can order the bullion from online stores. All is right in the world again.
Cover the ingredients with the blended tomatoes.
Cook it down till you are happy with the consistency.
1 eggplant, diced
1 large onion, diced
2 red (or green) capsicums (peppers)
Tomatoes (maybe 2 or 3) blended/pureed
Vegetable stock cubes to taste (I use between 3-5 per batch...but can add more if you want)
Oil (I really don't know how much. Enough to cover the bottom of the saucepan you're using)
Heat oil and put in eggplant. Cook until eggplant isn't white anymore. Now add onion and cook for a minute or two. Add capsicum and mix well. Crumble stock cubes into mixture. Taste to see if you need to add some more. Now add the tomato juice....just enough to cover the ingredients. Bring to the boil. Stir every now and again so mixture doesn't stick to the bottom and burn. Turn down to simmer. Simmer until you reach the consistency you like.
You can blend this if you don't like chunky salsa.
I haven't tried canning/bottling this yet. Mainly because it doesn't matter how much I make, it's gone in a matter of days.
I'd love to hear from you after you've tried this recipe to see if you love it as much as I do or to share what you may have done a little differently.
I have found the perfect bowl to go with this salsa recipe. Check out salsa bowl to find out more.
If you enjoy this recipe then you may also like this recipe KUNG PAO CHICKEN
Recipe:
This eggplants reminded me of a character from a cartoon called Doug. His friend Skeeter bares a striking resemblance to this vegetable.
Dice up the eggplant
Let it sit in water until you're ready to use it. This will stop it from discolouring.
Dice the onion and the capsicums
Blend/puree tomatoes. When you blend them there is no need to peel them. This makes things so much easier and less messy.
I couldn't find any vegetable bullion easily here in Utah so this is what I used. I have since found I can order the bullion from online stores. All is right in the world again.
Cook it down till you are happy with the consistency.
1 eggplant, diced
1 large onion, diced
2 red (or green) capsicums (peppers)
Tomatoes (maybe 2 or 3) blended/pureed
Vegetable stock cubes to taste (I use between 3-5 per batch...but can add more if you want)
Oil (I really don't know how much. Enough to cover the bottom of the saucepan you're using)
Heat oil and put in eggplant. Cook until eggplant isn't white anymore. Now add onion and cook for a minute or two. Add capsicum and mix well. Crumble stock cubes into mixture. Taste to see if you need to add some more. Now add the tomato juice....just enough to cover the ingredients. Bring to the boil. Stir every now and again so mixture doesn't stick to the bottom and burn. Turn down to simmer. Simmer until you reach the consistency you like.
You can blend this if you don't like chunky salsa.
I haven't tried canning/bottling this yet. Mainly because it doesn't matter how much I make, it's gone in a matter of days.
I'd love to hear from you after you've tried this recipe to see if you love it as much as I do or to share what you may have done a little differently.
I have found the perfect bowl to go with this salsa recipe. Check out salsa bowl to find out more.
If you enjoy this recipe then you may also like this recipe KUNG PAO CHICKEN
November 25, 2008
Scones/Biscuits
Yesterday I tried out two recipes that were quick and EASY AS. Two recipes for scones (or for my US friends...biscuits).
Cheesy Scones:
1 cup self raising flour (in lieu of SR flour 1 cup plain flour, 2 tsp baking powder 1 1/4 tsp cream of tartar)
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter or marg
1 cup grated cheese
1/3 cup milk
Heat oven to 200 degrees C (450 degrees F). Cut or rub in butter and flour till it looks like bread crumbs. Stir in cheese and milk. Stir until mixture forms soft dough (a little....VERY little...more flour can be added if dough is too sticky)
Turn onto lightly floured surface (I use one of those cheap cutting 'boards' that come in different colours for fish, dairy, poultry etc...such easy clean up). Knead only 8-10 times or until dough is smooth-ish. Pat into a 6 inch square. Cut into 9 squares (can use scone cutter but squares leave no off cuts). Place on ungreased baking tray (I still use baking paper). Bake for 10-12 mins or until golden brown.
Optional: I also threw in a handful of chopped ham.
The other one is TOO easy. I got it from my friend Naomi. THANKS Naomi.
Lemonade Scones:
3 cup SR flour
1 cup lemonade (for my US friends that would be SPRITE and NOT what you would call lemonade)
1 cup cream
Mix all ingredients until they come together. Turn onto floured surface and knead lightly. Cut scones and place on baking tray. Pop into pre-heated oven (180 degrees C or 350 degrees F) for about 15 mins or until lightly browned.
Serve with cream and jam.
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!
Cheesy Scones:
1 cup self raising flour (in lieu of SR flour 1 cup plain flour, 2 tsp baking powder 1 1/4 tsp cream of tartar)
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter or marg
1 cup grated cheese
1/3 cup milk
Heat oven to 200 degrees C (450 degrees F). Cut or rub in butter and flour till it looks like bread crumbs. Stir in cheese and milk. Stir until mixture forms soft dough (a little....VERY little...more flour can be added if dough is too sticky)
Turn onto lightly floured surface (I use one of those cheap cutting 'boards' that come in different colours for fish, dairy, poultry etc...such easy clean up). Knead only 8-10 times or until dough is smooth-ish. Pat into a 6 inch square. Cut into 9 squares (can use scone cutter but squares leave no off cuts). Place on ungreased baking tray (I still use baking paper). Bake for 10-12 mins or until golden brown.
Optional: I also threw in a handful of chopped ham.
The other one is TOO easy. I got it from my friend Naomi. THANKS Naomi.
Lemonade Scones:
3 cup SR flour
1 cup lemonade (for my US friends that would be SPRITE and NOT what you would call lemonade)
1 cup cream
Mix all ingredients until they come together. Turn onto floured surface and knead lightly. Cut scones and place on baking tray. Pop into pre-heated oven (180 degrees C or 350 degrees F) for about 15 mins or until lightly browned.
Serve with cream and jam.
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!
August 25, 2008
Sisters in Zion
I LOVE my sisters. One of my favourite things to do is to just spend time with my sisters. There’s no agenda. Just get together to talk. Whenever we’re together you can be sure there will be lots of laughing. It can be a great therapy session.
People who don’t know me have come up to me and said “You have to be a Leneham. You girls all look like each other”. I remember one friend saying that although he can tell us apart, if he were to try and pick who is who simply by listening to us he wouldn’t be able to. So we must sound similar too.
I LOVE my sisters but I want to talk about my OTHER sisters. The rest of you!
Sisters like Kirsten F. We were pregnant at the same time with our third child. We served in Primary together. We have laughed and we have cried together.
* Kristie G. and Alison B. we go WAY back. I was their YW’s leader. They threw me a surprise party when I turned 21. We would have so much FUN on camps together.
* Lynda I. I found out that she was baptised by someone whose music I have loved for over 20 years now. I love to be able to share that with her.
* Sis Palau....If you’ve never had a Sis Palau hug then you’re really missing something.
I know some INCREDIBLE women of FAITH who are an example to me. Nicky M., Roslyn T., Cheryl E., Wilma M., Theresa F., Leanne G., Louise M.. Just to name a few. Some of these women probably didn’t even know that I have watched them over the years and admire them. Their testimonies and continued service strengthen ME.
I LOVE being with YOU! I don’t go to the Relief Society retreats so I can stay up all night....because I DON’T like to...I love my sleep and my own bed too much. I just LOVE to be surrounded by my SISTERS in the gospel. I don’t go to ‘midnight madness’ or ‘super Saturday’ because I need more stuff around the house...NO....I go to be with YOU.
When I have impressed my husband by doing something he didn’t think I was able to do I love to break out in song and sing “I am woman hear me roar”. I really like that song. I guess it would be the woman’s anthem out there in the world.
Listen to the words:
I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'Cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again
You can bend but never break me
'Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'Cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul
I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand
Oh yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything
I am strong
I am invincible
I am woman
Now compare it to another song about women:
As sisters in Zion, we'll all work together;
The blessings of God on our labors we'll seek.
We'll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;
We'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.
The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity's name.
How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission,
If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.
Oh, naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition
Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.
While Helen Reddy’s song is powerful in showing that a woman can do anything in an “In your face” kind of way, ‘As sisters in Zion’ shows there is more to being a woman. It involves tenderness and ‘the errand of angels’ as we seek the blessings of God and are tutored by the spirit.
This song we love and know so well, was first published in a Relief Society publication back in 1874 as a poem. There are ten verses in all. The first and the last are the same.
Two verses that are fun:
2 We’ll turn from our follies, our pride and our weakness,
The vain, foolish fashions of Babel despise;
We’ll seek for the garments of truth and of meekness,
And learn to be useful and happy and wise.
3 We’ll wear what is sensible, neat and becoming
The daughters of Zion—the angels of light;
We’ll work with a will, while the angels are scanning
Our aims and our actions from morning till night.
I think the best three verses were chosen.
It was written by Emily Woodmansee. Emily and her sister Julia were part of the Willie handcart company. Emily walked all the way while Julia wasn’t able to and was carried in a handcart. Emily’s first husband deserted her and their two children. She later married again and had a further 8 children.
Janice Kapp Perry was asked to put the three verses we know, to music so it could be included in the 1985 hymn book. So now we have this beautiful hymn.
I have loved Relief Society since I was a little girl.
I grew up attending midweek activities with my mother. I was happy when I was home sick from school on the day that Homemaking was on. I’d be playing in the nursery area and I’d hear the women talking and laughing. I’d hear plates knocking around. I loved it.
There’s not too many here who would remember the bake sales and the bazaars that the Relief Society would put on in order to raise money for the ward budget. I remember sitting in the little booth in the shopping center car park while the sisters sold the goodies. I loved being around the Relief Society sisters even back then.
When I turned 18 it was not a problem to be in Relief Society. I LOVED being there.
I love to be numbered among you. Any opportunity that is mine that I may serve you, I am happy to do so.
Back to the hymn.
Although I could spend a whole evening on discussing this hymn bit by bit. Tonight I’m just going to pick out a couple of my favourite parts.
We’ll start with:
The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity's name.
Oh my goodness! Are these not the most beautiful words to be spoken about women?! I’m sure we can all think of women who have touched our lives. Who have been on the errand of angels and have been there for us when we needed them the most. Whether it’s a meal or help doing the dishes. It could even be a walking buddy or my favourite....someone to sit and talk to. Regardless of how big or small. You sisters have been angels to someone at some time. You have cheered and have blessed and I thank you.
Sister Hinckley has said:
“I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, Wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, Perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking the kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenck’s lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone else’s garden.
I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and Tears of a friend on my shoulders.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”
The women who founded the Relief Society consisted of eleven married women, two widows, six unmarried women, and one whose marital status is unknown. They ranged in age from three teenagers to one woman in her fifties. They were all converts, and some had been converted when they were very young. They lived in different sections of town and in varying economic circumstances.
Our Stake is like that first Relief Society-We are a diverse group of sisters. Coming from different parts of the world and different family backgrounds. Though there are differences we remain sisters in Zion.
Elder Faust spoke to the Relief Society sisters back in 2002 and had this to say:
“I believe the four great enduring concepts of this society are:
First, it is a divinely established sisterhood.
Second, it is a place of learning.
Third, it is an organization whose basic charter is to serve others. Its motto is “Charity never faileth.”
Fourth, it is a place where women can socialize and establish eternal friendships.”
Which leads me to my most favourite part of the song. The very beginning.
“As sisters in Zion, we'll all work together”
We ARE sisters. And I love when we work together.
Elder Faust spoke of the socializing and eternal friendships that can be made in Relief Society.
I have a cookbook that is well worn. It's pages are falling out and it's covered in the ingredients that have been used in the recipes over the years. I was asked by the RS presidency to put together a ward cookbook back in 1992. I was a little taken aback by the request but I had great response and terrific support. In fact I did very little except come up with how I wanted the book to be and what I wanted in the book and the sisters ran with it.
I love this book NOT because I had anything to do with it or that I have recipes included. No...I love this book because I see the names of the people who submitted recipes and I think about them and ask that question...”Where are they now and what are they doing?”
These sisters were an important part of my life and learning as a young wife and mother. They helped me when my children were sick and when I was sad and lonely. They helped as I grew in the gospel. I LOVE these sisters.
In D&C 130:2 we read “that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.”
Sis Parkin said: “Whether we serve in Primary or Young Women, whether we're active or less so, whether we're married or single, whether we're spring chickens or fall hens, we all belong to Relief Society. We need your voices, your feelings, your hearts. Relief Society needs you. And you know what? You need Relief Society. When you don't participate, you're depriving yourself and you're depriving Relief Society.”
Earlier this year I spent a great deal of time with a sister I’d known MANY years ago when I was just a child. This woman scared me. I didn’t like her. But this year we talked friend to friend. It was a special experience for me. And just a few months ago I got to have lunch with her daughter (we were Laurels together). I mentioned this to my friend and said I could not believe the change in her mother. Her daughter also recognized this change and said “You know what happened? She started going to Relief Society.”
The theme of this fireside tonight is: Hearts knit together in faith.
We need each other. As in knitting the yarn becomes stronger, so do we as we join together. The different colours and patterns of yarn knitted together makes for a beautiful object. Our Relief Society too, with all the differences we have, when knitted together in faith, is a beautiful thing.
I look forward to the eternities where we can enjoy our continued sisterhood only with the eternal glory mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants. When we can sit down together in the eternities and reminisce about the times we had together here on earth.
It is my prayer that we will ever remember that we ARE sisters in Zion and let’s all work together. And in doing so our hearts will be remain eternally knitted together.
People who don’t know me have come up to me and said “You have to be a Leneham. You girls all look like each other”. I remember one friend saying that although he can tell us apart, if he were to try and pick who is who simply by listening to us he wouldn’t be able to. So we must sound similar too.
I LOVE my sisters but I want to talk about my OTHER sisters. The rest of you!
Sisters like Kirsten F. We were pregnant at the same time with our third child. We served in Primary together. We have laughed and we have cried together.
* Kristie G. and Alison B. we go WAY back. I was their YW’s leader. They threw me a surprise party when I turned 21. We would have so much FUN on camps together.
* Lynda I. I found out that she was baptised by someone whose music I have loved for over 20 years now. I love to be able to share that with her.
* Sis Palau....If you’ve never had a Sis Palau hug then you’re really missing something.
I know some INCREDIBLE women of FAITH who are an example to me. Nicky M., Roslyn T., Cheryl E., Wilma M., Theresa F., Leanne G., Louise M.. Just to name a few. Some of these women probably didn’t even know that I have watched them over the years and admire them. Their testimonies and continued service strengthen ME.
I LOVE being with YOU! I don’t go to the Relief Society retreats so I can stay up all night....because I DON’T like to...I love my sleep and my own bed too much. I just LOVE to be surrounded by my SISTERS in the gospel. I don’t go to ‘midnight madness’ or ‘super Saturday’ because I need more stuff around the house...NO....I go to be with YOU.
When I have impressed my husband by doing something he didn’t think I was able to do I love to break out in song and sing “I am woman hear me roar”. I really like that song. I guess it would be the woman’s anthem out there in the world.
Listen to the words:
I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'Cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again
You can bend but never break me
'Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'Cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul
I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand
Oh yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything
I am strong
I am invincible
I am woman
Now compare it to another song about women:
As sisters in Zion, we'll all work together;
The blessings of God on our labors we'll seek.
We'll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;
We'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.
The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity's name.
How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission,
If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.
Oh, naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition
Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.
While Helen Reddy’s song is powerful in showing that a woman can do anything in an “In your face” kind of way, ‘As sisters in Zion’ shows there is more to being a woman. It involves tenderness and ‘the errand of angels’ as we seek the blessings of God and are tutored by the spirit.
This song we love and know so well, was first published in a Relief Society publication back in 1874 as a poem. There are ten verses in all. The first and the last are the same.
Two verses that are fun:
2 We’ll turn from our follies, our pride and our weakness,
The vain, foolish fashions of Babel despise;
We’ll seek for the garments of truth and of meekness,
And learn to be useful and happy and wise.
3 We’ll wear what is sensible, neat and becoming
The daughters of Zion—the angels of light;
We’ll work with a will, while the angels are scanning
Our aims and our actions from morning till night.
I think the best three verses were chosen.
It was written by Emily Woodmansee. Emily and her sister Julia were part of the Willie handcart company. Emily walked all the way while Julia wasn’t able to and was carried in a handcart. Emily’s first husband deserted her and their two children. She later married again and had a further 8 children.
Janice Kapp Perry was asked to put the three verses we know, to music so it could be included in the 1985 hymn book. So now we have this beautiful hymn.
I have loved Relief Society since I was a little girl.
I grew up attending midweek activities with my mother. I was happy when I was home sick from school on the day that Homemaking was on. I’d be playing in the nursery area and I’d hear the women talking and laughing. I’d hear plates knocking around. I loved it.
There’s not too many here who would remember the bake sales and the bazaars that the Relief Society would put on in order to raise money for the ward budget. I remember sitting in the little booth in the shopping center car park while the sisters sold the goodies. I loved being around the Relief Society sisters even back then.
When I turned 18 it was not a problem to be in Relief Society. I LOVED being there.
I love to be numbered among you. Any opportunity that is mine that I may serve you, I am happy to do so.
Back to the hymn.
Although I could spend a whole evening on discussing this hymn bit by bit. Tonight I’m just going to pick out a couple of my favourite parts.
We’ll start with:
The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity's name.
Oh my goodness! Are these not the most beautiful words to be spoken about women?! I’m sure we can all think of women who have touched our lives. Who have been on the errand of angels and have been there for us when we needed them the most. Whether it’s a meal or help doing the dishes. It could even be a walking buddy or my favourite....someone to sit and talk to. Regardless of how big or small. You sisters have been angels to someone at some time. You have cheered and have blessed and I thank you.
Sister Hinckley has said:
“I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, Wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, Perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking the kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenck’s lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone else’s garden.
I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and Tears of a friend on my shoulders.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”
The women who founded the Relief Society consisted of eleven married women, two widows, six unmarried women, and one whose marital status is unknown. They ranged in age from three teenagers to one woman in her fifties. They were all converts, and some had been converted when they were very young. They lived in different sections of town and in varying economic circumstances.
Our Stake is like that first Relief Society-We are a diverse group of sisters. Coming from different parts of the world and different family backgrounds. Though there are differences we remain sisters in Zion.
Elder Faust spoke to the Relief Society sisters back in 2002 and had this to say:
“I believe the four great enduring concepts of this society are:
First, it is a divinely established sisterhood.
Second, it is a place of learning.
Third, it is an organization whose basic charter is to serve others. Its motto is “Charity never faileth.”
Fourth, it is a place where women can socialize and establish eternal friendships.”
Which leads me to my most favourite part of the song. The very beginning.
“As sisters in Zion, we'll all work together”
We ARE sisters. And I love when we work together.
Elder Faust spoke of the socializing and eternal friendships that can be made in Relief Society.
I have a cookbook that is well worn. It's pages are falling out and it's covered in the ingredients that have been used in the recipes over the years. I was asked by the RS presidency to put together a ward cookbook back in 1992. I was a little taken aback by the request but I had great response and terrific support. In fact I did very little except come up with how I wanted the book to be and what I wanted in the book and the sisters ran with it.
I love this book NOT because I had anything to do with it or that I have recipes included. No...I love this book because I see the names of the people who submitted recipes and I think about them and ask that question...”Where are they now and what are they doing?”
These sisters were an important part of my life and learning as a young wife and mother. They helped me when my children were sick and when I was sad and lonely. They helped as I grew in the gospel. I LOVE these sisters.
In D&C 130:2 we read “that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.”
Sis Parkin said: “Whether we serve in Primary or Young Women, whether we're active or less so, whether we're married or single, whether we're spring chickens or fall hens, we all belong to Relief Society. We need your voices, your feelings, your hearts. Relief Society needs you. And you know what? You need Relief Society. When you don't participate, you're depriving yourself and you're depriving Relief Society.”
Earlier this year I spent a great deal of time with a sister I’d known MANY years ago when I was just a child. This woman scared me. I didn’t like her. But this year we talked friend to friend. It was a special experience for me. And just a few months ago I got to have lunch with her daughter (we were Laurels together). I mentioned this to my friend and said I could not believe the change in her mother. Her daughter also recognized this change and said “You know what happened? She started going to Relief Society.”
The theme of this fireside tonight is: Hearts knit together in faith.
We need each other. As in knitting the yarn becomes stronger, so do we as we join together. The different colours and patterns of yarn knitted together makes for a beautiful object. Our Relief Society too, with all the differences we have, when knitted together in faith, is a beautiful thing.
I look forward to the eternities where we can enjoy our continued sisterhood only with the eternal glory mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants. When we can sit down together in the eternities and reminisce about the times we had together here on earth.
It is my prayer that we will ever remember that we ARE sisters in Zion and let’s all work together. And in doing so our hearts will be remain eternally knitted together.
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