What My Children Want from Me

The smell of pumpkin bread after school. That is what my children requested. I had them make a list of the things they love for me to do for them, and baking pumpkin bread made the top of the list. Sure, there were other things their little hearts desired from me, but baking was way up there, along with over-the-top holiday decorating. In other words, they love it when I "go to town" as a homemaker.

They love it when I work my magic as a mother.

And motherhood is magical... when the magic is created from the heart: with love.

The baking request was not just for pumpkin bread. Actually, it was: pumpkin bread, banana bread, zucchini bread, cookies, brownies... pretty much any baked good will do. The request was to have home-baked goodness, as often as possible. There is just something magical about coming home after school, to the smell of spices in the air. What is really powerful, are the memories that get trapped into the delectable fragrances as they dance their way to the front door, warmly greeting those who enter. Childhood moments are released, and what appears to be a mere slice of bread, is in reality: a little piece of heaven.

Do not underestimate the power of baking and homemaking!

I decided to grant their wish today, and make the pumpkin bread they requested. I was in the mood to try a new recipe, and I found one that yielded 2 loaves. For some reason, I was wide awake, and so I commenced the baking process at 7:30 am, before heading out on a run when it finished baking. I wanted to try the recipe because it used butter instead of oil, and I find that butter in baked goods is often a more tasty result. I am not saying it is good for you, I am just saying I better start running more.... a lot more.

There was a moment while I was opening the cloves and cinnamon, a wave of memory came back to me from the happy days of living in the little house, when Charles was around.  It was a happy memory. A magic moment. My life has been filled with happiness and magic, and I am so grateful.

Today, I followed the new pumpkin bread recipe exactly; except I ran out of white flour, and I did not add the nuts. I used half white and half wheat flour (1 1/2 cups of each), but the result was fantastic! This was hands-down the best pumpkin bread I have ever made. I also added milk chocolate chips for extra yumminess. If you like pumpkin, this is the bread for you!

I will warn you, this bread is very, very, dangerous.

Dangerously amazing!

If you want to make some magic for your family, give it a try!

For the recipe click: HERE

Happy Pumpkin Time!