Today is the day before Thanksgiving and I decided to make some Yulekage. That's Norwegian Christmas bread, for those who might not know what it is. I don't like to wait until Christmas to start eating it, so I make it early and enjoy it between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I use Irvin's Mother's breadbowl to kneed the bread and it is such a pleasure. It is a log that has been carved out to make a bowl. It's all one piece, although it has a crack down the middle.
I had often seen Mama McArthur make bread in that bowl, but I never dreamed I'd be the recipient when she could no longer make bread. But Mildred asked me if I wanted it and I really didn't hesitate. I learned to make bread from my mother and with the 4 children we did eat a lot of home-made bread.
The interesting thing about Mama's bowl is that it was well used. She had a gas stove and thankfully it never got on fire, but when you see the bottom of it, you'll see that it has been set up on top of a burner!
Jean and John both make bread, and I told John he could have it when I am gone. Meanwhile Jean and I share it sometimes. She makes more bread than I do now, but she has a bread machine. And who knows maybe one of John's boys or their wives might be a bread maker sometime and use that bread bowl.
Mom,
ReplyDeleteI made bread tonight to be used for tomorrow's stuffing, and will make some Yulekage over the next few days. I'm glad that you are still getting good use out of Grandmama's breadbowl. I hope that it will be used for generations to come.
Love,
john