Plus 1 T milk

In a large bowl mix dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two knives cut in cubes of butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add buttermilk and stir until just combined.

With floured hands, shape dough into a flattened round about 2inches thick. Place on a baking stone or greased cookie sheet and brush top with 1 T milk. Cut a large “X” onto the top of the loaf. Bake in a 375degrees oven for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done wihen it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool a bit and slice into scone shaped triangles or length-wise slices. Excellent with marmalade and butter. Makes one small-med loaf.

1 pkg (1/4oz) yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110-115 degrees)
1 3/4c milk, scalded
1/2 c shortening
1/4 c sugar
2 tsp salt
5-6 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water.

In a bowl combine milk and shortening. When cool, add sugar and salt. Stir in yeast and 3 cups of flour. Add enough water to make a sticky, but kneadable dough.

Turn mixture onto a board and knead 6-8 minutes. Place dough in a buttered bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double. (About 1 hr).

Punch down dough and divind into fourths. Divide 3 of the pieces into 8 pieces each. Shape into smooth balls and place on a greased cookie sheet. Divide the 4th pieceo dough into 24 small balls. make and indentation in the top of each larger ball. Press one smal lball ontop each large ball. (like a two-piece snowman) Cover an let rise until double. (About 45 min.)

Pre heat oven to 375 degrees. Bake 20-25 minutes.

You tear down my walls,
you burn down my bridges –
only to step over the destruction
and hold out your hand.

Who am I and
what have I become?
It’s funny how my wrongs
evolved into rights -
my darkness has become light.
If I live my life in happiness,
I won’t be left alone.

A million hands are pulling me
a million eyes are watching me.
Which way should I go?
Am I being so deplorable?
I feel so happy yet
I feel so bad.

To feel your incredible love,
To have your genuine trust.
Your childlike faith has made me believe.

Mirror, mirror in your eyes,
I finally see and
I finally understand.
It’s me that lives in your eyes.

- Alicia LaJoie

Reassuringly,
lovingly,
protectively,
you lead me to the place.
I watch you die again,
and you forgive me.

A tear falls -
Blood has been shed.
You take my hand –
I feel so loved.

- Alicia LaJoie

So close that I can’t breathe.
The fire – it burns hotter.
Burn me, consume me –
I need your flame.
I can’t leave.

All around me –
the community that I see.
Loneliness in my rearview
it gets more and more distant.
You be the driver now.

- Alicia LaJoie

In the quietness of my soul,
I find you.
The peace surrounds me and
fills my spirit with your radiance.
The stillness overwhelms me,
it gives me water to drink.
I light a candle in remembrance,
in prayer for those who are lost.
Hundreds of voices awaken me –
my life comes alive in their harmony.
Be still, my busy mind.
Let God permeate and swell.
My life returns,
with this silent meditation.

- Alicia LaJoie

Seasons pass like a breeze,
a breath of life.
Will I choose to enjoy
The warmth of autumn?
The chill of summer?
The desolation of spring?
Or the rebirth of winter?

The sun will rise,
life will continue.
I will learn and grow.
Teach me to keep going.

- Alicia LaJoie

Who says that I want to leave?
Everyday, I have to die.
Die to the idea,
die to the thought,
die to my inner self –
the things that draw me away.

Lord, take me back –
don’t give up on me.
I don’t want to leave.

- Alicia LaJoie

Where is your voice?
Suffering, hurting, dying.
Help me, Help me now.
Will you?

I need you.
Desperate, anticipating, please.
Love me, love me now.
I know you will.

- Alicia LaJoie

My mind is clear -
the beat becomes one with me.
I allow it to take over –
Reluctantly, recklessly
take over.

Affect me. Change me.
Make my heart beat with yours.
My veins pump with your blood.
Wash over me.
Cleanse me.
Change me.

- Alicia LaJoie