“The RoseBouquet”

We’re on our way within the hour to our first Christmas “DO” for this season. It’s at our Western Tract Mission office, where I am a Board member and a volunteer in several areas (web site and newsletter desktop design).

Last year we had a Christmas banquet for the staff and volunteers but it was difficult for many of our people to come to it, and it was a lot of work for those on the Board who had promised to prepare the big turkey meal. So we decided early this year, that this time we would just serve a lunch on the day that the most volunteers would be in the office for the collation of our quarterly Reflections. That happens to be today.

Dad doesn’t like to stay home alone, so I’ve long ago accepted that if I’m going somewhere, Dad is coming along for the ride. Fortunately, our family of friends at WTM are accepting of him, and always include him warmly. Wendell Klassen especially goes out of his way to spend time with Dad during Board meetings.

We’re just having Kentucky Fried Chicken brought in, but I thought, hmm… to give it a larger hint of Christmas, and since many of these volunteers will recognize this Mennonite holiday dish, why don’t I make some Bubbat? So that’s what I’ve got in the oven while I’m racing to get this off.

What’s Bubbat? Well, it’s a Mennonite version of stuffing, which can be cooked inside a turkey or chicken, but can also be done in a pan like squares. It’s got raisins in it, and I suppose could be compared to biscuits or dumplings in some other culture. My Mom always preferred Bubbat to the conventional turkey stuffing, and when we didn’t have other extended family coming who loved that stuff, she was pleased if I’d make some of her old-fashioned Bubbat.