Work Days and Bagel Spreads

Our particular church values small groups very much (Click here to learn more about Mennonites). Almost every member belongs to one. Some meet weekly, some monthly. Some are truly "small" and others are large. Some do Bible or book studies together. Some just gather for dinner and fellowship. Some do activities together and some go away on retreats. All of them provide support to each other and help members form bonds with other members.

Our small group is made up of four families. This year, we decided to do a work day at each family's home, helping each other out with whatever project that family wanted help with. Many hands make light work, no? About a month ago, we held our first work day, mulching one family's garden. This past weekend, it was our turn and everyone came to our house to help scrape paint off Jamey's workshop (an old brooding house) and our smoke house (a.k.a. our attic) so they will be ready for fresh paint.

I didn't make it to the first work day because I either was about to have or just had Miriam (I can't quite remember). What I do remember is that Jamey came home raving about how good the bagels tasted that they served for snack. We are very lucky to have an incredible bagel shop (two locations, actually) in town. While we were planning our work day, we decided to provide bagels, too.

Thanks, everyone for your help. You're all wonderful.



Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Spread

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp. milk
2 1/2 tbsp. parmesan cheese
6 garlic cloves, diced fine
4 tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. salt

In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the milk and continue to beat at medium high speed until incorporated well. Add remaining ingredients and beat well. Refrigerate until ready to serve for at least an hour to allow flavors to blend. Serve with bagels.



Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread

8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup strawberry jam

In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add jam and beat to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with bagels.

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