The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window

Where there's a give, there's a take

March 30, 2009

Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. Spent much of the day talking on the phone so I was happy to sit and listen awhile. Not that I didn't do my share of listenin' on the phone, mind you. There were a few stretches there where it was at least five minutes before I got a word in. Amazing what people can come up with to keep you on the phone. I called seven people in my search for volunteers for the Easter breakfast at church, and what do you know? All seven of them had both some news to share and a question or two about some news that had been shared with them.

Now, I'm not a secretive person, but I like to employ a bit of discretion now and then. I don't just go and holler out my personal issues into the phone, especially those creating discomfort or urgency in matters of infections. While on the phone Saturday? I heard about a strange foot fungus, back pain, underwear that is suddenly much too snug, someone's cousin in Sarasota who is having second thoughts during Phase Two of a sex change operation, unwanted body hair, and the adverse effects of burritos on someone's gastric system.

Egg bake, people. Please. I'm calling about egg bake. I need thirty of them on Sunday the 12th, hot and ready to go by 6 a.m., and thirty coffee cakes, and ten gallons of milk, and ten of orange juice, and a load of jelly beans. This is not the time for hygienic wisdom to come rolling down the chute. Not the time, people. I have calls to make, and I'm only half way there.

Oh, my. It is what it is, I guess. The phone rings and here's someone to talk with. Tough to say no to a friend or even an acquaintance, especially when you're calling to ask for something. That's the blessed thing about being human. Where there's a give, there's a take, and, frankly, I have these headaches now and then...

Perfect Bread Pudding
This recipe just may get you through the next week. It takes five minutes to put together, and the brandy adds a little special something. Take my word for it. Serve it up when a friend comes over for a good long talk. (You may wish to leave the brandy out. Just in case.)

1 loaf cinnamon raisin bread (doesn't have to be all that fresh)

4 T butter, softened

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 shots brandy

Cut up 1/2 of the loaf into chunks and grill with butter in a skillet until brown and crispy.

In small saucepan, heat sweetened condensed milk over low heat for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in brandy. Put bread into bowls and top with sauce and whipped cream. The real stuff. Mmm. Enjoy!

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