Funeral Food and a Garlic Bread Recipe


 My friends were on vacation out west when they got the horrible news that one of their sister's had died suddenly.  I felt so bad when I got the news.  They had to drop everything and go to DC for the funeral.  When something like this happens, there is not much you can do.  I do think it is important to let them know how bad you feel for what they are going through.

 They were returning home after two weeks and I knew they would be emotionally exhausted so I thought a nice meal might help cheer them up.  I made them a big pan of lasagna thinking that they could freeze leftovers.  I made my kids some too.

 I made them giant chocolate and walnut cookies.

 And I made them garlic bread.  This recipe actually has the garlic and herbs mixed into the bread.

The recipe:

3 C. flour
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. marjoram
1 T. pasley
4 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp. salt
2 T. sugar
2-1/2 tsp. rapid rise yeast
1 C. water
3 T. melted butter

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones and knead until you have a smooth ball of dough.  Place it in a buttered bowl, cover and let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in bulk.  Split it in three pieces and braid it and let it rise again.  Bake it at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes to an internal temperature of 190 degrees.  Place it on a  rack and brush it with a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic and basil.
 I made them a big salad and some Italian dressing too.

 Funeral food is an old tradition.

But I think it is a good one.

Comments

The JR said…
Very sweet of you and it showed how much you really value their friendship. I'm sure it touched their hearts greatly for you to do all that.
Dee said…
I think it is a wonderful tradition and one that should be kept.
You are a good friend to all, Joyce.
Linda said…
That was over the top and generous funeral food. But, she is a friend and others probably won't be bring food by like they would if the funeral was in her town. You are a good friend.
Leanna said…
You are a sweet soul, Joyce. That basket full of goodies will surely make them a little happier in their trying time. Blessed Be.
Teacats said…
Hospitality is the deepest magic and gifts of food for funerals are a tradition in so many cultures throughout the history of the world. You have the kindest heart and your hearth magic is amazing!
kymber said…
jaz - thank you for keeping such a beautiful and thoughtful tradition alive. there are not very many people out there thinking of others during their trying times. it's nice to know that you still keep this tradition alive.
Leanne said…
Love the presentation
Guillaume said…
That is such sad news. But such a good idea this tradition: when grieving eating is something we need to think about yet we have neither the energy and the state of mind to cook.
greekwitch said…
That was so sweet!!!!
TARYTERRE said…
I think it is a nice tradition. And it really does help those in mourning. It was very thoughtful of you to help during this difficult time.
chickpea678 said…
What a lovely thoughtful gesture Joyce.