The newest addition to this family, Dad, two older brothers, and Grandpa all add their hands to a fun 3-generation photo.
In our family, as with many others, there is a beautiful tradition of welcoming a new baby into the family called a “Blessing Day.” On a child’s blessing day, the newborn is given a Father’s Blessing, and the baby’s name is officially entered into church records. There are several times in a family member’s life when he or she gets to be the center of attention, and this is one of our family’s favorites. Babies usually get dressed up in a special outfit, sometimes an heirloom handed down for generations, or handmade by a mother, grandmother or extended family member. Today, the baby was sporting an adorable baby bow tie made by his Mom.
As with all family events, there is also an abundance of delicious food, and beautiful spring weather made it the perfect day for a picnic that combined the Easter celebration with the opportunity to welcome the thirtieth grandchild to the family.
A typical spread for a family event, this one was extra special because it combined the culinary expertise of both sides of the newborn baby’s family
Grandma Joyce’s tulips and spring bulbs were in full bloom, as if they had been holding out their best colors for a day that celebrated this newborn and his place in our family.
Joyce’s gardens are full of dozens of varieties of spring bulbs in April.
Grandma Joyce and Grandpa Jim have nine children of their own, and with the birth of this thirtieth grandchild, Sunday dinner is literally a TABLE FOR FIFTY, if you add up all nine children, plus spouses, plus grandchildren, plus Grandma and Grandpa. We always have a few extra in-laws, college roommates, and neighbors mixed in for good measure. One thing about a table for fifty is that everyone gets pressed into some kind of service, including the men. We put them to work carving meat…
The men are an essential part of the culinary team at family events, especially for sloppy jobs like carving the turkey.
Setting up tables and folding chairs, setting out plates and cutlery, mixing up the lemonade, buttering bread…
Cam is preparing bread slices for Grandma Joyce’s tasty Cheese Nibs (recipe to follow).
…and, playing playing with the newest iPhone app. (We highly recommend the SpaceTeam app if you have trouble getting people at family dinner to connect with one another because they can’t put down their phones).
While they are waiting for dinner, the grandsons play a few rounds of SpaceTeam on their phones
- Cheese Nibs
- 2 cups grated Jack cheese (8 oz)
- ½ cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
- ½ cup olives, chopped fine
- 2 tsp. dried minced onion
- ½ tsp. season salt
- 20 slices (1 loaf) white or wheat sandwich bread
- ½ cup butter or margarine, melted
- The Process
- Combine cheese, mayonnaise, olives, onion, and seasoned salt.
- Cut crusts from bread and roll lightly with a rolling pin to flatten slightly.
- Spread about a tablespoon of filling on each slice.
- Roll up bread slices into small rolls, jelly-roll fashion.
- Dip each roll in the melted butter.
- Bake rolls, seam-side down on parchment paper-covered baking sheet or un-greased baking sheet. We made some with white bread, and some with wheat.
- Toast in 450 degree oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cut each roll into three pieces and spear each with a frilled party toothpick.
- Add Cheese Nibs, together with an assortment of cheeses, fruits, and meats for a delicious appetizer tray.
Today, we shot photos of the really simple process for creating Cheese Nibs, which are a delightful, savory treat Grandma Joyce adds to a party relish tray:
The Process
1. Combine cheese, mayonnaise, olives, onion, and seasoned salt.
2. Cut crusts from bread and roll lightly with a rolling pin to flatten slightly.
3. Spread about a tablespoon of filling on each slice.
remove crusts from bread, then spread with the Cheese Nibs mixture
4. Roll up bread slices into small rolls, jelly-roll fashion.
Starting at one end, simply roll the bread section into a small roll
5. Dip each roll in the melted butter.
This is not the “low fat” version, which is why they taste so delicious and why most of us in the family fight our waistlines.
6. Bake rolls, seam-side down on parchment paper-covered baking sheet or un-greased baking sheet. We made some with white bread, and some with wheat.
Cheese Nib rolls, ready to bake.
7. Toast in 450 degree oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
Golden brown Cheese Nib Rolls
7. Cut each roll into three pieces and spear each with a frilled party toothpick.
Divide toasted rolls into thirds for serving
8. Add Cheese Nibs, together with an assortment of cheeses, fruits, and meats for a delicious appetizer tray.
Cheese Nibs are a great addition to a fun tray of party cheeses, meats, and fruit
