Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
by Brenda Gorseth
Perusing through Facebook, I can’t help but notice the substantial number of sunrise/sunset pictures people post – myself included. Sometimes I think, “Why post ANOTHER picture? Haven’t we all seen it day in and day out?!” Last night, as I looked at yet another stunning sunset, I realized, no, not everyone does see it, either because it is physically impossible or they just aren’t seeing the beauty in front of them.
We take our North Dakota horizons for granted; I can see for miles with no obstacles. So, unless it’s cloudy, sunrise and sunset are easily seen. For those who live in large urban areas, they are often obstructed by buildings, or if unfortunate enough to be in a hospital or nursing home, are unable to get to a window to look out and see that day’s unique landscape painting. Sadder still are those who are surrounded by the beauty and simply refuse to open their eyes. Every day is a chance to be a positive.
Just as no two horizons look alike, no two days will ever be similar. If one is having a rough day, take time to look at the horizon and know tomorrow IS a new day, new sunrise, new horizon and renewed chance to take on the day and literally, ‘have a good day!’
Today’s pictures both tell a story. The first is a sunset I took in Costa Rica in February. Ironically, while I was taking this picture, others in North Dakota were taking the same stunning sunset and posting it. Vastly different climates and yet, the sunsets were both breath taking. The second is one our neighbor took of our farm while the sun was setting this fall while he was combining. He stopped what he was doing and snapped this because he saw the beauty at that moment and knew it was unique.
How does this relate to On Your Table today? One of the things we can grow in North Dakota is cantaloupes, and I had a ton this year, so I pureed and froze in two-cup increments, making a mental note to create a bread using them. It took a few tries, but "Sunshine Bread" was a success and I make it quite a bit now. The great thing about this recipe is it can be made into a standard loaf or muffins and can use ripe bananas, peaches, mangoes or zucchini…any soft fruit/veggie can be substituted. I use frozen, but you can use fresh, too. No, I don’t have a picture. My family eats it faster than I can snap one, and really, if you’ve seen one quick bread, you’ve seen them all. With frozen cantaloupe (or muskmelon if you’re from my family!), I found draining some of the liquid is a great idea. With that, I challenge you to look at the horizon often and instead of feeling self-pity, make the effort to be someone else’s sunshine for the day!
Sunshine Bread
In a mixer, combine 6 T shortening (not oil) and ¾ c sugar; add 2 eggs, ½ tsp almond extract and mix on medium. Sift 1 ¾ c flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp soda, 1.5 oz instant vanilla pudding (1/2 box) and 3 T powdered milk. Add this incrementally with 2 cups fresh pureed cantaloupe (if frozen, drain water to make it 14 oz)-just mix until incorporated; don’t overmix!
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper on the bottom and spray up sides and bottom. Pour batter in and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until center is done.
Brenda Gorseth is the District 5 representative on the NDFB Promotion and Education Committee. She also operates a custom baking, processed foods and catering business, Woodward Farm that uses all North Dakota and Minnesota products.