On Sunday I was using part of the lectionary reading from Philippians as a focus for some reflections on how we might prepare ourselves spiritually for the 'Day of Christ.'  Using Paul's prayer for the people at Philippi, part of that reflection was about 'growing in knowledge and insight' and I commented on the danger of a stagnant understanding of scripture, fixed firmly in the way we heard stories as children, and the risk of not really reading or engaging with scripture afresh.  It seemed to resonate with (at least) some people. I also commented that Jesus injunction to 'become like a child' was not about a kind of Peter Pan refusal to grow up, rather about a curiosity and openness to discover truth through the whole of life.

This morning I was reading the lectionary readings for today and was left discomfitted by the Isaiah 30:19 to end passage which was, crudely, God blessing Israel and God punishing Assyria.  Not that God is not free to punish those who deserve punishment, or to bless those whom God so chooses, just I find the whole national level blessing and cursing hard to handle.  As it happened, I also checked out NBLCs Advent reflection for today which was using a different Isaiah passage, Isaiah 19: 18 - 25 which, in the CEV is labelled up as 'The LORD will bless Egypt, Assyria and Israel'.  A contrast, and a more hope-filled passage... yet still part of the greater whole.  I can't just ignore chapter 30 in favour of chapter 19, rather I must try to find the signs of hope, the good news in the greater whole, the bigger picture.  Not sure that's easy, not sure I'll ever quite get there, but a challenge to keep seeking the new insights, to keep learning and growing.

The 'thought for the day' bit on NBLC's website (which will have vanished tomorrow) seemed very apposite:

Egypt and Assyria were the opposing superpowers in Isaiah’s time. Israel was the corridor connecting them – a dangerous place to be. Yet Isaiah speaks of a time when these three enemies would be at one, each blessed by God, each known as the people of God. It’s an amazing vision of peace. As we await to celebrate the prince of peace, are we working and praying for the Taliban to be at one with the USA, for India to be at one with Pakistan, for Israel to be at one with the Palestinians?

I wonder who the communities or people groups either (or all) side(s) of us are?  How is our place a dangerous palce to be?  Who is it we need to be praying for locally as well as internationally?

Come now O Prince of Peace, make us one body... come now Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.

A great evening of food, laughter, friendship and conversation was shared by a good number of folk (I didn't count but I suspect nearer 40 than 30 in the end) at last night's progressive meal.  With five hosts (I think) offering sumptuous starters and mains, we then moved on to the Gathering Place for desserts, coffee/tea and chocolates.

It was above all a really happy evening.  Some of those who came along are really quite lonely or troubled people (I hope they will forgive me for saying so) and it was good to see them tucking into their food and laughing and chatting.  Others are amazing cooks who could have given the five thousand a real banquet, never mind fish sandwiches.  Still more have an eye for detail, making sure the place looked lovely as we arrived.  Some put furniture out, some put it away, some washed up (with the dishwasher, panic not!) and some were just the most wonderful guests.

We can get ourselves rather into theological knots in Advent - should we feast or should we fast?  I suspect the answer is, a bit of both.  Jesus, as I recall, got into trouble for feasting when others thoguht he should fast; he also assumed that people would fast (check out Matthew and his revisit of the Law) with good attitudes and cheerful demeanours.  Sometimes it is about the 'how' and 'why' not the precise form of the 'what'.  So it was yesterday.  I have a feeling that Jesus would have approved of last night's repast.

So, after making the mousse there are two egg yolks needing to be used up... here's a great way!

500g full fat cream cheese (the sort that prompts brotherly/sisterly love is fine)

20 or so digestive biscuits (about one standard packet of the sort made in Ashby de la Zouch)

150g unsalted butter

Around 300g or two punnets of fresh raspberries

2 dessert spoons of sugar

2 egg yolks

1/4 pint double cream (could be left after you make the mousse...)

1 tablespoon agar flakes dissolved in a cup of water (or one sachet of gelatine made up according to instructions)

2x 7" Victoria sandwich tin lined with foil

Smash the biscuits to bits inside a food bag.  Melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat and then stir in the biscuit crumbs.  Divide the mix between the two tins, press down firmly and then place in the fridge for about half an hour

Mix together in a large bowl the cream cheese and sugar, then add about 3/4 of the rapsberries and mix really well.  The raspberries fall part and the mix takes on an attractive pink hue.  Add the egg yolks and again mix thoroughly.

Whip the cream until it 'holds it shape' and stir in the agar/gelatine and mix well.  Add the cream mixture to the cheese mixture and beat thoroughly.  Divide the topping between the two tins (you may find the filling stands proud of the tins but is think enough to stay put).  Chill for at least four hours and preferably overnight before serving.  Just before serving top with the remaining raspberries.

Serves 10-12.  I forgot to work out the calories but by now, who's worried?  You get part of a 'five a day' in each serving and it's a great source of calcium, so it must be good for you.

... sounds so much nicer than 'death by chocolate' and has an element of hope somehow...

Catriona's Mainly Fairtrade Triple Chocolate Mousse

White layer:

2 x 100g bar of good quality white chocolate (I am not aware of a fairtrade supplier, so please advise if you know of one...)

1/4 pint of double cream (not the extra thick stuff)

Half a tablespoon of agar flakes made up with ~ half a cup of water (or half a sachet of gelatine made up as per instructions)

Milk Layer:

2 x 100g bar of Fairtrade Divine milk chocolate orange

1/4 pint double cream (as above, even though you have to whip it)

Half a tablespoon of agar flakes made up with ~ half a cup of water (or half a sachet of gelatine made up as per instructions)

Dark Layer:

2 x 100g bar of Fairtrade Maya Gold dark chocolate

1/4 pint double cream (yet again)

2 egg whites

Half a tablespoon of agar flakes made up with ~ half a cup of water (or half a sachet of gelatine made up as per instructions)

A two pound loaf tin, lightly oiled and with the base lined using greaseproof paper.

How to make it...

First the white layer...

Melt the white chocolate in a bowl over gentle simmering water.  Stir a lot as white chocolate can burn quite easily.

Add the agar mix to the cream and stir into the chocolate mixing thoroughly.

Pour into the loaf time and place in the fridge to set.

Make a nice of cup of Fairtrade tea or coffee and enjoy while reading the paper for a minimum of one hour.

Now the milk layer...

Melt the Divine chocolate ina bowl over simmering water.

Whip up the cream until it is 'holds its shape' (whatever shape that may be)

Add the agar mix to the cream and mix well - when you see the result you may wonder why you had to whip it first, but it does work, honest!

Fold this mixture into the chocolate, ensuring it is well mixed

Pour into the loaf tin (which should be about 2/3 full) and place in the fridge to set.

Make another delicious Fairtrade drink, phone a friend, take a bath or simply chill out for at least another hour

Lastly the dark layer...

Melt the Maya Gold chocolate (OK, you know how by now!) and allow to cool slightly

Whip the egg white until the are stiff, then fold into the chocolate.

Whip up the cream until it 'holds it shape' and mix in the agar mix as before.

Fold the cream mixture into the chocolate mixture and give a good stir

Pour the mixture into the loaf tin - it will just about fit and the surface tension and convex meniscus (woo!) help here.  Place in the fridge to set.

Now, you have an hour to get your glad rags on if you want to eat it today or you can simply enjoy a restful night of sleep knowing all is ready for tomorrow.

Carefully turn out onto a serving dish (you may need to warm the tin a little to help ease it out and/or use a hot palette knife) and enjoy.

This is seriously rich and at around 550kCal per slice (based on ten sharing) could guarantee you early access to eternity, though you'd go with a smile on your face.  It is very expensive to make (which  is why I make it about once in five years) but also very, very delicious.  I reckon it is worth every penny, and given the ingredients can be enjoyed with a conscience as clean as that of a clergy-woman!!

PS Since the cream comes in 1 pint containers you can always pour the leftovers over the mousse... quelle hardship!

This one is really simple and quick to do - and quick to post which is as well as today has suddenly turned busy!  The other two will follow later

You need:

1 bottle of sparkling grape juice drink

1 packet of frozen forest fruits (thawed)

3 tablespoons of agar flakes*

2 dessert spoons of sugar

A 2lb loaf tin

Put half a pint of grape juice in a saucepan, sprinkle on the agar flakes and heat according to instructions on the packet.  Add another half pint of grape juice and the sugar - it will foam up but that's fine.

Pour in enough liquid to cover the base of the tin to about 7mm/quarter inch and chill in freezer for 15 mins

Add the fruit to the tin

Slowly pour over the rest of the liquid, tapping the tin which apparently removes air bubbles

Leave in the fridge to set

Easy peasy!  Teetotal, vegetarian and vegan. It works about 50 kCal a serving, contains half a portion of your 5 a day and is excellent for 'men of a certain age' or as a precaution for younger men because it is 'all things red'  Just how good is that?!

If you want to use alcohol (which will impact to a degree on setting) or gelatine then feel free.

ENJOY!  Oh, and you can drink the left over grape juice too!!

* Having made this dish and discovered how soft the set was when I turned it out, it may be better to use a little extra agar.