September 13, 1952 Bobby & Lynn Go to School, The Sorensens Come Home, Bernadine Plans a Visit, Charlotte Writes a Letter and Calabrian Christmas Cake

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Our first week of school is over and so far things have gone fine for Bob.  I took him Monday afternoon and we stayed for only a half hour.  He played with all the toys while I talked to his teacher.  They had teachers' meetings Tues. and Wed. so he didn't go again until Thurs.  B took him and Lynn and left them at the door and then brought them home.  Watty took them today and Toni and I went after them.  They really like it and can't wait until the time rolls around to go.

B has been giving entrance examinations to Freshmen and registering graduate students all week.  Classes really begin on Monday.  There is a reception for Freshmen tonight and an all-school party tomorrow night but our sitter hasn't called me yet and I doubt if she is going to come to school this year.  If she doesn't I'll have to find another one and it will take a while for the children to get acquainted with her so we aren't planning to go anywhere for a while.

Sorensens are back from Pakistan and were here for a while Wed. night.  They are going to eat supper with us Sunday night.  You remember about my not sending them the cake last Xmas because the postage cost $18.00?  So I made them one and wrapped it in Xmas paper.  They were pleased about it.  Their year in Pakistan was wonderful in spite of the awful heat and awful food.  They came back by way of Europe and enjoyed that.

Clipping included in the letter, needs no comment!

Bernadine and her family are planning to spend Sunday, the 21st with us.  I had told her to write me when Ray had a day off so I had a card from her this week. 

I'm really making slow progress on my suit.  The skirt was no trouble at all but the coat has been awful.  Ripping it apart was a terrible job.  It was made so well and I had to sort of make my own pattern.  It is just cut so I can tell more about it when it is basted together.

I'm sending the dress back that I ordered from Sears.  It was fairly nice but wasn't worth the money.  Maybe we can go to Peoria one of these days or there will be some new ones in the store here.

I got my peaches canned, filled every quart jar I had.  That left quite a few peaches but we've been eating on them and I liked having some left.  Watty's mother helped me and it didn't take long to do them.

It has been awfully hot today after our cold weather.

I had a letter from Charlotte with a short note from Beulah.  We'll try to get the clarinet sent tomorrow if I can get it wrapped. 

Your letter hasn't come this week but probably will tomorrow.  Just hope you are both fine."

                   Lots of love,

                        Bonnie

Calabrian Christmas Cake  (Bonnie did not indicate the source of this recipe on the card. )

Make 2 months before serving.  Makes about 4 small cakes.

In a large bowl, mix, cover and let stand 10 min.:  4 large eggs, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 c. white wine, 1/2 c. veg. oil, 1/2 c. sugar and 1 tsp. active dry yeast.

Add 5-6 c. flour one cup at a time until soft ball of dough is formed.  Knead on floured board till smooth & not sticky.  Add flour as needed.  Put dough in oiled bowl, cover tightly and let rise in warm place 1 hr. or till doubled.

Mix together and then set aside the filling:  4-1/2 c. raisins, 3-1/2 c. walnut pieces, 1 c. honey, 1 tsp. cinnamon and 1 tsp. cloves.

Punch dough down and knead a few minutes.  Take pieces of dough the size of med. orange.  Roll on floured board to 9" circle.  Place on parchment covered cookie sheet.  Take piece of dough size of large orange and roll to 20" x 8" and cut crosswise into 8, 2-1/2 wide strips.  Spread 2 T filling down center of each strip.  Start at short end & roll up like jelly roll.  Place close together on the circle of dough.  Leave 1" around outside edge.  Brush outside edge with water and turn edge up around the rolls of dough.  Tie cake loosely with string.  Form remaining dough using the same process to make 2 or 3 more cakes.

Cover & let rise 4 hrs. or overnight in warm place.  Will rise slightly.  Brush each with a little oil, drizzle 2 T honey over each cake.  Bake @ 275 for 45 min. or light gold.  Baste with drippings as they bake.  Cool on racks over waxed paper.  

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store airtight.  Turn cakes over every week.

Eat at Christmas.