Bena Mae’s Kitchen: Methodists, God love them

Methodists, God love them

As a rule, I refrain from writing about religion because I respect members of another faith that may differ from mine. And I would never want to inadvertently say anything that might be offensive or untrue.

Having said that, I would like to share with you a humorous article sent to me by my former pastor with whom I share a common love of Garrison Keilor, host of “A Prairie Home Companion.” His radio show aired–and may still be available– on many of your NPR stations at 2 p.m. each Sunday.

Garrison says you don’t have to be Methodist to enjoy it, but it helps.

Methodists
We make fun of Methodists, their excessive calm, their fear of giving offense, and also their secret fondness for macaroni and cheese. But nobody sings like them.

If you were to ask an audience in New York City to sing along on the chorus of “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” they would look at you like you had asked them to strip down to their underwear.

But if you do this among Methodists, they’d smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach, and down the road a-piece.
I do believe this. People, these Methodists who love to sing in four-part harmony are the sort of people you could call up when you’re in deep distress. If you’re dying, they will comfort you. If you’re lonely, they’ll talk to you. And if you’re hungry, they’ll give you tuna salad.

Methodist believe in prayer but would practically die if asked to pray out loud.

Methodist like to sing except when confronted with a new hymn that contains more than four stanzas.

Methodists believe in miracles, especially during their stewardship programs or when passing the plate.

Then there’s this, you know you are a Methodist when it’s a hundred degrees with 90% humidity and you still have coffee after the service. Donuts are a line-item in the church budget, just like coffee.

And finally, when watching a “Star Wars” movie and they say, “may the force be with you,” Methodists will respond, “and also with you.”
 

Easy Apple Crumb Cake

Ingredients
1 can (21 ounce) apple pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix (dry), reserve 2 tablespoons
1 stick butter, cut into thin slices
3 tbsp. old fashioned oats
2 level tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp. reserved cake mix
2 tbsp. butter, slightly softed
1 tsp. cinnamon
Whipped topping, optional

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, spray an 8 or 9 inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
Spread apple pie filling in prepared pan. Top with dry cake mix, spread evenly. Top with thin slices of butter in single layer. Cover cake as best as possible.
In a small mixing bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, 2 tbsp cake mix, 2 tbps cinnamon and 2 tbsp softed butter.
Use a fork or your fingers to get a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle over butter slices.
Bake approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Check after 45 minutes.
Cake is done when wooden skewer or toothpick comes out clean or with dry crumbs.
Cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve up and enjoy!