Let's Break Bread Together

Then let's chat: not debate, but dialogue

Butter Gluten Free Dinner Roll sliders: BBQ chicken and Salmon with homemade fig jam

A few days ago, I wrote a reflective note in response to disturbing current events:

Two things can be true at once. Even three or four.

You can hold more than one feeling at a time. Even three or four.

And being unable to articulate exactly how you feel or what you think is also an option.

In a world where so much comes at us—where evil crashes through good, and kindness shines through meanness, and joy and sorrow coexist…

We only have the power to choose:

— action or non-action

— nonviolence or violence

— kindness or meanness

— resistance or acceptance

— response or apathy

Today I bake.

Today, I share the results of that bake—and some fresh thoughts.

The Bake

Gluten Free Dinner Roll Sliders

Buttery GF Dinner Rolls

This recipe is not my own. They are from King Arthur Baking and these are the measurements for 1/2 recipe with paraphrased instructions.

Dough

• 1 ½ cups (180g) King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour

• ¼ cup (56.5g) water, lukewarm

• ¼ cup (56.5g) milk, lukewarm

• 1 large eggs

• ½ large egg yolk, white reserved for the topping

• 1 ½ Tablespoons (21.5g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ Tablespoons (19g) neutral oil

• ⅛ cup (25g) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon instant yeast

• ⅞ teaspoons table salt

Topping

• 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted

• ½ large egg white, reserved from above, lightly beaten (egg wash); optional

• sesame seeds or poppy seeds, for sprinkling; optional

Instructions:

1. Rest for 20 minutes.

2. Gently fold and turn 90 degrees about 10 times.

3. Let rise about 1 hour.

4. Gently fold and turn 90 degrees again about 6 times.

5. Form into a square. Cut into 16 pieces.

6. Roll each piece into a ball and cover in butter.

7. Let rise for about 30 minutes.

8. Brush with beaten egg white and top with sesame seeds.

9. Bake at 375.

10. Brush with melted butter. (I do this about halfway through the bake - and then again when they are removed from the oven.)

Fig Jam

The measurements here are approximate. No need to be exact.

• 1/2 cup dried figs, diced

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut brown sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Sprinkles of dried orange zest

Bring to a boil in a saucepan, reduce heat, and let simmer until thickened to the jam consistency you prefer.

The Sliders

Make the Buttery GF Dinner Rolls (best when eaten fresh).

Chicken: Prepare chicken in any manner you wish. I placed boneless chicken thighs in a hot pan with a little olive oil. Added salt & pepper. Put in a little bit of water and covered. Shred the chicken and douse in your favorite BBQ sauce.

Salmon Salad: Drain canned salmon. Flake. Add a dollop of mayonnaise and a dollop of sweet relish. Squirt some spicy brown mustard and a little BBQ sauce. Stir together.

Cut the rolls in half across the middle (like a hamburger bun).

Put protein on one side and fig jam on the other. Top the protein with caramelized onion jam (store bought).

Enjoy!

NOW LET’S CHAT

I know and love many people who think differently than me about many things.

In the 1980s, in my own family of 8 adult siblings: I was a Catholic nun. My brother was a Baptist minister. Another brother was married to a Mormon. Several siblings were agnostic or exploring religious options or athiest. We had it all - and we engaged in heated debate.

But we operated from a fundamental principle that respected the dignity and rights of the human person.

The Value of Debate

I firmly believe in the value of debate.

In the 1990s, as a high school teacher and as a parent, I encouraged debate to help young people clarify their positions on many topics: religion, politics, personal preferences…

But I will not debate with hate.

I will not debate with anyone who demonizes, dehumanizes, or devalues other human beings.

Hate leaves no room for debate. I will not debate hate.

The Value of Dialogue

Dialogue is not debate.

In dialogue we agree:

• to speak with “I” statements.

• to share our feelings.

• to listen.

• to try to understand another person’s feelings.

Dialogue does not allow for attack or judgment or dehumanizing.

Perhaps what we need today is less debate (where each is trying to win and to prove their own point) and more dialogue.

Perhaps if we could break bread together while we listen to one another’s hopes and fears and dreams…

Perhaps then we will not be subject to the growing levels of violence and discord that currently bombard us.

Perhaps then…