Re-gifting Surprise

Way back on Thursday, December 21st, I stopped at a store that sells citrus goodies, mainly for sending to folks in the northern states.

But I spied some home made stollen cakes made from Honey Bell oranges. Now if you haven't heard of Honey Bells, they're a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit. They are juicy and delicious --- and rare. We used to have a tree in our back yard, but the hurricanes in '04 pretty much stripped them and wiped them out.

Thinking of a couple of neighbors who've been big helpers since hubby died, I bought one and also a huge, delicious-looking apple pie for the other.

But the one for whom the stollen was intended had left town for Christmas. I didn't realize this until I left a message on their voice mail. Gary called back and said they'd be returning in about a week. NOW, what to do with the stollen? I could freeze it -- the store associate said it freezes just fine.

But I know there's nothing like fresh. So, on Sunday I took it to church figuring I'd give it to one of the special workers there. But she didn't show up. So when a couple invited me for a bit of lunch at their house, I offered it to them We shared it and it truly was delicious.

Meanwhile, someone gave me one of those tiny loaves of -- cranberry -- bread. I received it graciously but I don't really care for cranberries, whether juice, dessert, or bread. So I removed it from the little baking dish and tucked it in the freezer.

You're right -- when my neighbors returned, I took it out of the freezer, warmed it in the oven, and put it back into the now-washed dish. When I took it over, Gloria said, "Oh, thank you. I love cranberry bread. I'll make one for you from my favorite recipe and you can tell me which you like best."

Aarrgh! Foiled! But guess what -- this morning she brought over a little dish of pumpkin bread. She said she didn't have time to get the ingredients for the cranberry bread. I AM SO GRATEFUL! The pumpkin is delicious!