Tea with: Ellen DeGeneres

Then along came Ellen.  Ellen DeGeneres.  I am so gobsmacked by her kindness.  The fact that the word “generous” is a part of her name comes as no surprise to me. She is the real deal in a world where there are so many knock-offs.  I don’t always have a chance to watch her show, but when I do I am always so amazed at the way she just inches her way into everyone’s heart by being, well , Herself.  Herself is a funny, kind interesting and interested person.  Her forte (in my mind) is children.  She never fails to remind me of Art Linkletter.  He had a segment called ‘Kids say the Darndest Things’.  He had a way of posing a question that would elicit an honest and always funny answer.  Ellen does the same thing.

Ellen helps people, but always in such a way that the person in need is the centerpiece and she is the background.  Her daily reminder to always be kind to one another would go a long way in establishing world peace, if only everyone would heed her advice.

Today, I am inviting her to tea.  I will serve  her   something called Love Feast Buns .  I found this recipe some time ago in a cookbook called America’s Bread Book. I just loved the name.  Let’s call them Love Fest Buns, because that’s what Ellen has everyday

Makes 24

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 cup warm mashed potatoes, unseasoned

1/2 cup warm milk

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp mace

2 packages active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water

2 T grated orange rind

2 t grated lemon rind

1 t lemon juice

6 cups flour, approx

• Cream butter and sugar together in large bowl
• Add potatoes and mix well
• Blend in eggs, milk, nutmeg, and mace
• In a separate bowl combine yeast and water, stirring until dissolved
• Add to potato mixture
• Stir in grated rinds and juice
• Beat in 3 cups flour and mix until batter is smooth
• Gradually add enough flour until you have a soft, workable dough
• Turn out onto lightly floured board and knead 5 minutes until smooth
• Round into a ball and place in a greased bowl, turning to coat both sides
• Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour
• Punch down the dough, knead lightly and cover to rest 15 minutes
• Butter 2 large baking sheets
• Flour hands (dough will be sticky) and break off dough into 3 oz pieces
• Form into balls and place on baking sheets about 1 inch apart
•  Slash tops to release air , cover and let rise 45 minutes
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes

I think we shall have chamomile tea with honey.  Just  the ticket for my favorite talk show host. Thank you, Ellen , for all you do for so many people.  You have such a kind heart and generous spirit.