The Measure of a Blessing
As we gather around the Sabbath table, we seek nourishment not only for the body but for the soul. The modern dish of the Beef Little Smokie in a Blanket offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on a timeless spiritual principle: the sufficiency of God’s provision.
In the Gospel of John, we find the account of Jesus Christ feeding five thousand people. When the disciples assessed their resources, they found only a small boy’s lunch: “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9, KJV). They saw limitation; Christ saw opportunity for abundance.
This simple dish, a small, savory beef sausage wrapped in dough, stands as a symbol of that modest, consecrated offering. It reminds us that our provisions—no matter how simple or few, or how readily prepared—are multiplied in the hand of the Lord. The focus is not on the abundance of a rich feast, but on the miracle of a small, simple blessing that is entirely sufficient and satisfies the needs of all.
Furthermore, in accordance with the ancient dietary laws found in Scripture, we observe that this particular meal utilizes beef as the meat, a clean and acceptable creature under the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 14:4, KJV). This choice is a small act of devotion, honoring the distinction set forth in the Word, yet the greater lesson remains one of profound faith: When we bring our simple, wrapped-up provision to the Lord and give thanks, He will bless it and fill us. The result of the miracle was that everyone “did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full” (Matthew 14:20, KJV). Our great Provider takes the few things we offer and turns them into a glorious feast.
Recipe: Smokie Loaves of Blessing (Beef Lil’ Smokies in a Blanket)
This recipe uses the convenience of modern pre-made biscuit dough, symbolizing that God can use whatever resource we have immediately available to accomplish His purpose and provide for our needs.
Yields: 24 servings (depending on biscuit count)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Beef Cocktail Sausages (Lil’ Smokies) | 1 (14 oz) package |
| Refrigerated Pre-made Biscuit Dough | 1 (10-12 oz) can (8 biscuits) |
| All-Purpose Flour | For dusting (optional) |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 1, lightly beaten (optional) |
Steps to Prepare
- Prepare the Dough: Open the can of refrigerated biscuits. On a lightly floured surface, take each biscuit and flatten it slightly.
- Cut the Strips: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut each biscuit into 3 or 4 narrow strips.
- Wrap the Sausages: Take one beef cocktail sausage and begin wrapping one dough strip around it, starting at one end and spiraling down to the other. Press the end of the dough strip gently to secure it. Place the wrapped sausages seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- The Blessing (Egg Wash): This step is optional but recommended. Brush the tops of the wrapped sausages with the lightly beaten egg wash. This adds a beautiful, golden sheen during baking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to $400^\circ$F ($200^\circ$C). Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is fully cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, remembering the simple, sufficient provision of the Lord.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this Sabbath day and for the food on our table. Just as Jesus took the few things the boy offered and made it enough for thousands, we ask you to bless this simple meal. Help us remember that you provide everything we truly need, both for our bodies and our spirits. Give us the faith to trust you with all of our small offerings, knowing you can make them abundant. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.