Oven-Roasted Applesauce Scented with Rosemary and Vanilla and a History Lesson

Today our Sunday Supper cooks are sharing recipes inspired by holiday music, movies and TV shows.

I was going to give you something lighthearted, inspired by the movie “Elf,” which I love, but I am in a more contemplative mood. Instead, this song, based on a true story from WWI, is so much more meaningful, especially today when we have troops abroad. It is one of my favorite non-traditional Christmas songs.

Ninety-nine years ago, soldiers on both sides of the battlefield put down their arms and celebrated Christmas with each other. It came to be known as “The Christmas Truce of 1914,” and if you have never heard this song – “Christmas in the Trenches” — I recommend you listen to it now. Singer/songwriter John McCutcheon introduces it, including the story of how a small group of veterans from that truce attended his concert. He sings it here.

The song it is a tribute to our troops and truly captures the spirit of Christmas. It reminds us that miracles can happen even in the midst of a terrible conflict, between soldiers fighting on opposite sides, whose governments have decided they are enemies, when men who had been at the bloody work of war paused to play. Listen to it as you read the lyrics below.

Christmas in the Trenches

My name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool,
Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.
To Belgium and to Flanders to Germany to here
I fought for King and country I love dear.
‘Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung,
The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung,
Our families back in England were toasting us that day,
Their brave and glorious lads so far away.

I was lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound
Says I, “Now listen up, me boys!” each soldier strained to hear
As one young German voice sang out so clear.
“He’s singing bloody well, you know!” my partner says to me
Soon one by one each German voice joined in in harmony
The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more
As Christmas brought us respite from the war.

As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” struck up some lads from Kent
The next they sang was “Stille Nacht,” “Tis ‘Silent Night’,” says I
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky.
“There’s someone coming towards us!” the front line sentry cried
All sights were fixed on one lone figure coming from their side
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright
As he bravely strode unarmed into the night.

Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man’s land
With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand
We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well
And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave ’em hell.
We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own
Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin
This curious and unlikely band of men.

Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more
With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night
“Whose family have I fixed within my sights?”
‘Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung
For the walls they’d kept between us to exact the work of war
Had been crumbled and were gone for evermore.

My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell
Each Christmas come since World War I I’ve learned its lessons well
That the ones who call the shots won’t be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we’re the same.

©1984 John McCutcheon/Appalsongs (ASCAP)
Album: Winter Solstice; original release date 1985

Today, as Christmas approaches, I offer comfort and care in a simple dish of Oven-Roasted Applesauce Scented with Rosemary and Vanilla. It will go with all of your holiday meals, from breakfast to dinner, and we’ve even eaten it for dessert.

Close your eyes as you are eating it, and wish for peace.

Our Holiday Music/Movie/TV-Inspired Recipes

This week our #SundaySupper blogger crew is all about holiday inspirations, hosted by Tammi of Momma’s Meals. Check out the variety of things we have cooked up for you! Try this Oven-Roasted Applesauce Scented with Rosemary and Vanilla or find something else from the menu below that floats your boat:

Party Appetizers & Snacks:

• Oven-Roasted Applesauce Scented with Rosemary & Vanilla – Inspired by the song “Christmas in the Trenches” – Shockingly Delicious
• Roasted Chestnuts Inspired by the movie “The Christmas Song” – Food Lust People Love
• A Popcorn Trio Inspired by the song “Let it Snow” – Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
• Chai Tea Abominable Snow Buddies Inspired by the movie “Rudolph” – Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Raisin Bran Muffins for a Crowd Inspired by the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” – In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
• Icicle Candy and Reindeer Snacks Inspired by the movie “Snow” – Treats & Trinkets
• A Christmas Carol Plum Pudding Inspired by the movie “A Christmas Carol” – No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
• Yukon Mashed Potato Cakes Inspired by the movie “Rudolph” – Cookin’ Mimi
• Christmas Pudding Inspired by the song “Over the River and Through the Woods” – A Kitchen Hoor
• Pumpkin Pudding Inspired by the movie “Nightmare Before Christmas” – Basic N Delicious
• Elf-Inspired Christmas “Grams” Inspired by the movie “Elf” – MarocMama
• Sugarplums Inspired by the movie “The Nutcracker” – Happy Baking Days
• Chai Spiced Roasted Nuts Inspired by the song “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” – Take A Bite Out of Boca

Festive Main Dishes

• Maple Syrup Spaghetti– Inspired by the movie “Elf”- Momma’s Meals
• Who Hash Inspired by the movie “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” –girlichef
• Ginger Orange Glazed Cornish Hens Inspired by the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” –Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• NY Hot Dog with Sabrett-style Onion Sauce Inspired by the movie “Die Hard” – Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Classic Caesar Salad Inspired by the movie “The Santa Clause” – The Little Ferraro Kitchen
• Individuals Meatloaves & Horseradish Mashed Potatoes for Mommy’s Little Piggies – Inspired by the movie “A Christmas Story” – The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Christmas Waffles Inspired by the TV special “A Claymation Christmas Celebration” – Curious Cuisiniere
• Filthy Animal Pizza Inspired by the movie “Home Alone” – Foxes Love Lemons
• Chicken Orzo Soup Inspired by the song “12 Days of Christmas” – Family Foodie
• Brandied Candied Sweet Potatoes Inspired by the song “Christmas Is The Time To Say ‘I Love You’ ” – Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Sweet Holiday Treats:

• Gin and Tonic Cupcakes Inspired by Adam Sandler’s ” The Chanukah Song” – The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars Inspired by the movie “Love Actually” – Magnolia Days
• Gingerbread Marshmallows Inspired by the song “Marshmallow World” – Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
• Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies Inspired by the movie “The Gremlins” – Killer Bunnies, Inc
• White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Inspired by the song “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” – Alida’s Kitchen
• Snowball Cookies – Inspired by the movie “White Christmas” –The Foodie Army Wife
• Penuche Fudge Inspired by the movie “Elf” – Pies and Plots
• Hot Chocolate Cookies Inspired by the movie “Santa Clause” – Mess Makes Food
• South Pacific Coconut Tres Leche Cake Inspired by the movie “South Pacific” –The Ninja Baker
• Cookies & Cream Fudge Inspired by the movie “Elf” – The Messy Baker

Cozy Drinks:

• Toasted Coconut Hot Cocoa– Inspired by the song “Let It Snow”– Chocolate Moosey
• The Christmas Gram Inspired by the movie “Elf” – An Appealing Plan
• Eggnog Hot Chocolate Inspired by the movie “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation” – Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Vermont Hot Cocoa Inspired by the movie “White Christmas” – Kudos Kitchen By Renee
• Spiked Hot Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Floats Inspired by the song “Holly Jolly Christmas “ –NeighborFood
• This is Christmas; Wine Pairings for Holiday Themed#SundaySupper Recipes – ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Tagged as: #SundaySupper, apples, applesauce, Christmas, homemade applesauce, sauce, Thanksgiving