Last Updated on April 6, 2026 by Lisa Keys
I created this smokehouse cranberry cheese bread, an angels among us inspired recipe. It packs smoked cheese, dried sweetened cranberries, and a touch of black pepper. This old world European-style bread is perfect for your holiday dinners. Read on for recipe inspiration.
This week, an angel's wing brushed me; it belonged to my dear, sweet mother-in-law, Renetta. Monday was her birthday, and on that day, officials announced the finalists in the 2015 National Festival of Breads. And, yes, yours truly is among them with the best smokehouse cranberry cheese bread.
It's an honor. This whole thing touches my heart not because I won, but because Renetta inspired the recipe I created. It's about the days I spent visiting her in Vermont. Do I see just a coincidence, or does Renetta continue to comfort me? Do angels exist among us? What do you think?
Will and Grandma Keys. They were thick as thieves.
Update alert. I am just thrilled and honored to tell you that I am the 2015 Grand Champion of the National Festival of Breads. Thank you to all the judges, Kansas Wheat, Red Star Yeast and the other fabulous sponsors. My dear sweet mother in-law Renetta was definitely present and continues to rest peacefully in my heart. I love how she has inspired my antics in the kitchen. I know she is incredibly proud.
Click here for all the bread winners.
Ronna F says
Lovely story as always, Lisa! I'm also thrilled to be a finalist at the Festival Of Breads! We will all have a fantastic time together!!!!!!
Lisa says
YAY, Ronna! It will be a fun girls week in Kansas.
Ellen Aronheim says
"Is it just coincidence or is it Renetta continuing to comfort me? Are there angels among us? What’s your story?"
Surely there are angels among us, Lisa. The gift is to be open to the possibility. And with Grace, by Grace and in Grace you are open to the gift <3
Lisa says
Thank you, Ellen. One thing for sure is that you are a real life breathing angel
Cathy says
You know how I feel about our Guardian Angels! No coincidence at all. I wish everyone could feel as comforted by GA's as you and I do by ours. I just know they tag team us from up there 🙂 And they most certainly inspire us. Great description of your Vermont visits.
Lisa says
It is wonderful to know that others feel the same--makes me feel less crazy sometimes. Glad my brain can still retrieve the memories. Every time I see a coin on the ground I think of you and your mom and those pennies from heaven.
James Matino says
Kudos on reaching the finals. It sounds like a fun trip to Kansas and, if you win it all, I hope you don't go wild with all that yeast. I'm quite sure you will be the first Matino/Keys to set foot in Kansas.
JJ
Lisa says
Thank you! I am very excited to go to Kansas and learn all about wheat harvesting. Dad may have stepped foot in KS--didn't he hitch-hike across the country when he was a teenager?
Wendy L. says
Congratulations Lisa, you never cease to amaze! You may need some Ruby slippers, what would Renetta think about that?
Lisa says
Thanks Wendy. Well, of course there is no place like home, but I think a visit to Kansas will be a whole lot of fun.