Advent is here again. We are anticipating the spiritual growth that is sure to come in this season of preparation. We might also be looking for the physical benefit of eating more modestly. Our fast is not as stringent as our brethren in the East, we are still easing into it as a family. However, if you are learning about this discipline, and wish to have some ideas for meals, I pray that these menu plans will assist you. This year, we are eating meatless for four days a week, with the more stringent rules on Wednesdays and Fridays. You will still see fish, eggs and dairy on most days. I understand that wine and oil are not restricted during the Nativity fast in the way they are in the Lenten fast, but would be glad to be corrected. On the days that we are eating meat, we are still trying to keep it pretty simple and use the meat more as a garnish than a main course. Always, we keep in mind to stop before we are satisfied, and that, as Amira explained when she was little, the reason we fast is so we can better pray. This is a great season for almsgiving, as well, and I will try to post some ways for you to give to organizations we support, if you are interested. In the Church, fasting is always a trinity of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. The Church Fathers called a fast without prayer, the fast of the demons, for they do not eat, and they do not acknowledge the Lord. We pray to be spared from such a fast.

May your Advent be holy and blessed and full of joy!

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Turkey, Gravy, Rice, Peas, Leftover Pies
• Monday
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Chopped Apples, Coffee
  Dinner: Turkey Tetrazzini
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Toast, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Macaroni & Cheese, Vegetable Sticks
• Wednesday - Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle
  Breakfast: Polenta with Maple Syrup, Mint Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Potato Kibbeh, Rice Pilaf, Fruit Plate
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with Craisins and Coconut, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Vegetable Fried Rice, Satsumas
• Friday
  Breakfast: Ful, Toast, Hot Sauce, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Musgovian Vegetable Soup, Sweet Potato Rolls
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Home Fries, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Enchiladas Blancas, Black Beans, Salsa Rice

What is on your menu this week? If you want a recipe, ask and I will provide it as soon as I can. If there are any starred recipes, I will follow up separately with a weekly recipe round up.

Labels: Advent, Church Year, Family, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Tales from the Kitchen