I know the picture says peace. We don't know why. Peace is the last Sunday.

We had a lot of schedule shuffling last week, so there are some repeats on the menu this week. We are relaxing the fast on the feast of Saint Nicholas, and yet again I find myself wishing we hd a decent sized Middle Eastern population here with whom we could "trick or treat" for Saint Barbara. Though, with as cold as it has been, maybe I'm glad not to do that.

Jerome decided to take the risk on testing gluten back this week, so we will see how that goes. This means he will also try a small bite of his initial cookie on Tuesday. Please pray that it goes well for him and that it is clear whether or not he should avoid it. If all goes well, he will still have a few things to avoid or watch, but all food will be normal food for him. He will still have to avoid bananas, canola, and lima beans.

• Sunday - Second Sunday of Advent and Feast of Saint Barbara
  Breakfast: Waffles (Gluten-free for Jerome) with Maple Syrup, Fruit Plate, Milk, Coffee and Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Baked Mediterranean Rock Fish in Tomatoes and Onions, with Green Beans and Olives, Basmati Rice, Qamhiyeh for St. Barbara's Day, Saffron Buns for St. Barbara's Day, Fudge for Jerome
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Chickpeas with Onions and Roasted Peppers, Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Vegetarian Ranchero Beans, Rice, Pineapple Fruit Cups
• Tuesday - Saint Nicholas
  Breakfast: Saint Nicholas Cookies, Chocolate, Oranges, Peanuts, Pistachios, Pomegranates, Coffee and Milk
  Dinner: Margherita Baked Polenta, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Chocolate Pecan Pie, GF Pumpkin Pie for Jerome
• Wednesday - Saint Ambrose of Milan
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins and Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Chickpea Fajitas, Salsa Rice, Fruit Plate
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Eggless Harvest Pancakes, Mandarin Oranges, Coffee, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Cajun Sweet Potato and Shellfish Chowder, Crackers (Gluten-free for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Friday - Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Theotokos
  Breakfast: Toasted Crumpets with Peanut Butter and Honey (Gluten-free for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Falafel Plate with Yellow Rice, Harissa, Taratoor, Veggie and Olive Plate, Dates
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Ful, Harissa, Olives and Roasted Veggies for Potluck Breaking the Fast after Liturgy
  Dinner: Quesadillas with Peppers, Corn and Onions, Fruit Plate

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 on Saturday.

Labels: Advent, Church Year, Family, Fasting as a Family, Governor Inslee Needs a Frozen Fish to the Forehead, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Tales from the Kitchen