We are in the countdown to the Feast of the Nativity now. It is three weeks from the New Year in the Western Calendar, and the beginning of the fast (at the end of this week) on the Eastern Calendar (unless you are Old Calendar). It is time. We need this time of prayer, self-examination, fasting, confession, and almsgiving. I don't know about you, but I don't think I do enough of any of that. Tomorrow is also the feast of Saint Martin of Tours, a Christian Roman soldier and, later, bishop. His charity and faith are inspiring.

Last week, Rich made sure I could go on a two day spiritual retreat to learn about women saints. It was fantastic! I was hosted by a couple families from the church, who fed me beautifully, and were so generous in their hospitality. I learned so much, had the time and space to pray well, and really gained a great deal.

Because of that absence, though, I had not prepared some of the things necessary for our Saturday dinner and forgot to ask the family to do it while I was away, so we just did it Saturday, switched dinners with tomorrow's, and we will have the pork belly tacos tomorrow night. The younger kids want to do the lantern walk again, and the weather isn't so frigid and windy, so I think we will do it.

I'm kind of trying to streamline breakfasts now. You will see a lot of repeats on breakfasts over the next few weeks and months. I'm mostly rotating through several easy, quick breakfasts. We are having more complex or interesting breakfasts on weekends, though. Our meals will be slowly turning into abstinent and fasting more frequently. Fortunately, fish is permitted during most of this fast. If you do not observe Advent or the Nativity Fast in advance of the feast of the Nativity, may I encourage you to dig a little into either Western or Eastern Tradition about it, and slowly start praying, fasting, offering alms, and putting that with the study of the Holy Family, the Incarnation, and prepare yourself for His coming? Then, you can celebrate fully for all of the Christmas season (which begins late Christmas Eve, and ends on February 2).

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Pancakes with Raspberry Syrup, Sausages, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Not Texas Chili, Jalapeño Cheddar Bread, Toppings/Sides/Salads/Desserts brought by Parishioners
• Monday - Feast of Saint Martin of Tours
  Breakfast: Fried Halloum, Saint Martin's Day Almond Crescents (GF for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Habanero Pork Belly Tacos, Ranchero Beans, Mexican Rice, Salsa, Mandarin Oranges
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam, Toast (GF for Jerome), Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Pressure Cooker Greek Style Spare Ribs, Basmati Rice, Lemon Potatoes, Sautéed Mushrooms, Sliced Apples
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls with Cashew Butter Drizzle, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Caponata and Pasta (GF for Jerome), Green Salad, Fruit Plate
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Fruit, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Cream of Jalapeño Soup, Crackers (GF for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Friday
  Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast with Honey, Sliced Fruit, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Mejeddarah, Fruit Plate
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (GF for Jerome) with Cream Cheese Drizzle, Chorizo Patties, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Harvest Potluck - bringing Summer Squash Casserole (small one w/o crumbs for Jerome), Limoncello Zabaglione

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: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Homesteading, Menu Plans, Preserving the Harvest, Tales from the Kitchen