Tomorrow is the last feast of the Infancy Narrative of the Incarnation. It is the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple. It is the close of the Christmas season. From now on, all of our feasts and fasts will have to do with His adult life or glorified life in the heavens. It is the day that the Blessed Mother would have come back to be ritually cleansed from childbirth and brought back into the life of corporate worship, and the day that Jesus would be presented and "bought back" as the first born son who opened the womb. This practice is preserved in the Church today, through the service of the Churching of Women (which is still found in all Anglican traditions, as well). In the East, both Orthodox and Catholic, it is the teaching for women to rest at home with their babies for the first 40 days, to heal, to care for their babies, and to be served. On the 40th day, they are brought back into the church for prayers and blessings, and it is common to perform the baptism for the baby that day.

It is the day of the prophecies of both Saints Anna and Simeon, and so is also called the Meeting of Our Lord in the Temple. It is a fitting conclusion to the Nativity season. We do not have the words of Saint Anna, only that she spoke of Him to all were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Clearly, she knew who Jesus was. I love how they both recognized the Lord immediately on seeing Him.

The Church teaches us that Saint Simeon was a scribe, and that in his work as a scribe he attempted to "correct" the Isaiah passage which prophecies of the virgin birth, since no person could be born that way. In the moment that he tried to scrape out the word virgin and change it to wife, he noticed that his hand was being held back by an angel. That angel whispered to him that he, himself, would see its fulfillment before he died. Saint Simeon spent the rest of his life waiting to see this fulfillment. Because of this, we have not only Saint Simeon's words of prophecy, but we pray his prayer every night at evening prayer:

This week is Septuagesima and next week is Sexegesima, so we don't really have a lot of time between the Christmas season and Lent this year. The preparation time before Lent actually overlaps with the Christmas season.

Our schedule right now is brutal - especially in the morning. I am trying to automate our breakfasts more, even if that means they are a little more boring and repetitive. On the menu this week is cassoulet, and we are using the meat from our own ducks. I'm pretty pleased with that. Last week, I made a kind of Arabic hamburger helper. Instead of the more American flavorings, I used seven spice, yogurt, and Aleppo pepper. It was super good, and we will likely make it again.

Things are still very challenging here, and more people are sick. Please pray for our family. Depending on how we are feeling, we may not be making it to church. Pray for them, too.

• Sunday - Feast of Saint Ignatius of Antioch
  Breakfast: Buttermilk Pancakes with Apple Maple Syrup, Bacon, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Ropa Viejo? Pizza? Italian Beef Sandwiches? Parish bringing Side Dishes/Salads/Fruit/Desserts
• Monday - Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple
  Breakfast: Scrambled Egg and Cheese Sandwiches, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Samaak bi Taratoor, Sayadiyeh, Cumin Roasted Carrots, Arugula and Cucumber Salad* with Pomegranate Pips
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint Blaise
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Chopped Apple, Coconut, and Pecans, Coffee, Tea and Milk
  Dinner: Quickie Doner Kebabs, Sumac Onions, Lettuce, Olives, Taratoor, Toum, Sah'awiq, Moroccan Beet Salad
• Wednesday - Feast of Saint Cornelius
  Breakfast: Potato and Veggie Hash, Salsa, Strawberries, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Roasted Scallops with Garlic Balsamic Glaze, Steam Sautéed Carrots and Peas with Dill, Green Salad, Fruit Plate
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Agatha
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam, Toast, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Broiled Harissa Marinated Lamb Chops, Battatas Harra, Green Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette, Cous Cous, Fruit Plate
• Friday - Feast of Saint Titus
  Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast with Honey, Sliced Oranges, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Stir Fried Vegetables and Cashews, Jasmine Rice, Fruit
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Çilbir, Persian Barbari Bread, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Cassoulet, Country Bread, Green Salad, Fruit Plate

Labels: Blessed Virgin, Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Nativity, Prayer Requests, Presentation, Purification, Septuagesima, Tales from the Kitchen, Theotokos

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 8:54 AM 0 comments

Sort of.

Technically, next Monday is the final feast of the Nativity season, but this is close enough.

Things are rough here, a couple people are sick, a lot is going on, and we could use your prayers. On top of that, this is our first week back with co-op, the first week back with youth group, and there is a mother-daughter event for Mariam and Nejat, with me. We are having our quarterly Melting Pot-Luck to try to get folks to know each other, as our way to fight the bigotry and distrust in our society right now. Obviously our unwell will be staying home.

Because of the malaise and the upheavals here, we didn't eat all the meals planned last week, and you will see some again this week. Again, please keep us all in your prayers, and love your families.

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Turkey Vegetable Casserole, Parish brings Sides/Bread/Fruit/Salad/Dessert
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and Cheese with Tomatoes, Toast, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Arabic Style Hamburger Helper, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk, Coffee and Tea
  Dinner: Turkey and Rice, Salad, Fruit
• Wednesday - Feast of Saint Ephraim the Syrian
  Breakfast: Vegetable Hash, Salsa, Strawberries, Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Tomato and Olive Pasta (GF for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Egg and Cheese Bagel Sandwiches, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Turkey Vegetable Soup, Crackers, Strawberries and Sour Cream Fruit Dip*
• Friday - Feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs: Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian, and Saint John Chrysostom
  Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast with Honey, Fruit, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Lentil Chimichangas from Fasting as a Family, Three Hearts Salad, Fruit Plate
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Yemeni Lahsa, Bread, Fruit, Milk, Coffee and Tea
  Dinner: Lissan al-'Asfoor, Roasted Stuffed Onions, Rice, Mafrouka

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Nativity, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 11:40 PM 0 comments

We are still in the Nativity Season, but now in more ordinary time. Our meals reflect that. However, we have all had the post holiday and cold and dark blahs, so there are a lot more leftovers that we are eating, instead of the meals we planned.

The girls' science classes have started up again, and co-op will be starting soon, so our mornings are more rushed than during the Christmas holidays. This is making breakfast more and more of a challenge. I really prefer everyone to have a cooked breakfast most days, especially in the fall and winter, and that is harder to do now.

This week is also my sit and stitch Christmas party, so I am making a lovely turkey with gravy and mashed potatoes, and making more room in the freezer, by the way, and the guests will be bringing side dishes and desserts. I'm super excited to have them over, and do our yarn swap and get to see their families.

Please pray for our family's health. There is a low level malaise going through the house, and the weather and darkness do not help. Some of our older kids could really use prayers for their outlooks, as well.

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Potato, Pepper and Pancetta Scramble with Cheese, Rolls, Fruit Plate, Milk, Coffee and Tea
  Dinner: Korean Style Ground Beef*, Sesame Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables, Jasmine Rice, Parish brings Sides/Salads/Fruit/Desserts
• Monday
  Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs and Cottage Cheese, Toast, Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Souvlaki Marinated Roast Pork Tenderloin, Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower, Basmati Rice, Sliced Oranges
• Tuesday - Feast of Saints Sebastian and Fabian
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk, Coffee and Tea
  Dinner: Leftover Pork and Rice, Green Salad
• Wednesday - Feast of Saint Agnes
  Breakfast: Potato and Vegetable Hash with Salsa, Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Spanish Potatoes, Portuguese Spicy Vegetable Rice, Marinated Carrots, Sliced Oranges
• Thursday - Feast of Saints Vincent and Anastasius
  Breakfast: Cottage Cheese, Olives, Mint Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Lebanese Roasted Stuffed Onions, Rice, Mafrouka
• Friday
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls with Peanut Butter Drizzle, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Lentil Chimichangas from Fasting as a Family, Three Hearts Salad, Fruit Plate
• Saturday - Feast of Saint Timothy
  Breakfast: Çilbir, Persian Barbari Bread, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Herb Roasted Turkey, Bourbon Gravy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Side Dishes and Desserts brought by Guests

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Nativity, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:10 PM 0 comments

Christ is illumined! Let us shine forth with Him!

It's the last three days of the Epiphany octave, and we are still in the Christmas season. We are still enjoying the Nativity and its celebration, though we are back to the normal pattern of fasting.

Dominic and Shawn left with Winnie yesterday morning, and we already miss them. We are hoping to take a trip to visit them in the spring. Shawn's mother and a couple of her brothers were here this weekend, and left today, so we are a little lonely now. It was wonderful to have all our kids and grandkids under our roof on Saturday. Though we didn't do our normal slate of sweets and treats, we have spread the Christmas joy around in the lovely foods we've been eating.

Part of what I did when I was in Saudi Arabia was ask my family how they made specific dishes, and record it for us and our children. I will be sharing some of those foods with you here, too. It was wonderful to get both the food stories and the family stories, which I have also recorded, for our family. I got to learn more family history, including the specifics of our ethnic background, including to which Saudi tribes our family belongs.

Our week is back to normal, mostly, though we are still easing into schoolwork. Next week, we will be back on schedule with that, and then in a couple weeks, we will start our homeschool co-op for winter. I'm still trying to catch up at home, and get into a normal sleep pattern. Please keep us in your prayers.

• Sunday - First Sunday after the Epiphany and Theophany of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Breakfast Tacos with Avocado, Salsa and Sour Cream, Milk, Coffee and Tea
  Dinner: Lamb Shawerma, Parish brings Sides/Salads/Fruit/Desserts
• Monday
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk, Coffee and Tea
  Dinner: Ranchero Beans, Sliced Beef, Salsa Rice
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Cottage Cheese, Olives, Mint Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Hobbit Dinner (Sausage, Potato, Carrot, Sauerkraut and Onion Skillet), Roasted Squash, Ice Cream
• Wednesday - Feast of Saint Hilary of Poitiers
  Breakfast: Potato and Vegetable Hash, Sliced Oranges, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Roasted Vegetables (Brussels Sprouts, Onions, Squash), Wild Rice Pilaf, Fruit Plate
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and Sausage, Toast, Fruit Plate, Coffee, Tea and Milk
  Dinner: Saleeq, Fassoliya*, Christmas Cherry Nut Cake
• Friday
  Breakfast: Peanut Butter and Honey Toast, Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Falafel, Sah'awiq, Taratoor, Khoubz Araby (GF for Jerome), Olives and Veggies, Fruit Plate
• Saturday - Feast of Saint Antony of Egypt
  Breakfast: Çilbir, Persian Barbari Bread, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Korean Style Ground Beef, Sesame Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables, Jasmine Rice, Brown Sugar Shortbread

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Epiphany, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Nativity, Tales from the Kitchen, Theophany

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 5:17 PM 0 comments

Christ is illumined! Let us shine forth with Him!

We are finishing the feasting portion of our Christmas celebration this week. With everyone's exhaustion and schedules, we are not making King's Cake for Epiphany this year. However, since Dominic and Shawn are visiting us, and they are Old Calendar, we will do a little more Christmas celebrating with them. Because of that, we will also be keeping a lighter fast for Wednesdays and Fridays while they are here.

We have the feast of the Theophany and Epiphany this week. So, we are still celebrating, even though we are getting back to our normal fasting schedule. The Christmas season doesn't end until the final feast of the Nativity, which is the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple. We keep our tree and decorations up through that feast, and still eat festive foods, though we slow down and ease back into normal eating during this time, so Lent doesn't hit us like a freight train. One of our kids had the idea to make star shaped French fries for the feast, so we are doing that.

Shawn's family (most of them) will be coming up this weekend, also, and we are excited to celebrate with them. May your feasting be joyous, and your New Year be full of health and love!

• Sunday - 11th Day of Christmas
  Breakfast: Shakshouka, Bread, Mandarin Oranges, Mint and Rose Tea, Coffee
  Dinner: Red Beans and Rice, Parish Brings Sides/Salads/Fruit/Desserts
• Monday - Twelfth Night
  Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs, Toast, Fruit, Mint Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Bierocks (Deconstructed for Jerome), Mustard, Pickles, Leftover Desserts
• Tuesday - Feast of the Epiphany and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ
  Breakfast: Cottage Cheese, Toast, Coffee, Tea and Milk
  Dinner: Cows in a Blanket, Star Shaped French Fries, Chocolates
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs, Fried Potatoes, Coffee, Tea and Milk
  Dinner: Butter Tomato Sauce with Pasta (GF for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Toast, Fruit, Coffee, Tea and Milk
  Dinner: Broiled Skirt Steak, Salsa Rice, Ranchero Beans, Ice Cream
• Friday
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Blueberry Preserves, Toast, Coffee, Tea and Milk
  Dinner: Fish Burgers, Pickles, Fruit
• Saturday - Feast of Saint Gregory of Nyssa
  Breakfast: Ricotta Fritters with Maple Syrup (gluten-free for Jerome), Fried Ham, Sliced Apples, Applesauce for Jerome, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Garlic Rib Roast, Scalloped Potatoes, Steam Sautéed Carrots, Christmas Cherry Nut Cake and Brown Sugar Shortbread

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Epiphany, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Tales from the Kitchen, Theophany

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 2:11 PM 1 comments

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

We are still joyously celebrating the Nativity Feast! I hope you are, too. Christmas is far from over and has, in fact, just begun. The feast begins on Christmas Eve and goes through the Feast of the Theophany/Epiphany, and the season goes through the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because I am just returned from overseas, we are making things a little simpler this year than we normally do, though still very celebratory.

We are also celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary this year! This is the end of our 29th year, and we begin the New Year with the first day of our 30th year of marriage. I am so blessed to be married to my best friend and the beloved of my heart. We are having a New Year's Eve dance for our celebration this year.

Next week, we will be celebrating Old Calendar Christmas with Dominic, Shawn, and Winnie, along with Shawn's parents and brothers, and we are so excited to see all of them. Christmas movies are being watched, Christmas music is being played, and we will have wonderful meals and treats to share with them, as well as the gifts to exchange. May you enjoy and be blessed in the Feast of the Nativity and the joy of the New Year.

• Sunday - Fourth Day of Christmas, Feast of the Holy Family, and Memorial of Holy Innocents
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Pizza, Salads, Mandarin Oranges, Chex Mix, Ma'amoul from Egypt, Basbousa from Egypt, Cookies, Ice Cream
• Monday - Feast of Thomas à Becket
  Breakfast: Creamed Eggs, Toast Fingers, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Herb Roasted Pork Loin, Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes, Beet Gratin, Leftover Desserts
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Coffee, Tea and Milk
  Dinner: White Enchiladas, Salsa Rice, Christmas Pineapple with Ice Cream
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Migas (using leftovers), Leftover Pineapple, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Eggs in Purgatory and Sausage, Bread, Leftover Desserts
• Thursday - Feast of the Circumcision and Holy Name of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Coffee and Eggnog
  Dinner: Pork Chops, Horseradish-Dill Potato Pancakes, Steam Sautéed Carrots with Garlic and Dill, Leftover Desserts
• Friday - Feast of Saint Basil
  Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls/GF Cinnamon Cake for Jerome, Bacon, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Double Decker Grilled Reubens* (GF bread for Jerome), Pickles, Rosewater Almond Tea Cookies, Pistachio and Cardamom Crescents
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Shakshouka, Bread, Mandarin Oranges, Mint and Rose Tea, Coffee
  Dinner: Lebanese Roasted Stuffed Onions, Rice, Mafrouka

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, New Year's, Romance and Relationship, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:28 PM 0 comments

It is the last push of Advent before the feast of the Nativity this week. It has gone by quickly, and we are a little overwhelmed, but it will be glorious, regardless. I'm excited to be returning to my family this week and can't wait to see and hug them all.

The beginning of our salvation approaches. May you have a blessed and joyous Nativity!

• Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Advent and Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle
  Breakfast: Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Fruit Plate, Milk, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Parish Providing Dinner
• Monday
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Mexican Garlic Soup with Oregano and Fresh Lime, Fried Tortilla Strips, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday - Christmas Adam
  Breakfast: Potato Breakfast Hash, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Mejeddarah, Crisp Onions, Fruit Plate
• Wednesday - Christmas Eve
  Breakfast: Ful, Sah'awiq, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Fish Burgers, Pickles, Fruit (and treats and snacks to break the Advent fast after church)
• Thursday - Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Christmas Bread and Butter, Sausages, Cheese Omelets, Hot Chocolate and Coffee
  Dinner: Garlic Rib Roast with Red Wine Pan Sauce, Cranberry Horseradish Relish, Boursin Stuffed Potatoes, Bread/Sides/Salads brought by Parish Family, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Candy Cane Ice Cream
• Friday - Feast of Saint Stephen
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chinese Take Out, Brown Sugar Shortbread (regular and gluten-free), Peppermint Meltaways
• Saturday - Feast of Saint John the Evangelist
  Breakfast: Ricotta Fritters with Maple Syrup (GF for Jerome), Bacon, Sliced Apples, Applesauce for Jerome,Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Double Decker Grilled Reubens (GF bread for Jerome), Pickles, Rosewater Almond Tea Cookies, Pistachio and Cardamom Crescents

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Labels: Advent, Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 9:41 AM 0 comments

Today is the last feast of the Infancy Narrative of the Incarnation. It is the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple. It is the close of the Christmas season. From now on, all of our feasts and fasts will have to do with His adult life or glorified life in the heavens. It is the day that the Blessed Mother would have come back to be ritually cleansed from childbirth and brought back into the life of corporate worship, and the day that Jesus would be presented and "bought back" as the first born son who opened the womb. This practice is preserved in the Church today, through the service of the Churching of Women (which is still found in all Anglican traditions, as well). In the East, both Orthodox and Catholic, it is the teaching for women to rest at home with their babies for the first 40 days, to heal, to care for their babies, and to be served. On the 40th day, they are brought back into the church for prayers and blessings, and it is common to perform the baptism for the baby that day.

It is the day of the prophecies of both Saints Anna and Simeon, and so is also called the Meeting of Our Lord in the Temple. It is a fitting conclusion to the Nativity season. We do not have the words of Saint Anna, only that she spoke of Him to all were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Clearly, she knew who Jesus was. I love how they both recognized the Lord immediately on seeing Him.

The Church teaches us that Saint Simeon was a scribe, and that in his work as a scribe he attempted to "correct" the Isaiah passage which prophecies of the virgin birth, since no person could be born that way. In the moment that he tried to scrape out the word virgin and change it to wife, he noticed that his hand was being held back by an angel. That angel whispered to him that he, himself, would see its fulfillment before he died. Saint Simeon spent the rest of his life waiting to see this fulfillment. Because of this, we have not only Saint Simeon's words of prophecy, but we pray his prayer every night at evening prayer:

This year, we have a bit of time between the end of Christmas and the beginning of the countdown to Lent. There are two weeks before Septuagesima! This gives us a bit of time to have normal time before the fast begins. I must admit that I am looking forward to that time of fasting, though. It is always a time of growth, though sometimes not in the direction I thought it would be.

Again, I thank you for your prayers and ask for yours. We have had a lot of friends lose their fathers in the past two weeks. It is that time of our life. Having lost Rich's father over 12 years ago, we know the sorrow they are enduring, and we do not look forward to losing the rest of our parents. It's been a sobering time because of that. Please pray for us, but also pray for our extended family.

• Sunday - Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple
  Breakfast: Ricotta Fritters with Maple Syrup (gluten-free for Jerome), Bacon, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Turkey Potato Soup, Sides/Salads/Bread/Desserts brought by Parishioners
• Monday - Feast of Saints Blaise and Genviève of Paris
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Raisins, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Grilled Turkey Sandwiches with Gravy Dip, Potato Wedges, Pickles, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint Cornelius
  Breakfast: Sausage Breakfast Scramble, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Turkey Tetrazzini, Green Salad, Mandarin Oranges
• Wednesday - Feast of Saint Agatha, Martyr
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls with Peanut Butter Drizzle, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Honduran Red Beans and Rice, Sliced Oranges
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Titus
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam, Toast, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: King Ranch Turkey, Salsa Rice, Frozen Fruit Salad
• Friday
  Breakfast: Potato Breakfast Burritos with Avocado and Salsa, Sliced Apples, Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Black Bean, Corn, Pepper and Avocado Salad, Corn Chips, Fruit Plate
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Pancakes with Butter Sauce, Bacon, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Grilled Bratwurst, Sauerkraut and Onions, Baked Potatoes with Butter and Sour Cream, Lemon Ricotta Cake

Labels: Blessed Virgin, Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Presentation, Purification, Tales from the Kitchen, Theotokos

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 6:37 AM 0 comments

It is the last week of Christmas! I am scrambling to get the last of the Christmas gifts sent out to folks. Most of our packages were already sent, but we were waiting for a few things and time got away from me.

This week has another feast of Saint Ignatius, and we love him enough to celebrate him on every single calendar and feast day. He is unique in having been a personal witness to Christ as well as being a successor to the Apostle John. He is both an Apostolic Father and a contemporary of Christ Himself. His witness is powerful and important.

My Sit and Stitch Christmas party is an end of Christmas party this year. I welcome everyone, with spouses and children, and we have a potluck, bring our stitching, and do a yarn/thread/notions/book swap. It's fun and I am looking forward to that. Even if it signals the end of the Christmas season for us.

I covet your prayers and pray for you, as well. Have a blessed end of Christmas and return to Ordinary Time.

• Sunday - Third Sunday after the Epiphany and Theophany of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Chorizo and Vegetable Hash, Toast, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Slow Cooked Moroccan Beef, Basmati Rice, Sides/Salads/Bread/Desserts brought by Parishioners
• Monday
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Raisins, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Fish Bites (Tuna Burger for Jerome), French Fries, Baked Potato for Jerome, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint Ephraim of Syria
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam, Toast, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Lengua Tacos*, Salsa, Cabbage and Carrot Slaw, Mango Cubes with Lime Dressing
• Wednesday - Feast of Saints Vincent and Anastasius
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls with Peanut Butter Drizzle, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Vegetable and Cashew Stir Fry, Jasmine Rice, Green Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing, Sliced Oranges
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast with Honey, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Ground Beef Fried Rice, Fruit Plate
• Friday
  Breakfast: Potato Breakfast Burritos with Avocado and Salsa, Sliced Apples, Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Besan Chila, Marinated Vegetable Salad, Sah'awiq, Sliced Oranges
• Saturday - Feast of Saints Ignatius of Antioch and Saint Brigid of Ireland
  Breakfast: Bacon Stuffed Savory Griddle Cakes, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Herb Roasted Turkey, Bourbon Gravy (GF for Jerome and guests), Potato Stuffing, Pear and Pomegranate Pies, Eggnog, Side Dishes/Salads/Desserts brought by my Sit and Stitch Friends

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 10:28 AM 0 comments

This is your weekly reminder that Christmas isn't over yet! We have another two weeks of it!

Today is Madelyn's actual due date, and since they couldn't have the original baby shower date, as she was born the week before, it was moved to today, in between morning and afternoon services, so everyone could attend. Big brunch with loads of food and fun and folks who love their family. Rich was kind of on his own with the rest of the kids at home (the girls came with me) and made a manly man breakfast while we ate quiches, fancy lady salads, fruit plates, mixed nuts, smoked salmon, meat and cheese platters, fruit platters with sour cream fruit dip*, carrot cake muffins, cinnamon rolls, Prosecco, and sherbet punch. It was a good party with beautiful weather and lots of friends and family to share in the joy.

Because of the busy weekend and morning, our church family has generously put together the dinner for after church tonight, which is such a huge gift. We always appreciate their sharing and cooking for us, as it allows me a little rest on Sundays.

We have loads of saints' days this week. Monday includes Saint Sebastian who was famously "grilled" over a live fire by Diocletian and told his torturers to turn him over, because that side was done. Rich once had us make little kofta "men" in honor of him and we grilled them. This is kind of like his suggestion to make skinless hot dogs for the feast of the Circumcision of Christ. He has an interesting sense of humor.

With a holiday tomorrow, Rich gets to stay home and do projects he wants to work on and we get to sleep in, which is fantastic because our whole weekend was rather busy and exhausting. The kids still have some make up school work to do, but mostly it's a relaxing day. We will listen to some of the more obscure (but better, in my opinion) speeches from Martin Luther King Junior, and read and rest. My prayer for you is that you get to rest this week also.

• Sunday - Second Sunday after the Epiphany and Theophany of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Farmer Breakfast Casserole, Sliced Pears, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pot Roast with Carrots and Onions, Gravy, Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Beef and Beans, brought by Parish, Plus Leftover Salads, Carrot Cake Muffins, Fruit and Cheese and Crackers from the Shower.
• Monday - Feast of Saints Fabian, Pope, and Sebastian
  Breakfast: Quiche Lorraine and Zucchini, Shallot and Cheese Quiche, Cinnamon Rolls (both ways), Sliced Pears, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Cream of Poblano Soup, Fried Tortilla Strips and Crema, Salad with Smoked Salmon and Lime Vinaigrette, Mandarin Oranges
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint Agnes of Rome
  Breakfast: Cottage Cheese, Olives, Toast, Sliced Apples, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Spaghetti with Italian Meat Sauce, Garlic Bread, Faux de Crèmes
• Wednesday - Feast of Saints Vincent and Anastasius
  Breakfast: Steel Cut Oats with Chopped Apples, Raisins, Brown Sugar and Cinnamon, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Spiced Samosa Patties, Basmati Rice, Green Salad with Pomegranate Pips
• Thursday -
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam, Toast, Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Street Corn Nachos with Chorizo, Brown Butter Ginger Chews
• Friday - Feast of Saint Timothy
  Breakfast: Ful, Sah'awiq, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Thai Cashew Coconut Rice Salad, Sliced Oranges
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches (GF for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Carnitas, Refried Beans, Quick and Dirty Mexican Rice, Corn Tortillas, Limoncello Zabaglione

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 11:24 AM 0 comments

Christ is illumined! Let us shine forth with Him!

It's the last two days of the Epiphany octave, and we are still in the Christmas season. It's been a different Christmastide this year, with the new grandbaby and illness in the house. We are enjoying it, even if it is more subdued.

This week is pretty full, and after a busy weekend this weekend, too. There is a birthday party this Saturday and we are preparing for a baby shower. Plus normal life, schooling, catching up on some things that were not finished before Christmas, and so on.

I pray that your year is filled with blessings and that you can see God's hand in your life. In your generosity, please pray for ours.

• Sunday - First Sunday after the Epiphany and Theophany of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pork with Sauerkraut, Sides/Salads/Desserts brought by Parish
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Sha Sha Chicken with Scallions, Jasmine Rice, Orange Cranberry Cookies
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam, Toast (GF for Jerome), Sliced Oranges, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Bolitas with Bacon and Chorizo, Salsa Rice, Sliced Avocados, Faux de Crèmes
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls with Almond Butter, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Vegan Dan Dan Noodles, Mandarin Oranges
• Thursday -
  Breakfast: Labneh with Za'atar and Olive Oil, Toast, Mandarin Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chicken Tikka Masala, Basmati Rice, Roasted Zucchini, Mandarin Oranges, Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Friday - Feast of Saint Anthony of Egypt
  Breakfast: Ful, Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Shatta, Sliced Oranges, Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Vegetarian Ranchero Beans, Salsa Rice, Fruit Plate
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Vegetable and Cheese Scramble, Toast (GF for Jerome), Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Arabic Beef and Vegetable Soup, Tamis, Harissa, Gluten Free Persian Love Cake with Pomegranate Pips

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Epiphany, Faith and Morality, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Tales from the Kitchen, Theophany

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:42 PM 0 comments

Christ is illumined! Let us shine forth with Him!

Today is 12th Night - the last day of the Christmas feast. Normally, I would make a Twelfth Night cake, but we are still recovering from the past week and a half. It would have been a perfect time to make it, though, as whoever found the baby in the cake would be obligated to make it next year.

Our wonderful church family has been providing quite a lot of the church dinners, either by rounding out what we are bringing or providing the meal entirely. It is such a gift to us.

More of us have fallen ill, however, so things are still a bit out of whack here at home. Please pray for us to completely beat this cold. The good news is that, while it hits pretty hard, it seems to go through fairly quickly, too.

• Sunday - Second Sunday after the Nativity
  Breakfast: Waffles (Gluten free for Jerome) with Raspberry Syrup and Chantilly Cream, Sausage Patties, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Mexican Pork and Black Bean Stew, Rice, Sides/Salads/Fruit/Desserts brought by Parishioners
• Monday - Feast of the Epiphany and Theophany of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Norwegian Griddle Cakes with Buttercream, Bacon, Mandarin Oranges, Milk, Tea, and Coffee
  Dinner: Slow Cooker Faux Gyros, Naan Bread (GF Turkish Flatbreads for Jerome), Sumac and Dill Pickled Red Onions, Feta, Decorated Sugar Cookies, Peppermint Easy Fudge
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Labneh with Za'atar and Olive Oil, Toast, Mandarin Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Stuffed Roasted Walleye, Herbed Rice Pilaf, Roasted Carrots and Onions, Faux de Crèmes
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Steel Cut Oats with Chopped Apples, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Kung Pao Broccoli, Jasmine Rice, Mandarin Oranges
• Thursday -
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam, Toast (GF for Jerome), Sliced Oranges, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Red Beans and Rice, Pepper Vinegar, Cranberry Cake with Hot Butter Sauce
• Friday - Feast of Saint Gregory of Nyssa
  Breakfast: Potato Hash Burritos with Salsa, Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Mejeddarah with Crisp Onions, Sliced Oranges
• Saturday - Feast of Saint Alexander, Bishop of Fermo
  Breakfast: Bacon Stuffed Savory Griddle Cakes, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Osso Bucco, Polenta, Fruit Salad (with Pomegranate), Lemon Ricotta Cake

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Epiphany, Faith and Morality, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Tales from the Kitchen, Theophany

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 11:42 AM 0 comments

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Our 12 Days of Christmas were a little turned upside down, but in the best way possible. Madelyn was born about three weeks early, but all well and Autumn is doing well, also.

Because of that change of events, our whole weekend suddenly became babysitting Amelia, and no sleep for us. Our church family came through amazingly and took over the dinner after church, as well as providing some meals and treats for Alexander and Autumn for when they come home. I will be setting up a meal train for them, for when they head home after their first night here.

This week is a busy week for us, as it is our wedding anniversary as well as New Year's Eve and Day. Rich already had our anniversary and New Year's Day off, but because of our exhaustion took Monday off, too. Hooray!

• Sunday - First Sunday after the Nativity, Feasts of the Holy Family and Thomas à Becket
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Turkey Sausage Soup, Mexican Lentils with Chorizo, Assorted Cheeses and Breads, Oranges, Wine, Cookies
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and Cheese, Fried Pork, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pot Roast with Mustard and Horseradish Gravy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Apple Sauce, Orange Honey Cake
• Tuesday - Our Anniversary!
  Breakfast: Norwegian Griddle Cakes with Buttercream (Gluten free for Jerome, Sausages, Mandarin Oranges, Milk, Tea, and Coffee
  Dinner: Crab Linguine with Lemon Cream Sauce, Green Salad, Eggnog, Prosecco, Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies, Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Cookies
• Wednesday - Feast of the Holy Name and Circumcision of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches (G free for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pork Shoulder Roast, Cheddar Dill Puffs (Brazilian Cheese Rolls for Jerome), Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots, Faux Pots de Crème
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Basil the Great
  Breakfast: Bacon Stuffed Savory Griddle Cakes, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Hamburgers, French Fries, Pickles, Relish, Side Salads, Orange Cranberry Cookies
• Friday
  Breakfast: Ricotta Fritters with Maple Syrup (gluten-free for Jerome), Bacon, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pepperoni and Veggie Pizzas (Gluten free for Jerome), Green Salad, Decorated Sugar Cookies, Gluten Free Persian Love Cake
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Waffles (Gluten free for Jerome) with Raspberry Syrup and Chantilly Cream, Sausage Patties, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Mexican Pork and Black Bean Stew, Mexican Street Corn Nachos, Peppermint Easy Fudge

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, New Year's, Romance and Relationship, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 11:39 AM 0 comments

It is the last push of Advent before the feast of the Nativity this week. It has gone by quickly, and we are a little overwhelmed, but it will be glorious, regardless.

Our sweet church family is taking care of dinner tonight, which allows me to rest and take a break today. Then it is only three more sleeps until Christmas! The beginning of our salvation approaches. May you have a blessed and joyous Nativity!

• Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Advent
  Breakfast: Crumpets with Various Toppings, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Provided by Parish Family
• Monday - Christmas Adam
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Falafel, Sah'awiq, Taratoor, Khoubz Araby, Olives and Veggies, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday - Christmas Eve
  Breakfast: Ful, Sah'awiq, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Fish Burgers, Pickles, Fruit (and treats and snacks to break the Advent fast after church)
• Wednesday - Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Christmas Bread and Butter, Bacon, Çilbir, Hot Chocolate and Coffee
  Dinner: Garlic Rib Roast with Red Wine Pan Sauce, Cranberry Horseradish Relish, Bread/Sides/Salads brought by Parish Family, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Candy Cane Ice Cream
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Stephen
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chinese Take Out, Brown Sugar Shortbread (regular and gluten-free), Peppermint Twist Cookies
• Friday - Feast of Saint John the Evangelist
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Patties, Toast, Mandarin Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Grilled Italian Meat Sandwiches, Pickles, Salad, Cashew Brutal, Brown Butter Ginger Chews
• Saturday - Feast of the Holy Innocents
  Breakfast: Ricotta Fritters with Maple Syrup (gluten-free for Jerome), Bacon, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Bacon and Garlic Crusted Pork Loin, Boursin Stuffed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots, Rosewater Almond Tea Cookies, Pistachio and Cardamom Crescents

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Labels: Advent, Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Fasting as a Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 1:40 PM 0 comments

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

We have a whole other week of no fasting! It has been both a restful and celebratory time, which is just perfect.

Tonight is our 27th anniversary, and we get to celebrate with our church family and then with dancing. This Friday, we will have a 12th Night Christmas party for my knit night group. It is a good week. Next week we will be back to normal school schedules.

Once we are back in the New Year, we will also return to a little more frugal shopping, and use what we have in our freezers and pantries as much as possible. We are still making room for more butchering, and also preparing for a lovely trip for Dominic and Shawn's wedding. We are so excited to share in that with them. Our prayer for you in this New Year is that you find the joy and peace of Christ!

• Sunday - Feast of the Holy Family
  Breakfast: Cardamom Apple Coffee Cake, Sausages, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Ham, Green Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette, Side Dishes/Hors-d'Ouevres from Church, Date Coffee Cake with Walnuts
• Monday - Feast of the Circumcision and Holy Name of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Cheddar Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits, Ham, Canned Peaches, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Sausage Rolls, Smoked Salmon, Fried Olive Bites, Gougères, Mini Ham Sandwiches with Green Tomato Chutney, Pickle, Olive and Relish Tray, Upside Down Pear Cake with Brown Butter
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint Basil
  Breakfast: Ricotta Fritters with Maple Syrup, Bacon, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Lakror, Veggie Tray, Fruit Tray, Pomegranate Christmas Cake
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls, Bacon, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Adobo Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa, White Rice and Poblano Rajas Casserole, Christmas Cherry Nut Cake, Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Cookies, Brown Butter Ginger Chews
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Almond Cardamom Cake, Sausage, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Malay Chicken Fried Rice with Vegetables, Frosted Button Cookies
• Friday
  Breakfast: Lemon Cream Cheese Butterhorn Bars, Sausages, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Herb Roasted Turkey and Gravy (Gluten-free), Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sides Brought by Knit Night Guests, Eggnog, 12th Night Cake, Desserts Brought by Guests
• Saturday - Feast of the Theophany and Epiphany of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce, Fruit Plate, Ham, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Persian Saffron Chicken with Barberry Rice, Persian Chopped Salad, Peppermint Meltaways, Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Epiphany, Faith and Morality, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, New Year's, Prayer Requests, Romance and Relationship, Tales from the Kitchen, Theophany

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 4:13 AM 0 comments

We have reached the fourth Sunday of this rather short Advent. Tonight we will celebrate the vigil of Christmas Eve and break our fast. Tomorrow, we are going to have to celebrate the Christmas service at home, because our only other options are to drive two hours away or to go at 8:30 in the morning after the late night to a church we aren't really involved in at all or at 11:30 at a Spanish only liturgy. The Catholic churches in town seem to be the only ones who are having Christmas services at all here, which makes me sad. Not because they are, but because so many churches who insist that we keep Christ in Christmas then don't have church on Christmas, so people can do breakfast/family/presents instead, not after, but instead. If we want to keep Christ in Christmas, we should keep the Mass in Christmas. Worship Him on Christmas, then do your brunch and presents and all of that.

Anyway, it is the beginning of a long feast and we are looking forward to it. Today is the last day of the fast, and it is shorter because of the vigil. I am grateful that there are churches holding services and that our priests have cared for us by providing us with the Eucharist, so we can worship Him, even in our home.

We are planning our normal 12 Days of Christmas treats, and will be resting and enjoying Christmas music and silly Christmas movies. Ballet and gymnastics and all of that starts earlier than we start back at schoolwork, but we will try to rest and have fun as much as we can, celebrating our Savior and retreating a little from our culture's consumerism. I pray you have a blessed Christmas holiday and season (which lasts through February 2)!

• Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve
  Breakfast: Vegetable Breakfast Burritos, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Breaking the Fast at Church - Chex Mix, Mock Turtles, Cookies, Meat and Cheese, Smoked Salmon, Crackers, Cake, Pie
• Monday - Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Christmas Bread and Butter, Bacon, Eggs Royale, Hot Cocoa and Coffee
  Dinner: Garlic Rib Roast*, Wine Pan Sauce, Cranberry Horseradish Relish, Boursin Stuffed Potatoes*, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Braided Egg Bread, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Candy Cane Ice Cream, Brown Sugar Shortbread, Christmas Cookies, Wine, Eggnog (with and without Kahlua - leaded or unleaded)
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint Stephen
  Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Strata, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Hibatchi and Sushi, Partridge in a Pear Tree Pie, Cashew Brutal
• Wednesday - Feast of Saint John
  Breakfast: Lemon Cream Cheese Butterhorn Bars, Sausages, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Roast Chicken, Potatoes, Carrots and Onions, Peppermint Meltaways, Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
• Thursday - Feast of the Holy Innocents
  Breakfast: Almond Bear Claws, Sausage Links, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: White People Enchiladas, "Mexican" Rice Pilaf, Black Beans, Orange Cranberry Cookies and Christmas Pineapple over Vanilla Ice Cream
• Friday - Feast of Saint Thomas Becket
  Breakfast: Ricotta Fritters with Maple Syrup, Bacon, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Persian Chicken Tah-Chin, Persian Chopped Salad, Rosewater Almond Tea Cookies, Pistachio and Cardamom Crescents
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Swedish Cardamom Knots* to break the fast after Liturgy
  Dinner: Peruvian Kebabs with Beef Heart and Grilled Lamb Chops, Super Crisp Peruvian Roasted Potatoes, Salad, Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Cookies, Brown Butter Ginger Chews

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Labels: Advent, Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Fasting as a Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 11:34 AM 0 comments

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

We did get to have both the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, glory to God! They were beautiful, and we were overjoyed to share our Christmas with our church family. This week is another fast free week, so we are enjoying that, as well. Even though the feast of the Nativity ends this Friday, the season still goes on through February 2. This is the real Christmas season. Don't miss it! We just shook off the commercial part of it, as a priest friend of ours puts it.

This week we are enjoying sweets and treats, but not just because of the holiday. Dominic will be heading to Tennessee this Friday morning (early, early, early), and we are trying to give him a send off with all the foods he loves. And, even though our Christmas feast is ending, for the Old Calendar folks, theirs begins Saturday.

Rich and I got to go to a fabulous party on our anniversary. One of the port tenants held a New Year's bash in a mostly hollowed out 747, complete with food, bar, band, DJ, and games. It was a lot of fun, and Alexander and Autumn were able to come with Amelia for part of it, too, since he works at one of the FBOs on the port. We will be ending this week with our annual Knit Night party, which will be loads of fun, and larger than most years. We have had several new folks join our knit night, and they will be coming with their families.

• Sunday - Feast of the Circumcision and Holy Name of Jesus Christ
  Breakfast: Orange Cardamom Muffins, Chocolate Chip Muffins, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Navy Beans with Bacon, Muffins
• Monday - Feast of Saint Basil
  Breakfast: Leftover Muffins, Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Sausages, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Charcuterie Chalets, Frosted Button Cookies
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Christmas Scones, Bacon, Sliced Oranges and Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Split Pea Soup with Ham, Pull Apart Seeded Rye Rolls, Orange Rum Cake
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Mustard Savory Cheese Rolls, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Raclette, Grilled Bratwurst, Potatoes, Carrots, Peppers, Cornichons, Pomegranate Christmas Cake
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Proscuitto and Gruyère Scones with Scallions, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Irish Boxty, Fried Eggs, Sausages, Cardamom Orange and Dark Chocolate Cookies, Orange Cranberry Cookies
• Friday - Feast of the Epiphany/Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ
  Breakfast: Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chicken with Poblano Lime Cream, Quick and Dirty Mexican Rice, Galette de Rois
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Blackberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake for Potluck after Liturgy
  Dinner: Herb Roasted Turkey with Bread Dressing, Gravy, Cranberry Horseradish Relish, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Side Dishes from Knit Night friends, Fresh Cranberry Cake with Butter Sauce, Gluten-free Cookies for Guests, Cookies and Desserts from Knit Night friends, Eggnog

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Epiphany, Family, Governor Inslee Needs a Frozen Fish to the Forehead, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Nativity, Tales from the Kitchen, Theophany

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 10:59 AM 0 comments

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

We are celebrating joyously this week! Christ is born and our salvation is begun, so nothing else is really as important. We have been bitterly cold this past week and had a Christmas tree emergency (we had to replace it on Christmas Adam, because the hard below zero temperatures froze our tree from the west side), but that isn't really that important. We have no fasting over the next 12 days, and we are making a lot of delicious treats.

Christmas was full of freezing rain and we had to miss the Christmas Eve service, as it was cancelled so people would be safe. We might have to cancel the Christmas Day service, but because we hold it in the evening, there might be enough time for the roads to clear. If we don't meet with our church group, we will have a lot of leftovers from dinner tonight.

This week is also full of some significant events in our family. Jerome gets wheat back, glory to God, and he is so happy about that. It is also Rich and my 26th wedding anniversary. We are celebrating with a special dinner here at home. The kids will be eating snack tray and leftover cookies and desserts earlier in the evening. Yet again, we are making our cookies and candies throughout the 12 days of Christmas, rather than making them all at once, and stressing ourselves out over them.

• Sunday - Feast of the Nativity of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ
  Breakfast: Turkish Eggs in Yogurt Sauce (Çilbir), Christmas Bread and Butter, Bacon, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Garlic Rib Roast, Wine Pan Sauce, Cranberry Horseradish Relish, Boursin Stuffed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Braided Egg Bread, Lentils and Ham, Salad, Devilled Eggs, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Candy Cane Ice Cream, Brown Sugar Shortbread, Fruitcake, Wine, Apple Cider
• Monday - Feast of Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
  Breakfast: Orange Cardamom Muffins, Bacon, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chinese Take Out, Decorated Sugar Cookies
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist
  Breakfast: Bacon and Egg Cups, Toast Fingers, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Tandoori Chicken and Rice with Yogurt Sauce, Harissa, Rosewater Almond Tea Cookies*, Pistachio and Cardamom Crescents
• Wednesday - Feast of Holy Innocents
  Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls, Bacon, Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Kofta bil Bayd, Rice, Loubiyeh bi Zeit, Roasted Squash, Harissa, Raspberry Almond Shortbread
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Thomas à Becket
  Breakfast: Chorizo Breakfast Casserole, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pizza, Salad, Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Cookies, Brown Butter Ginger Chews*
• Friday
  Breakfast: Christmas Scones, Sausages, Hard Boiled Eggs, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Bierocks with Mustard, Fried Cabbage and Onions, Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Cranberry Pumpkin Bread and Bacon and Biscuit Bake for Potluck after Liturgy
  Dinner: Pasta with Parmesan, Lemon and Cream, Seared Scallops, Three Hearts Salad, Faux Pots de Crème, Sparkling Cider, Prosecco

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Family, Governor Inslee Needs a Frozen Fish to the Forehead, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Nativity, Romance and Relationship, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 2:20 PM 0 comments

This last week was rather busy, but not with anything that seems to have accomplished much. In any case, I am behind on my blogging and behind in a lot of other things here. Our Christmas party was a little smaller, as two of my knit night friends and their families were sick with colds. However, it was still a success, and it was fun just to hang out and eat and talk and have fun.

Jerome doesn't seem to be doing any better or worse with cheese, so I do suspect that the weather has influenced his skin. We will give it a try after we finish the round with cheese. It is the end of the Christmas season this week and we are three weeks before the first week of Lent and are getting ready for that. This week holds a few feasts, and the end of the infant narratives in our gospel readings. After this it is preparing for Christ's earthly and prophetic ministry. We are also getting ready for the type of supply chain challenges and price increases that seem to be exponentially growing more frequent. I encourage you to stock your pantries and freezers with foods that are lower priced in your price range and be ready. I think the world is going to get much harder for everyone, even than it has been over the past two years, and the foolish policies and decisions of our governors and legislatures are making the situation worse. Pray for all of us, and prepare so you can take care of your families and your neighbors, too. There is an urgent sense in me, but I am at peace, I hope you are also.

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Leftovers from the Party, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Oven Roasted Beef Shawerma, Rice with Parsley and Pine Nuts, Salatat Zeitoun, Sliced Vegetables, Taratoor, Peri Peri Sauce, Fruit Plate
• Monday
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam (Coconut Yogurt for Jerome), Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Lengua Tacos, Quick and Dirty Mexican Rice, Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Cumin Lime Dressing, Oranges
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls with Almond Butter Drizzle, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Pork with Cous Cous (Rice for Jerome), Roasted Cauliflower, Sliced Apples
• Wednesday - Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary and the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
  Breakfast: Christmas Scones (Gluten and Dairy-free for Jerome), Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Persian Fava Bean and Egg Stew (Baghali Ghatogh), Rice, Oranges, Kroštule/Hrštule
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Blaise
  Breakfast: Sunnyside Up Onion Ring Eggs, Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Kofta in Tomato Sauce, Rice, Fruit Plate
• Friday - Feast of Saint Cornelius
  Breakfast: Peach Oatmeal (Gluten-free for Jerome), Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Spanish Fish and Shrimp Stew, Bread (Gluten-free for Jerome), Home Canned Pears
• Saturday - Feast of Saint Agnes of Rome
  Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, Rice, Chopped Scallions, Pepper Vinegar, Oranges

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Governor Inslee Needs a Frozen Fish to the Forehead, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Nativity, Presentation, Purification, Special Diet, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 9:50 AM 0 comments

Christ is illumined! Let us shine forth with Him!

Though we are coming to the end of the holiday, we are enjoying celebrating the Christmas season to its end in February. Theophany is this week, and I am trying to get excited about going to the blessing of the water in the snow and ice and frigid single degree weather. It snowed some more this week. Not too much, but with our temperatures, it stays around for far too long. We hit -12˚F yesterday morning, and Rich had to spend more than four hours getting our pipes and pressure tank back to normal, even with heaters, lights and closed pumphouse doors. Living in a place that stays frigid through April has made me appreciate the snow even less than before. I used to find it pretty, at least, but now I see it and despair. But Christ is born, regardless, and I am keeping that in my mind.

We had so much leftover that some of last week's meals have carried overthrough this week. We return to our normal abstinent diet schedule on Friday, which will be a relief in some ways. It is a good thing to mark our time and even what goes in our mouths by the life of Christ. Jerome's introduction to milk is not going well, but it also coincides with our below zero temperatures and dry, winter weather, so we are not sure which is doing it to him. The humidity and temperatures are supposed to go up this week, so we will keep going with the introduction, and see if he improves. It would be sad for him no longer to be able to have milk, but it doesn't necessarily exclude cheese, since the proteins are used in a different way in them, so we will still try the cheese after this, even if he can't have milk. Please pray for him and for clarity on this issue.

• Sunday - Feast of Saint Basil
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam (Coconut Yogurt for Jerome), Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Cara Cara Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Ham and Pinto Beans, Fried Potatoes, Peppers and Onions, Ice Cream (Jerome safe treats will be brought)
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Fried Ham, Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Korean Beef with Scallions, Stir Fried Carrots, Green Beans and Onions, Jasmine Rice, Oranges
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Beet and Labneh Bruschetta (Gluten and Dairy-free for Jerome), Blood Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: French Onion Soup with Gruyère Croutons, Salad, Fritule
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls (Gluten-free with Coffee-Maple Glaze for Jerome), Sausages, Cara Cara Oranges, Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Lengua Tacos, Quick and Dirty Mexican Rice, Carrot Slaw with Cumin Lime Dressing, Vanilla and Chocolate Marshmallows*, Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies
• Thursday - Feast of the Theophany (Epiphany of the Lord)
  Breakfast: Ham and Potato Bake (Dairy-free for Jerome), Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Kabob Koubideh, Sabzi Polo, Loubiyeh bi Zeit, Galette des Rois
• Friday
  Breakfast: Battatas ou Bayd, Toast (Gluten-free for Jerome), Blood Oranges, Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Winter Vegetable and Wild Rice Soup, Crisp Carrot Slices, Fruit Plate
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Christmas Scones (Gluten and Dairy-free for Jerome), Bacon, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Leftovers, Fruit

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Epiphany, Faith and Morality, Family, Governor Inslee Needs a Frozen Fish to the Forehead, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Nativity, Special Diet, Tales from the Kitchen, Theophany

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 6:51 AM 0 comments