Sunday, June 07, 2026
Menu Plan: Corpus Christi
"Come together in common, one and all without exception in charity, in one faith and in one Jesus Christ, who is of the race of David according to the flesh, the son of man, and the Son of God, so that with undivided mind you may obey the bishop and the priests, and break one Bread which is the medicine of immortality and the antidote against death, enabling us to live forever in Jesus Christ."
- Saint Ignatius' Letter to the Ephesians, paragraph 20, written c. A.D. 80-110
“Take note of those who hold heterodox [heretical] opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God. . . . They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which that Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes”
- Saint Ignatius' Letter to the Smyrnaeans 6:2-7:1, written c. A.D. 110
St. Ignatius became the third bishop of Antioch, succeeding St. Evodius, who was the immediate successor of St. Peter. He was a first hand witness of Christ as a child, heard St. John preach when he was a boy, and later became a disciple to him, he was a close friend of St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who also was a direct student of Saint John the Evangelist. Seven of his letters written to various Christian communities have been preserved. Eventually, he received the martyr's crown as he was thrown to wild beasts in the arena. He was both a first hand witness of Christ, as well as a direct successor of the Apostles and Apostolic Fathers. His testimony about the Church and the faith are powerful. It is because of the many who took exception to his teachings, who wanted to disprove his existence, or invalidate his writings, that we actually have so much of his work. The more they dug, the more they authenticated his work.
Corpus Christi is another Western, fairly modern, feast, and we unapologetically adore it. It is the celebration of the Real Presence of the Body of Christ in the world. It is a feast of His glorious body, both literal in the Eucharist, and figurative in the Church. I'm not sure if we will be having a procession today, but that is one of my favorite things we do on this day. You have the people, who are symbolically the Body of Christ on earth, displaying, proclaiming and celebrating the Eucharist, which is actually the Body of Christ on earth. We pray and sing hymns and proclaim in word and action that Christ is alive and here with us. He offers Himself in the Eucharist as a gift to us, a medicine for sin and for our salvation. Glory to God!
It is airshow week and incredibly busy. We also have a day full for our family trial and are hoping for excellent news. Please pray fervently, especially Wednesday and Thursday.
- Sunday - Feast of Corpus Christi
Breakfast: Corned Beef Hash with Fried Eggs, Sliced Oranges, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Gnocchi with Red Sauce and Chicken, Salads/Sides/Bread/Dessert brought by Parishioners - Monday
Breakfast: Toast with Labneh, Za’atar and Olive Oil, Apples, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Enfrijoladas, Cuban Rice, Cuban Lime Cookies - Tuesday - Feast of Saint Columba
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Cheese Zombies, Tomato Soup with Bacon Crumbles, Orange Rum Cake - Wednesday
Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast with Honey, Sliced Oranges, Tea and Honey
Dinner: Tomato and Olive Pasta, Green Salad, Fruit Plate - Thursday - Feast of Saint Barnabas the Apostle
Breakfast: Fried Egg and Cheese Sandwiches, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Mediterranean Chicken Salad, Fruit Salad - Friday
Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast with Honey, Sliced Oranges, Tea and Honey
Dinner: Roasted Vegetable Laffa, Toum and Taratoor, Sliced Oranges - Saturday
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes and Syrup, Sausages, Fruit Cups, Orange Juice, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Grilled Burgers and Hot Dogs, Chips, Coleslaw, Cookies
Labels: Church Year, Corpus Christi, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen
Saturday, June 06, 2026
Menu Plan: Trinity Sunday
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one God; Oh come, let us adore Him.
This is one of a few truly Western feasts that I truly revel in and wish were shared by both lungs of the Church. I know that I "read" more Eastern, but in these I am firmly Western. This is a feast that I think should be enthusiastically embraced by all of the Church. It is a theological feast. It celebrates what we believe. We believe in, rejoice in, and love the Trinity! In the east, it is celebrated along with Pentecost, however, it is a principal feast in the west. Prior to the Great Schism, it was a secondary feast and relatively minor observance. It came about around the time of the Arian heresy, which was repudiated by the Nicene and Constantinople Councils in the Nicene Creed. Around this time, there were prefaces and prayers written and proclaimed in churches on Sundays which emphasized orthodox Christian faith, and those for the Holy Trinity were said the Sunday after Pentecost in some areas, in other areas, it was the Sunday before Advent. It was emphasized to counter the erroneous teachings of the day, and was elevated in the west to primary first class status in 1911, again to counter heretical teaching. In the east, while it is not primary, in the quite the same way, it is the first of the three day observance of Pentecost, and is also called Trinity Sunday. Each of those three days emphasizes different parts of the faith that is born that day, and the first is Trinity. Because we are a week apart this year, ironically, we are celebrating Trinity Sunday on the same day. I pray one day it will be observed in unbroken community. God is unity (one God) and community (three Persons) and has created all people to be in one in community. God shows us this community in Himself so we can be an image of Him in the world.
This week, appropriately, we ordained a new priest for our local church. Rich and I have been helping here for years, as a stop gap, to get this little parish to a place where they are served by dedicated clergy. Of course, we are still assisting, but this is a major waypoint for this parish, and we are rejoicing. Our church had the meal largely catered by a wonderful local restaurant, and a few of us women provided the desserts. I found out that crème brulée requires 80 eggs, three gallons of cream, and nine cups of sugar.
This has been a busy week for so many reasons this week. That is why this is posted so late. Friday ws a major point in the troubles our family has been enduring. We have been praying and were able to bring 32 people to be with us, praying, and being witnesses, in support of our family. That was a high moment. We were not prepared for a hold, though, and have to wait until next week to know the full outcome of this. Please keep praying.
The good news is that, aside from our kids' godparents coming from my home town, a clergy couple from our old hometown, former priests from this area returning to come in support, friends and neighbors, our local adult kids, even Dominic and Shawn came with Winnie (who behaved perfectly as we sat and observed and prayed). We had four priests, a deacon, and a retired pastor there. We had a retired firefighter/EMT, and a retired reserve police officer. We had business owners, homemakers, future lawyers (he ought to be a lawyer by the end of this year), friends of our kids, neighbors, everyone you can think of - and every age from nine months to 83 years old. Dominic, Shawn and Winnie stayed the weekend, and we were able to decompress and rest from a very exhausting experience. I made cinnamon rolls to bring with us to either celebrate, or to commiserate. It was kind of in between, but that was what made up our dinner Friday.
Next week is also a huge, busy week for us, and we are all starting to feel a lot of this in our health, so please pray for our strength. Since we have been slammed for the past few weeks, with no relief for another week and a half, the recipes are on hold. I will get them posted as soon as I can.
- Sunday - Trinity Sunday
Breakfast: Croissant, Ham, Egg and Cheese Sandwiches, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Chicken Piccata, Green Salad with Bleu Cheese, Candied Walnuts and Craisins, Caprese Gnocchi, Formaggio Bread, Roasted Vegetables, Fruit Plate, Limoncello Crème Brulée*, Chocolate Mousse, Cookies - Monday - Feast of Saint Justin Martyr
Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Toast, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Xinjiang Cumin Lamb, Jasmine Rice, Homemade Samoa Bars - Tuesday
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Leftover Gnocchi and Chicken Piccata, Green Salad, Crème Brûlée - Wednesday
Breakfast: Toast with Za'atar Spice Blend, Olive Oil, Aleppo Pepper, Sliced Cucumbers and Radishes, Olives, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Saneyet Battatas, Basmati Rice, Chopped Salad, Fruit Plate - Thursday
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Leftovers - Friday - Feast of Saint Boniface
Breakfast: Toast with Za'atar Spice Blend, Olive Oil, Aleppo Pepper, Sliced Cucumbers and Radishes, Olives, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Snack Tray and Cinnamon Rolls - Saturday
Breakfast: Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Mustard Glazed Corned Beef, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus, Limoncello Crème Brulée
Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen, Trinity
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Menu Plan: Pentecost Week
Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord fills the world! Oh come, let us adore Him. Alleluia!
This is the second highest feast of the Church year, the birthday of the Church, herself. It is the undoing of Babel, the empowering by the Holy Spirit of the Apostles to spread the Church throughout the world to every people, tribe, tongue and nation, and the first glimmer of the Holy City that is to come. On Pentecost, the first law was given, and on the new Pentecost, the lasting law was given. Glory to God!
Because of Pentecost, this is a fast free week. That's convenient, because the kids have a homeschool dance to attend and they don't have to try to pick their way though the food there. Depending on how this week goes, I will be trying to making more pickles. Or we will just be eating a ton of asparagus before it dries out too much, and hope last year's supply is enough to get us through next year.
Our Tongues of Flame Barbecue was another success. We had a lot of delicious food and a lot of fun. Again, I am so thankful to our Parish family for their contributions and assistance. We have a busy week coming up, too, not just during the week, but next weekend our deacon is going to be ordained a priest, and we will have quite the full house at church.
- Sunday - Pentecost
Breakfast: Leftovers, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Charcuterie Plate, Dejaj Meshwi, Kofta Kebabs, Sah'awiq, Basmati Rice, Grilled Garlic Citrus Shrimp, Grilled Baby Octopus with Chimichurri, Soy-Ginger Pork Kebabs with Hoisin Dipping Sauce, Roasted Asparagus, Pasta Salad, Coleslaw, Sliced Canary Melons, Beer, Soda and Juice - Monday
Breakfast: Fried Eggs and Leftover Kofta Kebabs*, Joubneh 'Arabia, Taratoor, Sah'awiq, Sliced Oranges, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Leftover Dejaj Meshwi, Basmati Rice, Pasta Salad, Ice Cream - Tuesday - Feast of Saint Augustine of Canterbury
Breakfast: Scrambled Egg and Sausage Breakfast Burritos with Salsa, Oranges, Milk, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Leftovers, Orange Butter Cookies with Grand Marnier Glaze - Wednesday - Feast of the Venerable Saint Bede
Breakfast: Labneh, Za'atar and Olive Oil on Toast, Sliced Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Radishes, Bananas, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Homemade Pizza, Green Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette, Sliced Mangos - Thursday
Breakfast: Tunisian Sweet Potato Shakshouka with Fried Peppers and Onions*, Sliced Oranges, Mint Tea with Rosewater and Honey
Dinner: Xinjiang Cumin Lamb, Jasmine Rice, Homemade Samoa Bars - Friday
Breakfast: Cereal and Milk, Bananas, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: Lechón Asado, Black Beans, Cuban Lime Cookies - Saturday
Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls, Bacon, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Cheese Zombies, Tomato Soup with Bacon Crumbles, Orange Rum Cake
Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pentecost, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Menu Plan: May 17 - 23 (Ascension Octave and Novena to the Holy Spirit)
Christ has Ascended! From Earth to Heaven! Alleluia!
We are within the Octave of Ascension for most of this week, and are praying the Novena to the Holy Spirit through this Saturday. We are near the end of the entire Paschal season. There is a sadness that comes with that, but we get to celebrate the second highest feast of the Church year, as well. Pentecost is the commissioning of the Church; it is Her birthday, and without that authority and power, we could not live. Glory to God!
My observation about the local weather pattern around Ascension and Pentecost held true this year. Rich said that maybe Jesus needs a headwind to ascend (that is a joke!). We had hotter weather earlier last week, and it is cooling a bit with wind this week. This week is yet another busy week. Sometimes I wonder if we will ever have an easy going, slow week again. There is a lot going on this week, including an end of year potluck for some of the girls' classes. God bless our parish family who took over the meal for tonight so I could handle all the other things thrown at me this past week. Several of our meals this week are garbage management so we can use the bits and bobs that were left over from other meals this past week.
I scheduled some things wrong and thought we were getting our last load of asparagus this week, but it was last week, so I am having to rush our pickling this year. Nearly all of our fruit tree blossoms froze this year, though we are hoping the apple blossoms will make it (they come later in the season) and we might get apples this year. No apricots, peaches, plums, or cherries. Maybe we will see pears, though.
As we approach Pentecost, I am filled with gratitude to the Church. I always appreciate Apostolic authority, but I am especially glad for it now. Without it, after all, we couldn't eat bacon, or cheeseburgers, or crab! As we grow in faith, I see how important it is to have it. There is so much confusion in the modern world, and the clarity brought by the Church is so valuable. God has undone the confusion of Babel for us, and it is our vocation to follow Him. We will be hosting our traditional Pentecost Tongues of Flame Barbecue next week, and I am really looking forward to that.
- Sunday
Breakfast: Leftovers, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Chili, Salad, GF Cornbread, Roasted Asparagus, Fruit - Monday
Breakfast: Cereal and Milk, Sliced Apples, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: Creamy Champagne Chicken, Basmati Rice, Steam Sautéed Asparagus with Garlic and Summer Savory, Fruit Plate - Tuesday - Feast of Saint Dunstan
Breakfast: Egg and Labneh Bagel Sandwiches, Oranges, Milk, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Korean Style Ground Beef, Stir Fried Sesame Asparagus, Jasmine Rice, Sliced Oranges - Wednesday - Feast of Saint Alcuin
Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast with Honey, Sliced Oranges, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Thai Style Coconut Rice Salad with Ginger Peanut Dressing, Fruit Plate - Thursday
Breakfast: Asparagus and Potato Scramble, Toast, Sliced Apples, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: Pizzas, Salads, Cookies - Friday
Breakfast: Potato and Asparagus Breakfast Hash, Home Canned Peaches, Tea and Honey
Dinner: Eggplant Gyros, Flatbreads, Fruit Plate - Saturday
Breakfast: Yemeni Lahsa*, Bread, Home Canned Peaches, Milk, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Kabuli Pulao, Laban bi Chiyar, Orange Rum Cake
Labels: Ascension, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Homesteading, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Preserving the Harvest, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Menu Plan: Week of the Ascension
Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Christ has Ascended! From Earth to Heaven! Alleluia!
The Paschal season is winding down. We have Rogation days this week, the Feast of the Ascension, then the novena to the Holy Spirit begins on Friday. We are going to try to fly a kite and find a higher spot to eat for the Ascension. Please pray with us. We begin the normal fast after Ascension Day, then we will have the celebration of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church.
Today is Mother's Day and all I wanted was rest and not to be responsible for everything. So, Rich and the kids are putting together a brunch for me, and cleaning it up, too. We have evening church and dinner after that. I meant to order myself a new knitting tool as a treat a couple weeks ago, but forgot, so we will do that tonight.
We are slowing back down to ordinary time. In just two weeks, we will celebrate Pentecost (the second highest feast of the Church year), and have another fast free week. Then, it is back to the quotidian. I'm not sorry for that.
- Sunday
Brunch Made by Rich and Kids: Omelets filled with Sweet Peppers, Shallots, Pancetta and Chives, Asparagus and Gruyère Puff Pastry Tart, Ricotta Cake with Lemon Curd Filling and Arabian Chantilly Cream*, Mimosas and Martinelli's
Dinner: Lamb Shanks Fatta, Rice, Yogurt and Taratoor Sauce, Parish brings Salads/Sides/Fruit/Bread/Desserts - Monday - Rogation Day and Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Breakfast: Cereal and Milk, Sliced Apples, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: Replica Cart de Frisco Chicken Sandwiches*, Grilled Asparagus, Cherry Ciapirissima - Tuesday - Rogation Day
Breakfast: Asparagus, Potato and Cheese Frittata, Toast, Sliced Apples, Coffee, Tea and Honey
Dinner: Pinwheel Skirt Steak Philly Sandwiches, Creamy Dill Red Potato Salad, Sliced Oranges - Wednesday - Rogation Day
Breakfast: Labneh, Za'atar, Aleppo Pepper and Olive Oil on Toast, Sliced Cucumbers, Brined Olives, Mandarin Oranges, Milky Tea with Mint and Rosewater
Dinner: Macaroni and Cheese, Green Salad, Orange Butter Cookies with Grand Marnier Glaze - Thursday - Feast of The Ascension of the Lord
Breakfast: Fried Egg and Sujuk Bagel Sandwiches with Za’atar and Joubneh 'Arabia, Oranges, Sahlab and Tea with Mint and Rosewater
Dinner: Chicken Salad with Bacon and Gorgonzola, Coleslaw, Biscuits, Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies - Friday
Breakfast: Potato and Vegetable Breakfast Hash, Home Canned Peaches, Tea and Honey
Dinner: Enfrijoladas, Cuban Rice, Cuban Rice, Lime Cookies - Saturday - Feast of Saint Gregory of Nazianzus
Breakfast: Sirnica, Ham, Mandarin Oranges, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: Quickie Doner Kebabs, Sumac Onions, Lettuce, Olives, Taratoor, Toum, Harissa Sah'awiq, Turkish Acili Ezme, Limoncello Crème Brûlée
Labels: Ascension, Birthday, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, May 03, 2026
Menu Plan: May 3 - 9
Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
In the meantime, Rich, Elijah and I are soaking up the sun in LA. Of course, there is sun at home, too, but we have sun and ocean and beach. By the end of the week, we will be home again, and a long time friend of Rich's (and now mine) is coming through the area with her husband, so we will get to see her for the first time in at least a decade.
Again, everyone is pulling together and helping us do what needs to be done during this time, and lifting our own burdens so generously and beautifully. Our church is taking care of dinner entirely while we are away. They are looking out for our kids and us, without seeking any thanks at all.
We so appreciate your prayers and love. We could not walk this road without the prayer support and material support we have been given by people we know well, and who hardly know us at all.
- Sunday
Breakfast: Cereal and Milk, Bananas, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: Taco Bar, Chopped Salad, and Sides/Fruit/Dessert Provided by Parish - Monday
Breakfast: Arabic Cheeses and Bread Drizzled with Olive Oil and Sprinkled with Za'atar Spice Blend and Aleppo Pepper, Kalamata Olives, Sliced Cucumbers, Sliced Apples, Tea Mint and Rosewater
Dinner: Slow Cooked Chuck Roast, Baked Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus, Ice Cream - Tuesday
Breakfast: Sausage, Asparagus and Egg Scramble with Cheese and Scallions, Toast, Oranges, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: Tuna Burgers with Lettuce, Tomato and Tartar Sauce, Arugula and Cucumber Salad, Doughnuts (from our freezer) - Wednesday
Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam, Toast, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: Irish Egg Salad Sandwiches, Pickles, Veggie Sticks, Fruit Plate - Thursday
Breakfast: Farmer Breakfast Casserole, Steamed Asparagus, Fruit Plate, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: White Enchiladas, Salsa Rice, Rosewater Almond Tea Cookies, Pistachio and Cardamom Crescents - Friday
Breakfast: Ful, Sah'awiq, Harissa, Sliced Cucumbers and Radishes, Brined Olives, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Lemon Pizza, Arugula and Cucumber Salad, Tropical Fruit Salad with Pomegranate Pips - Saturday - Feast of Saint Gregory of Nazianzus
Breakfast: Italian Bacon and Romano Pasqua Bread, Cheeses, Oranges, Coffee, Milk and Tea
Dinner: Leftovers or Dinner Out
Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Menu Plan: April 26 - May 2
I could not decide between this ancient icon and a more modern one, so I have included both. That this is Eastern and the other Western makes it even better. The other is at the bottom of the menu plan.
In the West, it is the Sunday of the Good Shepherd. In the East, it is the Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women. In both, He shows His care for us, and how our care for Him is hallowed. That is my meditation this week.
We had a rather busy week this past week, and another busy week of preparation this week. Our friends and family have really come together and brought us so much in support, friendship, and love.
Rich and I have an upcoming trip to Los Angeles with Elijah, as kind of a reward for how much work he has been doing at our home for the past year, much of it without being asked or prompted. He has done so much, quietly, without asking for recognition, and we really wanted to both give him a break and some well needed recognition for all he has done. Dominic and Shawn are coming up to help the girls at home while we are gone, and then we will get to have some time with them, as well. That trip will begin and end with something wonderful, and we are looking forward to it.
This week, however, we will be doing a lot of prep work here at the house, both for our normal quotidian and weekly routines and for our upcoming trip. We're trying to keep on keeping on in the face of our challenges and as the end of the school year comes up more quickly than we anticipate (every year!). Our gleaning season has started again, and we have our first load of asparagus. This week we are cooking a lot of asparagus, but also we are going to make at least some jars of pickled asparagus, which is really our favorite way of eating them as preserved foods. We're just not huge fans of frozen asparagus and definitely not canned. If you have other suggestions for preserving for us to try, I am all ears.
Our parish family is, once again, coming in and holding our family up in strength. They are providing a wonderful dinner from one of our favorite places to eat in town, and some sides and extras to stretch it, as well. God is good. His people are answering the call to serve. We are grateful.
- Sunday - Sunday of the Good Shepherd
Breakfast: Waffles with Maple Syrup, Sausage Patties, Hard Boiled Eggs, Sliced Pears, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Take Out Teriyaki provided by our Parish, Jasmine Rice, Stir Fried Asparagus, Salad, Oranges - Monday
Breakfast: Arabic Cheeses and Bread Drizzled with Olive Oil and Sprinkled with Za'atar Spice Blend and Aleppo Pepper, Kalamata Olives, Mint Tea with Honey
Dinner: Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers, French Fries, Half Sweet Bread and Butter Pickles, Grilled Asparagus, Strawberry and Lemon Italian Ices - Tuesday
Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs with Za'atar Spice Blend, Bread, Steamed Asparagus, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Double Decker Grilled Reuben Sandwich, Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles, Rosewater Almond Tea Cookies, Pistachio and Cardamom Crescents - Wednesday
Breakfast: Yogurt with Blackberry Jam, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Pad Thai with Shrimp, Stir Fried Asparagus with Garlic, Soy and Sesame, Honey Tangerines - Thursday - Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena
Breakfast: Fried Egg and Sujuk* Bagel Sandwiches with Za'atar Spice Blend and Syrian Cheese, Sliced Apples, Tea with Mint and Rosewater
Dinner: Afghan Meat and Tomato Sauce with Pasta, Roasted Asparagus, Peanut Butter Easter Eggs - Friday - Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
Breakfast: Bread with Tahina and Date Syrup Dipped in Sesame Seeds, Sliced Oranges, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Cypriot Halloum, Onion and Tomato Sandwiches, Fruit Plate - Saturday - Feast of Saint Athanasius
Breakfast: Asparagus and Cheese Scramble with Sausage, Toast, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Crockpot Peanut Chicken*, Jasmine Rice, Stir Fried Asparagus, Faux de Crèmes
Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Menu Plan: April 19 - 25
Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
We have a lot of simple meals this week, because our schedule is really busy. There was a meal we ate last week which we will not make again, but the filling in the dish was quite good, it was the cornbread binding it for which we did not care. The kids think I should make it again using my cornbread recipe instead. I might. It was a shame, as it really was full of all sorts of delicious things, but that cornbread was really awful.
Our church family has been so wonderful, as well. They have been providing meals much more frequently, and taking that burden off of me. This week, one family provided the main course, with the rest of the families bringing the rest. Next week, a family is ordering take out from an awesome teriyaki place in town, and we are recommending that folks bring salads and sides to go with that. Their care for us is so appreciated.
Thank you so much for your prayers. We are on this road for a long while, and are comforted by your companionship through your prayers.
- Sunday - Feast of Saint Alphege
Breakfast: Nacho Breakfast, Mandarin Oranges, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Salumi and Crackers, Ravioli and Tortellini with Pasta Sauce, Salads, Cookies and Brownies, provided by our Parish - Monday
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Pancetta and Cheese, Toast, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Mustard Glazed Corned Beef, Colcannon, Steam Sautéed Peas with Garlic and Dill, Fruit Plate - Tuesday - Feast of Saint Anselm
Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Corned Beef Hash, Sliced Oranges, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Turkish Pasta with Meat and Yogurt, Green Salad, Leftover Treats from Pascha Basket - Wednesday
Breakfast: Yogurt with Blackberry Jam, Toast, Fruit, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Vegetarian Ranchero Beans, Rice, Fruit Plate - Thursday - Feast of Saint George
Breakfast: Arabic Cheeses with Bread, Olives, Mandarin Oranges, Mint Tea with Milk and Honey
Dinner: Italian Meatball Sandwiches with Provolone and Sauce, Fruit Plate - Friday
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Toast, Sliced Oranges, Milky Tea
Dinner: Jeddo's Tuna Sandwiches*, Pickled Asparagus, Mandarin Oranges - Saturday - Feast of Saint Mark
Breakfast: Croissants bi Za’atar ou bi Joubneh, Fruit, Cold Cuts, Hard Boiled Eggs, Olives, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Fried Koubbeh, Tourshi Makhloot, Harissa, Duqqus, Dibs Rumman, Knaffeh
Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Menu Plan: End of the Paschal Octave
Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Life is still hectic here, and we are so grateful for the prayers and support we've had from our community. Because of our reduced household size, we had a lot more leftover this year, and had a few schedule shifts that mean that we have repeats this week. So far, we don't have as much on our schedule this week, so I am planning a lot of desserts and treats. We will see how that changes.
Our church family is coordinating meals with us for after church, and we are filled with gratitude for their assistance. Our hearts are so full from their love toward our family.
Again, if you are inclined, please keep us in your prayers.
- Sunday - Final Day of the Paschal Octave
Breakfast: Leftovers, Coffee, Tea and Milk
Dinner: Cold Cut Sandwich Bar, Salad Bar, Pickles and Veggie Trays, Chips, Cookies, Desserts - Monday
Breakfast: Arabic Cheeses with Bread, Chopped Veggies, Sliced Apples, Milky Tea
Dinner: Macarona bi Laban ou Lah'm*, Green Salad, Gatayif - Tuesday
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Bacon, Toast, Strawberries, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Turkish Tantuni, Ezme Salad, Limoncello Crème Brûlée - Wednesday
Breakfast: Yogurt with Blackberry Jam, Toast, Fruit, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Poblano Cornbread Casserole, Ricotta Cake with Lemon Curd - Thursday
Breakfast: Fried Egg and Sujuk Bagel Sandwiches with Za’atar and Joubneh 'Arabia, Oranges, Sahlab, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Pan Fried Gnocchi with Sausage and Tomato Sauce, Green Salad, Homemade Samoa Bars - Friday
Breakfast: Fried Halloum, Chopped Tomatoes, Olives, Bread, Canned Peaches, Mint Tea with Honey
Dinner: Pasta and Salad Business Dinner - Saturday
Breakfast: Italian Bacon and Romano Pasqua Bread, Cheeses, Oranges, Coffee, Milk and Tea
Dinner: Lamb Plov, Green Salad, Limoncello Zabaglione
Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, April 05, 2026
Menu Plan: Bright Week
Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Traditionally, the eight days of the Paschal Octave have absolutely no fasting in them. You will see plenty of meat and dairy and eggs this week! In the Antiochian jurisdiction, there is no fasting during the entire Paschal season. Our local priest does not contradict this, but does caution that this relaxation of the normative rule was approved in a place and time where Christians are already suffering incredibly, on a daily basis, and that we in this country could probably do with more exercises of our faith and spiritual strength, though he would never state that we must keep the fast during that time. In our family, we have decided that on the Wednesdays and Fridays of the Paschal season after the Octave we will still refrain from meat, but will enjoy fish, dairy and eggs, wine, and oil. In this way, we can enjoy the looser dietary rules, while still respecting the spirit of restraint our local priest mentions.
A few of the dishes we normally make for the feast, we will be making later in the week for a potluck and for other meals. It was remarkable how much sooner we were able to finish yesterday because of that.
East and West are a week apart this year. We won't celebrate again for another two years. This is a sadness for us, especially as our family crosses East and West, but one day we will celebrate together always. Blessed Feast!
- Sunday - Pascha/Fesh'a
Breakfast: Paschal Braided Bread, Pascha Cheese, Scotchicanese Eggs, Strawberries and Sliced Oranges, Hot Chocolate and Coffee with Chantilly Cream
Dinner: Olive Tray (with Kalamata Olives, Green Baladi Olives, and Orange Stuffed Green Olives), Tourshi, Tourshi Makhloot, Deviled Eggs, Herb Roasted Green Lamb, Hummus, Baba Ghanooj, Muhamarrah, Khoubz Araby, Harissa, Sah'awiq, Duqqus, Fatayir bi Sabanich, Sambousak, Sambousak bi Joubneh, Laban bi Chiyar, Khoubz Araby, Red Eggs, Baq'lawa, Red Wine, Proseccot, and Sparkling Cider, with Guests bringing other hors-d'ouevres, drinks, and desserts. - Monday
Breakfast: Leftover Scotchicanese Eggs, Bread, Olives and Tourshi, Strawberries and Oranges, Hot Chocolate
Dinner: Leftovers, Fattoush, Leftover Desserts - Tuesday
Breakfast: Pascha Cheese Stuffed Pascha Bread French Toast, Bacon, Sahlab and Milk
Dinner: Muffroom and Muhamarrah, Rice, Leftover Desserts - Wednesday
Breakfast: Farmer Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Grilled Hot Dogs, Cool and Creamy Potato and Pea Salad, Peep S’mores - Thursday
Breakfast: Fried Egg and Sujuk Bagel Sandwiches with Za’atar and Joubneh Arabia, Fruit, Sahlab, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Crockpot Peanut Chicken, Jasmine Rice, Peanut Butter Easter Eggs - Friday - Feast of Saint Leo the Great
Breakfast: Bacon, Cheese and Egg English Muffins, Fruit, Coffee, Milk and Tea
Dinner: Waraq 'Ounab, Harissa, Tabbouleh, Gatayif - Saturday
Breakfast: Italian Bacon and Romano Pasqua Bread, Cheeses, Fruit, Coffee, Milk and Tea
Dinner: Fried Koubbeh, Tourshi Makhloot, Harissa, Duqqus, Dibs Rumman, Knaffeh
Labels: Bright Week, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Menu Plan: Quinquagesima, Mardi Gras, and Ash Wednesday
We are not aligned with the East in our fast this year. We begin about five days before them this year, because we begin on Ash Wednesday, midweek. Quinquagesima is the 50th day before the Paschal feast for us in the West. We continue to pray, that both East and West will unite to celebrate together every year. The practices of Ash Wednesday are so profound, as are those of Forgiveness Sunday, and I hope that eventually the Church will get her act together and find a way to bring them together in all ways.
I've explained before that xerophagy is the accurate term for Lenten fasting. It means dry eating. We restrict meat, fish, dairy, eggs, oil and wine, which means our food is not as lubricated as normal. There are two strict fast days (no food or nutritive drink) in the West, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. There is an optional strict fast from the evening after the Maundy Thursday service through the end of the Paschal Vigil. In the East, the first week of Lent, from Clean Monday through their vespers service on Wednesday is supposed to be as strict a fast as possible, with the guidance of a spiritual father or mother, and they share the same Triduum fasting, I believe. Aside from that, the earliest rule of the Church is to eat no meat, no fish (with the exception of shellfish - and because of the expense, we eat them sparingly), no dairy or eggs, no olive oil (all oil in a few jurisdictions), no wine (or alcohol). On Saturdays and Sundays, the rule is relaxed to include olive oil and wine, and on a few significant feast days we are able to eat fish, and one day caviar is permitted (Lazarus Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday, with fish eggs acting as a shadow of the eggs associated with the Resurrection). In the West, we celebrate Laetare Sunday about midway through the fast, and on that day we also eat dairy and egg. None of this is to imply that eating or that any of these foods are bad. They are good things from which we abstain as a discipline to train ourselves, following the example and teaching of our Lord.
This is worship. Worship throughout the Bible, Old Testament and New, always means sacrifice. It is not prayer, though that usually accompanies it. It is not singing hymns and songs, though they may also accompany it. It is not homilies or sermons, though they are edifying. It is sacrifice. The sacrifice that Christ offered for us once for all that we join into in the Eucharist. The sacrifice of something good for our own good in fasting. In the West, penance is emphasized, and while this is absolutely a part of our Lenten journey, fasting, praying, and almsgiving are seen more as a discipline Christ gives us through the Church to grow us spiritually. Young children, the elderly, those who have serious medical conditions, those who are hospitalized, pregnant and nursing women, are all exempt. There is no make-up required for these people. Their fast is considered complete. In all cases, fasting or not, we are to keep our eyes on our own plate. We are not to concern ourselves with how someone else is keeping the fast, unless that person is asking us for assistance or support.
This year, we have drawn down our diet a little more like the East does, so last week was our final week with meat, and this week holds our final few days with fish, eggs and dairy. Because our Sunday evenings are shared with an Anglican parish where we assist, there will be some Sundays with non-Lenten foods, and we will simply thank God for those breaks and enjoy them. I share our meals to encourage and help you to keep this worship. It is a training for ourselves, and an offering we give to God. Like all of these gifts, it is something He gives us first, which we then offer back to Him.
As we prepare for Lent, we must prepare for self-examination. So, in that frame of mind, if I have offended you or wronged you in any way, please forgive me and pray for me, a sinner. As for you readers, I pray that this will be a profitable and Holy Lent for you, however you observe it. Please pray for us, as well. Have a blessed fast.
- Sunday - Quinquagesima
Breakfast: Apple Bourbon French Toast, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Church Family bringing Pork Shoulder, Parish bringing Side Dishes/Salads/Fruit/Desserts - Monday
Breakfast: Arabic Cheeses and Bread, Sliced Cucumbers and Olives, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Fish Tacos, Radish Salsa, Coleslaw, Strawberry Mango Salad with Lime Dressing - Tuesday - Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday)
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Paneer Mussallam, Rice, Fassoliya, Louqaimat, Fastnacht Kreppel Filled with Cherry Jelly, Fritule - Wednesday - Ash Wednesday
Dinner: Tahina and Date Syrup Sandwich with Sliced Oranges for Nejat - Thursday
Breakfast: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Breakfast Burritos, Fruit, Tea with Honey
Dinner: El Bulli Bean Soup, Bread, Fruit Plate - Friday
Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast with Honey, Fruit, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Sheet Pan Chow Mein, Green Salad with Sesame Citrus Dressing, Mandarin Oranges - Saturday
Breakfast: Mana'eesh*, Sliced Cucumbers and Tomatoes, Sliced Pears, Coffee, and Tea with Honey
Dinner: Moroccan Spiced Vegeable Soup with Cous Cous, Lenten Bougatsa me Krema
Labels: Ash Wednesday, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fasting as a Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Lent, Mardi Gras, Menu Plans, Quinquagesima, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, January 04, 2026
Menu Plan: Days 11 and 12 of the Nativity and the Epiphany Octave
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
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Menu Plan: Days 4 through 10 of Christmas
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
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Menu Plan: Fourth Sunday of Advent - Peace - and the Feast of the Nativity
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
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Recipe Round Up: Sumac Onions, Three Layer Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
These are so simple to make, and delicious! They make a good side dish, salad, or topping for sandwiches.
1 large red onion, sliced paper thin
1 bunch parsley, finely minced
2 tablespoons good olive oil
juice of one lemon, strained
1 1/2 tablespoon ground sumac (plus more, if you like)
salt, to taste
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (optional, but wonderful)
Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl and toss to blend. Let sit for 2 - 3 minutes.
Taste, and season with more ground sumac, if necessary. Cover and set aside for about 30 minutes before serving.
Three Layer Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
This triple layer cake is one of a few cakes I rotate through for my birthday cakes. It is a perfect mix of flavor and texture. This cake combines multiple types of dessert in one: Vanilla cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and a gorgeous ganache. Making it is really a matter of timing, but doesn't take too much time, even so. To make things easier, make the cheesecake and crust on one day and the mousse and ganache on the next day. Cheesecake lasts longer than mousse. Refrigerated, this cake will last up to 3 days but is best eaten the day it is made.
Crust:
1 1/2 cups very finely crushed chocolate cookie crumbs (one sleeve of Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers or equivalent amount of chocolate graham crackers) - you can pulse in a food processor to crush
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but it does intensify the chocolate flavor)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract or paste
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cups sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
Make Crust: Pre-heat oven to 400˚F. Set aside a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, stir together the cookie crumbs, sugar and espresso powder until blended. I do this by pulsing the sugar and espresso powder into the food processor bowl. Drizzle with melted butter and mix (or pulse) until well blended and crumbs are evenly moist. Turn out the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and press evenly onto the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set on a wire rack to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 300˚F.
Make Filling and Bake: Mix the sour cream and vanilla in a small bowl. Set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and salt until very smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl and paddle frequently (and with each subsequent addition). Add the sugar and continue beating until well blended and smooth. Beat in the sour cream mixture until well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until just blended. (Don't overbeat the filling once the eggs have been added or the cheesecake will puff too much). Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spread evenly, and smooth the top.
Bake at 300˚F until the center barely jiggles when nudged, about 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and let rest for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. The cake will be slightly puffed, perhaps with a few little cracks around the edge. Let cool to room temperature on a rack, then refrigerate until well chilled, at least a few hours, or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Chocolate Mousse:
6 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, chopped (use good chocolate)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
3 eggs, separated
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cold heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl, and place over a saucepan containing barely simmering water, use a double boiler, or heat in the microwave for 2 minutes. Melt the chocolate and butter together and stir with a whisk until smooth. Add in the espresso powder. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Add the egg yolks to the chocolate, one at a time, beating with a whisk until incorporated. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar, and continue to beat. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup sugar, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Beat heavy cream in a chilled bowl with chilled beaters until it begins to foam and thicken up. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and vanilla. Continue to whip the cream until it holds soft peaks.
Gradually and gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then, fold in the whipped cream. Take care not over work the mousse but make sure you blend in the cream well. Place the mousse on top of the cooled cheesecake while still in the springform pan.
Cover the mousse covered cheesecake with foil, being careful to not let it touch the mousse.
If making the ganache immediately, place mousse covered cheesecake in the freezer as you make the ganache (the cheesecake should NOT be in the freezer for more than 30 minutes). If making the ganache later, place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for a few hours. Either way, the ganache must be cooled before it can be poured on top of the cheesecake.
Ganache:
2/3 cup heavy cream
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon vanilla extract or fruit liqueur (I like to use Chambord)
Either heat the cream with the chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler, or in a microwave for about a minute and a half. Allow to melt the chocolate without disturbing at first (if using the microwave, you will have to stir a little to see if the chocolate is softened, and if it needs more time, use 30 second increments, so as not to burn the chocolate). Whisk the mixture when the chocolate is entirely soft, and keep whisking long past when you think you have ruined it. It will appear like a wet mess at first, then granular, then it will become glossy and thick. Add vanilla extract, or flavored liqueur at this point and whisk it in as well. Allow to cool almost to room temperature (at least 15 minutes). Pour over chilled mousse covered cheesecake. Chill until ready to serve.
To Serve: Unclasp the pan's ring, remove it, and run a long thin metal spatula under the bottom crust. Carefully slide the cake onto a flat serving plate. Run a thin knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut the cake into slices, heating and wiping the knife as needed. I like to serve this with raspberries.
Labels: Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Recipes, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Menu Plan: Fair Week and Feast of the Dormition
Shudder, O ye heavens! and, O earth, give ear unto these words:
God descended once before for our sake; He descends again today for His Mother.
So many times, when people deny honor to the Theotokos, it is really a dishonor to the Lord. Even denying her the title Theotokos ends up declaring that Christ was either not God in her womb, or that He is not God incarnate. It is often not intentional, but I think a good question to ask oneself when putting her "in her place" is what does this mean about Christ and His divinity? If it ends up dishonoring Him, calling His divinity into question, or lessening Him, it isn't a good thing. Likewise, so many people say that there is too much honor given her, without actually considering whether or not they honor her enough or even at all. What is just the right amount of honor? Surely it isn't debasing the woman who bore and raised our Lord? Jesus was born a Jew and fulfilled the law. He loved and honored His mother, and as we could not have had Him without her, why would we want that, instead of following His example?
The Archangel Gabriel in the Gospel of Luke hails her and says that God calls her blessed. Her cousin Elizabeth's unborn son, Saint John the Forerunner, leaps at the sound of Mary's voice, and by this does Elizabeth know and proclaim that Mary is the Mother of her Lord. Mary replies by saying that ALL generations will call her blessed. It is in the Scriptures that we are to bless her, that God Himself magnifies her, so why should we not do the same? How can we do less?
We are still swimming in produce and leftovers. We have boxes of produce all over our house right now, as we preserve and use it for the family. This will be a little more difficult this week, because we have fair, and because we have a complicated medical procedure coming up, too. Please pray for all of us this week.
The fast ends this week, and we are fasting within our strength, but poor Jerome will really be fasting at the end of this week, and especially needs your prayers. Our family diet is going to change substantially for a little while, as he will be on a soft food diet for nearly two months.
- Sunday - Feast of Saint Laurence
Breakfast: Leftovers, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Black Bean and Corn Salad with Avocado, Corn Chips, Watermelon, Pizza, Green Salad, Caprese Salad, Mandarin Oranges, all from Parishioners - Monday
Breakfast: Leftovers, Sliced Cantaloupe, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Spanish Poor Man's Potatoes, Portugeuse Spicy Rice, Green Salad, Yellow Watermelon, Leftover Baked Goods from Fair - Tuesday
Breakfast: Sweet Potato and Hatch Chile Pepper Scramble, Peaches and Nectarines, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Curried Paneer, Basmati Rice, Watermelon Salad - Wednesday
Breakfast: Tomato Toast, Plums, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Moroccan Spiced Vegetables and Chickpeas, Cous Cous (GF for Jerome), Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Apricots - Thursday
Breakfast: Slow Cooker Rice Pudding, Sliced Cantaloupe, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Vegetarian Ranchero Beans, Salsa Rice, Sliced Watermelon - Friday - Feast of The Dormition of the Theotokos
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Toast, Pears, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Baked Cod in Cream, Mashed Potatoes, Sliced Watermelon, Applesauce for Jerome - Saturday
Breakfast: Çilbir, Tamis, Nectarines, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles (GF for Jerome), Steam Sautéed Carrots and Peas with Garlic and Dill, Limoncello Crème Brûlée
Labels: Blessed Virgin, Church Year, Family, Fasting as a Family, Homemaking, Homesteading, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen, Theotokos
Monday, August 04, 2025
Menu Plan: August 3 - 9 Dormition Fast and Feast of the Transfiguration
During the Dormition fast, I join with others to dedicate our prayers toward the end of abortion - not only in law, but also in practice - that nobody would ever feel the need to resort to this. This week holds the feast of the Transfiguration, also. I love the Transfiguration! We have the Trinity demonstrated in the voice of the Father and the uncreated light of the Spirit which overshadows the mountain, we have the communion of saints demonstrated and modeled (Jesus calls on not only Elijah, who never died, but Moses, in the presence of the Apostles - who know exactly who they are - and shows them that they can be called on in this world) to us, and we have a Theophany, a demonstration of the divinity of Christ. Saint Peter's statement about building tablernacles is not only an impetuous statement of someone not knowing what to say. It shows that Saint Peter connects what he witnesses with the Feast of Tabernacles, which is the feast of the coming Kingdom. He sees this as a sign of the Kingdom appearing on earth. On this feast, the Jewish people build booths to serve as symbols of God's dwelling among the just in the Kingdom. Moses represents the law and all who have died, and Elijah, the prophets and all who are alive in Christ, as Elijah never experienced death. Both of these men are immediately recognizeable by Saints Peter, James and John. They know them, because the saints are available to us on earth. They can hear Jesus talking to them, and Jesus gives them an example of communicating with the saints. This is one of the major feasts of the Church year, and it is a poverty to neglect or ignore it.
We are swimming in fresh produce, tons of fruit and vegetables, and it is a blessing. Loads of preservation going on here, and loads of delicious food. We are blessed to live in a growing area. There will be more canning and drying and freezing through October. God is truly caring for us, and we are trying to steward that gift.
Again, don't be surprised by the eggs and dairy in our menus this week. We do take the Dormition fast a little bit more lightly, as we are growing into it. We also may break it on Sundays, as we serve a parish that doesn't necessarily keep the fast. We are blessed with a fish day this week, and I am happy for that. We rejoice in our fast and are so grateful for the wonderful things we can have and the focus it gives us for prayer and for study. It is not too late to start the fast, and it is never something you need to do all the way if you are unable. Start to climb the mountain; God will meet you there. The fast is a gift He gives us, not something we give Him.
- Sunday
Breakfast: Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Macaroni and Cheese (plus a Gluten Free option), Parishioners bring Sides/Salads/Desserts - Monday - Feast of Saint Dominic
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Avocado, Tomato and Jalapeño, Toast, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Araka (Greek Pea and Potato Stew), Rice, Red Pears - Tuesday
Breakfast: Tunisian Shakshouka (using sweet potatoes), Peaches, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Balela, Tamis, Yellow Plums - Wednesday - Feast of The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Grilled Salmon with Creamy Feta Sauce, Garlic Pasta, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Peaches - Thursday
Breakfast: Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with Diced Apples and Cranberries, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Galayet Banadora, Rice, Chopped Salad, Fruit Plate - Friday
Breakfast: Tomato Toast, Pears, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Mejeddarah, Crisp Onions, Sliced Tomatoes, Fruit Plate - Saturday
Breakfast: Creamed Eggs, Toast, Plums, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Black Bean and Corn Salad with Avocado, Corn Chips, Fruit Plate
Labels: Church Year, Family, Fasting as a Family, Homemaking, Homesteading, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Tales from the Kitchen
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Menu Plan: Trinity Sunday
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one God; Oh come, let us adore Him.
This is one of a few truly Western feasts that I truly revel in and wish were shared by both lungs of the Church. I know that I "read" more Eastern, but in these I am firmly Western. This is a feast that I think should be enthusiastically embraced by all of the Church. It is a theological feast. It celebrates what we believe. We believe in, rejoice in, and love the Trinity! In the east, it is celebrated along with Pentecost, however, it is a principal feast in the west. Prior to the Great Schism, it was a secondary feast and relatively minor observance. It came about around the time of the Arian heresy, which was repudiated by the Nicene and Constantinople Councils in the Nicene Creed. Around this time, there were prefaces and prayers written and proclaimed in churches on Sundays which emphasized orthodox Christian faith, and those for the Holy Trinity were said the Sunday after Pentecost in some areas, in other areas, it was the Sunday before Advent. It was emphasized to counter the erroneous teachings of the day, and was elevated in the west to primary first class status in 1911, again to counter heretical teaching. In the east, while it is not primary, in the quite the same way, it is the first of the three day observance of Pentecost, and is also called Trinity Sunday. Each of those three days emphasizes different parts of the faith that is born that day, and the first is Trinity. I pray one day it will be observed in unbroken community. God is unity (one God) and community (three Persons) and has created all people to be in one in community. God shows us this community in Himself so we can be an image of Him in the world.
As it is Father's Day, I am making strawberry shortcake at Rich's request, but the church is taking care of most of dinner. I am so grateful for that help. Rich's (and Dominic's) birthday is this week, too, but sadly he has to be away for a work related event, so we are celebrating his birthday the night before. This is such a busy week for all of us. It is the beginning of air show prep and the air show, and all of us contribute to that. Our sweet parishioners are also taking care of dinner next Sunday so our family can rest, as well.
We have been blessed through our gleaning club, as well as deals at the store, and have an abundance of fresh produce to enjoy, our garden is starting to produce things like peas and rhubarb and greens and herbs, and it is a good time to be living in this desert. Flowers and trees are blooming, green things are growing, and the world is alive! This also means that besides getting ready for not just air show, but a couple kids visiting out of town, family coming for Independence Day, church camp, and more birthdays, we also have a little preserving going on and I plan on stock making this week to clear our freezers a bit.
For the rest of you, I hope you can celebrate your father, or husband, this Father's Day. I pray you revel in the truth of God's identity today, and always. Blessed Feast!
- Sunday - Trinity Sunday
Breakfast: Sirnica with Butter and Fried Ham, Blackberries and Blueberries, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Taco Salad, Appetizers/Sides/Fruit brought by Parishioners, Strawberry Shortcake* with Chantilly Cream - Monday
Breakfast: Mthouamat Banadora, Persian Barbari Bread, Mixed Berries, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Leftovers, Roasted Cauliflower and Asparagus, Cherries - Tuesday
Breakfast: Chorizo and Potato Breakfast Burritos, Mixed Berries, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Crab and Avocado Salad, Crackers (GF for Jerome), Blackberry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream - Wednesday
Breakfast: Tomato Toast, Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Vegetable Stir Fry, Burnt Garlic Fried Rice, Kimchee Dumplings, Cherries - Thursday - Feast of Corpus Christi
Breakfast: Creamed Eggs, Toast Fingers, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Pasta with Meat Sauce, Green Salad, Lime Cookies - Friday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins and Brown Sugar, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Lentil Chimichangas, Cilantro Lime Rice, Sliced Oranges - Saturday
Breakfast: Çilbir, Toast, Cherries, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Gyros, Barbecue Sandwiches, Garlic Fries, Arabic Lemonade
Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Homesteading, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Tales from the Kitchen, Trinity
Sunday, June 08, 2025
Menu Plan: Pentecost Week
Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord fills the world! Oh come, let us adore Him. Alleluia!
This is the second highest feast of the Church year, the birthday of the Church, herself. It is the undoing of Babel, the empowering by the Holy Spirit of the Apostles to spread the Church throughout the world to every people, tribe, tongue and nation, and the first glimmer of the Holy City that is to come. On Pentecost, the first law was given, and on the new Pentecost, the lasting law was given. Glory to God!
We were able to have our Tongues of Flame Barbecue at church, and many folks from a Sudanese parish from the Tri-Cities were able to come join us. It was delightful and refreshing. I love to be around them, hear Arabic spoken, sung, and prayed.
This week holds the hottest days of the year, so far. It is supposed to get to nearly 100˚ on Monday, though it is also supposed to cool down a little after Wednesday. We are planning meals so we can minimize the use of the oven or long cooking on the stove. Also, any baking I have is being planned for the mornings when it is coolest.
It is also a fast free week! No need to plan around Lenten days this week, and that will be a delight. We have a lot of food leftover from the barbecue, even after sending some home with parishioners, so we are eating leftovers from that, too. What are your plans for this Pentecost week? Blessed Feast!
- Sunday - Pentecost
Breakfast: Leftover Pizza and Rolls, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Grilled Lamb, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Bratwurst, Chicken, Sah'awiq, Green Olives, Sides/Salads/Fruit/Desserts brought by Parishioners - Monday - Feast of Saint Columba
Breakfast: Fried Ham, Egg and Cheese Sandwiches, Blackberries, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Leftovers - Tuesday
Breakfast: Salatat Battatas ou Bayd, Blackberries and Cream, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Steak Frites, Radish and Celery Salad, Rhubarb Cake - Wednesday - Feast of Saints Barnabas and Bartholomew the Apostle
Breakfast: Ham and Sweet Potato Hash, Blackberries and Cream, Milky Tea
Dinner: Bacon and Garlic Crusted Pork Loin, Steam Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Carrots with Garlic and Dill, Hot Chocolate Cookies - Thursday
Breakfast: Battatas ou Bayd, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: One Pan Lamb Kofta and Saffron Rice with Herb and Yogurt Sauce, Lebanese Slaw, Persian Walnut Cookies - Friday
Breakfast: Ham and Eggs, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Sticky Chicken Drumsticks, Sesame Green Beans, Jasmine Rice, Mandarin Oranges - Saturday
Breakfast: Bacon Stuffed Savory Griddle Cakes, Blood Oranges, Sahlab, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Frozen Pizzas, GF Pizza for Jerome, Tomato Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, Rice Pudding with Orange Curd Topping
Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pentecost, Tales from the Kitchen
