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

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 9:59 AM 0 comments

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

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:43 PM 0 comments

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

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 11:02 AM 0 comments

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

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:16 PM 0 comments

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

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:37 PM 0 comments

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

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:24 PM 0 comments

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

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:04 AM 0 comments

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!

I was noticing that over the past few years, the local weather pattern around Ascension and Pentecost is actually quite similar, regardless of which part of the spring it falls. We had a hotter week last week, and it is cooling a bit with wind this week.

We had an event last week which I forgot about when I was menu planning (it didn't make it on the calendar) and so we have a meal this week from last week. Also, I moved another breakfast from last week to this week. Because of family church schedules (we have some kids who go to an Orthodox service on Sundays), I am now planning the glutenous breakfasts for Sunday mornings, as we have a shorter fasting time for our evening Eucharist. Saturdays will be big, fancier, egg dishes from here on out, I think.

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.

• Sunday - Feast of Saint Justin Martyr
  Breakfast: Roast Beef Egg Cups, Steamed Asparagus, Cherries and Bananas, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chicken, Cucumber and Basil Salad, Roasted Asparagus, Sides/Salads/Fruit/Desserts brought by Parishioners
• Monday
  Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs, Steamed Asparagus, Bacon, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Grilled Steak Salad, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Chorizo and Potato Breakfast Burritos, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Crab and Avocado Salad, Crackers (GF for Jerome), Lime Cookies
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Poor Knights of Windsor (Yogurt and Jam for Jerome), Mandarin Oranges, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Polenta Stuffed Poblanos with Tomato Sauce, Cuban Salad, Strawberries
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Boniface
  Breakfast: Creamed Eggs, Toast Fingers, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Pickled Asparagus, Potato Wedges, Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Friday
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar, Mint Tea
  Dinner: End of Class Potluck - Cool and Creamy Potato and Pea Salad, Gatayif
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Çilbir, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Grilled Pizzas, Salad, Rice Pudding with Orange Curd Topping

Labels: Ascension, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Homesteading, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 9:24 AM 0 comments

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.

Our schedule was a little up and down last week, so we moved some of the meals to this week and did different meals last week. Friday, we had a chance to go to a free concert at the lake, and so we brought a picnic of falafel and khoubz and other fixings. We had so many leftovers that the meal I initially planned for Monday is moved later in June, and we are eating leftovers tomorrow.

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
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese and Vegetables, Bread, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Italian Beef Sandwiches, Fried Peppers and Onions, Sides/Salads/Fruit/Desserts brought by Parishioners
• Monday - Rogation Day
  Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Toast, Blood Oranges, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Leftovers, Roasted Asparagus, Rice, Ice Cream
• Tuesday - Rogation Day and Feast of Saint Bede
  Breakfast: Labneh with Chopped Tomatoes, Sliced Cucumbers, Za’atar and Olive Oil, Toast, Mint Tea
  Dinner: Cubano Sandwiches, Potato Chips, Pickles, Rhubarb Curd with Chantilly Cream
• Wednesday - Rogation Day
  Breakfast: Poor Knights of Windsor (Yogurt and Vanilla Rhubarb Jam for Jerome), Mandarin Oranges, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Stir Fried Cauliflower, Peppers, and Asparagus, Burnt Garlic Fried Rice, Scallion Pancakes, Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Thursday - Feast of The Ascension of the Lord
  Breakfast: Ham and Cheese Egg Cups, Mandarin Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Barbecue Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Layered Cloud Dessert
• Friday
  Breakfast: Egyptian Ful with Duqqus, Chopped Radishes, Cucumbers, and Onions, Persian Barbari Bread, Cherries, Mint Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Polenta Stuffed Poblanos with Tomato Sauce, Cuban Salad, Lime Cookies
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Bacon Stuffed Savory Griddle Cakes, Blood Oranges, Hot Chocolate, Sahlab, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Sticky Lamb Chops, Rice, Roasted Asparagus, Gatayif

Labels: Ascension, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Homesteading, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 8:33 AM 0 comments

Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Our church is generously providing most of the dinner for after church tonight, which is a huge gift to us. It's been a rather busy time, and we have another busy week ahead of us, and this is part of how they are helping.

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Leftovers with Eggs, Blueberries, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Vietnamese Meatballs, Rice, Ham and Beans, Sesame Garlic Roasted Broccoli, Green Salad, Chocolate Cake
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Fried Halloum and Toast, Sliced Tomatoes, Strawberries, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs with Olives, Basmati Rice, Green Salad, Hungarian Shortbread with Vanilla Rhubarb Jam Filling
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint Alcuin
  Breakfast: Cottage Cheese with Sliced Tomatoes, Blueberries, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Fish Burgers, Pickled Asparagus, Rhubarb Pie and Rhubarb Crumble
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Labneh with Chopped Tomatoes, Za'atar and Olive Oil with Toast, Mixed Berries with Cream, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Butter Tomato Sauce with Pasta (GF for Jerome), Roasted Asparagus, Sliced Blood Oranges
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Toast, Blood Oranges, Milky Tea
  Dinner: Cheeseburgers with the Fixings, French Fries, Pickles, Fruit Plate
• Friday
  Breakfast: Poor Knights of Windsor (Yogurt and Vanilla Rhubarb Jam for Jerome), Mandarin Oranges, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Stir Fried Cauliflower, Peppers, and Asparagus, Burnt Garlic Fried Rice, Scallion Pancakes, Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Bacon Stuffed Savory Griddle Cakes, Blood Oranges, Hot Chocolate, Sahlab, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Cuban Pork Roast, Yellow Rice with Peas, Cuban Salad, Lime Cookies

Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Homesteading, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 7:16 AM 0 comments

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 Paralytic. In both, He shows His care for us, that He cares for the individual, regardless of how weak or insignificant. That is my meditation this week.

It is another birthday week here! Nejat is turning 12 this year. Since we technically don't have to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Paschal season, we are going to serve her choice of dinner on her birthday, without regard for day of the week.

We have a repeat from this past week, but it is because we had extra grape leaves from the jar and I want to use them. So, we are making more waraq 'ounab on Saturday. We had our first asparagus run with our gleaning group, so there is a lot of asparagus being eaten and a lot to pickle. A friend also gave us a ton of rhubarb, so I am making lots of rhubarb desserts, and I think I might make some vanilla rhubarb jam to can for the winter. I have a recipe from Baking with Julia for a Hungarian shortbread with vanilla rhubarb jam, and I will likely make that, too. This blog shows a way to do the grating of the shortbread dough with a KA attachment, which I will be trying.

Last week we had two not so great dishes. They weren't bad, but just not that great. The spicy Thai red curry chicken and rice casserole was not spicy, first of all, and I used about twice as much of the red curry paste that the recipe recommended. Also, it didn't have enough salt, even with the curry paste and fish sauce. Besides that, it really could have been better if the chicken had been browned just before it was put in the casserole, and if the whole thing were covered with foil for most of the cooking. It was fine enough, the flavor was good, but we had to add hot sauce, and that browning (maybe even of the onions) would have made it infinitely better. It was a great weeknight meal, because you literally just layered everything, including the rice, and baked it. So, you could throw it together and leave it to do other things while it cooked. In that sense, it was a success. However, it kind of fell flat. The Nutella mousse sounded like a simple approximation of a real mousse, but it was not as good as it ought to have been. It was worse, because the night before we had a real chocolate mousse with cherries. The contrast probably made it taste even worse. Basically, it was Nutella whipped with heavy cream. It was okay - just okay, though.

As it is Mother's Day here in the US today, and I am honestly not that big on gifts for the sake of giving gifts, Rich and the kids snuck flowers into the house for me this morning, all at different times, so I have beautiful flowers all over the house. Rich made omelets for me, exactly as I wished, and I think I'm getting a Mexican Coca-Cola from one of the kids this morning. I woke up to Amira folding the laundry without me asking, which is also a huge gift to me. When they asked if I still didn't really want just stuff, I told them that what I wanted was not to have to direct people to do things. I love thoughtfulness, remembering without my reminding, consumable gifts and experiences. So, this is perfect for me. Also, Rich got me actual incandescent bulbs for our chandelier, and I am so happy. I bought myself a sundress I really liked, and though it was supposed to arrive yesterday, it is coming tomorrow, and I think that counts, too. I had tried it on at a shop while we were on the West side, and they didn't have my size, but I was one size away, so I looked online, and found it. The shipping was free, and since it was being sent to my home, it had lower sales tax, and I was able to use a coupon, so it was a little less expensive than it would have been in the shop, too.

Anyway, I am still far behind on posting recipes, but perhaps this week I will get to it. We do have asparagus to pickle, too. And I have a big design deadline looming. No promises.

• Sunday - Sunday of the Good Shepherd and the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius
  Breakfast: Chorizo, Tomato, Pepper, Cheese and Chive Omelets, Leftover Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake, Doughnuts, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Orange, Apricot and Mustard Glazed Ham*, Scalloped Potatoes, Sides/Salads/Veggies/Fruit/Desserts brought by Parish
• Monday
  Breakfast: Chorizo and Asparagus Breakfast Scramble, Toast, Mandarin Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Beef Ravioli with Pesto Tomato Sauce (GF for Jerome), Roasted Asparagus, Rhubarb Curd
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Baked Ham and Cheese Egg Bites, Cinnamon Nut Raisin Bread, Strawberries, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Swedish Meatball Meatloaf, Salt Potatoes, Steam Sautéed Carrots and Asparagus with Garlic and Dill, Strawberry Sorbet
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Shakshouka, Bread, Sliced Apples, Milky Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Savory Palestinian Cauliflower Pancakes, Duqqus, Green Salad, Rhubarb Pie
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Ham and Egg Cups, Toast Fingers, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Stir Fried Beef and Broccoli, Jasmine Rice, Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Friday
  Breakfast: Saudi Style Ful, Persian Barbari Bread, Duqqus, Fruit, Coffee and Tea
  Dinner: Saucy Sour Cream Meatballs with Green Beans and Egg Noodles (GF Pasta for Jerome), Ice Cream Cake
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Bacon Stuffed Savory Griddle Cakes, Sliced Oranges, Hot Chocolate, Sahlab, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Waraq ‘Ounab*, Simple Rice Pilaf, Harissa, Duqqus, Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, Arabic Rice Pudding with Orange Curd Topping

Labels: Birthday, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Homesteading, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 11:43 AM 0 comments

Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

We are still in the Paschal season, though the octave of the feast is over. We are also in a little reprieve from travel. Last week Rich had a work conference last week, and I went along to rest and knit, but this week we are back on track.

Continuing our theme of Paschal foods and treats, we are enjoying many of them this week, as well.

Since I am home for real this week, I am hoping to get a lot of the recipes promised posted this week, too.

We are also trying to finish up the school year before air show. Spring is finally here for real, and I am enjoying the weather. It is finally not freezing here!

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Herbed Ricotta, Toast, Grapefruit Cups, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Beef Pot Pie, Navy Beans with Sausage brought by Parishioner, Salads/Sides brought by Parishioners, Apple Pie
• Monday
  Breakfast: Yemeni Lahsa, Tamis, Fruit, Tea with Milk and Honey
  Dinner: Pressure Cooker Greek Style Spare Ribs, Basmati Rice, Roasted Zucchini, Mafrouka Truffles
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Cinnamon Nut Raisin Bread Toast and Cream Cheese, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Grilled Polish Sausage and Onions, Sauerkraut, Salt Potatoes with Butter, Green Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette, Peep S'mores
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Za'atar* and Labneh Board with Olives, Vegetables, and Bread, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Eggplant "Meatballs" in Marinara with Penne Pasta (GF for Jerome), Garlic Bread, Chopped Salad, Cherry Chocolate Mousse
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs, Toast, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Spicy Thai Red Curry Chicken and Rice Casserole, Nutella Mousse with Berries
• Friday - Feast of Saint Gregory of Nazianzus
  Breakfast: Arabic Cheeses, Tomatoes, Olive Oil and Za’atar, Salatat Batatas ou Bayd*, Blood Oranges, Milky Tea
  Dinner: Eggplant and Cheese Scaccia Ragusana, Salad, Fruit Plate
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Compote, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Waraq ‘Ounab*, Rice Pilaf, Harissa, Duqqus, Salad, Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake

Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 7:12 AM 0 comments

Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

In the Antiochian Church, there is no fasting for all the Paschal season, not just the Octave. Our priest here has said, that though he would never tell anyone that he must keep the Wednesday and Friday fasts during the Paschal season, as the Bishop has spoken on this, and he would never go against the Bishop, that the people in Southwest Asia and North Africa suffer much more than we in the west, and need more relief than we do, so he still keeps those fasts. So, as a way of still celebrating as we are permitted, but also acknowledging the truth of what our local priest has said, we have been eating fish, dairy, and egg on Wednesdays and Fridays during the season as a compromise, while still continuing our celebration. We are enjoying all the dairy and fish! (Since Nejat's birthday falls on a Friday during these 50 days, though, we will be making whatever she wants for her birthday dinner, meat or not).

This week is a week of rest for us. There is school work and there are things to be done here, but with our travel to and from Eugene to commemorate the Triduum, Pascha and the first part of Bright Week with Dominic and Shawn, we didn't get as much rest as we would have normally had. I didn't make the blintz casserole I normally do at Thanksgiving when Dominic and Shawn came this past year, and Dominic had told Shawn all about how great it was and that I made it each year, so I felt terrible for skipping it. Anyway, I made sure to make it for our Paschal brunch in Eugene, so they could enjoy it.

There are a few things we've moved around from last week and this week. You'll see a couple repeats on this week's menu. We are taking the school week a little more easily and only doing what is absolutely necessary and enjoying the real beginning of spring here. We know it is spring here, because the flies are buzzing. It is fly season, and we are now decorating with fly strips. There are so many fewer flies than we used to have before the Muscovies, so I am cultivating gratitude over that.

It is so wonderful to be celebrating as the entire Church this year. Blessed Feast!

• Sunday - Final Day of the Paschal Octave and Divine Mercy Sunday
  Breakfast: Paschal Braided Bread, Pascha Cheese, Bacon, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Meat Lasagna (plus a gluten free one), Garlic Bread, Salad, Ice Cream
• Monday
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Fruit, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Ham Fried Rice with Veggies, Marinated Cucumbers, Mandarin Oranges
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Red Eggs, Toast, Olives, Sliced Apples, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Pulled Pork, Baked Potatoes, Green Salad, Fruit Plate
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Tunisian Shakshouka (using sweet potatoes), Grapefruit Cups, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pasta Trapanese (gluten free for Jerome), Garlic Bread, Salad, Fruit Plate
• Thursday - Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Chorizo and Cheese, Toast, Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Fancy Hot Dogs, Egg Noodles (gluten free for Jerome), Steam Sautéed Carrots with Garlic and Dill, Nutella Mousse with Berries
• Friday - Feast of Saint Athanasius
  Breakfast: Arabic Cheeses, Tomatoes, Olive Oil and Za’atar, Salatat Batatas ou Bayd*, Blood Oranges, Milky Tea
  Dinner: Fried Stuffed Eggplant, Tabbouleh (herb salad for Jerome), Gatayif
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Toast and Cheese, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pressure Cooker Greek Style Spare Ribs, Basmati Rice, Roasted Zucchini, Knaffeh

Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:46 PM 0 comments

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 abrogated 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 Mondays and Wednesdays 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.

We are spreading our feast that we normally make for the day of the feast and having it all week. Since we are attending the Agape meal at church, we might be making some of the desserts together as a family on Monday, but if we don't, I'll make them individually on different days this week.

It is so beautiful that this is one of the years in which the entire Church has fasted and is feasting together. May it always be so! Blessed Feast!

• Sunday - Pascha/Fesh'a
  Brunch: Blintz Casserole with Mixed Berry Jam, Red Eggs, Ham, Fresh Fruit, Ma'amoul, Leftovers from our Pascha Basket, Coffee, Tea and Milk
  Dinner: Waraq 'Ounab, Laban bi Chiyar, Baq'lawa, Gluten Free Persian Love Cake for Agape Meal
• Monday
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Bacon and Eggs, Milk, Coffee, Tea
  Dinner: Red Chile Pork, Cilantro Garlic Lime Rice, Spicy Refried Beans, Fried Peppersand Onions, Tortillas, Salsa, Crema, Shredded Cabbage, Ice Cream
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Sausages, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk, Coffee and Tea
  Dinner: Out with Friends
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Za'atar and Labneh Board with Olives, Vegetables, and Bread, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Grilled Polish Sausages and Onions, Sauerkraut, Salt Potatoes with Butter, Green Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette, Peep S'mores
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Yemeni Lahsa, Tamis, Fruit, Tea with Milk and Honey
  Dinner: Herb Roasted Green Lamb, Tourshi, Tourshi Makhloot, Olives, Harissa, Sah'awiq, Duqqus, Arabic Style Rice Pilaf, Gatayif
• Friday - Feast of Saint Mark
  Breakfast: Savory Parmesan French Toast with Hollandaise Sauce, Fruit Plate, Bacon, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Fatayir bi Sabanich, Fatayir bil Joubneh, Sambousak, Harissa, Sah'awiq, Knaffeh
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Scotchicanese Eggs, Paschal Braided Bread, Pascha Cheese, Strawberries and Oranges, Hot Chocolate, Sahlab, and Coffee
  Dinner: Leftover Lamb, Hummus, Baba Ghanooj, Muhamarrah, Khoubz Araby, Leftover Desserts

Labels: Bright Week, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:01 AM 0 comments

Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Christ has Ascended! From Earth to Heaven! Alleluia!

The only good part about East and West celebrating separately is that we can celebrate twice. We were able to join the the Orthodox Mission here and celebrate Pascha with them and it was glorious. As we still follow the Western calendar, we are celebrating the Ascension this week. We will try to fly a kite, and eat on a high spot on our property. There are also Rogation Days this week, and a return to the more normal abstinence in our diet. Friday is also the beginning of the Novena to the Holy Spirit whom we await, as the Apostles and disciples did in that upper room.

Nejat has been wanting to do more cooking, so I've let her take one or two night's a week to make dinner either on her own or with some help from us. She has been doing pretty well, too. She's excited to be making more meals and learning more about cooking and it has been a big help to me.

May is a super busy month for us this year, and we have a ton going on right now. I'm trying to plan in such a way that makes life simpler for us all each day. Sometimes this means that we have to rearrange our meal plans, though, and we move things over to accommodate our shifting schedules or needs. We have some of that this week, and probably next week, as well. Spring is finally really making an appearance, though, and next week should bring the first of the asparagus for the year.

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Italian Bacon and Romano Pasqua bread, Sirnica, Strawberries, Ham, Hard Boiled Eggs, Orange Juice and Coffee
  Dinner: Agape Feast after Paschal Vespers
• Monday - Rogation Day
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Toast, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Tea
  Dinner: Ham and Beans, Cornbread (Corn Tortillas for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Tuesday - Rogation Day
  Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Toast, Sausages, Sliced Apples, Milky Tea
  Dinner: Carnitas, Rice, Corn Tortillas, Salsa and Sour Cream, Fruit Plate
• Wednesday - Rogation Day
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins and Cinnamon Sugar, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Soupe au Pistou, Bread, Fruit
• Thursday - Feast of The Ascension of the Lord
  Breakfast: Potato and Vegetable Hash, Sausages, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pressure Cooker Dakbokkeumtang (Spicy Korean Chicken Stew), Jasmine Rice, Kimchi, Sliced Oranges
• Friday
  Breakfast: Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with Dried Cherries and Coconut, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Vegetable Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce, Mandarin Oranges
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Mustard, Gruyère, and Prosciutto Rolls, Hard Boiled Eggs, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Ropa Vieja, Cuban Yellow Rice, Coconut Custard

Labels: Ascension, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 11:41 AM 0 comments

Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

It is Holy Week for the East this week, and as we attend an Orthodox mission, we will be joining in some of the observance. We will be at the Vigil and rejoice with them in the celebration. I will be bringing our Italian bacon and Romano Pasqua bread, sirnica, strawberries, and ham to break the fast after the liturgy.

The polenta crust was alright, but a little bland. It needed more salt, some oregano and thyme, and parmesan. Otherwise, it made a good pizza for Jerome. We had to move some meals because of schedules and leftovers, so there are some repeats this week and some that were moved to next week. Saturday morning, we had an ordination to attend, which I had forgotten to put on the calendar, so we had a bit of a rushed goodbye with Shawn while we piled into the car to go. God provided for our rushed morning, however, because in the used bin of the grocery store, there had been exactly nine cups of vanilla yogurt marked down, and raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries were all on sale for an excellent price.

The gleaning club has our annual opportunity for asparagus at $0.75 a pound. We have usually ordered about 80 to 100 pounds in past years and cooked and pickled and frozen as much as we can enjoy. The pickled and frozen asparagus permits us to enjoy it at other times of the year, as well.

Our visit with Shawn was lovely, and it was so good to have her here with us. This week is a little more normal for us, and we are trying to get a lot accomplished, because our May is rather busy. Please pray for all of us. There is a lot going on - good things - but it definitely adds more pressure and stress, even with the fun.

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Pancakes with Maple Syrup Strawberries and Raspberries, Hard Boiled Eggs, Orange Juice and Coffee
  Dinner: Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Side Dishes/Salads/Desserts brought by Church Family
• Monday
  Breakfast: Ham and Eggs, Toast, Strawberries, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Quiches Lorraine et à la Niçoise, Marinated Salad with Herb Vinaigrette, Sliced Blood Oranges
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena
  Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs, Sausages, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Open Faced Hamburger Pizzas, Green Salad, Fruit Plate
• Wednesday - Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, and Saints Philip and James, Apostles
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Gatayif Filling, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Borani Kadoo with Yogurt Sauce, Basmati Rice, Green Tomato Chutney
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Athanasius
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Sausages, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pressure Cooker Dakbokkeumtang (Spicy Korean Chicken Stew), Jasmine Rice, Kimchi, Sliced Oranges
• Friday
  Breakfast: Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with Dried Cherries and Coconut, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Squash Koubbeh, Basmati Rice, Tomato Salad, Sliced Apples
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Migas with Salsa, Sour Cream and Sliced Avocados, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: BLTs, Corn Relish with Sweet and Hot Peppers and Pickled Asparagus, Fruit Plate

Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 10:07 AM 0 comments

Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

We had a little bit of a topsy turvy week last week, and so several meals were shifted or abandoned, and are either now moved to this week or next. Then I realized that our Shawn will be here this week and I wanted to make some more special meals for her while she is here. So, some of the meals have been further moved. Unfortunately, Dominic was not able to get the time off so he could come visit home with his bride.

Rich has been wanting pizza since Lent, so we are making our own on Monday, making a polenta crust for one of them for Jerome. Because we like to put a few anchovies in our pizza sauce, I am planning a quiche next week which also uses anchovies so we don't waste any of them.

Beyond that, we are continuing to work and pray and live and play, Rich is busy in the garden, I am busy at home, and the kids are just busy. We have our annual homeschool semi-formal dance coming up and then spring might be here in earnest.

• Sunday - Feast of Saint Anselm
  Breakfast: Fried Egg and Cheese Ciabatta Sandwiches, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chile Verde, Rice, Pinquito Beans and Corn, Corn Tortillas, Fruit Plate
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Sourdough English Muffins, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pepperoni and Vegetable Pizza (Polenta Crust for Jerome), Green Salad, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint George
  Breakfast: Sausage and Potato Hash, Poached Eggs, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chicken Poblano, Cilantro Lime Rice, Fried Corn and Peppers with Onions, Sliced Oranges
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Gatayif Filling, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Easy Vegetable Bake, Salad, Bread, Pickled Beets
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist
  Breakfast: 'Ijja, Bread, Harissa, Olives, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: One Pan Lamb Kofta and Swiss Chard, Saffron Rice with Herb and Yogurt Sauce, Persian Walnut Cookies
• Friday
  Breakfast: Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with Dried Cherries and Coconut, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Thai Chile and Coconut Milk Salmon, Jasmine Rice, Stir Fried Vegetables, Fruit Plate
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Mustard, Gruyère, and Prosciutto Rolls, Hard Boiled Eggs, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Red Chile Pork, Quick and Dirty Mexican Rice, Cabbage Salad with Cumin Dressing

Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 10:58 AM 0 comments

Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

My Bible study is taking a little break and hoping to interest a few more people to join us. We will begin again with a study of the book of Sirach. I kind of wanted to finish our former study at the end of last year so we could start it up in January again with this study, as there are 52 chapters in this book and 52 weeks of the year, so it seemed a perfect match.

In any case, that does leave my Tuesday nights a little less hurried for a little while. Even though I am a bit sad about not having our standing weekly study and prayer group.

We have a memorial to go to this week, so I needed a couple more simple meals than normal. We have some red chile pork in the freezer, so we can use that as well as some quick and easy pasta dishes and pressure cooker meals. This will make less work for our busier days. We are still eating mostly out of our freezer, also, and that is a great blessing now.

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Blackberries and Raspberries, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Coconut Beef Curry, Jasmine Rice, Chocolate Ricotta Cake
• Monday
  Breakfast: Yogurt and Jam, Toast, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Saucy Hungarian Red Potato Goulash with Smoked Sausage, Green Salad, Sliced Apples
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Home Fries, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Lemon and Rosemary Chicken Bake with Potatoes, Sliced Apples
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs, Toast, Olives, Sliced Apples, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Seafood and Scallion Pajeon with Dipping Sauce, Kimchi, Rice
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Sausage and Potato Hash, Poached Eggs, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Pressure Cooker Dakbokkeumtang (Spicy Korean Chicken Stew), Jasmine Rice, Kimchi, Walnut Cookies
• Friday
  Breakfast: Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with Dried Cherries and Coconut, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Pasta, Green Salad, Ice Cream
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Za'atar Rolls to break the fast after Liturgy
  Dinner: Red Chile Pork, Quick and Dirty Mexican Rice, Fruit Plate

Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 5:24 AM 0 comments

Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

In the Antiochian Church, there is no fasting for all the Paschal season, not just the Octave. Our priest here has said, that though he would never tell anyone that he must keep the Wednesday and Friday fasts during the Paschal season, as the Bishop has spoken on this, and he would never go against the Bishop, that the people in Southwest Asia and North Africa suffer much more than we in the west, and need more relief than we do, so he still keeps those fasts. So, as a way of still celebrating as we are permitted, but also acknowledging the truth of what our local priest has said, we have been eating fish, dairy, and egg on Wednesdays and Fridays during the season as a compromise, while still continuing our celebration. We are enjoying all the dairy and fish!

Jerome had an immense relief from his eczema that was nearly miraculous. Unfortunately, he has found that wheat/gluten triggered both stomach problems and skin issues. So, we are back to trying to eat as gluten free as possible for him. In general, though, we are trying to avoid gluten free breads and products, and just having him eat things that are naturally gluten free, like rice and potatoes, or loads of vegetables.

Our freezer cooking continues apace, and we are busy making room for more ducks and turkeys to be butchered and, we hope, a couple lambs and maybe a hog. Our poultry are producing quite well, and we are in a luxury of eggs, which helps with our feasting right now.

• Sunday - Final Day of the Paschal Octave and Divine Mercy Sunday
  Breakfast: Ful, Duqqus, Sah'awiq, Toast, Strawberries, Milk and Tea
  Dinner: Guinness Beef Stew With Cheddar Herb Dumplings, Marinated Tomatoes and Onions, Guinness Chocolate Bundt Cake
• Monday - Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Sausage Links, Mandarin Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chili, Cornbread, Cookies
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Cottage Cheese Bowl with Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Chicken Paprikash, Rice, Salad/Sides/Desserts brought by Bible study members
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Migas, Salsa, Sliced Avocados, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Greek Stuffed Tomatoes with Feta, Roasted Yellow Summer Squash, Sliced Oranges
• Thursday - Feast of Saint Pope Leo the Great
  Breakfast: Sausage, Potato and Vegetable Hash, Fruit Plate, Milky Tea
  Dinner: Pressure Cooker Dakbokkeumtang (Spicy Korean Chicken Stew), Jasmine Rice, Kimchi, Fruit Plate
• Friday
  Breakfast: Turkish Menemen, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Cream of Poblano Soup, Fried Tortilla Strips, Crema, Mandarin Oranges
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Gatayif, Bacon, Sliced Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Gumbo, Rice, Pepper Vinegar, Scallions, Chocolate Ricotta Cake

Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 8:29 AM 0 comments

Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Traditionally, the eight days of the Paschal Octave have absolutely no fasting in them. Even with our somewhat truncated fast this year with the wedding, we are all ready for meat and dairy and fish and all those lovely things. We broke the fast last night after the Vigil with ma'amoul, a platter of dates, smoked salmon, crackers, cheese and meats, and various other lovely treats. Then, it was home for bacon and scrambled eggs with toast and some of the last of our Paschal preparations.

Today we will finish our preparations for the meal, feast and pray and feast some more! I've included some of the offerings we know people are bringing over today, but the rest will be a surprise. Rich has a meeting this week with a lot of people we have known throughout his career, and I will be coming along and bringing a few trays of the food from our feast to share with them. There are actually containers in our fridge labeled "FAA Hummus" and "FAA Baba Ghanooj" and so on, which is a little funny to me, but there you have it.

Blessed Feast for those of us in the West and a continued Holy Lent to our Eastern brethren!

• Sunday - Pascha/Fesh'a
  Breakfast: Paschal Braided Bread, Pascha Cheese, Scotchicanese Eggs, Raspberries, 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, Tabbouleh, Waraq 'Ounab, Harissa, Sah'awiq, Duqqus, Arabic Style Rice Pilaf, Fatayir bi Sabanich, Fatayir bil Joubneh, Sambousak, Laban bi Chiyar, Khoubz Araby, Red Eggs, Baq'lawa, Gatayif, Gluten Free Persian Love Cake, Lemon Cheesecake Cake (a layer of cheesecake in the cake), Red Wine, Mead, and Martinelli's Sparkling Cider
• Monday
  Breakfast: Leftover Gatayif and Baq'lawa, Scotchicanese Eggs, Sahlab and Hot Chocolate
  Dinner: Leftovers
• Tuesday - Feast of Saint Mary of Egypt
  Breakfast: Stuffed French Toast made with Pascha Bread and Cheese, Raspberries and Strawberries, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Lamb Dip Sandwiches, Tabbouleh, Laban bi Chiyar, Leftover Desserts
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Cheese, Toast, Mandarin Oranges, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Saucy Hungarian Red Potato Goulash, Tabbouleh, Leftover Desserts
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Hashbrown Crusted Egg and Cheese Skillet with Salsa, Scallions, Avocado, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Cypriot Halloum, Onion and Tomato Sandwiches, Rocky Road Ice Cream
• Friday
  Breakfast: Mexican Eggs Benedict with Chorizo and Avocado Cream, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Souvlaki, Grilled Vegetables, Herbed Cous Cous, Harissa, Leftover Desserts
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Ful with Olive Oil and Sah'awiq to break the fast after the Liturgy
  Dinner: Peruvian Kebabs with Beef Heart, Hot Dogs, Super Crisp Peruvian Roasted Potatoes, Peep S'mores

Labels: Bright Week, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fesh'a, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Pascha, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:00 AM 0 comments