Blessed Solanus Casey Soup & Sandwich

Bl. Solanus Casey, Capuchin friar and doorkeeper who was just beatified in November 2017 will be remembered on the first-ever celebration of his feast day this week, July 30. In the tradition of the Franciscans whose charism is care for the poor, Bl. Solanus had a desire to feed anyone who came to the door of St. Bonaventure monastery in Detroit. "They are hungry; get them some soup and sandwiches," Fr. Solanus was known to proclaim to his fellow friars. In 1929 at the start of the Great Depression Bl. Solanus had the idea to start a soup kitchen down the street from the monastery, where he could send anyone who came to the door looking for food. The Capuchin soup kitchen has a long history of feeding the hungry in that area of Detroit.

A simple soup and sandwich combo would be a fine way to remember the hospitality of this simple man of God. A very simple broth based soup and a peanut butter sandwich would reflect the simplicity of the Franciscan life. Or something cool and refreshing on these often warm summer days such as a cold gazpacho soup and a crispy lettuce, deli meat and cheese sandwich. Mid-summer days are also a great opportunity to take advantage of a fruitful garden harvest with a summer garden minestrone and fresh tomato-basil-cucumber sandwich.

Have it with the family or open your home to friends in the spirit of Franciscan charity or take some sandwiches to distribute to the homeless in your city. Whatever combo you choose, or however you choose to enjoy it, make July 30 a combo soup and sandwich day to remember the generosity and hospitality of this simple wonder-worker priest.

"They are hungry; get them some soup and sandwiches."

Blessed Solanus Casey, Pray for us!

Pin It

Cappuccino Mousse Trifle

As Charlotte pointed out last year when she posted a delicious Cappuccino Mousse Recipe for the feast of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, "according to the Oxford English Dictionary and the American Heritage Dictionary, the drink was named cappuccino because its color resembles the brown color of the robes worn by the Capuchin order of Franciscan friars. Others say it is because of the cappuccio or hood of the friar's robes."

Since June 16th marks the anniversary of St. Pio's canonization, as well as the memorial of the Capuchin Martyrs of the Concentration Camps (who were beatified in June of 1999 when the Pope visited Poland), I thought I would post one of my favorite cappuccino recipes in their honor.

Cappuccino Mousse Trifle

My husband and I love Tiramisu. However, it is so time consuming to make that I rarely make it. So when I found this recipe, in one of my Pampered Chef cookbooks, which is very similar to Tiramisu, and OH SO MUCH easier, it was an instant hit! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces) frozen prepared pound cake
• 2 1/2 cups cold milk
• 1/3 cup instant coffee granules
• 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
• 2 containers (8 ounces each) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 square (1 ounce) semi-sweet chocolate for baking

Directions:

1. Cut pound cake into 1-inch cubes; set aside.

2. In a bowl, whisk milk and instant coffee granules. Let stand 5 minutes or until dissolved.

3. Pour 1 cup of the milk mixture a measuring cup; set aside. Add pudding mix to remaining milk mixture in bowl; whisk until mixture begins to thicken. Gently fold in one container of whipped topping.

4. To assemble trifle, place 1/3 of the cake cubes into bottom of a bowl. Pour 1/3 of the reserved milk mixture evenly over cake cubes. Top with 1/3 of the pudding mixture, pressing lightly. Grate 1/4 of the chocolate over pudding mixture. Repeat layers 2 more times, reserving the remaining grated chocolate for garnish.

5. Fill a decorator with 1 cup of the remaining whipped topping; set aside. Spread remaining whipped topping over entire top of trifle, creating a smooth surface. Decorate by piping rosettes around edge of bowl. Grate remaining chocolate in center; sprinkle with cinnamon.

Yield: 10 servings


This recipe could be made to celebrate any of the Capuchin Saints. Pin It