St. Carlo Acutis Nutella Puppy Chow Snack

Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager with a devotion to the Eucharist and to the Blessed Mother, will be canonized soon.  An interesting fact about him is that he was a pet lover and his family had 4 dogs (and 2 cats and a goldfish). He was known to make videos of his dogs. It has been shared that one of his favorite foods was Nutella - the Italian hazelnut chocolate spread. A fun melding of the love of dogs and of Nutella would be to make a hazelnut puppy chow snack.  Very simple to make for a low key celebration of his canonization September 7 or on his feast day which will be October 12. 

Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, Reindeer Chow, Muddy Munch - whatever you want to call it, is a delicious and simple snack to make. The traditional variation is made with melted chocolate and peanut butter, but a variation substitutes Nutella (or other hazelnut spread) for the peanut butter. 

Ingredients:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 

1/4 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup Nutella hazelnut spread (or peanut butter for classic puppy chow) 

8 cups rice or corn squares cereal 

1 ½-2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:   

Measure cereal squares and add to large bowl (with lid). Melt together the chocolate chips and butter, either in the microwave or on the stove-top in a double boiler, until smooth. Add Nutella and vanilla to melted chocolate mixture and stir until mixed and smooth.  Pour mixture over cereal and toss to coat. Then add powdered sugar.  Place top on the container, shake again until the Nutella Puppy Chow is well coated with sugar and ready to eat.

St. Carlo Acutis, Pray for us!

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St. Carlo Acutis Canonization Treats

A Millennial Saint and a Gen X Treat 

The first Millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, was born in 1991 and Nutella was invented/marketed in 1964 ushering in the Gen X period.  Nutella was apparently a favorite food of soon-to-be Saint Carlo Acutis. Since he is an Italian and Nutella is an Italian invention - developed by (Pietro and) Michele Ferrero (of Ferrero Rocher fame) an Italian Catholic with a devotion to Our Lady and her apparition at Lourdes - it is a simple and meaningful suggestion to celebrate his upcoming canonization (September 7) or his feast day in October (Oct. 12). 

For more information on the the Catholic connections to Ferrero Rocher and Nutella see our Catholic Cuisine post, Our Lady of Lourdes Candies.

For inspiration there are recipes here at Catholic Cuisine that are made with Nutella:
St Monica's Tears
Cream Puff Cake
Acorn Treats

And for an even more simple approach, Nutella is great as a dip, filling, or topping for many foods, so it is an easy way to celebrate the canonization or feast day. 

Get a jar and use it for dipping:

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Apple slices
• Vanilla Wafers
• Graham Crackers
• Pretzels

Or for topping:

• Ice Cream
• Cheese cake
• Waffles
• French toast
• Crepes

Or for filling:

• Vanilla Wafers
• Graham Crackers
• Cream puffs

St. Carlo Acutis, Pray for Us!

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Bartlemas - Traditional St. Bartholomew feast day treat

Watermelon is a classic summer fruit treat - refreshing and plentiful. So it is a perfect choice for the August 24th feast of the Apostle, St. Bartholomew (aka Nathanael).  Watermelon originated in Africa (or at least that is where there is earliest evidence) but seems to have been introduced in Europe by the 10th-12th century. Medieval manuscripts created in several countries have illustrations of watermelons. In Northern Europe, monk and scholar St. Albertus Magnus might well have provided the first written description of watermelon in the 13th century. 

Turismo Roma Website shares an history of an old traditional festival that was held in Rome (until the 19th century) at the Tiber island church Church of San Bartolomeo all’Isola - the Church in Rome dedicated to St. Bartholomew. So at least in Italy the watermelon is very much connected Bartlemas - the feast of St. Bartholomew. 

Bartholomew’s memory and popularity among Romans, until the 19th century, were also linked to the feast held here every 24 August, when every corner of the island was invaded by watermelon sellers and watermelons displayed on the so-called “spallette” or piled up like cannonballs. Amid the shouts and cheers of the crowd, some watermelons would be thrown into the river and become objects of contention among the kids who would dive into the eddies of the Tiber to retrieve them. Decidedly dangerous, the pastime was banned in 1870 because of the frequent accidents that occurred: but watermelon has remained one of the city’s freshest summer vices.

For its ease of preparation and the plentiful availability this time of year, watermelon is a fun and simple choice for a treat for this Apostle's August feast day.   Bon appetito!

St. Bartholomew, Pray for us!

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Refreshing Glass of Milk to Toast St. Columba

A very simple way to remember St. Columba (aka St. Colmcille) on his feast day today (June 9) is by having a glass of milk. Readily available and easy to serve - no prep or fuss. One of the pious legends of St. Columba's life involved him casting a demon out of a pail of milk. So toast to the grand Irish saint with a frosty glass of milk today. 

St. Columba, Pray for us.

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Snickerdoodles for the Humorous Saint, Philip Neri

St. Philip Neri (feast day May 26), is known by many names including the “laughing saint,” the “humorous saint,” and the “patron saint of joy.” This Italian priest and founder of the Congregation of the Oratory was a practical joker, as exemplified by him showing up to an event with his beard half shaved off. He inserted humor into his homilies, was known to keep a joke book, and also hung a sign on his door that said, “The House of Christian Mirth.” In all things St. Philip maintained a light-hearted view of the world, using humor to keep him from being too prideful or vain. 

For St. Philip's feast day don't take yourself to seriously...and enjoy some snickerdoodles, the cookies with the funny name that sounds like they are laughing. 

Snickerdoodles 

Ingredients: 

1 cup butter or margarine, softened 

1 ½ cups sugar 

2 eggs 

2 ¾ cup flour 

2 t. cream of tarter 

1 t. baking soda 

¼ t. salt 

Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: 

1/4 cup Sugar 

1 1/2 tbsp. cinnamon 

Instructions: 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Thoroughly cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and cream together. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt, just until combined. In a small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough into small balls until round and smooth. Drop into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll to coat well. Place on ungreased sheet or parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until set. 

 “A heart filled with joy is more easily made perfect than one that is sad.” 

 St. Philip Neri, patron of joy, Pray for us 

Additional Note: There are other saints who saw the value and importance of humor - St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa, St. Ignatius, and St. John Vianney to name a few. Check out this Catholic Exchange article for some insight into other saints whose feast days would be also be opportunities to partake of some snickerdoodles.

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Mary's Crown - Queenship Salad

Bachelor's Button, or Cornflower, is an annual flowering plant in the aster family, with florets that are edible and may be used fresh in salads.  Its jagged frilly petals remind one of an ornate crown and because of that it also has a Marian connection – often called Mary's Crown. Traditionally blue, they also come in many different color variants. The blue ones especially are a Marian color.  

Because of these connections, the flowers make a beautiful and symbolic addition as a garnish to a Marian summer salad.  Its name as Mary's Crown is particular fitting for a salad on the Feast of the Queenship of Mary (August 22).

Use any available salad greens and fresh summer vegetables. Garnish with freshly picked Mary's Crown flower heads. Serve with a light vinaigrette dressing. Regina Red Wine Vinegar, in addition to being a common vinegar, easy to find - has a name that means queen, so perfect for this Queenship of Mary summer salad. 

If you don't have access to fresh Bachelor Button flowers, make sure to plant some for next year. These hardy and easy to grow flowers, make a great addition to a liturgical year and Marian garden.  And other edible late summer Marian flowers or flower petals (daisy, lavender, rose, calendula, nasturtium, chive, marigold) could be substituted though they don't have the same crown significance. 

Our Lady, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

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St. Brigid Irish Tater Tot Nachos

St. Brigid feast day is February 1. National Tater Tot day is February 2. 

When two dates collide and an idea is born. I have a soft spot for the tater tot. It originated at Ore-Ida Labs in the area where my family lived in Eastern Oregon. And this year in September they are having the first annual Tater Tot festival.  So when I made a chance discovery that National Tater Tot Day was the day after St. Brigid's feast is seemed a perfect pairing.

The idea of tater tots as a substitute for chips to make a potato "nacho" (or totchos) is making the rounds as an appetizer. And the potato is an Irish staple, one of the foods most associated with Ireland, making it perfect for our Irish saint. St. Brigid is the patroness of dairy farmers and milk maids, so pile on the cheese and sour cream.  I suggest Kerrigold Dubliner Irish cheese if available. Several stories connect her to pigs as well so add the bacon. Also avocados (or guacamole) and green onions for the Irish green.  A tasty and easy Irish feast day recipe - for a multitude of Irish saints, not just Brigid.

St. Brigid Irish Tater Tot Nacho Ingredients

Directions:
Fry or bake tater tots per package instructions. Once tots are cooked, top with grated cheese. Place back in the oven or microwave until cheese is bubbly and melted. Top the tots with guacamole or avocado, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and green onion (and extra cheese if desired). If you want them spicy you can add salsa. I had some green taco sauce that I added in keeping with the Irish color theme.

St. Brigid, Pray for Us!

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St. John Bosco's Candy Juggling Balls

St. John Bosco, patron of educators and a spiritual father to boys in need, has his feast day today, January 31. He is known for having used magic tricks and juggling to entertain the youth he wanted to draw closer to God. St. John Bosco was a skilled showman and crowds would be drawn to him. During his performance, he would stop to teach and people would stay to listen to his message.

It is also said that he kept candy in his pockets as treats for the boys, and even “turned" pebbles into candy with illusion. For those reasons, I am sharing this idea of a simple treat to celebrate his feast day - M&M’s are candy, that resemble juggling balls.

Let us enjoy a sweet reminder today this caring and entertaining priest.

St. John Bosco, Pray for us!

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St. Agnes Little Lamb Popcorn Snacks

I have seen this idea for sheep-themed birthday parties and thought it would make a nice and simple (and healthy) feast day snack idea of those saints associated with sheep or who have a sheep/lamb as a symbol. This week is the feast of St. Agnes (January 21), who is usually depicted holding a lamb to represent her virginity.

Fill small baggies with popcorn (not ziploc), tie the baggie closed, and tape on paper lamb head using this template or have your children draw their own.  I taped the corners to the back to make sure it retained the rounded shape. Could also just wrap in plastic wrap to make a round shape.

Other saints with lambs/sheep symbol including those who were shepherds:
St. Genevieve (January 3)
Sts. Jacinta and Francisco (February 20)
St. Bernadette (April 16)
St. Drogo (April 16)
Good Shepherd Sunday (4th Sunday Easter Season)
St. Germaine (June 15)
St. John the Baptist (June 24)
St. Joan of Arc (October 21)

*Looks like April 16 is a great day for sheep themed ideas with two different saints associated with sheep. 

St. Agnes, Pray for Us!

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St. Sebastian Fruit Skewer Arrows

On January 20 we remember St. Sebastian, early Roman martyr. He was sentenced to be shot to death by archers. His body was riddled with arrows and he was left to for dead, but survived and was later clubbed to death. He is the patron of soldiers, athletes and archers. The arrow symbol is associated with him for this persecution that he suffered.

Other saints who have arrows for a symbol are:

• St. Frances of Rome (March 9) - art depictions of her holding arrows
• St. Thomas the Apostle (July 3) - was martyred by spear, though arrows and stones are also often pictured with the spear as his symbols
• St. Philomena (August 11) - the two anchors, three arrows, palm and ivy leaf found on the tiles of her tomb were interpreted to represent method of martyrdom
• St. Ursula (October 21) - an arrow is the symbol of her method of martyrdom and pictured either holding an arrow or with an arrow in her chest
• St. Edmund (November 20) - symbol is crown this two arrows, symbol of his martyrdom

Readers often ask for healthy feast day options and also ones that are simple. Hopefully this is an idea that fits both those request criteria. Fruit skewers can be made in just a few minutes. A variety of fruit can be used - blackberries, blue berries, raspberries, melon balls or cubes, grapes. And strawberries with their "tipped" ends make a nice pointed end of the arrow, so place it as the final fruit. You can also leave the pointy skewer end free.  We cut feather end (fletching) out of construction paper and taped on the skewer.

St. Sebastian, Pray for Us!

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St. Anthony of Egypt Bacon Strips

Today is the feast day of St. Anthony of Egypt (also know as St. Anthony the Great, St. Anthony of the Desert, St. Anthony the Abbot). He is considered the father of western monasticism. He is also the patron saint of domesticated animals, and Saint Anthony is often depicted standing next to a pig, which he is said to have healed. That is one of numerous explanations as to how St. Anthony has become associated with pigs. The feast has traditionally been associated with farmers bringing their animals to the church to be blessed, for good health and fertility.

His feast day is a very good excuse to eat bacon, which is always a treat at our house and always welcome for any occasion. It is simple and always enjoyable. While today's feast is a Friday this year and many families would be going meatless - think about him this weekend and enjoy a treat then. Any excuse to "pass the pig."

St. Anthony, Pray for Us!

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Hermit Bars to Remember the Hermit Saints

Old-Fashioned Hermit Bars are a classic New England cookie that are spicy and sweet thanks to addition of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. There are several variations, but the basic cookie/bar is full of spices and dried fruits (usually raisins). Origin of the name for these spicy bars is not known - and several theories exist, including that they look like a rough brown hermit's robe. Regardless of the origin, the name is intriguing as it evokes the idea of the hermit saints - those who isolated themselves from society to live a life of asceticism. There is a tradition of holy hermits (Eremites, "inhabitants of a desert" from the Greek eremos). Several well known hermit saints have January feast days: St. Simon Stylites (January 5) and St. Paul, the first Christian hermit (January 15) and St. Anthony of the Desert (January 17), father of Western monasticism. And while a life of asceticism would not include indulgent sweets, in this week of two great hermit saints, you can still enjoy some hermit bars or cookies. 

Old-Fashioned Hermit Bars  

Ingredients

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking soda

1½ tsp cinnamon

2 tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp ground cloves

½ tsp salt

½ cup butter

1 cup brown sugar 

¼ cup molasses

1 egg

2/3 cup chopped raisins (or other dried fruit, ie cranberries)

1 cup powdered sugar

5 tsp milk

Instructions

In bowl combine together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg and continue to mix. Gradually add the flour and spices mixture until just combined. Stir in the raisins.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes.  While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 375° and grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

After chilling shape it into a ball and divide in two. Shape each half into a log, 12 inches long and arrange on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 3 inches between the logs. Press down lightly on the tops of the logs with your fingertips to give them a slightly squared-off shape.

Bake on the center rack for 15 minutes, or until the edges are just barely crisp.

While bars are cooling, combine the powdered sugar and milk until smooth but not too runny. Drizzle over the baked logs while they are slightly warm.

Allow the icing to firm up then cut into bars.

[Variations on the hermit cookie genre can include drop cookies or flatten the dough in a baking dish for brownie style.]

There are so many hermit saints of the Church, that Hermit Bars can be a feast day item throughout the year. 

St. Paul, the Hermit - Pray for Us!

St. Anthony of the Desert - Pray for Us!

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An Advent Appetizer for Feast of Immaculate Conception

This simple appetizer with its combination of ingredients: goat cheese, pomegranates, thyme, and honey - holds symbolism for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Advent season. It is a yummy flavor combination, too, with the tangy sweetness of the pomegranates contrasting to the tartness of the goat cheese. Just top your favorite cracker and enjoy.

The pomegranate is often depicted in paintings of the the Madonna and Child. It's availability during the months around Christmas also make it a great food for the Advent and Christmas season.  While suggested for today, it is actually a fitting appetizer for anytime during the Advent or Christmas season.

Madonna of the Pomegranate ~ Sandro Botticelli

The four ingredients all have a symbolism or connection to make them fitting for this feast:
Pomegranate – fruit that is a symbol of the hope of eternal life through Christ the Word made flesh White (goat cheese) - symbol of Our Lady’s purity/Immaculate Conception
Thyme – herb that is a symbol of Mary’s humility
Honey – a “locust and honey” nod to St. John (2nd Sunday of Advent)

Pomegranate & Thyme Goat Cheese Log

Ingredients:
4 oz. goat cheese log
~ 1/2 cup of pomegranate arils
fresh thyme sprigs
honey

Directions:
Allow the goat cheese to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften. Add pomegranate arils to top and sides - gently pressing in to hold. Strip the thyme leaves from the stem. Sprinkle thyme leaves over the cheese log. Drizzle with honey. Serve with crackers.


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Baileys Cream Puffs - St. Paddy & St. Joe Combo Treat

The feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph share a week in mid-March. Since they are just days apart how about a treat that combines elements of cultural symbolism of each. The cream puff - an Italian pastry sfingi, is a typical St. Joseph treat. But this variation on the traditional cream puff gets an extra kick from the addition of Baileys Irish Cream, a tribute the land of St. Patrick.

Baileys Cream Puffs

Ingredients:

Pastry puffs

3/4 cup water

6 Tbsp butter

1 Tbsp granulated sugar

1 cup flour

3 eggs

1 egg for egg wash

Baileys cream filling

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 Tbsp Baileys Irish cream

1 Tbsp  granulated sugar

Chocolate

1/3 cup hot fudge topping

1 Tbsp Baileys Irish cream

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pastry

Combine butter, sugar, and water in medium sauce pan over medium heat. Bring it to boil, while stirring slowly, and take off heat. Add flour and stir until all combined and coming off the walls of the pan easily.  Whisk in eggs, one at a time, making sure that each egg is mixed into the batter before adding another.  Transfer batter into a piping bag and pipe little round mounts, about 1 ½ inches in diameter.  For egg wash, beat 1 egg in a separate little mixing bowl and brush pastries with egg wash before baking.  Bake pastries at 425 for 12-15 minutes then lower the heat to 350 and bake for another 10 minutes, until golden brown. Let pastries cool completely before adding the filling.

Baileys cream filling

Add the cold heavy whipping cream into the cold mixing bowl. Starting at low speed, start whisking, gradually raise to speed to high. Slowly pour in the sugar and then Baileys. Beat until stiff peaks appear (don't walk away far). Keep in the refrigerator until ready to use. Transfer whipped cream into a piping bag. Cut cooled pastries in the middle and fill them with whipped cream.

Chocolate

Heat up hot fudge topping and whisk it with Bailey's until completely combined. Cool before using so it doesn't melt the whipped cream.  Once cooled, drizzle filled cream puffs with chocolate sauce.

St. Patrick, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, Pray for us. 

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Reginette "little queen" Pasta for Our Lady's Queenship

Several past Catholic Cuisine posts have shared ideas for pasta meals based on the symbolism of the pasta shape. There are hundreds of kinds of Italian pastas, and each one has its own special name and each pasta name actually means something.

Mafaldine or malfada, also known as reginette or reginelle (Italian for "little queens") is a type of ribbon-shaped pasta. Mafaldine were named in honor of Princess Mafalda of Savoy which is why they are also called "little queens." The pasta is flat and wide, usually about ½ inch in width, with wavy edges on both sides. The delicately fluted edges remind one of a crown. It is prepared similarly to other ribbon-based pasta such as linguine and fettuccine. On this feast of the Queenship of Mary (August 22) a pasta shape referencing a queen is perfect. It would also be a great pasta to serve up on any of the queen saints' feast days, such as St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Elizabeth of Hungary or St. Helena.

A variety of sauces could be served with this pasta. I chose a sun-dried tomato pesto which highlights the fresh bounty of basil from my August garden. Since August - the month of the Assumption and the one dedicated to the Immaculate Heart - is such a Marian month and is tied to herb harvest in her honor, it was fitting.

Reginette with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto

Ingredients:
10 sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp pine nuts
2 tbsp grated parmesan
10 basil leaves
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 oz pasta

Directions:
In a blender, place the tomatoes, pine nuts, cheese, basil leaves and oil and blend at maximum power. Cook the pasta until al dente in boiling salted water, drain and stir in the pesto.

NOTE: Reginette/Reginelle pasta is not one of the most common shapes of pasta available in grocery stores. But I did find it available from Kroger as part of their HemisFares pasta brand. It is also available online and is specialty stores.

Our Lady, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us!

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Assumption Day and First Fruits

August 15, the feast of the Assumption, is a harvest feast day and associated with "first fruits". We are reminded that Mary goes before us in Faith and also as a first fruit of the Resurrection, of which all the faithful will experience at the end of time (1 Corinthians 15:20-21). In many Catholic counties Assumption Day marks the period for invoking blessings on various "fruits" or fruiting plants - - particularly vineyards/grapes, fruit trees, grains, and herbs.

One idea is to serve "First Fruits" shortcake and topped with whipped cream - symbolizing the clouds of the sky in scenes depicting Mary being raised into heaven. You can use a variety of fruits on packaged shortcake cups.

A very simple idea along the same lines is a fresh fruit tray with whipped cream for dipping.

Grapes are especially associated with the feast of the Assumption. Armenian communities all over the world bless grapes on Assumption Day. Great trays are piled high with ripe grapes and carried to church, where they receive the blessings of the priest. Since grapes so often have this prominence in Assumption feasting we will often have this refreshing grape enhanced salad on this feast day.

Silverglade Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

6 cups spinach, rinsed and stemmed

6 ounces cheese, shredded or cut into julienne strips (Cheddar or Jack or combo)

2 cups seedless grapes, halved

Dressing:

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup oil

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons brown sugar

4 slices bacon, fried crisp, drained, & crumbled

2 green onions, sliced thin

Directions:

To prepare dressing, whisk together vinegar, oil. mustard, and brown sugar. Stir in bacon pieces and onion. Refrigerate. In a large bowl combine spinach, cheeses, and grapes. Toss with dressing. 

O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary, Pray for us. 

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Ice Cream w/ Salted Honey Caramel Sauce on the Feast of Blessed Solanus Casey

Blessed Solanus Casey is known as a miracle worker. One story that I came across happened to feature ice cream. Considering that there is this miraculous story involving ice cream, this frozen treat seems a proper dessert option on his midsummer feast day today. I decided to top it with a honey caramel sauce because he took care of the beehives at the monastery and was known to soothe the bees with his harmonica playing. 

One hot summer day, Blessed Solanus had seen many people at the door seeking his blessing and counsel. One visitor had come to thank him for his help in one manner or another, bringing ice cream cones to celebrate. Called to another situation, Blessed Solanus sat the ice cream in his desk drawer.

About 30 minutes later, one of the friars returned to the monastery from the dentist’s office. He had gone to arrange an operation to take care of a serious infection of his jaw. Before he left, he sought Blessed Solanus’ blessing, which he received. Blessed Solanus did not believe that religious should normally ask for miracles because they should embrace the sufferings God placed before them. But, as the custom of the day dictated, such a major health complication for a novice likely would mean they would have to leave the order. Blessed Solanus took pity on this friar, and in giving his blessing indicated the dentist might be surprised. Sure enough, the infection was gone.

When the friar returned to the monastery, he recounted the good news. He knew it was the prayer of Blessed Solanus that brought him healing. But Blessed Solanus offered a detraction from any attention that might be paid to him, and he initiated a celebration for the friar’s healing by pulling out the ice cream cones he earlier placed in his desk. They were fully intact and as cold as if they had been in the freezer all along.    ~ From OSV article

Salted Honey Caramel Sauce

Ingredients:
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup whipping cream
½ teaspoon sea salt

Directions: 
Combine sugar, honey, and water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil; cook until mixture is golden brown and smooth in texture, additional 4-6 minutes.

Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, butter, and salt (be careful, mixture will splatter). Let cool. Spoon over ice cream and serve. Sprinkle with additional sea salt if desired.

Sauce can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. Reheat before serving.


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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!

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Blood Orange and Pomegranate Sparkling Sangria

This is a lighter sangria for July, but one with some significant symbolism for the month of the Most Precious Blood. One of the ingredients, blood orange, by name makes it very fitting for a drink to remember the blood of Christ poured out for us. The other unique ingredient to this recipe is the pomegranate arils (seeds). Pomegranates in Christian art symbolize the resurrection and eternal life in Christ. It is fitting as it is through the blood of Christ that we might have eternal life.  As a summer drink, this recipe was a little hard to fulfill since both blood oranges and pomegranates are out of season.  But it is possible to find packaged pomegranate arils in the refrigerated produce section of natural grocers.  I also substituted the blood oranges for regular oranges and then used a bottled blood orange sparkling drink in place of the club soda.  These substitutions made it possible to still make a delicious sangria which included the symbolic elements of blood orange and pomegranate.

Blood Orange and Pomegranate Sparkling Sangria

Ingredients: 
3 blood oranges (or other oranges if unavailable)
Arils (seeds) from 1 pomegranate
¼ cup brandy
¼ cup simple syrup
1 bottle dry sparkling rosé or white sparkling wine
1 cup sparkling water (use blood orange Italian soda if not using blood oranges as fruit)

Instructions: 
To make simple syrup, pour equal parts sugar and water into a saucepan and heat ingredients until dissolved. Cool. Juice two of the oranges. Slice the remaining orange into thin rounds, then cut into halves or quarters for garnish. In a pitcher, combine the simple sugar,  blood orange juice, blood orange slices, pomegranate arils and brandy. Let the fruit marinate for a few hours, covered and chilled in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, pour in the rosé and sparkling water. Ladle sangria and fruit into glasses and serve. Makes approximately 6 glasses.

Precious Blood,

Ocean of Divine Mercy:

Flow upon us! 

Precious Blood,

Most pure Offering:

Procure us every Grace! 

Precious Blood,

Hope and Refuge of sinners:

Atone for us!

Precious Blood,

Delight of holy souls:

Draw us!

Amen.

~St. Catherine of Siena

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Summer Sangria in this Month of the Most Precious Blood

July is drawing to a close, but there is still time to enjoy a classic summer drink - sangria - perfect for the month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood. Sangre means blood in Spanish and the drink sangria took it's name from the red wine used, as it resembled the color of blood. Living in Colorado where there is a spectacular mountain range which extends into New Mexico named Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ), I always think of the word sangre/sangria as associated with Christ's blood.

In addition to the dedicated month there are many saints with devotion and insights into the saving power of the Precious Blood and isn’t it convenient that several of them have summer feast days – perfect days to toast with a sangria and offer prayers through the saving power of the most precious blood.

St. Gaspar del Bufalo (feast: December 28), founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood said, “We must let it be known how the Blood of Christ cleanses the souls and sanctifies them, particularly by means of the sacraments.”

In both the Dialogue and her letters, St. Catherine of Siena (feast: April 29) talks much about the blood of Christ as fundamental to salvation. Her dying words were, “Blood! Blood! Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.”

The Carmelite saint, St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi (feast: May 25) when in a rapture, saw that, “every time a human being offers up the Blood by which he was redeemed, he offers a gift of infinite worth, which can be equaled by no other.” Inspired by her vision, St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi offered the Precious Blood fifty times for the souls of the living and the dead, and then God rewarded her with visions of the multitudes of souls that had been saved from perdition or delivered from Purgatory.

The Curé of Ars, St. John Vianney (feast: August 4), drew on the most perfect way of offering the Most Precious Blood: he asked Our Lady to offer it for him, and said that it never failed to obtain for him the grace or favor he sought.

St. Dominic (feast: August 8), actually had a vision of Our Lady sprinkling devout people in his congregation with the Precious Blood.

St. Maria De Mattias (feast: August 20), founder of the religious congregation of the Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ had a consuming desire that "not even one drop of the Divine Blood would be lost"; that it would reach all sinners to purify them and so that, washed in that river of mercy, they would rediscover the right way to peace and union among people.

Classic Sangria

Ingredients:
2 bottles chilled dry red wine, like Rioja

1 cup brandy

1 cup orange juice

1/4 cup superfine granulated sugar

2 oranges, cut into thin rounds & quartered

2 lemons, cut into thin rounds & quartered

3 limes, cut into thin rounds & quartered

2 apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

2 cups cold club soda or sparkling water

Directions:

In a large pot or pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, orange juice, and sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the orange, lemon, lime slices, and the apples then refrigerate until well chilled, about 1 hour. Remove from the refrigerator and add the club soda. Serve in glasses over ice.

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“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, in satisfaction of my sins, in supplication for the holy souls in Purgatory and for the needs of Holy Church (name a soul).”

“Immaculate Heart of Mary, do thou offer to the Eternal Father the Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, for the conversion of sinners, especially, (name the soul).”

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