Holy Family Dinner Night

The best lessons we can teach others, especially children, are integrative---using as many hands-on tools as possible which appeal to our senses in order to create long lasting memories. Food itself can evoke the most wonderful memories in all of us. Think back to your childhood: do you recall a special dish that your mom or dad or grandparent made, and what feelings does it brings back to you today, all these years later?

On meatless Fridays during Lent, instead of the usual pizza or fish sticks, consider having your family enjoy meals which include foods that the Holy Family ate.

What did Mary prepare for Jesus and Joseph?
In doing some research, the following foods were considered staples 2000 years ago in Nazareth: Bread, olives, figs, grapes, legumes (lentils / beans), melons, pomegranate, dates, nuts, raisins, milk, cheese, eggs, cucumber, fish (and lamb and beef on occasion as well).

Here's an idea: Surprise your family with a HOLY FAMILY DINNER night! Make sure the kids are involved during the preparation for the meal. Explain that during Lent on Fridays, not only are we abstaining from meat, but we are also going to enjoy some of the foods that Mary cooked for her family.

Here are 2 delicious recipes to start with:

Fig Crostini
Finely chop fresh figs and toss with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and salt to taste. Let the figs sit while you cut baguette slices and toast them. Top the toasts with the fig mixture and a grind or two of freshly ground black pepper. You can spread a bit of fresh goat cheese on the toasts first, if you like.

Rosemary-scented lentil and barley stew (Serves 2-4)
4 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped (about ⅓ cup)
• ½ cup chopped celery

• 2 ½ cups peeled and chopped fresh ripe tomatoes

• 2 cups water

• ½ cup lentils, picked over and rinsed

• ⅓ cup barley

• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste

• ½ sprig fresh rosemary, or a large pinch of dried rosemary to taste

• 1 small carrot, grated

In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil and saute the onion over medium-low heat until tender.Add the celery and cook five minutes longer.Add the rest of the ingredients except for the carrots, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until barley and lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.Shut off the heat, add the carrots and let stand undisturbed for five minutes to steam the carrots.ENJOY! 

Over dinner, maybe mom or dad can ask the family:
"Do you think the Holy Family said a prayer before eating?" 
"What kind of prayers do you think they said together?" 
"What do you think Jesus talked about with Mary and Joseph at dinner?"
"If the Holy Family was here for dinner, what would you ask them?" 

Use meal time as one way to draw closer to the Holy Family, and to allow them into the hearts of our own family. Bon Appetit!    

With love and prayers,

Simple Soul