Skillet Chicken, Broccoli and ZIti

This recipe was really tasty. Everyone liked the flavor. The dish was not ovely rich, it had a great overall flavor. I would make this dish agin.

Serves 4. Published October 11, 2006. Cook's Illustrated
1
pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into 1-inch squares
Table salt and ground black pepper
2
tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
1
medium onion , minced (about 1 cup)
3
medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 1 tablespoon)
1/4
teaspoon dried oregano
1/8
teaspoon red pepper flakes
8
ounces ziti (2 /12 cups)
2 3/4
cups water
1 2/3
cups low-sodium chicken broth
12
ounces broccoli florets (4 cups)
1/4
cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes , rinsed and chopped coarse
1/2
cup heavy cream
1
ounce grated Asiago cheese (1/2 cup), plus extra for serving
1
tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 1 minute without stirring. Stir the chicken and continue to cook until most, but not all, of the pink color has disappeared and the chicken is lightly browned around the edges, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Transfer the chicken to a clean bowl and set aside.
2. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened, 2 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the ziti, 2 cups of the water, and the broth. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the liquid is very thick and syrupy and almost completely absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and the remaining 3/4 cup water. Cover, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until the broccoli turns bright green and is almost tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Uncover and return the heat to high. Stir in the cream, Asiago, and reserved chicken with any accumulated juices and continue to simmer, uncovered, until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is cooked and heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, passing more grated Asiago at the table, if desired.

Feast Day of Saint Sylvester

SAINT SYLVESTERPope and Confessor(280-335)
Saint Sylvester was born in Rome. When he reached the age to dispose of his fortune, he took pleasure in giving hospitality to Christians passing through the city. He would take them with him, wash their feet, serve them at table, and in sum give them in the name of Christ, all the care that the most sincere charity inspired. One day Timothy of Antioch, an illustrious confessor of the Faith, arrived in Rome. No one dared receive him, but Sylvester considered it an honor. For a year Timothy, preaching Jesus Christ with unflagging zeal, received at Sylvester’s dwelling the most generous hospitality. When this heroic man had won the palm of martyrdom, Sylvester took up his precious remains and buried them during the night. But he himself was soon denounced to the prefect and accused of having hidden the martyr’s treasures. He replied, “Timothy left to me only the heritage of his faith and courage.” The governor threatened him with death and had him imprisoned, but Sylvester said to him, “Senseless one, this very night it is you who will render an account to God.” And the persecutor that evening swallowed a fish bone, and died in fact that night.

Glazed Meatloaf

From Cook's Illustrated:

Meat Loaf
3
ounces Monterey Jack cheese , grated on small holes of box grater (about 1 cup)
1
tablespoon unsalted butter
1
medium onion , chopped fine (about 1 cup)
1
medium rib celery , chopped fine (about 1/2 cup)
1
medium clove garlic , minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 1 teaspoon)
2
teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
1
teaspoon paprika
1/4
cup tomato juice
1/2
cup low-sodium chicken broth
2
large eggs
1/2
teaspoon unflavored gelatin (powdered)
1
tablespoon soy sauce
1
teaspoon Dijon mustard
2/3
cup crushed saltine crackers
2
tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
3/4
teaspoon table salt
1/2
teaspoon ground black pepper
1
pound ground sirloin
1
pound ground beef chuck
Glaze
1/2
cup ketchup
1
teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2
teaspoon ground coriander
1/4
cup cider vinegar
3
tablespoons packed light brown sugar
Instructions
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 375 degrees. Spread cheese on plate and place in freezer until ready to use. Prepare baking sheet (see illustration below).
2. Heat butter in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until foaming; add onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and paprika and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and add tomato juice. Cook, stirring to scrape up browned bits from pan, until thickened, about 1 minute. Transfer mixture to small bowl and set aside to cool.
3. Whisk broth and eggs in large bowl until combined. Sprinkle gelatin over liquid and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, mustard, saltines, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion mixture. Crumble frozen cheese into coarse powder and sprinkle over mixture. Add ground beef; mix gently with hands until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Transfer meat to foil rectangle and shape into 10 by 6-inch oval about 2 inches high. Smooth top and edges of meat loaf with moistened spatula. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of loaf reads 135 to 140 degrees, 55 to 65 minutes. Remove meat loaf from oven and turn on broiler.
4. While meat loaf cooks, combine ingredients for glaze in small saucepan; bring to simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring, until thick and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Spread half of glaze evenly over cooked meat loaf with rubber spatula; place under broiler and cook until glaze bubbles and begins to brown at edges, about 5 minutes. Remove meat loaf from oven and spread evenly with remaining glaze; place back under broiler and cook until glaze is again bubbling and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes more. Let meat loaf cool about 20 minutes before slicing.

Saint Sabinus

SAINT SABINUSBishop of Spoleto and Martyrand his CompanionsMartyrs(†303)
When the cruel edicts of Diocletian and Maximin Hercules were published against the Christians in the year 303, it required more than ordinary force in the bishops and clergy, to encourage the people to undergo martyrdom rather than apostatize. All were forbidden even to draw water or grind wheat, if they would not first incense idols placed for that purpose in the markets and on street corners.

Graham Griddle Cakes

I found this recipe at http://www.allreciepes.com/ they turned out great. Really tasty and fluffy. I increase the brown sugar a bit and I also used 1 C of the graham cracker crumb.

Saint Thomas Becket

SAINT THOMAS BECKETArchbishop of Canterbury, Martyr(1117-1170)
Saint Thomas, son of an English nobleman, Gilbert Becket, was born on the day consecrated to the memory of Saint Thomas the Apostle, December 21, 1117, in Southwark, England. He was endowed by both nature and grace with gifts recommending him to his fellow men; and his father, certain he would one day be a great servant of Christ, confided his education to a monastery. His first employment was in the government of the London police. There he was obliged to learn the various rights of the Church and of the secular arm, but already he saw so many injustices imposed upon the clergy that he preferred to leave that employment rather than to participate in iniquity. He was perfectly chaste and truthful, and no snares could cause to waver his hatred for any form of covert action.

Gingerbread Waffles

We tried these waffles today, they were great. The waffles were light, fluffy and had mild flavor. I will try these again.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

The HOLY INNOCENTSMartyrs at the time of the Nativity of Our Lord(†1 A.D.)
The wily king Herod, who was reigning in Judea at the time of the birth of Our Saviour, learned from three Wise Men from the East that they had come to Jerusalem, advised by a star in the heavens, in search of the newborn King of the Jews. Herod’s superstitious fear of losing his throne was awakened, and he grew troubled. He called together the chief priests, questioned them, and learned from them that the awaited Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, the city of David. He said to the strangers: “When you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may go and adore Him.”
The star which had guided the Magi re-appeared over Bethlehem, and they found the Infant and adored Him, and offered Him their royal gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, recognizing by these His perfect Divinity, His royalty, and His prophesied sufferings. God warned them in a dream afterwards not to go back to Herod, and they returned to their lands, rejoicing, by a different route. Saint Joseph, too, was warned during his sleep by an Angel to take the Child and His Mother and flee into Egypt, for Herod will seek the life of the Infant.

Feast Day of Saint John

SAINT JOHNApostle, Evangelist, and Prophet(†103)
Saint John, brother of Saint James the Greater, the Apostle of Spain, is the beloved disciple. He was privileged, with his brother and Saint Peter, to behold the Saviour raise up a dead child to life, then saw Him transfigured on the mountaintop; he alone reposed his head on His breast at the Last Supper. After the crucifixion it is he who, with Saint Peter, hastened to the empty tomb on the morning of the Resurrection. Standing beside Mary at the Cross, he had heard his Master confide that Blessed Mother to him to be henceforth his Mother also. He took his precious treasure for refuge to Ephesus when the persecution of the Jerusalem Christians became too intense; and from there he went out to evangelize Asia Minor, of which he became the first Archbishop. He was later exiled to the Island of Patmos, where he wrote the Apocalypse, but afterwards returned to Ephesus.

Podkovy

For Saint Stephen's Feast day today I made Podkovy, or St. Stephen's horseshoes. The recipe was taken from A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz and can be found here. The dough for this recipe produces a flaky light pastry. I really liked how the recipe turned out. I will make this recipe again. I tried both fillings, the nut, brown sugar and citrus and also the apricot filling. Both fillings are tasty but the main bread is really excellent on its own.

Feast Day of Saint Stephen

SAINT STEPHEN
Protomartyr
(†35)

The Jewish origin of Saint Stephen is universally acknowledged; he is known and loved everywhere as the first follower of Christ to give to his martyred God love for love, blood for blood. It is not certain whether he was among the seventy-two disciples of Jesus; some believe he was of the Greek tongue and not a native of Palestine. He studied with Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas under the famous Doctor of the Law, Gamaliel, who, being a member of the Sanhedrin, attempted to stop the persecution of the Apostles. (Acts of the Apostles 5:34-40) What is certain, however, is that he distinguished himself among his brethren as an admirable Christian, replete with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. To his great beauty and angelic chastity were joined humility, patience, gentleness and charity, so perfect that they drew from all the faithful great admiration and esteem for him .

Prime Rib Roast

I used the recipe in my Culinary Arts Institute Encyclopedic Cookbook. The roast came out great. We had about 12 lb. so we cooked the roast at 300 degrees, uncovered for about 3 1/2 hours. The meat was moist and very juicy. Before i placed the roast in the over, I rubbed it down with sea salt, black pepper, garlic and olive oil.

Texas Sheet Cake II

1 C butter
1 C water
1/4 C unsweetened cocoa
2 C flour

2 C sugar

2 eggs

1/2 C sour cream

1 tsp. baking soda

Icing:

1/2 C butter

1/4 C unsweetened cocoa

6T milk

2 C confectioner's sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 C chopped nuts

For the Cake:Place the first 3 ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium low heat. Remove from the heat, and add the next 3 ingredients. Beat in the eggs, sour cream and baking soda. Pour into a greased jelly roll pan(15X10). Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool completely before icing. For the icing:in a large saucepan, bring the first 3 ingredients to a slow boil. Remove from the heat, and sift in the confectioners sugar beating until smooth and thick. Add the vanilla and spread over the cooled cake. Sprinkle on nuts if desired.

Merry Christmas

The Nativity Of Our Lord
Noel! Noel! This was the cry of our fathers when the Faith prevailed, ardent and lively in the bosom of families, institutions, and all of society. That cry has grown very weak in our day, for the naivete of simple faith has tended to disappear. Nevertheless, of all the Christian feasts, Christmas is perhaps the most beloved and the most popular.
God used the most apparently indifferent events to reach His ends. Mary lived in Nazareth, and the prophets predicted that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. But an edict of Caesar Augustus ordered all the inhabitants of Judea to go at a certain time to enroll in their native city. Bethlehem was the birthplace of Joseph, so that is where the holy spouses went; and that is where, in conformity to the predictions of the prophets, Jesus was to come into the world.

Provencal Christmas Eve Bread

Recipe taken from A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz

6 3/4 tsp. active dry yeast

1/2 c lukewarm water

4 1/4 C flour

grated rind 1 lemon

grated rind 1 orange

1 tsp. salt

2/3 C brown sugar

1 C olive oil

2 eggs

diluted triple sec

In a bowl, sprinkle the yeast into the warm water. Stir in 1/2 C flour. Cover lightly and let double in bulk and become spongy. In a large bowl, mix the remaining flour, the lemon and orange rind, salt and brown sugar. Stir in the olive oil and the eggs , mixing well after each addition. Add the yeast-flour mixture. Mix thoroughly;the dough should be rather soft. Knead for 8-10 minutes. Place the dough into a greased bowl, turning the dough to grease the top. Cover and let the dough rise for 3 hours. Punch down the dough and knead it briefly, cover and let rise for another 3 hours. Make balls of dough about 3" in diameter. On a lightly greased baking sheet, lay the balls side by side touching each other, in a circle. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. While the bread is still hot brush with diluted triple sec.

Saint Charbel's Feast Day

Saint Charbel Maklouf
Maronite Priest and Hermit
(1828-1898)

Saint Charbel Makhlouf, the modest monk of Lebanon whose perfectly conserved mortal remains exude a miraculous sanguinolent liquid, has become known to many in the past half century, because of the extraordinary miracles which have drawn thousands to visit his tomb.

Youssef Makhlouf was born in 1828 in Bika’Kafra, the highest village of Lebanon, near the grove of the still-conserved famous cedars of Lebanon. The youngest of five children, he became a little shepherd. Their pious mother lived almost as a religious in her family home. She would pray with outstretched arms, telling her family to allow no one to see her at those moments. The children’s father also possessed the genuine piety which recommends a Christian to his brethren, but the little Youssef never knew him, for he died when the youngest son was only two years old. An uncle took upon himself the support of the family, which was thereby maintained intact. The child was profoundly affected by the example of two other maternal uncles, who were monks of the Maronite Lebanese Order, living in a hermitage only three miles away, and whom he often visited, at first with his mother, later on his own. They would say to him: “All here below is nothing, the world is vanity, life is short. The true beauty is God, near Him there is true happiness. Wisdom is to not find oneself with empty hands at the supreme hour.”

Rainbow Cookies

I made these cookies last night and they are really delicious. If you love almond paste, you will love these cookies.

Feast Day of SAINT MARGARET D'YOUVILLE

SAINT MARGARET D'YOUVILLED'YOUVILLE
Foundress of the Sisters of Charity, called Grey Nuns
(1701-1771)

The oldest of six children, at seven years of age Mary Margaret Dufrost, born at Varennes near Montreal, had already lost her courageous soldier-father. After receiving only two years of excellent education in Quebec City with the Ursuline nuns, she was obliged to return to Varennes before her twelfth birthday, to assist her mother to bring up her five younger brothers and sisters. The Sisters had foreseen the heavy responsibilities which would come upon her, and under their tutelage, as they later testified, she had “redoubled her activity and application to all her duties.” By means of a subsidy granted by the king of France to the families of his deceased military officers, the little family was able to remain together.

One day, some sixty years later, Mother Margaret d’Youville, Foundress of a Congregation of Sisters of Charity, would be known to the people of Quebec as “the Providence of Montreal.” It became proverbial among the Church’s authorities, even before she died, when there was a charitable work to do, to “ask the Grey Nuns; they never refuse a mission.” This was indeed an honorable reputation; but in 1730 the twenty-six year-old widow of Francis d’Youville, seigneur of La Découverte, alone with two sons to bring up, could not have imagined such honor, nor what Providence was holding in store for her already strong and experienced charity.

Feast Day of Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
Foundress
(1850-1917)
Dear to the hearts of American Catholics in many regions of the United States, Saint Frances Cabrini, foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, patroness of immigrants, was the first citizen of the United States to be canonized. Born in Lombardy, Italy, the youngest of thirteen children, she was fired with missionary zeal as a little girl, through family reading of the Annals of the Propagation of the Faith. She gave up sweets because she would also be without them in China, where she aspired to go.

She earned a teacher’s certificate and applied to two Orders having missionary houses, but was rejected for reasons of health. Reluctantly, at the request of her bishop, she tried to save an orphanage and make of its staff a religious community, but after six hard years the work collapsed. And Frances, by then thirty years old, initiated her own missionary community with seven of her associates from the orphanage. Bishop Scalabrini suggested they work with Italian immigrants, especially in the United States, as the Congregation of Saint Charles which he had founded was doing; but Mother Cabrini’s heart was set on China. She asked counsel of Pope Leo XIII. “Go not to the East,” he told her, “but to the West.”

Simple and Sweet Beer Bread

The kids can make this recipefrom start to finish!

Honey Quick Bread

This bread is excellent for snaking or for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour1 t. baking soda1/2 t. salt1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. cinnamon1/2 c. oil1-1/2 c. buttermilk1/2 c. honey
Mix all ingredients together; spoon into a greased and floured 9"x5" loaf pan. Let stand for 20 minutes; bake at 375 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. Makes one loaf.

Martha Stewart's Quick Breadsticks

The breadsticks were crunchy ans super quick to make .

Candy Ornaments

Easy directions can be found here

Christmas Crackers

All you need for the crackers: gift wrap, paper towel or tissue rolls, ribbon, tape and candy. Cut a piece of wrapping paper to allow additional paper on each edge. Tape the paper to the roll and roll the tissue roll, tape. Secure one end with ribbon, stuff with candy or small items and close off the remaining end with ribbon. simple and cute!

Amazing Lemon Butter Chicken

I found this recipe atallrecipes.com the dish turned out great. Very easy and not overly lemony, just right.

Feast Day of Saint Thomas

Saint Thomas
Apostle and Martyr
(† First Century)

Saint Thomas was one of the fisherman on the Lake of Galilee whom Our Lord called to be His Apostles. By nature slow to believe, too apt to see difficulties and to look at the dark side of things, he had nonetheless a very sympathetic, loving, and courageous heart.

When Jesus spoke to His apostles of His forthcoming departure, and told His faithful disciples that they already knew the Way to follow Him, Saint Thomas, in his simplicity, asked: “Lord, we know not whither Thou goest, and how can we know the way?”

Feast Day of saint Dominic of Silos

Saint Dominic of Silos
Abbot
(†1073)

Saint Dominic, a Saint of the eleventh century, was given the surname of Silos because of his long sojourn in the monastery of that name. He was of the line of the ancient kings of Navarre. He undertook on his own to study his religion, having virtually no teacher but the Holy Spirit. Ordained a priest, he entered a monastery of the Order of Saint Benedict, where his sanctity soon placed him in the first ranks as its Abbot.

The monastery of Silos had greatly declined from its former glory and fervor. The monk Licinian, who was deploring this situation, was offering Holy Mass on the day when Dominic entered the church. By a special permission of God, when the priest turned towards the people at the Offertory to chant: Dominus vobiscum, he said instead: Behold, the restorer cometh! and the choir responded: It is the Lord who has sent him! The oracle was soon to be visibly fulfilled. The charity of the Saint was not concentrated only in his monastery, but was extended to all who suffered afflictions. His gift of miracles drew to the convent the blind, the sick, and the lame; and it was by the hundreds that he cured them, as is still evident today from the ex-votos of the chapel where his relics are conserved. The balls-and-chains, iron handcuffs and the like, which are seen suspended from the vault there, attest also to his special charity for the poor Christians held captive by the Spanish Moors. He often went to console them and pay their ransom, thus preluding the works of the Order of Our Lady of Ransom, founded in 1218, 145 years after his death

Pie Crust Bites

Super simple and easyrecipe .

Rose's Bake Artichokes

We tried this recipe tonight, I was rate is as ok. I would not be in a huge rush to make this dish again. I used half the amount of artichoke hearts and I filled in the remaining amuont with hearts of palm.

Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

I have not tasted these yet, they look and smell yummy. I was cooking ahead for the weekend. The recipe can be found here .

Spinach Feta Turnovers

A delicious recipe from Every Day Food magazine.

2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
4( 10oz.)boxes spinach, frozen
2 C crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1 box(17.3oz.)oz puff pastry

Directions :
Thaw spinach and squeeze out the moisture.
Thaw puff pastry, but keep cold
In a medium skillet heat oil and then sautee onions and garlic until tender, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in spinach, feta, lemon juice and cayenne. Season filling with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Preheat oven to 375F. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out each portion of dough into a 12" square; cut each into quarters to form 8 equal squares.
Dividing evenly, spoon filling onto center of each square. Fold the edges over to form a triangle and press firmly to seal. With a floured fork, crimp edges.
Transfer turnovers to baking sheet, brush tops with egg mixture (1 egg beaten with 2 tbsp water) for a golden glaze. Bake until golden and puffed, about 35-40 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through.

Jam Thumbprints

I used some extra sugar cookie dough and made these. I place round balls into a greased mini muffin pan, pressed down with my thumb and up the sides. I then baked for 11 minutes at 50 degrees F. As soon as you take the cookies out press down with a baby spoon and make an indentation, then fill with jelly. I used the new Smucker's Special recipe cherry jelly, it is really delicious.

Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

I found this recipe back in May at The Picky Palate and have saved it since then. There have been a few times I have grabbed out all of the ingredients and then I realized I was missing one thing! Today I made sure I had everything. The fondant i used was the Wilton boxed white fondant. I tinted half of the package gree and half yellow. Decorating these cookies was such fun.
For the cookies:
2 Cups sugar
1 Cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Cup sour cream
6 Cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

In an electric or stand mixer, cream the sugar and butter.
Add eggs, vanilla and sour cream until well combined.
Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt until well combined.
In 2 batches, place in plastic wrap in a disc shape and chill for at least 2 hours for best results.
Once chilled, roll and cut into desired shapes.
Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes depending on how thick you cut your cookies. Remove and let cool. Frost and decorate as desired.

Fondant Frosting Directions:
Roll the fondant out into an even thinness. (You can use a bit of powdered sugar underneath the fondant to prevent stickin))
Use the same cookie cutter you cut the cookie into to cut out your shape.
Brush a light layer of corn syrup on top of the cookie
Press the cut fondant over your cookie.
Press around the edges to seal.

Feast Day of Saint Nemesion of Alexandria

Saint Nemesion of Alexandriaand OTHER CHRISTIANS
of the same Persecution
Martyrs
(†253)

During the persecution of Decius, Nemesion, an Egyptian, was apprehended at Alexandria upon an indictment for theft. The servant of Christ easily cleared himself of that charge before the judge Emilianus, but was immediately accused of being a Christian. He was twice delivered up to torture, and after being scourged and tormented more than were the true thieves, was sentenced to be burnt with them and other malefactors, in the year 253.

There stood at the same time, near the prefect’s tribunal, four soldiers and another person who, being Christians, boldly encouraged a confessor attached to the rack. They were taken before the judge, who condemned them to be beheaded. The prefect was astonished, seeing the joy with which they walked to the place of execution.

Chicken in Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 bottle of Chardonay

1/2 cup coarsely chopped pitted kalamata

2 tbsp. drained capers

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 C artichoke heart, drained and chopped

3/4 lb. sun dried tomatoes, chopped

1 1/2 lb. boneless chicken breasts halves chopped

a few dashes dried basil leaves

a few dashes Italian dried seasoning blend

1 small can of mushrooms, drained

salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Stir the soup, wine, olives, capers, garlic, artichokes, mushrooms and tomatoes in a Dutch oven Add the chicken and turn to coat. Add seasonings.Bring to a boil for about 10 minutes and lower to simmer for 4 hours. Serve over pasta, with grated cheese

2 lb. pasta cooked al dente

Saint Gatian's Feast Day

Saint Gatian
First Bishop of Tours
(† First Century)

Saint Gatian, a disciple of the Apostles and the first bishop of Tours, was sent to that city at the same time as Saint Denys to Paris, Saint Trophimus to Arles, Saint Martial to Limoges, Saint Saturninus to Toulouse, Saint Sergius Paulus to Narbonne, and Saint Austremoine into Auvergne. The Gauls in that region were addicted to the worship of their ancient idols, to which they had added the divinities of Rome. He found them enslaved to their various superstitions, and began to teach them the vanity of idols and the impossibility of a plurality of gods. After dispersing the false ideas and fears they had conceived concerning the gods of the empire, he presented to them the faith of the Gospel and the true God. He showed them the necessity of the Redemption and spoke of the Second Coming of the Saviour as Judge, when He will reward the virtue of those who have done good, and exile evildoers to a lamentable eternity.

Peanut Butter Apples

Here was our Ember Day lunch!

Macaroni Grill Focaccia

9 tablespoons olive oil, divided use3 cups unsifted all-purpose flour3/4 cup unsifted semolina flour1/2 teaspoon salt, divided1 1/2 tablespoons quick-rising dry yeast1 1/2 cups hot milk (between 120 to 130 degrees F)1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves1. Pour a 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil into a 9-inch square cakepan; spread to cover bottom and sides.2. Place all-purpose flour, semolina flour, 2 tablespoons of theolive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and all of the yeast in thebowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook or you can mix by hand.3. Mix ingredients on medium speed. Reduce speed to low and slowlyadd hot milk. Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for5 minutes, then knead about 10 minutes by hand.4. Dust the bottom of cake pan with a little flour. Remove doughfrom bowl and spread out evenly in pan. Cover with a towel and letit rest for 30 minutes.5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.6. Remove towel and brush dough with 1 to 2 tablespoons of theolive oil. Dust the top with additional salt and rosemary. Bakefor 20 minutes.7. Remove from oven and drizzle with remaining oil.Serves 6-8 Get More

Candy Coins

This will make a great gift for someone that uses thelaundromat .

Olive Oil Cake

INGREDIENTS3 large eggs1 cup granulated sugar1 1/2 cups whole milk1 cup good-quality extra-virgin olive oil1/4 cup amaretto liqueur, such as Disaronno1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup coarse-ground cornmeal1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/8 teaspoon kosher saltPowdered sugar for garnishing cake
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oven to 350°F and arrange rack in middle. Coat 13-by-9-inch baking dish or 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil and flour; tap out excess.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until well blended and light in color. Add milk, olive oil, amaretto, and orange zest and mix well.
In another bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add egg mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just blended. Batter will be slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared baking dish or pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with only a few crumbs remaining, about 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Run a knife around perimeter of the pan and invert cake onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar, cut into 12 pieces, and serve.

Feast Day of Saint Olympia

Saint Olympiaof CONSTANTINOPLE
Widow and Deaconess
(† ca. 440)

Saint Olympia, the glory of the widows in the Eastern Church, was born of a noble and illustrious family. Left an orphan at a tender age, she was brought up by Theodosia, sister of Saint Amphilochius, a virtuous and prudent woman. At the age of eighteen, Olympias was regarded as a model of Christian virtues. It was then that she was married to Nebridius, a young man worthy of her; the new spouses promised one another to live in perfect continence. After less than two years of this angelic union, Nebridius went to receive in heaven the reward of his virtues.

The Emperor would have engaged her in a second marriage, but she replied: “If God had destined me to live in the married state, He would not have taken my first spouse. The event which has broken my bonds shows me the way Providence has traced for me.” She had resolved to consecrate her life to prayer and penance, and to devote her fortune to the poor. She liberated all her slaves, who nonetheless wished to continue to serve her, and she administered her fortune as a trustee for the poor. The farthest cities, islands, deserts and poor churches found themselves blessed through her liberality.

Saint Eusebius Feast Day

Saint EusebiusBishop of Vercelli(† ca. 370)
Saint Eusebius was born of a noble family on the island of Sardinia, where his father is said to have died in prison for the Faith. He was brought up in Rome in the practice of piety, and studied in Vercelli, a city of Piedmont. Eusebius was ordained a priest there, and served the Church of Vercelli with such zeal that when the episcopal chair became vacant he was unanimously chosen, by both clergy and people, to fill it.
The holy bishop saw that the best and principal means to labor effectually for the edification and sanctification of his people was to have a zealous clergy. Saint Ambrose assures us that he was the first bishop who in the West united the monastic life with the clerical, living and having his clergy live almost like the monks of the East in the deserts. They shared a common life of prayer and penance, in a single residence, that of the bishop, as did the clergy of Saint Augustine in his African see. Saint Eusebius was very careful to instruct his flock in the maxims of the Gospel. The force of the truth which he preached, together with his example, brought many sinners to a change of life.

Olive Pinwheels

In a food processor pulse:20-30 pitted kalamta olives, 1 T capers, rinsed, 3 tsp. fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp. olive oil, 4 anchovies and a dash of the oil, 2 dashes dried parsley, 1 dash dried thyme, 1 dash of cracked black pepper. Pulse until combined. Take 2 cans of crescent roll dough and spread out into 8 rectangles, keeping 2 of the triangles intact and just push the dough together to seal. Spread olive mix on each rectangle and roll jelly roll style, slice into pinwheels. Place 1" apart on greased cookie sheets or Silpat lined cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Feast Dayof Blessed John the Discalsed Franciscan Friar

BLESSED JOHN the DISCALCEDFranciscan Friar(1280-1349)
Blessed John the Discalced was born near Quimper in France. In his youth he was a laborer; he made and erected crosses, built bridges and arches. Works useful for the glory of God or the welfare of his neighbor were the ones most agreeable to him. However, God was calling him higher, and by perseverance he succeeded in studying to receive the priesthood, despite the opposition and mockery of an artisan from whom he had learned his trade, one of his relatives.
From that moment on his life was very austere; he fasted three times a week on bread and water, visited the poor and the sick, and became the object of universal veneration. For thirteen years he served as a parish priest in his diocese, and never did he take a horse for his parish visits, but walked barefoot; hence his name, the Discalced or unshod. His very frugal life might have permitted him to set money aside, but the indigent received all that was not strictly necessary for him, and sometimes that as well .

Triple Chip Cookie Mix

In a 2 quart canning jar layer:

1/2 C granulated sugar

1 C packed light brown sugar

2 1/2 C all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 C semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 C white chocolate chips

1/2 C butter scotch or peanut butter chips

Attach directions to jar with raffia and a fabric jar topper.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Beat 1 C butter, softened in an electric mixer until smooth. Add 2 eggs beating after each one. Beat in 2 tsp. vanilla. Pour jarred cookie mix into another bowl and stir, add contents to mixing bowl and stir to combine. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 12-14 minutes or until edges are browned. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

For this mix I layered in a 1 quart canning jar all but the chips and I attached the chips to the jar in a small lunch bag along with the directions.