SAINTS ROMANUS

SAINTS ROMANUSFounder and Abbot(†460)and LUPICINUShis brother, Abbot(†480)
Saint Romanus, born in the late fourth century, left his relatives and spent some time in the monastery of Ainay at Lyons, near a large church at the conflux of the Saône and Rhone. The faithful had built it in honor of the famous martyrs of that region, whose ashes were thrown into the Rhone. His purpose for this retreat was to study all the practices of monastic life, and he obtained from the Abbot of Ainay some recently written books on the lives of the Desert Fathers.

Daring Bakers February

The February 2009 challenge is hosted by Wendy of WMPE's blog and Dharm of Dad ~ Baker & Chef.We have chosen a Chocolate Valentino cake by Chef Wan; a Vanilla Ice Cream recipe from Dharm and a Vanilla Ice Cream recipe from Wendy as the challenge.February’s challenge was a Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Valentino.We were to use the following cake recipe recipe and make our own ice cream.I used semi sweet chocolate for the cake. A real Valentino cake is made in a heart shaped pan , but i opted for individual cakes so i made mine in muffin cups and decreased the baking time by a few minutes. We liked the cakes very much. I am not sure I would rush to make these again, I would opt for a brownie instead. These cakes were very rich.

Please be sure and stop by the Daring Bakers Blogroll to see the other Daring Baker's creations.

Here is the Printable Recipe:Chocolate ValentinoPreparation Time: 20 minutes16 ounces (1 pound) (454 grams) of semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped½ cup (1 stick) plus 2 tablespoons (146 grams total) of unsalted butter5 large eggs separated1. Put chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of simmering water (the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water) and melt, stirring often.2. While your chocolate butter mixture is cooling. Butter your pan and line with a parchment circle then butter the parchment.3. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and put into two medium/large bowls.4. Whip the egg whites in a medium/large grease free bowl until stiff peaks are formed (do not over-whip or the cake will be dry). 5. With the same beater beat the egg yolks together.6. Add the egg yolks to the cooled chocolate.7. Fold in 1/3 of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture and follow with remaining 2/3rds. Fold until no white remains without deflating the batter. {link of folding demonstration}8. Pour batter into prepared pan, the batter should fill the pan 3/4 of the way full, and bake at 375F/190C9. Bake for 25 minutes until an instant read thermometer reads 140F/60C. Note – If you do not have an instant read thermometer, the top of the cake will look similar to a brownie and a cake tester will appear wet.10. Cool cake on a rack for 10 minutes then unmold.

For the ice cream I got the kids involved and we made:

Vanilla ice cream in a bag it was simple, fun and tasty.

Shamrocks

Today we made shamrocks. The shamrock makes us think of the Blessed Trinity-three persons in one God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. All you need for this project is: pin backs, gren buttons, ribbon and a hot glue gun.

SAINT GABRIEL of OUR LADY of SORROWS

SAINT GABRIEL of OUR LADY of SORROWSPassionist(1838-1862)
Saint Gabriel was born at Assisi in 1838. He was guided by Our Lady into the Passionist Order founded by Saint Paul of the Cross, and became a veritable Apostle of Her Sorrows. He was a very great and truly contemplative soul, whose only preoccupation was to unite himself to God at all times. He allowed no distractions to enter his spirit, and even though Italy, his country, was in a state of ferment when he entered religion, he wanted to know nothing of it.

Crispy Ranch Chicken

2 cups crispy rice cereal1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese1 envelope (1-oz.) ranch salad dressing mix2 egg whites, beaten8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 5-oz. each)1 stick butter, meltedPreheat the oven to 350*FLine a large baking sheet with a non-stick foil. Combine the rice cereal, Parmesan and ranch salad dressing mix in a large bowl.Place beaten egg whites in a medium bowl. Dip each chicken thigh in the egg whites and then the cereal mixture to coat evenly.Arrange chicken on the foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter over the chicken. Bake until golden and juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a knife, 20-25 minutes.

Caterpillar Lunch

Banana Bread

In a food processor pulse 3 small or 2 medium sized bananas, add 3/4 cup oil, 1C packed brown sugar, 2 eggs , 1 teaspoon vanilla extract , 1 teaspoon amaretto 1 teaspoon dried grated lemon peel, 2 cups stone ground wheat flour, 1/4 C all purpose flour,1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon salt,
1/4 teaspoon baking soda,1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder,1/4 teaspoon nutmeg,1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 C strong black coffee. Pulse to combine. Place in a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

SAINT MECHTILDIS OF HACKEBORN

SAINT MECHTILDIS OF HACKEBORNAbbess(1240-1298)
Saint Mechtildis, born in 1240 in Saxony, was the younger sister of the illustrious Abbess Gertrude of Hackeborn. She was so attracted to religious life at the age of seven, after a visit to her sister in the monastery of Rodardsdoft, that she begged to be allowed to enter the monastic school there. Her gifts caused her to make great progress both in virtue and learning.

Lenten Folder

I finished up our Lenten project just in time. Today is the first day of Lent( Ash Wednesday) . We will be using our new Lenten lapbook.

Banana Whole Wheat Bread

I tried this recipe for dessert last night. I left out the chocolate chips. The bread was really tasty and it did not need the chips or even nuts, I will be making this recipe again.

Linguine with Capers & Olives

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves kept whole

3 tablespoon anchovy paste
a dash of hot red pepper flakes
1 cup pitted kalmata olives , rinsed
2 large slices white sandwich bread (about 3 ounces), torn into quarters

2 T capers, rinsed
salt and pepper to taste
2 Cans of San Marzano D.O.P. tomatoes
1 pound linguine

Grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)
2 T dried basil leaves

1.In a pan saute garlic in 2 T olive oil.Melt anchovy paste add tomato , red pepper flakes, olives, basil, capers, salt and pepper.

2. Pulse bread in food processor until coarsely ground, about 16 one-second pulses. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add bread crumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to brown,set aside.

3. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts water to boil in Dutch oven over high heat. Add pasta and cook to al dente.remaining

4. Cook sauce until it is almost your desired thickness, stir in the breadcrumbs or save for topping your pasta. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Saint Tarasius

SAINT TARASIUSPatriarch of Constantinople(750-806)
Tarasius was born at Constantinople in the middle of the eighth century, of a noble family. His mother, Eucratia, brought him up in the practice of the most eminent virtues. By his talents and virtue he gained the esteem of all, and was raised to the greatest honors of the empire, made first a Consul and afterwards first Secretary of State to the Emperor Constantine IV and the Empress Irene, his mother. In the midst of the court and in its highest honors, he led a life like that of a religious.

Toast, Eggs and Bacon

I saw this on the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a day blog and had to make it. It was super easy and well liked by everyone.

Apple Pancake

My mom emailed this recipe to me. Boy was this delicious. The kids gobble this pancake up, wanted more and can not wait until I make this dish again!

SAINT MATTHIAS

SAINT MATTHIASApostle(†63)
After our Blessed Lord’s Ascension His disciples came together, with Mary His mother and the eleven Apostles, in an upper room at Jerusalem. The little company numbered no more than one hundred and twenty souls. They were waiting for the promised coming of the Holy Ghost, and they persevered in prayer. Meanwhile there was a solemn act to be performed on the part of the Church, which could not be postponed. The place of the fallen Judas had to be filled, that the number of the Apostles might be complete. Saint Peter, therefore, as Vicar of Christ, arose to announce the divine decree. What the Holy Ghost had spoken by the mouth of David concerning Judas, he said, must be fulfilled. Of him it had been written, “His bishopric let another take.” A choice, therefore, was needed of one among those who had been their companions from the beginning, who could bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus.

Vegetable Barley Soup

This recipe is from Real Simple magazine. I cut the recipe in half. the recipe below makes 8 quarts. Tasty and filling soup.
1.5 cups barley
1/4 cup olive oil
6 carrots, diced
6 stalks celery, diced
2 large onions, diced
4 parsnips, diced
Kosher salt + black pepper
one 102-oz can diced tomatoes {or 4 28-oz cans}
1 bunch kale, think stems discarded + leaves chopped {about 8 cups}
two 15.5-oz cans chickpeas, rinced
Cook the barley according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the carrots, celery, onions, arsnips, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, 20 to 25 minutes.
Add the tomatoes {and their juices} and 8 cups water. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the soup has slightly thickened and the vegetables are tender, 45 to 60 minutes.
Add the kale + simmer, stirring occasionally, until it is tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the chickpeas and cooked barley and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.

SAINT PETER DAMIAN

SAINT PETER DAMIANCardinal Bishop(988-1072)
Saint Peter Damian, born in 988, lost both his parents at an early age. His eldest brother, to whose hands he was left, treated him so cruelly that another brother, a priest, moved by his piteous state, sent him to the University of Parma, where he acquired great distinction. His studies were sanctified by vigils, fasts, and prayers, until at last, thinking that all this was only serving God halfway, he resolved to leave the world. He joined the monks of Fonte Avellano, then in the greatest repute, and by his wisdom and sanctity rose to be Superior.

Rice Krispies with Confetti

We tried these tasty treats tonight.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 T sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 /2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 cups milk
6 T butter melted
3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine eggs, milk and butter; add to dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle. Turn when bubbles form on top; cook until second side is golden brown. Keep warm.

Easy Cheesy Enchiladas

1. In the crockpot add 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, 2 carrots chopped, 2 ribs celery chopped, 1 medium onion chopped, 4 bouillon cubes and about 6 C water. Let cook for 6 hours on high.


2. Next remove chicken and shred with 2 forks. Save stock and broth for later use.


3. In a bowl combine , the shredded chicken, 3/4 can of enchilada sauce and about 1 1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.


4. Start making the enchiladas. Place mixture in 12 flour tortillas. Roll and place in a buttered 9"X13' pan.


5. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce on top and add more cheese on top.


6. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes or until the enchiladas are heat through and the cheese is melted.


7. Serve with green salsa, pico de gallo, lettuce, olives, jalapenos and more cheese!

Light Whole Wheat Bread

Light whole wheat bread from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day. ( I love this book!) This bread made excellent toast.

BLESSED BROTHER DIDACE PELLETIER

BLESSED BROTHER DIDACE PELLETIERConfessor(1657-1699)
Brother Didace was the first child born at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, or at least the first child whose baptismal certificate is inscribed in the parish register; he was also the first Canadian-born Lay Brother of the first missionaries in New France, the Recollets (French Franciscans), and the first Canadian who left a reputation of sanctity on Canadian soil after his death. Such are the titles of Blessed Brother Didace, originally Claude Pelletier.

SAINT PETER’S CHAIR AT ANTIOCH

SAINT PETER’S CHAIR AT ANTIOCH(ca. 36-43)
That Saint Peter, before he went to Rome, founded the see of Antioch is attested by many Saints of the earliest times, including Saint Ignatius of Antioch and Saint Clement, Pope. It was just that the Prince of the Apostles should take under his particular care and surveillance this city, which was then the capital of the East, and where the faith so early took such deep roots as to give birth there to the name of Christians. There his voice could be heard by representatives of the three largest nations of antiquity — the Hebrews, the Greeks and the Latins. Saint Chrysostom says that Saint Peter was there for a long period; Saint Gregory the Great, that he was seven years Bishop of Antioch. He did not reside there at all times, but governed its apostolic activity with the wisdom his mandate assured.

Whipped Butter

In a kitchen Aid mixer whip 1 quart of heavy cream to desired consistency, add salt to taste. Chill until you are ready to serve.

Pan Fried Spinach Ravioli

This recipe was in the Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine. The ravioli were super easy and tasty.

Tuna Salad Clowns

Todays lunch.

SAINT EUCHERIUS

SAINT EUCHERIUSBishop of Orleans(687-738)
This Saint was born at Orleans of a very illustrious family. At his birth his parents dedicated him to God, for his mother had been advised in a vision that he would some day be Bishop of the city of Orleans. They took great care to form both his mind and his heart. His improvement in virtue kept pace with his progress in learning; he meditated assiduously on the sacred writings, especially on Saint Paul’s manner of speaking on the world and its enjoyments, calling them mere empty shadows which deceive us and vanish away. These reflections at length sank so deeply into his mind that he resolved to leave the world. To put this design in execution, about the year 714 he retired to the abbey of Jumiege in Normandy, where he spent six or seven years in the practice of penitential austerities and obedience.

Cake Mix Cookies

The Snickerdoodles were such a hit last night, so today I tried the white cake mix with sprinkles.

Peanut Noodles

Another yummy recipe from Recipe Shoebox.

Panda Express Orange Flavored Chicken

This recipe was excellent. did not add spice so the kids could eat this. They all loved the sauce, i will definately make this recipe again.

1 lb. chicken breast meat1 egg white1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon sugar4 cups vegetable oil to be used for frying1 cup cornstarchOrange Sauce1 cup water1/2 cup ketchup1/2 cup sugar1/8 cup vinegar1 tablespoon soy sauce4 teaspoons cornstarch2 teaspoons sesame oil2 tablespoons vegetable oil1 tablespoon grated orange peel2 tablespoons chopped scallion1. Cut chicken breast into 1/2-inch cubes, set aside.2. To make marinade - combine egg white, salt and sugar in a bowland stir vigorously until ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Addchicken cubes to marinade and stir to coat well.3. To make orange sauce - combine water, ketchup, sugar, vinegar,soy sauce, 4 teaspoons cornstarch and sesame oil; stir and setaside. Place a pot over high heat. When pot is hot, add the 2tablespoons vegetable oil and heat. Add orange peel and scallionand stir for about 20 seconds, taking care not to burn the orangepeel.4. Pour combined sauce ingredients into the pot and cook, stirringfrequently, until sauce has thickened, about 12-15 minutes.5. Preheat 4 cups oil to 350-375°F. Meanwhile, put marinatedchicken in the plastic baggie containing the cornstarch. Shakechicken well for about 20 seconds or until chicken is covered withcornstarch. Shake off all excess cornstarch and fry chicken in hotoil until golden brown, approximately 2 1/2 minutes. Remove chickenfrom oil with a slotted spoon, drain well and set aside. Add friedchicken to pot with heated orange sauce, stir for about 30 seconds,then serve immediately.6. Serve with steamed rice.Serves 4Source: "America's Most Wanted Recipes Volume 1"

SAINT CONRAD OF PIACENZA

SAINT CONRAD OF PIACENZAHermit(†1351)
Saint Conrad was living peacefully as a nobleman of Piacenza. He had married when quite young and led a virtuous and God-fearing life. One day, when engaged in his usual pastime of hunting, he ordered his attendants to set fire to some brushwood where game had taken refuge. The prevailing wind caused the flames to spread rapidly, and the surrounding fields and forest were soon in a state of conflagration. A mendicant who happened to be found near the place where the fire had originated was accused of being the author; he was imprisoned, tried and condemned to death. As the poor man was being led to execution, Conrad, stricken with remorse, declared the man innocent and confessed his own guilt openly. In order to repair the damage of which he had been the cause, as he then volunteered to do, he was obliged to sell all his possessions. He repaid his neighbors for all the losses they had suffered, then retired to a distant region where he took the Third Order habit of Saint Francis, while his wife entered the Order of Poor Clares.

Quick Moussaka

This was a super easy and simple recipe. Tasty and mild. I used beef instead of lamb.

Cake Mix Snickerdoodles

We tried these cookies tonight for Makes and Takes and the kids could not stop eating them!

SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS

SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUSVirgin(1844-1879)
Saint Bernadette Soubirous was born at Lourdes, in the Pyrenees mountains, in 1844. This young girl, fragile of health, born of a very poor but pious family, at fourteen years of age witnessed eighteen apparitions of Our Blessed Lady at Lourdes, from February 11, 1858 to July 16th of the same year. She was instructed to make known the healing powers which the Blessed Virgin, by Her presence, would give to the miraculous spring of Lourdes. A worker who had lost an eye in an explosion recovered his sight when he washed his face in this water; a dying child was plunged into the small basin which had formed around the spring, and the next day began to walk. The police attempted to stop the crowds from going to the Grotto for the foretold apparitions, but were unable to do so. On March 25th, the Beautiful Lady identified Herself in response to Bernadette’s request: “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

Chewy Granola Bars

I saw this recipe a few nights ago. I made two changes; I added 1/4 C natural peanut butter and I used regular size M&M's.

Cinnamon Buns

I made cinnamon buns with the remainder of my oatmeal dough. Yummy. These rolls do not even need icing.

Slow Cooker Sweet & Smokey Barbecue Pulled Pork on Oatmeal Buns

I saw this recipe at http://www.oceanspray.com/ I would rate the recipe as fair. I would have liked more of the chipotle peppers, I like a good amount of zing. The flavor was mild enough for the kids. I made rolls using the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a day, recipe for Oatmeal bread. The rolls were really tasty.

SAINT FRANCIS REGIS CLET

SAINT FRANCIS REGIS CLETLazarist Missionary(1748-1820)
Born in 1748, Francis was the son of a merchant of Grenoble in France; he was the tenth of fifteen children. The family was deeply religious, and several of its members were already consecrated to God. Francis attended the Jesuit college at Grenoble, and in 1769 entered the novitiate of the Lazarists, a missionary Community founded by Saint Vincent de Paul. He was ordained a priest in 1773, then taught moral theology in a diocesan seminary. In 1789 he was named director of the Lazarist Seminary in Paris, but was obliged by the fury of the revolution in that year, with the entire Congregation, to abandon the mother house.

Cookbook Giveaway

I would like to giveaway 1 copy of this great little cookbook. It has over 300 pages featuring 576 delicious recipes:8 categories of food:-Main Dishes-Soups, Salads, and Vegetables -Brunch-Breads-Desserts-Cookies-Meatless Meals-Appetizers, Beverages, etc.Each category divided by a full-color photo and inspiring life story of a saint.Ejaculations and holy thoughts sprinkled throughout the pages to uplift your mind and heart to God. I will pick a winner on February 28th. All you need to do is leave a comment here with your favorite Easter tradition, craft or recipe. Thank you and good luck.

Pretzel Candy Dots

I saw this recipe/idea a while ago on allrecipes.com and forgot about it. For Saint Valentine's Day a saw a few postings about this cute idea again, so I tried it. The kids loved making these cute treats. I used the mint Kisses and red M&M's.

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

I served this bread today for company. The kids loved all of the chocolate, very moist bread.