Looking to Holy Week - Reflections on Holy Thursday

O God, from Whom Judas received the punishment of his guilt, and the thief the reward of his confession, grant us the effect of Thy clemency: that as our Lord Jesus Christ in His passion gave to each a different recompense according to his merits, so may He deliver us from our old sins and grant us the grace of His resurrection.

Roman Missal, Collect for Holy Thursday and Good Friday. (Gleasian, 5th to 7th centur)

Forget About it Pot Roast . . .

Monday always seems to have a slow start after the weekend. Sometimes, our creativity is definitely lagging yet the spouse and offspring still expect dinner come the evening. Here is an easy way to get through the day yet look like the efficient mother/wife! I've probably posted this in some form or the other before but, hey, there might be one of you who needs a helping hand today!

FORGET ABOUT IT POT ROAST
(all you need to worry about it is the salad!)

1 beef roast, weight depending on size of crock pot)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 packet dried onion soup mix
1 cup red wine or 1/2 cup wine and 1/2 cup bullion

Mix the liquids together and pour over the meat. Set crock pot on low and you should have a tender beef meal by evening. Serve with garlic bread, buttered noodles, or rice.

Somehow, it is comforting to have the main dish cooking away on it's own while you pursue more important things like quilting, reading . . . okay, cleaning house and laundry!

It's all perspective . . . a child's train of thought . . .

I was attending a special Mass, one time, in honor of our Lady of Guadeloupe. A friend was making a video tape of the event and asked if I would watch her five year old daughter during Mass. The little girl was interested in all the excitement, especially when I told her the Bishop was going to be there. Finally the procession started and the child watched the altar boys, priests and finally the Bishop march down the aisle. She turned to me and said, "How come they get to wear costumes?" I explained they were called vestments but I don't think it sunk in as she went on to muse, "I was an angel for Halloween!"

Bean Pie? Seriously?

I heard about using sweet potatoes in a pie but was curious when I heard that beans would serve the purpose, too. Everyone seems to have a method so now I'm anxious to try making one to see how it really turns out. I found a multitude of recipes and suggestions and put together my own version. Seems it might be the pefect solution for people who are watching their weight and protein intake. As soon as Lent is over, my kitchen will see the production of this recipe and I will let you know. Naturally, I've added my own tweaks to the basic recipe according to my own tastes. Be forwarned, I'm sharing my ideas before they have gone through my test kitchen. You proceed at your own risk here but if you have enough whipped cream or ice cream on hand, you can probably get away with however it turns out!

Pinto Bean Pie

1  15-ounce can of unseasoned pinto beans

1/2 cup of light brown sugar
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon brandy
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon clove

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a blender, cream the sugar, butter and eggs. Add the beans, and blend until  smooth. Add the spices, vanilla, and brandy.

Pour pie filling into an unbaked pie shell, and bake for approximately one hour or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Working on inner peace . . .

“During the course of the day, recollect as often as you can that you stand in the presence of God. Consider what He does and what you are doing. You will find His eyes turned towards you and perpetually fixed on you with an incomparable love.”

  ~St. Francis de Sales