Eggs and Popcorn

Eggs and Popcorn

My last post was nearly two weeks ago and I have scarcely cooked anything in that time.  I call this the “eggs and popcorn” phase of the semester when I have so many final projects and end-of-year things to do that I stop thinking about food altogether.  To be fair, I don’t stop thinking about … Continue reading →

A Modest Good Friday Meal

A Modest Good Friday Meal

I arrived at the monastery yesterday afternoon, and will be here through the Easter rejoicing on Sunday morning.  The Triduum (the three days of prayer that commemorate Jesus’ last supper, his trial and crucifixion, and end with the Easter vigil, which prepares us for the celebration of Easter) began yesterday evening with a foot washing … Continue reading →

Holy Week Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

Holy Week Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

Welcome to Holy Week.  For those not versed in the Christian calendar, Holy Week is the week beginning with Palm Sunday, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, continuing to his crucifixion on Good Friday, and ending in the celebration of Jesus’ triumphant resurrection on Easter Sunday (though technically Easter Sunday is not during … Continue reading →

Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice, Currants and Herbs

Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice, Currants and Herbs

What’s better than a grape leaf stuffed with rice, sweet dried currants, and savory herbs and spices?  The combination of mint, dill, and cinnamon in these dolmas sets them apart from traditional Mediterranean or Middle Eastern grape leaves.  Cinnamon was used medicinally by the Egyptians to relax muscles and stabilize blood pressure.  Maybe that soothing … Continue reading →