Meditations
Turkish Meatballs for Iftar Dinner
April 10, 2021
By Lucia Ferrara
Today’s recipe, Kadinbudu Kofte or Turkish Meatballs, is a dish that Turkish Muslim families have at their Iftars, the evening feasts that end the daily fasts during the holy month of Ramadan. Make the dish and join us April 20 for a virtual Iftar dinner!
St. Joseph Table Part 2: Pasta Milanese
March 10, 2021
Spaghetti topped with Milanese sauce and seasoned breadcrumbs is traditionally served at St. Joseph Tables on the saint’s feast day March 19, an ancient Sicilian tradition. Lucia Ferrara will teach us how to make it.
St. Joseph Table Part 1: Bread
Bread, formed and baked into fancy shapes, is the star of food-laden St. Joseph Tables, a Catholic-Italian tradition that dates from the Middle Ages. Lucia Ferrara and Christen Cota will teach us how to make this bread.
Caprese Sandwich with Home-Made Pesto
February 10, 2021
By Lucia Ferrara
Because it uses fresh ingredients, this easy-to-make hot, toasty sandwich is perfect for a lunch or a weeknight supper when you are in a rush. Serve with soup or salad.
Zuppa Toscana (Tuscany Soup)
November 25, 2020
By Lucia Ferrara
If you’re looking for something a little bit different this holiday season, Zuppa Toscana (Tuscany Soup) may be what you’re looking for. It is a very hearty soup, made rich with cream. We also reflect on Psalm 34:8, God as our refuge.
The Frittata
November 11, 2020
Lucia Ferrara makes a frittata, a recipe she grew up with that combines eggs and cheese with whatever vegetables and/or meat you have on hand. She also talks about cooking as a spiritual practice she learned in the kitchen with her mom.
Lucia’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
October 28, 2020
The recipe many have been waiting for: Lucia Ferrara, director of hospitality of the Renewal Center, reveals her recipe for gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. She also talks about Fr. Joe Nassal’s book, "Rest Stops for the Soul."
Cooking & Spirituality: Reuben Sandwiches
October 14, 2020
By Lucia Ferrara
Today we make Rueben sandwiches, with tangy sour kraut, salty corned beef perfectly pulled together by the toasted deli swirl pumpernickel and rye bread. We also talk about the dangers of "spiritual snacking."
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
October 1, 2020
By Lucia Ferrara
Pasta e Fagioli Soup (pasta and bean soup) is a very hearty soup. Served on a nice cool falling evening, you just about can’t beat it. This recipe feeds four to eight people, and I guarantee, they will be coming back for seconds.
Cooking & Spirituality: Bruschetta
September 17, 2020
By Lucia Ferrara
Bruschetta is a super easy, super delicious dish with only a few ingredients. If you’ve never cooked with sun-dried tomatoes before, this recipe introduces them to you. We also reflect on Matthew 25:35-36 and Isaiah 55:1.