Flock Sampler: SoulFood with J.Renee

Did you know Flock has a personal chef? JRenee comes to us the first Saturday of the month with a delicious, health-filled, gluten-free recipe. She serves it up with a lovely table blessing, suitable to most spiritual persuasions. It’s food for the soul. Here’s an example…eat up!

Late Winter Warmth in Shades of Gold and Green.
originally posted in the Flock 03/06/10
By J. Renee

I don’t know about you guys, but the winter, as mild as we have had in Seattle, has really worn on my strength. Classes and commitments have been overwhelming me. I’ve been wondering where to turn for the peace I’ve needed. The obvious place for me is always the kitchen. It’s a place where I can create something and then enjoy it and hopefully watch others enjoy it as well.

This week a group of us got together to discuss the neighborhood pea patch and what we should plant in our part of the garden. What better way to discuss planting produce than by eating produce? So I settled on one of my earthiest dishes. It’s full of life and warmth and color and usually involves silence during the first few bites (that’s always my favorite part…).

It counteracts all the stress I’ve been feeling by restoring my body and mind. In fact, I’m pretty sure this Irish meal blessing describes it perfectly.

Irish Grace

May this food restore our strength,
giving new energy to tired limbs,
new thoughts to weary minds.

May this drink restore our souls,
giving new vision to dry spirits,
new warmth to cold hearts.

And once refreshed,
may we give new pleasure to You,
who gives to us all.

From dinner blessings

Broccoli Beet De-lish.

2 tbls Olive Oil
1 Shallot, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 strips of bacon, crumbled (optional)
1 large golden beet, cut in ¼ inch slices
1 Large head of broccoli, chopped including the stem
a handful of pine nuts
salt and pepper

Peel and slice beet, boil until soft. Drain and set aside.
Bake bacon in the oven on 375 until crispy, let cool and crumble.
In a frying pan, heat oil on med heat. Add shallots and garlic and sauté for about three minutes.
Add broccoli and sauté until bright green, about 4-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper.
Add beets bacon and pine nuts and sauté for another 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat and enjoy.

Might we suggest that you celebrate your bountiful table today by making a donation to our sisters? BEST is a good place to start — they help women in Tanzania with seed capital and business support. See a beautiful image of the results here, as Praise stands in her rice paddy, which is now providing for her family. Or click here to donate directly.

 
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Posted in Find Your Flock, Magpie Girl
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