A Story: Shepherds and Baby Jesus – A Shepherds’ Night Meal

This is in Luke’s gospel: The shepherds witnessing Jesus’ birth arrived before the Magi/Kings and were the first to not only witness the birth but to evangelize the birth long before the wise men. Research indicates Jesus was less than a week old when the angel appeared before them showing the shepherds the way. The shepherds were in the area around Bethlehem, shepherding their flocks in … Continue reading A Story: Shepherds and Baby Jesus – A Shepherds’ Night Meal

Victorian Manger Herbs, And Fun Foods for the Holidays

Each week I chat with Matt Swaim on the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio. Today we talked about the legend of Victorian manger herbs and I also shared some of my family’s favorite recipes for the holidays. On the starry night when Christ was born, according to the legends, Joseph gathered herbs and grasses t cradle his newborn son.  Among them were bedstraw and … Continue reading Victorian Manger Herbs, And Fun Foods for the Holidays

Flax – Ancient Biblical Seed and Gluten, Grain Free Granola Bars (No baking required!)

FLAX An important seed mentioned in the Bible in Proverbs. “She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands”. What are flaxseeds?   Flaxseeds, sometimes called linseeds, are small, brown, tan or golden-colored seeds. In fact, linseed or “flax seed” are different names for the same seed. Flaxseeds are a great source of dietary fiber, minerals, plant protein and one of the best … Continue reading Flax – Ancient Biblical Seed and Gluten, Grain Free Granola Bars (No baking required!)

An Ancient Biblical Nut, Pistachios Star in Granola Bars and Maple Granola

I love talking to Matt Swaim each week on the Sunrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio about Bible foods and herbs. Check out his blog – it never fails to give me a chuckle, while educating me, as well. Today we talked about pistachios. Here’s a bit of trivia, along with 2 of the best recipes for granola (yes, another granola, but so simple) and … Continue reading An Ancient Biblical Nut, Pistachios Star in Granola Bars and Maple Granola

Pistachios during Bible Times and Pistachio Crusted Chicken

Today when Matt Swaim, Sonrise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, chatted about pistachios (Genesis  43:11 when Jacob sent his sons with money and food gifts for the Egyptian leader, who was Joseph), I realized how much I love this eating this nut, especially when it’s in season during the holidays here. Did you know that legend says the Queen of Sheba demanded that all … Continue reading Pistachios during Bible Times and Pistachio Crusted Chicken

Honey Roasted Almonds, Country Fair Kettle Pecans

I had a somewhat desperate message on my phone machine from a reader who needed my recipe for honey roasted almonds. “I can’t remember if you shared them in a class or in the paper. I’m having a party this coming Saturday and can’t find my recipe!” “No worries” I told her. That recipe has made the rounds both in print, my cable show and … Continue reading Honey Roasted Almonds, Country Fair Kettle Pecans

Flax, an Ancient Seed, Stars in Grain, Gluten and Dairy Free Granola Bars – No Cooking Required!

I love talking to my buddy Matt Swaim on Sacred Heart Radio’s Sunrise Morning Show each week. Today we talked about flax – did you know it’s one of the first cultivated seeds, beginning 6000 years or so ago? Maybe this proverb means something to you: . “She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands”.  Yes, flax is the source of linen so that’s where … Continue reading Flax, an Ancient Seed, Stars in Grain, Gluten and Dairy Free Granola Bars – No Cooking Required!

Corn Salad with Feta and Walnuts

Each week when I talk to Matt Swaim on the Sunrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio, I share some fun information about Bible foods and herbs and a recipe to go with the topic. Today, though, we talked about the bitter herbs wormwood and rue – we don’t commonly use those in recipes. (Chefs, though, are using absinthe which is flavored with wormwood, in seafood, … Continue reading Corn Salad with Feta and Walnuts

Shield’s Tavern Seasonal Berry “Salat”

Reader and adventurous cook Lois Boekley deconstructed this famous Colonial Williamsburg salad. (The restaurant shared the recipe which made several gallons!) “Spiced pecans make a great snack on their own”, Lois said.  Her husband, Ken, gave this a 2 thumbs up. I can’t wait to make this “salat”. Shield’s Tavern Seasonal Berry Salat This delicious salad was served to my husband and me at Shield’s Tavern … Continue reading Shield’s Tavern Seasonal Berry “Salat”

Goat Cheese Appetizer with Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade

Each week I chat with Matt Swaim of the Sonrise morning show, Sacred Heart Radio. Today the subject was pine nuts! Did you know these nuts have an ancient Biblical past?  Here’s some timely information along with a favorite appetizer using, of course, pine nuts! PINE NUTS A beautiful passage from Hosea, the prophet, who lived in the 8th century BC in Israel. Hosea 14:8:  … Continue reading Goat Cheese Appetizer with Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade