“I’m participating in the Keeping LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013, hosted by
Raising (& Teaching) Little Saints, Truly Rich Mom and Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families. We’ll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Lenten sacrifices, prayer and good deeds, and how to carry them out with LOVE instead of a GRUMBLE. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of link-up entries.”
Time really flies fast when you're having fun -- and juggling keeping the house clean while taking care of a toddler. I didn't realize it's almost Ash Wednesday already 'til I got an invite from the hosts of this Keeping LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013. This means Lent is just around the corner. Lent is the preparation of the faithful through prayer, penance, alms giving, and fasting for Christ's Resurrection. Observing Lent in the 21st century might be unnecessary and a burden to others. Only those who truly love Christ and their faith/ religion will surely be "enthusiastic" during this season.
I normally do 3 things during this season:
Prayer. More time for prayer and doing Stations of the Cross. Since I am away from home during Lenten season, I do Stations of The Cross/ Visita Iglesia online. Looks like it will be like that this year too.
Fasting or reducing the amount of food eaten on normal days. Though in modern times this can be anything from internet time, smoking, or doing things you would normally like. I'll probably lessen drinking coffee (my body runs on caffeine) as my sacrifice this Lent. I'll probably suggest to hubby not to smoke too. The Lenten /Fasting season might be a better motivation for him to stop smoking and for me to stop drinking TOO MUCH COFFEE. This is good for our bodies (and our faith).
Abstinence or abstaining eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.
So here's my share on how to survive the "no meat season". You can make extra servings of these and share to your neighbors.
 |
| My version of Pasta Primavera |
Pasta Primavera (based on the recipe I found at the back of the box of All-Purpose cream)
Saute garlic and onions in oil then add 1 cup chicken broth (or shrimp broth since its Lent). Bring to boil. Add thinly sliced vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, bell pepper. Simmer. Then add 1 cup evaporated milk and All-Purpose Cream. Cook until sauce thickens. Pour over cooked pasta. Top with parsley and/or basil before serving. (Maybe you can top with grated cheese when lent is over.)
Saute garlic and onions in oil then add 1 cup chicken broth (or shrimp broth since its Lent). Bring to boil. Add thinly sliced vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, bell pepper. Simmer. Then add 1 cup evaporated milk and All-Purpose Cream. Cook until sauce thickens. Pour over cooked pasta. Top with parsley and/or basil before serving. (Maybe you can top with grated cheese when lent is over.)
 |
| My Version of Deep Fried Donuts (Sticks) |
Deep Fried Donuts (from my Indonesian friend)
 |
| my version of the potato gratin |
Potato Gratin (from Martha Stewart)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Layer 3lbs thinly sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish. Then combine 2 1/2 cups cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and pinch of nutmeg in a saucepan; bring to a simmer. Pour cream mixture into dish to just cover potatoes; cover dish with foil. Bake for 40 mins or until potatoes are tender when pierced. Remove foil and continue to bake for another 30mins or until top of gratin is golden.
It's really not as difficult to observe Lent as it seems when you hear the words Sacrifice, Fasting and Abstinence. When you do these for the ones you love (and for this particular season, love for Christ), it's just like having fun and spending a "special time" with Him.
Have a blessed and LOVEly Lenten Season!
Check out the Lent reflections participating in the Keep LOVE in LENT Blog Link-Up 2013! We'll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Lenten sacrifices, prayer and good deeds, and how to carry them out with LOVE instead of a GRUMBLE.
Discover new Catholic Blogs to follow!
5 comments:
Good point!
And oh, yum, these all look so delicious!!
Your recipes look great! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the recipe. I think I just might make that pasta primavera tonight. It sounds delicious.
So glad that the Keep LOVE in LENT link-up helped kick off your Lent! Thanks for sharing those recipes...I need to try them! Blessings for Lent!
Yes Lent is suppose to be fun.. and we are suppose to fail at our great plans of sacrifice and put all our attention on the one who saves us from ourselves
Post a Comment