Tastefully Truthful

This week, I want to talk about a challenge for people who love food and God.  I call them faithful foodies.  How do you make truth taste good?

(Recent taping on the set at FOX 45 Baltimore, promoting the Baltimore Health Expo 2012.  Healthy food doesn’t always taste as good as the not-so-good-for-you foods. This TV spot gave us a chance to build up flavor and our movement. )

In the culinary world, food should be pure, clean, and fresh tasting.  Salad ought to taste like lettuce and vegetables and not be overwhelmed by heavy salad dressing.  If we are eating fish, it shouldn’t taste like chicken nuggets, like most breaded seafood.  Masking the authentic flavors is a big no-no in the modern food world.  Manipulating ingredients – salt, pepper, oil, vinegar – to highlight natural flavors separates novices from top chefs.

(House salad at ABC Kitchen in NYC.  Rising star executive chef Dan Kluger is known for bringing out great flavor from simple ingredients.  For example, the carrots took on a whole new meaning when perfectly caramelized.  Dressing for the salad was so light, you could taste freshness. )

Wouldn’t that be wonderful if we had that same attitude and skill towards proclaiming the truth?  But in a world when political correctness is like another form of religion with its own set of dogmas (we have to be inclusive; we can’t say this; we always have to say that, etc.), we tend to manipulate the truth in such a way that we distort and, in some cases, destroy it.. This is especially the case with language about protecting the dignity of human life!  But in these challenging times, we also have to recognize that our objective is not to cover up the beauty of truth but to understand and manipulate the other factors, like ingredients, to highlight the beauty of it and make the bitter truth more palatable.

(With the Sungenis Family after Easter Sunday Mass at St. Louis Church in Clarksville, Maryland.  Listen to part of my homily.  The grand finish unfortunately got cut off on YouTube. )

Don’t feel guilty about doing that.  When proclaiming the truth, we have to be as smart as parents who top broccoli with little buttered breadcrumbs or incorporate cream and cheese with some spinach to help kids to eat it.

(With my new goddaughter, Lillian Hickey, to be baptized on Mother’s Day. I have to make sure she is spiritually fed.  That’s what godparents do. )

You get the point.  Jesus certainly understood the art of making eternal truths bite-sized and appetizing.  People came in droves just to savor some of the crumbs that would fall from the Master’s table.

(The Last Supper)

Each May 2, the Universal Church celebrates St. Athanasius who struggled to learn how to present the truth.  It wasn’t easy for him.  He was a fiery speaker with a temper. Other religious leaders even sought his death. To his credit, he volunteered his own exile, but continued to teach through writings and debates and taught creative and engaging classes to a growing number of students.  Eventually he won over hearts and minds of his enemies, similar to the way parents eventually get children to eat their vegetables.

(With a crew of really “tough guys” at the Youth Spectacular held at the Fairgrounds for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas. )

Today, St. Athanasius provides a unique example for faithful foodies – people interested in proclaiming truth unmasked but creatively prepared and beautifully presented.  There will always be detractors and hostility towards the Faith.  However, our good example will at least get them to appreciate what we hold dearly as uncompromising truths, even if they don’t agree with or fully understand us.  Using a cooking example, I still don’t enjoy eating liver, but I realize that different forms of preparation make it a bit more palatable.

Depending on how it’s prepared, I can accept liver in bite-sized portions.  With a maturing palate, I can also appreciate those who have a penchant for it.

(One of the dishes that will be featured in the upcoming book, “Spicing Up Married Life.” )

By our good example, our evident joy in celebrating the sanctity of life, and by developing the skill to present the truth of our faith more joyfully, we can win over hearts and minds of people.  Maybe they won’t eat up everything we’re serving, but, at the very least, they can learn to nibble on bite-sized truth.

Let Us Pray: Father in Heaven, make us instruments of Your peace and grace. When we get frustrated about how people reject the beauty of truth, may our patient example inspire us to present it more creatively to win them over.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Jack Belby, from St. Mary’s Church in Hudson, Ohio, a master at milkshakes.)

Do you have a technique that helps your children eat something they don’t like?  What is the food that you just can’t stand eating?  Was there a food that you eventually began to appreciate when you matured or at least learned better ways to prepare it?  Your comments encourage our movement and tell us that you are being fed by these Blasts.  Please post your comments and questions below. 

This week’s episode:Soup-er Foods

With all its warmth and flavor, soup can be a one-pot wonder. Fr. Leo shows how just as water can transform some simple ingredients into a tasty dish, it also transforms our lives in washing away sin at our baptism.

Be sure to watch this week’s episode of “Savoring the Faith” on EWTN this Sunday at 8:30pm EST.

May 7-8, 2012

The National Conference For Catechetical Leadership

Town & Country Resort

500 Hotel Circle North

San Diego, California 92108

Contact: Lee Nagel

Website: www.nccl.us

Wednesday, May 9-10

Fr. Leo to speak to the Military Catholic Council of Women and Youth at Fort Belvoir, VA

Contact: CH. Kristi Pappas

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Posted in Audio, Dinner Discussion, Events, Grace Before Meals, Prayers, Savoring Our Faith, Spicing Up Married Life | 1 Comment »

Happy Eat-ster!

Easter Sunday has given you permission to indulge (not over-indulge) in those delicacies that you gave up for Lent. It’s interesting that a Happy Easter has become somewhat synonymous with being a happy eater!

(As usual, I gave up chocolate for Lent.)

Here’s a link for one of the simplest chocolate mousse recipes ever!

I firmly believe that food and faith go hand-in-hand! And those who eat well can also celebrate Easter well. In fact, the Scriptures confirm this relationship between a happy Easter and a happy eater!

(A Candy Bar “at Gertrude’s Restaurant in Baltimore. Here’s a link for the Culinary Confession that I wrote for Gertrude’s.)

After the Resurrection, Jesus revealed Himself to His apostles around a meal. Consider the upper room, when Jesus walked through the locked doors, greeted His fearful disciples with the word, “Peace,” and then made the request, “Do you have anything to eat?” (John 20:19). Again, at the road to Emmaus, two friends experienced a supernatural revelation of Christ through the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:13). Finally, we see Jesus at the shore preparing breakfast for the disciples who were up all night trying to catch fish, as a reminder that Jesus wants them to be fishers of men (John 21).

( Me with some seminarians at the Archdiocese of Cleveland and the crazy/fun youth minister at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson, Ohio. This one parish has about 7-8 young men studying for the priesthood – from ONE parish!)

Yes, Christ is very concerned with food for our faith. That is why He gives us food for everlasting Life!

(The back view of the Main Altar of St. Patrick’s Church in NYC, on Palm Sunday 2012.)

In this Easter Season, continue the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection around the table of the Lord, and extend that blessing around your family’s table. Click here for some delicious Easter Celebration Meals.

(My little cousin in search of more Easter Eggs!)

Let Us Pray: Father in Heaven, we thank You for the glorious Resurrection of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. May His rising from the dead give us the Grace to rise above our pettiness, sins, and lack of faith. Teach us what it means to live a new life in Christ, as we sing and rejoice in the victory of the Lamb. Amen! Alleluia!

(The Missionaries of Charity at their Easter celebration 2011.)

How did you celebrate Easter with your family? Do you have a special tradition that you’d like to share? What is your favorite Easter menu? Do you have any comments, questions, or concerns that will help us do a better job in serving you? Your responses and posts are very important to us, so please post your comments below.

(Signs of New Life!)

(Listen to my Easter Meditation Homily on Youtube)

Click the picture to listen to my Easter Meditation homily I gave this Easter. I address the power of New Life when people seek out and meet Jesus Christ, and reveal why I’m going Easter egg hunting….but seriously, it is very much worth a listen. Leave a comment beneath the video.

Be sure to watch this week’s episode of “Savoring the Faith” on EWTN this Sunday at 8:30pm EST.

Friday, April 13

Respect Life Benefit Dinner @Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford IL

Contact: Laura Christianson (815) 399-4300 x 381

Saturday, April 14

Respect Life Benefit Dinner @ Elgin Community College University and Business Center Elgin, IL

Contact: Laura Christianson (815) 399-4300 x 381

Sunday, April 15

Fr. Leo’s Grace Before Meals presentation and Mass @ The Spiritual Center of Maria Stein 2356 St. Johns Rd. Maria Stein, OH 45860

Contact : Robin Goettemoeller (419) 925-7625

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Posted in Audio, Culinary Confessions, Easter, Events, Grace Before Meals, Holiday, Menu Inspiration, Prayers, Recipes, Savoring Our Faith, Video | No Comments »

New TV Show on EWTN this Sunday at 8:30pm EST!

Be sure to mark your personal calendars and the family refrigerator calendars for these exciting opportunities.

(A trio of penne pastas for a five-course dinner – an auction prize for Catholic Charities!)

Tour the Secrets of Napa Valley!

June 23-28, 2012. Food and wine lovers, reserve NOW for another opportunity in Napa Valley.  Our Fruit of the Vine Tour was so popular and well-received that we’re returning for more faithful and culinary inspiration. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot now!

(One of the international award-winning vineyards to visit.)

The International Premier – Primetime!

(Click to play the promo for Fr. Leo’s new Show on EWTN: Savoring Our Faith)

Sunday March 4, 2012, at 8:30 p.m.  Be sure to watch the international premier of the full-length series – Savoring Our Faith on EWTN.  Fr. Leo’s little cooking clips on EWTN were so popular the network offered a primetime spot for a full series that features original recipes, special guests, and more faithful foodie inspiration that will feed you – body, mind, and spirit! Tell family and friends!

(Yes, I made desserts and even baked off some tuile.)

Spicing Up Married Life!

We continue to move forward in finalizing our book designed specifically for couples – dating, engaged, new, and senior married couples.  The response to be recipe testers was so great that we took extra time to prayerfully consider who would participate in this unique opportunity.  We have finalized this extensive list and those names selected will be notified with details.  To those who offered help, stay tuned for exclusive discounts on the book when it’s published this year – just in time for wedding seasons and the holidays!

(Picture of my grandparents, who were married some 60+ years!  Grandpa has gone to God, but grandma is still praying her rosary.)

See, Hear, and Taste the message yourself!

If interested in booking a Grace Before Meals presentation, don’t delay.  The schedule continues to fill up quickly for 2013, as we bring our message to all parts of the country and the world!

Watching our segments on TV or online is fun, and we love the cyberspace interactions.  However, everyone who personally experiences Fr. Leo during live presentations says it’s more intense and, in some cases, “life changing,”  Afterwards, some people say they see their faith, their family meals, and the Eucharist differently, more deeply.  Nothing is better than hearing the Grace Before Meals message in person and tasting the food yourself!  So book early, and be sure to check out where Fr. Leo be next!

(Event in Folsom, Ca.  Fr. Leo shares his message with a packed house.  Thank God Jesus is there to “multiply” the food!)

Let Us Pray:

God, continue to bless our Grace Before Meals movement and all of those who are a part of it.  Keep us fixed on our mission to bring families closer to our family dinner table and to Your Family Table of the Last Supper.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Grandma and Grandpa (my parents) with their healthy, happy, and bountifully blessed grandchildren.)

Do you have questions for Fr. Leo?  If you ever had a chance to experience a Grace Before Meals presentation, give us your testimony.  Your comments, question, and even concerns help bring our movement to even more hearts, homes, and dinner tables.  Post your comments below!

(Fr. Leo at the International Festival and Celebration at Corpus Christi ,Tx., Cathedral.)

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Check out our last MINIFLIPPING video:

A NEW VIDEO THIS FRIDAY:

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Responding to Your Questions for MORE!

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To help keep the flow of our “dinner conversation,” and at the same time keep you updated with all the Grace Before Meals happenings, I’ll use this E-Blast to give you some great news. First, I’d like to give a response to questions I’ve received – either at the seminary, on the streets, and even in a few e-mails.

“What do I think about the recent conversations regarding the HHS Mandate?”

(This is definitely deadly breakfast conversation.  But we have to talk about it!)

This has been a challenging time for people of faith – no matter what faith.  The ability to make a good decision about whether or not to support the government has been very muddled by confusing the issues.  The issues include

(1) the government’s infringement against the 1st Amendment Freedoms protecting people from government intrusion and impositions on how people of faith exercise this freedom.

(2) The government’s role in requiring private insurance companies or employers (who have to pay for these premiums) to administer abortions and abortion inducing contraceptives.

(3) the President’s speech during Notre Dame’s Commencement Address that says he will respect and honor those who disagree with abortion, in order to ensure that the government writes appropriate conscience clauses.

(4) The upholding of the Declaration of Independence, which protects life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

(5) And the need to consider whether or not mandated contraception is a “Right” protected by any constitutional or federal law?

(Statue of the Immaculate Conception, Mount St. Mary’s University Chapel, dedicated in honor as the Patroness of America.)

There are other issues, for sure.  Some wonder whether it’s appropriate to for the Church to have an influence on public policy?  Or whether or not contraception is a “good” or a “bad” thing in the first place.  And probably the most in depth question is, at least on a moral and spiritual level, “Why is the Church so against contraception in the first place?”

(Once this cute kid – my little cousin – was just a cluster of cells, just like the Easter Egg he’s holding. It’s a biological fact, life begins at conception.  After all, those little cells are living!)

Before this new HHS mandate becomes an official federal requirement, these issues have to at least be addressed.  But by making the contraceptive prescriptions and abortion demands a “mandate,” the President has completely cut off all conversation.

The Church wants to uphold the dignity and equality of women; however, it’s important to put the responsibility of bringing life into this world squarely on the responsibility of those involved – not just women – but also men.  It’s also imperative to see what a secular author had to say about the original “caution” Pope Paul VI offered in his encyclical “Humanae Vitae,” reminding us that God is pro-life.  Finally, the Church does respect the rights of women, which is why we want to protect them from falsely placing all their biological hope on a pill that does not protect them from unwanted pregnancy, diseases, and, above all, a broken heart.

But to put it all together in a way that hopefully inspires people’s hearts, minds, and imaginations, we have put together a little “Mini-flipping” video.

Go ahead. Watch it. “Like it.” Subscribe and pass it on to others to watch.

While we will never get full consensus in this matter, we can at least get the conversation started in a way that engages people’s spiritual sensibilities to protect God-given freedoms and rights.

(Pro-life March 2012.)

There is another question that has been on the hearts and minds of many people: “When will Fr. Leo have a ‘regular’ show on TV?”

(Since the Throwdown! with Bobby Flay, people have asked when our movement will have a “regular” TV Show.)

Well, let’s get the burners ready, because the International Premier of Savoring our Faith will launch on Sunday, March 4, 2012, at 8:30 p.m., exclusively on EWTN.  So for those faithful foodies who are tired of watching reruns of dramatic cooking competitions, check your local listings for where you can find EWTN on your cable “dial,” or watch online at www.ewtn.com, to get new and exciting cooking segments peppered with plenty of inspiration.  It’s about time we bring back some meaning to our meals!

(On location with the “Savoring Our Faith” film crew!)

Let us pray

God we ask that You change the hearts and minds of people who need to see the bigger picture regarding the sanctity of life and the gift of human sexuality.  Give to us the Grace to love You and Your laws above all other laws – especially those that hurt humanity and separate us from a deeper understanding of the sacrifice required by love.  At the same time, Jesus, be merciful to us who are broken, week, and tempted.  Make Your people of faith more compassionate, so that our teachings show the world the truth as Good News.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Why do we celebrate the Gift of Life only during the Christmas season?  We should welcome life and celebrate it every day of our own lives!)

Let us know what you think about the mini-flipping video.  We know it’s edgy and will “shock” people at first, but we need to wake people up from the spiritual malaise caused by relativism!  Ask us questions you have about food, faith, family, and fun.  Your comments help us do even more to spread the good news and to bring people back to the table.  Post your comments below.

Check out our next video THIS FRIDAY:
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Fr. Leo’s Miniflipping Lesson on the Deadly Sin of Sloth.

Posted in Audio, From the Feedbag, Miniflipping, Prayers, Savoring Our Faith, Video | 7 Comments »

“FLIPPING OUT” at Filipino Restaurants

By now you know I enjoy the challenge of using “poor man’s” food – which I believe is the tastiest type of food on the planet – and elevating it to a whole new level.  As a self-professed “fusion-style” cook, I’m not afraid to experiment – within reason, of course.  Different techniques can aid the home cook in creating beautiful-looking plates out of something that tastes both familiar and comforting, while at the same time special and celebratory.

(An Italian spaghetti, flavored with a brine and a hint of tomato sauce, topped with a fried “sardine” and sprinkled with shreds of a soft cow’s milk cheese.  Uniquely delicious and stunning presentation with a slice of calimansi lime.)

During my trip to the Philippines, I found two restaurants that were unique, bold, and, in a word, “wonderful!”  It was worth getting very excited – even “Flipping Out” – for these unique culinary destinations!

(Had to show this photo of poor kids having the time of their life on this grassy hill “sliding” board.  No expensive video game equipment, just a little sprinkle of imagination and tons of fun!)

The first restaurant was on the Island of Palawan.  This Island is remarkably pristine.  The Mayor of the city outlawed litter, based on the philosophy that personal dignity requires the effort to show it.  This island is home to underground rivers that have been voted the most impressive natural wonder of the world!

(A little explanation of the “Underground River” – a natural wonder of the world AND a miraculous place, if my sister can keep quiet in the cave! Click to watch exclusive video!)

The mayor’s leadership, combined with the beautiful (and clean) surroundings, has makes Palawan a heavily visited tourist spot by naturalists, adventurists, and leisure vacationers.

(The mayor’s no littering mandate stopped the diseased bearing mosquitoes, but not the thieving monkeys! Click to view exclusive video.)

As such, this Island has many dining options for locals and tourists alike.  But I recommend Ka Lui’s. This restaurant offers smaller but satisfying plates of traditional flavors fused with European cooking techniques.

(Ka Lui’s Jalapeno-filled baked fish on a base of luscious cream sauce!)

Ka Lui is beautifully constructed in bamboo open-air island fashion.  It’s elegant, refreshing, and remarkably clean.  The unique ambiance is heightened by the fact that everyone – including the all-male wait staff – is barefoot and fancy free!

(Felt like beach dining with upscale flavors – and no sand!)

(My review and explanation of this fun restaurant with tasty food and fantastic ambiance. Click video to watch.)

Manila’s humongous urban sprawl makes it a food haven on every busy and overpopulated corner.  However, in the Fort Global City of Manila celebrity Chef Bruce Lim offers traditional flavors in bold and exciting ways at his signature restaurant, The Chef’s Table.

I think Italians would be impressed, even if slightly confused, by a spaghetti dish topped with a Filipino fried fish.  Or how about a “carbonara” that has grilled chicken and banana heart fruit cream sauce!

(Chef Lim’s Filipin-ized “carbonara” made with grilled chicken, banana heart, cream, and scallions.  Delicious!)

This restaurant offers a completely different way of eating Filipino food by serving individual plates, not “family style,” with a side of rice.  However, it’s become a popular spot for many locals seeking a European flare to break up the monotony that can happen with too much of any ethnic cuisine.

(Filipino’s don’t drink too many martinis.  But they would seriously enjoy this one (NCR – No One Can Run), especially since it has the sharp and robust taste of roasted garlic oil and chili heat!)

Both of these restaurants highlight my personal style of cooking, characterized as “fusion.”  And  in both restaurants I was most edified to see families as the primary patrons.  So these restaurants not only highlight my style of cooking, but also the message of our movement.  Go ahead and be creative with your food and your family meals!

(Young culinary students who assisted me at the BergHOFF store and studio – to raise funds for the victims of the recent typhoon.  They’re now going to intern at top restaurants around the world!)

Let us Pray:

Lord, we know that You bless the poor with good things.  Help us, by this movement, to remember that being poor in this world means that we inherit the blessings and the kingdom of Heaven.  We thank You for the “simple” but delicious meals that bring comfort to our tables – especially since these “simple meals” bring our families together in love.  Bless our families and especially those that struggle to put food on the table, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

What is your favorite fusion-style of food?  Do you have a recipe you want to share?  Do you have a restaurant you think would characterize fusion foods.  Your comments help us think of ways to share the Faith through the medium of food.  Please post your comments here, and know that each posting comes with sincere thanks and heartfelt prayers for this movement!

NOW. . . check out the newest extension of the

Grace Before Meals movement:  MINIFLIPPING!

This is for your families, especially if you have teens or young adults.  Fr. Leo and a crew of “mini-flippers” share a positive message in a dynamic way, challenging the status quo, and hopefully bringing out mini-conversions in the hearts and minds of the viewers.

To help us get this Good News out there, tell your kids to watch, to subscribe, to “like” it, and to leave comments and questions.  And then tell them to get all their friends to do the same!  It’s certainly worth “FLIPPING OUT ABOUT!”

Check out our next video THIS FRIDAY:

FR.LEO TAKES ON THE PRESIDENT’S MANDATE ON CONTRACEPTION.

NO MORE MR. NICE PRIEST.

Posted in Audio, Faithful Foodie, Grace Before Meals, Miniflipping, Prayers, Restaurants, Restauraunt Reviews, Reviews, Video | No Comments »

Listen to the homily given at St. Louis Church, Clarksville, MD about the First Sunday of Advent – a time for patient waiting for the Lord and true conversion of heart! Here are the readings for the Mass as well.

Posted in Audio, Events, Simply Blogging | No Comments »