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Every year on January 28th, the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, we have a hearty, cheesy, comforting classic, pasta carbonara! It is probably my favorite pasta dish because I am just not sure there is anything better on this earth than cheesy pasta. In fact, I think it is so divine that he writes about it in the Summa. Yup, Summa Theologiae, Prima Pars (I), q. 15, a. 1. Are there divine ideas? Answer: Yes, pasta carbonara with bacon. Delicious! This is a saint that we love to honor given that many of my family members, including myself, have graduated from schools dedicated to St. Thomas Aquinas. After getting my Masters in Theology I was hungry for more, so I kept reading, studying, and discussing theology on my own time. I have St. Thomas to thank for that inspiration and much of what we learn as Catholics is due to his explanations and understanding. Yet even though he is a doctor of the Church, brilliant theologian, prolific writer, and holy man, he was incredibly humble about the depth of his knowledge. St. Thomas reminds us that we can learn about God and become great thinkers, but our own understanding will never fully be able to grasp the Creator of the universe. At times I may take a more literal or cutesy approach to cooking for a feast day, but more times than not I try to go a little deeper with each saint. I want to eat as if I were in their home town with them. This is a very common dish from the Lazio region of Italy that he was from and so is Chianti wine. The perfect dinner pair! Let's get started. Prep Time: 5 minutes Bake Time: 25 minutes Yields: 4 servings The Team 8 strips of bacon 12 ounces of pasta 2 eggs 1 cup shredded parmesan 2 garlic cloves, minced Optional: salt and pepper to taste Optional: parsley to garnish Optional: olive oil to garnish Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Use the directions on your pasta to cook. I boiled mine for 8 minutes until it was al dente. As your pasta is boiling, whisk together 2 eggs and 1 cup parmesan cheese in a medium bowl then set aside. In a deep skillet, cook 8 strips of bacon over medium heat until crispy and set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel. Don't drain the bacon grease, leave it in the skillet. The pasta should be about finished now. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water then drain the rest. Add 2 cloves minced garlic into the skillet that you cooked your bacon in. Let it simmer for about 1 minute moving it around so that it doesn't burn. Add your pasta to the garlic and toss it around until it is fully coated with the bacon grease. Then pour in the egg and cheese mixture to the pasta, stirring continuously until it's creamy. The key is to frequently stir so that the eggs don't scramble. As you are tossing the pasta begin to slowly pour in the 1 cup pasta water. This will really help the sauce to come together and keep the cheese from clumping too much. Season with salt and pepper then with your hands crumble the bacon over the top of the pasta. Serve into bowls then garnish with a little more parmesan cheese, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mmmm mm mmm! Pour yourself a glass of Chianti and have the best dinner of your life. Don't thank me, thank St. Thomas. Happy Feast Day, St. Thomas Aquinas! Did you make this recipe? If so I would love to see it, drop a picture in the comment or send it to me on social media Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday. For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website! If the liturgy is for you, then so is liturgical living. See you in the Eucharist, Steffani His Girl Sunday

Craft Your Own Our Lady of Loreto House: A DIY Guide The holiday season brings with it a sense of joy, warmth, and creativity. One delightful way to usher in the festive spirit is by crafting your own Loreto House Bags. This is a mess-free and eco-friendly way to celebrate Our Lady of Loreto and add a touch of whimsical decor this Fall and Winter season. Let me guide you through the steps of creating charming paper bag Loreto houses, and if you'd like to learn more about Our Lady of Loreto, read my other post here! Materials Needed: Brown paper bags White markers (colored markers can be used too) Hole punch Scissors Ribbon/String Step 1: Gather Your Materials Before diving into the crafting process, gather all your materials. Make sure you have enough paper bags, white markers, a hole punch, scissors, and any additional decorations you want to use to adorn your gingerbread house. Step 2: Fold the Paper Bag Fold the top two corners of the bag towards the back until they meet in the middle. Step 3: Decorate Your Gingerbread House Let your creativity run wild as you decorate your paper bag gingerbread house. Use the white or colored markers to create windows, doors, and any other details you desire. Add festive touches with colored pencils, buttons, or fabric scraps for a unique and sustainable touch. If you're making multiple gingerbread houses, consider personalizing each one. Let family members or friends add their own flair to their individual creations. This not only makes for a more personalized decoration but also a memorable and enjoyable crafting experience. Step 4: Hole Punch and Assemble Ribon Punch one hole on either side of the roof in the center of the portion you previously folded back. Assemble the string based on how you will be using the bag. Here are three ways to use your bag: As gift bags As a decorative village As garland For options one and two, string a piece of ribbon through the holes from the back of the bag and tie a bow in the front. For option three, extend the length of string you will need for your garland and weave through the holes of the bags. I used mine as gift bags, so I put the gift inside and then tied the bag shut with a bow. Step 5: Display and Enjoy If you're not gifting your Loreto House Bags, find a special place to display it in your home. Whether it's on a mantel, as a centerpiece, or as part of a festive tableau, your handmade creation will add a touch of holiday beauty to your space. Creating paper bag gingerbread houses is a delightful way to celebrate the Advent and Christmas season. This simple craft not only provides a festive activity for individuals and families but also adds a touch of homemade charm to your holiday decorations. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the joy of crafting your very own paper bag gingerbread houses this holiday season. Did you enjoy making this craft? Let me know how it went by signing up to leave a comment.

Our Lady of Loreto: The Enchanting Catholic Feast Day Nestled within the heart of Italy lies a small town with a profound spiritual significance — Loreto. This quaint town is home to the Basilica della Santa Casa, the third largest Marian pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world. The Loreto house, also known as the Holy House, is the home that Mary was said to have grown up in and is a mere 31'x13'. Tradition tells us it is also where the Annunciation took place, and it is currently being used as a chapel. Cardinal Sarah wrote this the letter regarding the institution of the feast day: “This shrine recalls the mystery of the Incarnation, leading all those who visit it to consider ‘the fullness of time’, when God sent his son, born of a woman, as well as to meditate both on the words of the Angel announcing the Good News and on the words of the Virgin in response to the divine call. Overshadowed by the Spirit, the humble handmaid of the Lord so became the dwelling-place of divinity, the purist image of the holy church.” The Legends and Mysteries The story of Our Lady of Loreto traces back to the 13th century, when, according to legend, the Holy House of the Virgin Mary miraculously traveled from Nazareth to Tersatto. "With the Moslems taking over Albania in 1294 and the possibility of profanation, the House disappeared from Tersatto. According to some shepherds, it was seen on December 10, 1294, being borne aloft by Angels across the Adriatic sea" and reappearing in Loreto (Catholic Tradition). There it remains an object of veneration. The authenticity of this legend may be debated, but the spiritual impact it has had over the centuries cannot be denied. The Basilica della Santa Casa The focal point of Loreto is undoubtedly the Basilica della Santa Casa, built around the Holy House. The basilica's architecture is a testament to the devotion and craftsmanship of those who sought to honor the sacred site. Pilgrims from all corners of the world visit the basilica to pay homage to Our Lady of Loreto and seek solace within the hallowed walls. The Miraculous Statue At the heart of the basilica is the revered statue of Our Lady of Loreto. She is built out of cedarwood but over time the statue was blackened by lamp smoke and is now referred to as the Black Madonna of Loreto. This intricately carved and adorned statue is believed to have protective powers and the ability to bestow miracles. Pilgrims come with their prayers and supplications, hoping for divine intervention through the intercession of Our Lady of Loreto. Pilgrimage and Devotion The pilgrimage to Loreto has been a cherished tradition for centuries. Thousands of believers embark on this spiritual journey to connect with their faith, seek blessings, and find solace in the presence of Our Lady of Loreto. The pilgrimage is not just a physical journey; it is a profound spiritual experience that transcends time and space. In addition to its religious importance, Loreto holds cultural and artistic value. The Basilica della Santa Casa itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, drawing art enthusiasts and historians alike. The town's narrow streets and charming squares contribute to the overall enchantment, creating an atmosphere that resonates with history and devotion. Our Lady of Loreto and the Basilica della Santa Casa stand as testaments to the enduring power of faith and the profound impact of sacred legends. It continues to inspire and guide pilgrims by embodying the timeless connection between the human and the divine. Let me know what you love about Our Lady of Loreto by signing up to leave a comment!

st. nicholas catholic feast day traditions explained How have we come this far without a St. Nicholas post? This is a time-honored feast day in the Church and in my home so I feel happy to be able to share it with you. Although it's not hard to find a list of things to do for this feast day I wanted to add another layer of meaning by sharing where these traditions come from and why we do them. Many are also seeking to find a balance between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus traditions, I'll get into that too. I'm grateful to have been able to receive this tradition from my in-laws, who gifted me with my first shoe gift at 23 years old and I've been smitten with this feast day ever since. In fact I don't know many adults that do this tradition and I'd like to say that you should most certainly start. Whether you have children or not I think we could all stand to cultivate a spirit of giving and generosity within our hearts, homes, and communities and this is a great opportunity to begin. Besides, the liturgical year is heaping with extraordinary moments of joy that are just waiting to pull you out of your mundane and ordinary life, and who doesn't want to find a small gift in their shoe? 😊 The Legend of St. Nicholas All the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The tradition of putting a gift in someone’s shoe on December 6th has its roots in the story of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra in the Roman Empire at the end of the 3rd Century. He is famous for helping an impoverished family by secretly dropping bags of gold coins into their house under cover of night, thereby providing the father with dowry for each of his three daughters and saving them from a life of prostitution. With this story in mind, St. Nicholas was named the patron of the unmarried. This was just one of his many acts of goodwill and charity towards the poor, especially poor children. It is said that when he would toss little pouches of coins through the windows of the poor that sometimes they would land in stockings that had been washed and were hung on the windowsill to dry. The Shoe Tradition Origin Story In the Netherlands and Dutch communities, the custom of leaving gifts in the shoes of family-members on the feast of St. Nicholas has been practiced for over 700 years. They call him Sinterklaas, which means St. Nicholas, and his story carried on from generation to generation through families that sought to imitate this saint in their homes. Children would put their clogs by the window and leave a carrot for the saint’s horse with hopes that he would stop by and leave them candy, a trinket, or a riddle. Parents would then place little gifts in their children’s shoes on the eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day and the following day, December 6th, the children would wake up to find these special treats and would know that Sinterklaas had come by to visit. The Tradition in America The tradition that most American families follow is to place chocolate gold coins, oranges, and small religious gifts in the shoes of their children or loved ones. The gold coins remind us of the financial gift that St. Nicholas made to families in need. The tradition of gifting oranges came from a couple of interpretations. The first being that oranges used to be more challenging to obtain, not like now where grocery stores are always stocked full of them. To receive an orange was a real treat, and something to be delighted in. Secondly, in many depictions and icons of St. Nicholas, the gold coin pouches share a similar resemblance to an orange. As people tried to emulate what they saw in these images, oranges became a natural offering. In fact, many parishes will even offer a special blessing of oranges before the upcoming feast of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas Baking Some may wonder where the tradition of baking comes from on this feast day and again it goes back to the Netherlands, Belgium, and many German communities who customarily made Sinterklaas cookies, a treat made on St. Nicholas Day, which is also known as speculaas. These are spiced shortbread cookies typically made with springerle molds, carved wooden boards or rolling pins, and enjoyed after everyone has opened the treats from their shoes. Many will continue this tradition in their homes by baking the traditional speculaas cookie or other cookies and treats that their households will enjoy. St. Nicholas or Santa Claus, Which Should I Do? Whether or not you carry on the story and whimsy of Santa Claus is up to you and your own families discernment. I was personally given the tradition of Santa Claus in my home and enjoyed every bit of it as a child. I love happy tales and opportunities for imagination, so I look back on these treasured memories with a sense of fondness. We baked cookies for Santa, and we would put out reindeer food in the front yard, and wrote our little lists of things we saw in toy catalogs. I miss toy catalogs. On the other hand, I've met people who say that if you tell your children that Santa Claus exists then you're a liar and your creating a distrustful relationship with your children. This to me is not a matter of faith and morals, so to each their own. Blending Both Traditions: St. Nicholas and Santa Claus However, if you are Catholic then I believe that St. Nicholas, his story, and his virtue should be taught and continued on proudly. It is possible to do both! Unlike myself I only had the tradition of Santa Claus, my husband had the tradition of both St. Nicholas and Santa Claus in his realm of childhood and adult experience and neither St. Nicholas' feast day nor the fantasy of Santa Claus were disrupted. If anything it seems to have added more joy and opportunities of giving to the season. For the feast of St. Nicholas' his family would put out their shoes, bake shortbread biscuits in the shape of stockings, and would learn about the saint. During the Advent season in preparation for Christmas they would write letters to Father Christmas in honor of Tolkien's "Letters from Father Christmas." These letters would hold their seasonal sentiments and a list of what they wanted Santa to bring to them. The integration of tradition, family, and literature here is really lovely and just speaks to the fact that you can do these things intentionally and in a way that is enriching for the whole family! Whether it be leaving a gift in a friend or loved one’s shoe, or making speculaas cookies, there is a place for everyone in the traditions surrounding St. Nicholas if you only allow yourself the time and wonder to join in. Although the legend and customs of Sinterklaas have evolved over time and transformed into the widely recognized figure of Santa Claus, it's important to remember that the origins of this celebration trace back to Catholic liturgical culture and tradition. Take ownership of this feast day, embrace the practices meaningfully, and extend festivity to the world around you.

King Cake is traditionally made during the span of two liturgical seasons, Christmastime and Ordinary time. Although some will just make it for the feast of the Epiphany (Christmastime), others will make it for Mardi Gras (Ordinary Time). The Epiphany of the Lord is a special day to serve this because it is the day that we celebrate the three Kings, or Magi, finding the Christ child by following the star. The custom goes that the host who is providing the cake will hide a small baby Jesus inside and whoever gets the piece of cake with the baby will have to host the Epiphany party next year. Some do it where the receiver of the baby will have to host the upcoming Mardi Gras party. I've heard it both ways! Whatever feast day you are hosting on, just let your guests know that if they get the baby, they have to host next year's festivities. If you are in need of a beautiful fève nativity with a baby Jesus to put in your cake I have this one. It is bake and wash safe, just don't swallow it! Line the rest of the nativity around your cake like this. Note: This is not the King Cake but wanted to show you to help you visualize the arrangement. “The name “king cake” comes from the Biblical story of the three kings who bring gifts to Baby Jesus. A blend of coffee cake and cinnamon roll, king cake is usually iced in yellow, green and purple – the colors of Mardi Gras — and is frequently packed with fruit fillings and decadent cream cheeses. Hidden within these season sweets also lie a special surprise: a plastic king cake baby to continue the fun.” Growing up in the South, especially so close to Louisiana, this was a very common thing for us to make or buy during this season. I was initially intimidated to make this myself, but after some practice it has really become something that I look forward to. Get ready to get lots of compliments on this, last year I made two and was barely able to save myself a piece. Not trying to pat myself on the back, but could you help me push my arm back a little further? 😉😂 Joking aside, it's very good and goes well with a nice warm cup of coffee. Put your apron on, let's bake. Prep Time: 35 minutes Bake Time: 22-25 minutes Rise Time: 3 hours Yields: 16-18 servings per cake Note: This recipe makes TWO King Cakes, I usually make two so that I can keep one for my family, and give one away. Perfect to put in the lounge at work, drop off at a friend's house, or bring to a party. Dough Ingredients 5 1/2 cups flour 1 package rapid rise yeast 1/2 cup water (100-110 degrees) 1/4 cup salted butter 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp sugar 2 large eggs 2 tbsps vanilla extract 1 cup milk Cinnamon Filling Ingredients 1 cup brown sugar 2 tsps cinnamon 4 tbsps butter, melted 1 tsp nutmeg Icing Ingredients 2 cups powdered sugar 4 tbsps milk 1 tsp vanilla 1 tbsp butter, melted Garnish Gold, purple, and green sprinkles Plastic or porcelain baby Jesus Directions In a glass bowl combine 2/3 cup warm water (100-110 degrees), 1 packet of yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar then set aside for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. When the yeast mixture is foamy like this, pour it into the bowl of your stand mixer. In a separate bowl, heat 1/4 cup melted butter and 1 cup milk in the microwave. Check the temperature with a food thermometer to make sure it is between 100-110 degrees. Add 1 tsp salt to the mixture and pour these ingredients into the bowl of the stand mixer with the yeast. Add in 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tbsps vanilla extract, and the 5 1/2 cups flour. Knead with the dough hook on medium speed. Tip: Add the flour in one cup at a time to give the ingredients time to thoroughly combine. Knead the dough for 5-6 minutes on medium speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Take the dough out of the bowl and knead by hand on a lightly floured surface until the dough forms a smooth and round ball. Place in a lightly oiled bowl then slide the dough around so that it too gets a light coat of oil. Cover with a tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 2 hours until it has doubled in size. While that is rising we can make the cinnamon filling. In a clean bowl combine 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tsps cinnamon, 4 tbsps melted butter, and 1 tsp nutmeg. Thoroughly stir to combine and remember that this mixture will be cut in half since we are filling two king cakes. Two hours have passed and we have this delicious smelling cinnamon filling and a risen bowl of dough. Let the assembling begin! Line two baking sheets with a silicone mat or parchment paper and set aside. Don't preheat the oven just yet, we have one more rise to get through. Punch the dough down and cut it in half, you should have two smaller balls of dough now. Take one and roll the dough out into a rectangle about 10 inches x 18 inches. Use a butter knife or pastry cutter to cut that in half lengthwise so that you have two long, slender rectangles. Spread half of the cinnamon filling over both slender rectangles. Roll each one up into two long logs. Twist the two logs together into a rope and form to create a circular shape. Pinch the ends of the dough together to close the circle and place on the lined baking sheet. Do the same thing with the other ball of dough. Cover both king cakes with plastic wrap or a tea towel, and let it rise for another 45 minutes to an hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for about 25 minutes or until the cake has an internal temperature of 190 degrees. Let the cake completely cool before frosting. Look at that golden brown! And oh oh oh it smells so good! While the cake is cooling we can make the frosting. In a glass bowl combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 4 tbsps milk, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tbsp melted butter. Whisk to combine so that it is smooth and thick but pourable. When it has cooled place baby Jesus into the cake from the bottom and get your gold, green, and purple sprinkles ready! Begin by pouring half of the icing mixture over the top of the king cake. I used a large spoon to do this and again a friendly reminder to only use half on one cake and half on the other. Try to quickly do the sprinkles, or work in parts, so that they will stick to the icing. I alternated colors but you can decorate however your little heart desires. Would you look at this! OoOh La La! Want more activities for Shrove Tuesday? Click here! We also make pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, you can find my family recipe here! Did you make this recipe? If so I would love to see it, drop a picture in the comment or send it to me on social media, Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday.

'Tis the season of giving, and as the holiday lights begin to twinkle and the air fills with festive cheer, the hunt for the perfect gifts is on! Whether you're shopping for family, friends, or colleagues, finding thoughtful and budget-friendly presents can sometimes be a challenge. Fear not, for we've curated the ultimate 2023 Liturgy Market Gift Guide, brimming with delightful surprises, all priced at $25 and under. In a world where the act of giving often brings as much joy as receiving, our gift guide is here to make your holiday shopping a breeze. From charming stocking stuffers to practical everyday essentials, we've compiled a collection that reflects the spirit of the season without breaking the bank. Join us on a journey through a wonderland of affordable treasures, each handpicked to bring smiles and warmth to your loved ones. Embrace the joy of gifting without the stress of overspending, as we unveil a variety of options that cater to every taste and preference. This year, let's celebrate the art of thoughtful giving and the joy that comes from finding that perfect, wallet-friendly present. Get ready to spread happiness and make this season one to remember with our curated selection of gifts that are $25 and under! For anyone that appreciates the soothing atmosphere of a candle or the classic look of a vintage taper holder. Light in Darkness Taper Holder Women of any age who love Our Lady can enjoy their morning coffee or tea with this beautifully designed and crafted mug. Marian Apparition Mug Whether you find yourself in a longstanding family home or have just moved into a new living space, there's always an opportunity to devote your home to Our Lord. Home Blessing Kit (On Sale) For anyone that enjoys hosting, serving a charcuterie board, or gathering their family & friends around a tray of snacks and drinks. Grateful Oval Serving Tray (On Sale) Round Thankful Serving Tray (On Sale) Show your little one that they can take comfort in their Blessed Mother with these sweet and snuggly dolls. Mary Doll (On Sale) For the women that appreciate jewelry, wear your faith with the Sacred Heart of Jesus earrings. Sacred Heart of Jesus Earrings Any Christian home can appreciate the word Alleluia being present in their home. This word can help us remember that we are to praise God every single day. Leave it with its natural wood aesthetic, or get creative and paint it. Comes with a stand. Alleluia Sign and Stand Mugs make great gifts for family, friends, and colleagues, and who doesn't want a life of joy? Pair this with a bag of coffee grounds and you've got the perfect pair! Choose Joy Mug Looking for a little stocking stuffer? The Ora et Labora (Pray and Work) St. Benedict Utility Keychain is great for men, women, and teens looking to remember the spiritual and work/school life balance. St. Benedict Keychain Who doesn't love the sweet aroma of sacramental Chrism? We have two specialty items that are perfect for your home, prayer corner, and desk. Chrism Candle Chrism Room Spray In honor of St. John Paul II's Letter to Women, we are celebrating the gift and blessing that lies within the heart of each and every women. Share that message with our Blessed Woman mug. Blessed Woman Mug Know someone who loves to bake, be in the kitchen, and serve others? Our bread basket and terracotta stone allows you to serve fresh and warm bread and meals to your guests. See the description for warming details. Tree of Life Bread Basket (On Sale) For the woman whose heart is filled by making her house a home. "The power of finding beauty in the humblest things, makes home happy and life lovely." Beauty in the Humble Things Print Women and teens who like to cherish their memories can do just that with our wooden flower press. Keep the flowers from a special occasion by pressing and saving them. Named after St. Joseph who was a carpenter and took care of the most precious flower that ever lived, Our Blessed Mother. St. Joseph Flower Press (On Sale) Who in your life likes to journal their thoughts, take notes, or make lists? We have two high quality fabric journals that are sure to add a personal touch to your gift giving. Leave a note of affirmation on the first page! For I Know the Plans I Have for You Fabric Journal Be Still & Know Fabric Journal For the person in your life with a lot of faith and a little bit of spunk. This insulated travel tumbler brings a smile to everyone's face! Bless Your Heart Tumbler He is Risen is a year round proclamation for us as believers. This mini print can be gifted in a lovely frame, as is, or used as a card. He is Risen Print Scripture lovers really appreciate our -no bleed- Bible highlighters. Each color can help you code the text as you learn more about God. Bible Highlighters (On Sale) Gift your home with our handcrafted felt garland which can be used throughout the Christmas season and feast days throughout the year. Drop a small amount of essential oils and use it as a diffuser. Feast Day Garland (On Sale) Click the Image to Shop the Sale

These delightful morsels are somewhere in between a bite of french toast and a piece of churro. If you have a sweet tooth and an affinity for frying things, you are at the right place. After eating a few I realized how good they would have been with a scoop of ice cream, add that to your grocery list for this recipe. We whipped these up in a matter of minutes and it added the perfect touch of sweetness to our Guardian Angel feast day. St. Jerome says, “how great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it." Enjoy this feast day treat while praying the Guardian Angel Prayer which you can find at the end of this recipe. Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Yields: 8 servings Ingredients 1. Store bought Angel Food Cake 2. 3/4 cup sugar 3. 2 tbsps cinnamon 4. Vegetable oil for frying Note: You can use another variation of oil like peanut, canola, or coconut. Directions Cut the Angel Food Cake into 1"-1.5" cubes. Combine 3/4 cup sugar and 2 tbsps cinnamon in a separate bowl. Drizzle a light amount of vegetable oil across the bottom of your pan on low to medium heat. This is where I started but turned it down once the pan reached my desired heat. It doesn't take much with Angel Food Cake and they fry very quickly, and I only did two sides. As they become golden brown take them out with a slotted spatula and put them on a plate lined with paper towels. These can become oily so give them a good pat with a paper towel before dunking them into the sugar and cinnamon. You can serve this with a scoop of ice cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey. Let's Pray! Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. Did you make this recipe? If so I would love to see it, drop a picture in the comment or send it to me on social media, Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday.

When I cook or bake for feast days I like to tap into the culture of my family, and the saint being celebrated, as much as I can. I do this because I want our liturgical living to be intentional and authentic to who we are as a family. I also want to put in the extraordinary effort that liturgical living at times asks of us in imitation of the highest liturgical form, the Mass, which also requires great work. I have found from experience, that the most memorable traditions come from the instances when everyone gets involved and pitches in to express joy for a feast day. My family used to come together around Christmastime every year to make hot chocolate, sit around the table, and just enjoy one another. I'm sure your family has these experiences too, and if not, it's never too late to start! For the feast of St. Juan Diego, I went back to my own family's hispanic cultural traditions, so we are going to make Mexican hot chocolate. This recipe does require a bit more attention than sprinkling cocoa powder into warm milk. However, I appreciate that, as it not only embodies some of the principles of liturgical theology that I mentioned earlier, but it's also darn good. If you really want to make this in a truly authentic way, you could purchase a molinillo in advance which is used to make Mexican hot chocolate frothy. The texture is something that you might not be used to, since it is packed with spices it tends to be more grainy. To achieve the richer taste, you are going to use a more bitter chocolate which will harmonize beautifully with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and my secret ingredient. Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Yields: 4 Servings The Ingredients 4 cups milk 3 oz Ghirardelli 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate chips (about 1/2 cup) 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp cinnamon Secret Ingredient: 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper Once you drink this authentic hot chocolate, you'll never want a Swiss Miss packet again. Let's begin! Pour 4 cups milk (or alternative like almond, coconut, cashew, soy, etc.) into a saucepan over medium heat. Then infuse the milk with your spices for a minimum of 10 minutes, up to 1 hour. I usually just do 10 minutes but if you allow for more time then you have a better chance of pulling out those delicious seasonal flavors. Pour in 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper. As this is simmering whisk the spices together until they are mostly combined. Once that is complete you will measure out 3 ounces, or 1/2 cup, of the bittersweet chocolate chips and pour them into the milk. Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and blended in. This hot chocolate slightly more grainy due to all the fresh spices we used. If this is not something appealing to you then as you are serving, pour the hot chocolate through a sieve and into the mugs. Just writing this is giving me a craving for that feel good, cold weather, homey beverage. Garnish the drink with a dollop of cool whip and a cinnamon stick. This is what perfection looks like! Happy feasting this Advent and Christmas. Did you make this recipe? If so I would love to see it, drop a picture in the comment or send it to me on social media Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday. For more liturgical living resources check out the blog section of my website or follow me on Facebook to see what Catholic things I am doing to celebrate feast days.

You are 4 simple ingredients away from a Goldilocks daiquiri! The classic daiquiri is one of the most popular drinks to make for Mardi Gras. I have tried many recipes looking for the perfect balance and I think mine is the Goldilocks of all daiquiris, every ingredient is just right. Not too fruity, not too boozy! These are quick to mix up, don't blink or you just might miss it. Total Time: 3-5 minutes Yields: 1 servings The recipe below makes one serving, this makes it easy for you to multiply or just make for yourself. Ingredients 2 oz white rum 1 oz lime juice 1 oz simple syrup 1 cup ice Note: You can also throw in 1 whole banana, or 1 cup frozen mango, or 1/2 (10oz) bag of frozen strawberries to make a deliciously fruit flavored daiquiri too. The measurements for the fruit are for one glass as well. Directions Put 2 oz white rum, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and 1 cup of ice in a blender. Give it a few pulses, or to the consistency that you like, and serve in a glass. Garnish with lime or fruit of your liking, or let’s be honest with whatever is in the fridge. Strawberry for me! Have fun, y’all! Laissez les bons temps rouler! // Let the good times roll! Did you make this recipe? If so I would love to see it, drop a picture in the comment or send it to me on social media Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday. For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website!

Throughout July we celebrate the monthly dedication to the Precious Blood of Jesus. As a way to bring this topic into our food and drink recipes I thought I'd try my hand at a blood orange beverage. I'm so glad I did because this cold, fresh, and summery drink was just what I needed on a hot July summer day. As we sipped our drinks we read about the Precious Blood of Jesus and I came across this profound quote that I have to share with you. "The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Savior shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the beginning of eternal life in it." Make this recipe with me so you can sip and read more too! Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Servings: 2 drinks Ingredients 1. 6 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice 2. 2 oz lime juice 3. 3 oz tequila 4. 2 oz orange liqueur 5. 2 tsps sugar Combine all your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake it for 30 seconds and pour your margarita into a glass lined with salt and filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon, lime, or blood orange wedge. Cheers! Did you make this recipe? If so I would love to see it, drop a picture in the comment or send it to me on social media Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday. For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more joyful.

In honor of the Irish folklore and tradition which surrounds the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, we make an annual blackberry dessert. Last year I made cobbler which you can find here, and if you'd like a full guide to celebrating this feast day you can find that here. If you are here for the first time or have never heard the story, it goes like this. It is said that when Satan was kicked out of Heaven that he landed in a blackberry patch! He returns every year to curse and spit on the fruit that he landed on, making them sour so they cannot be picked after the feast of Michaelmas. This custom intriguingly springs forth from the natural cycles because blackberries are typically in season from May to September. To the delight of my wallet, blackberries were also on sale because of this reason, so we stocked up for the upcoming feast day. Blackberry turnovers are on the menu this year and I chose them because it's inevitable that as we transition into Fall I crave pies. A turnover is technically made with a puff pastry but to make my feast day baking simpler I use store bought pie crust. Often when turnovers are made with pie crust they are then called "hand pies." My husband thinks they resemble one of his favorite Italian foods so in my house they are jokingly referred to as "fruit calzones." This is all I can think of... Tie up your apron and let's get started! Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 17 minutes Yields: 10 servings Ingredients 2 and 1/2 cups fresh blackberries 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 lemon zested 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon cornstarch 2 store bought pie crusts 1 egg, whisked, for egg wash Granulated sugar, for topping Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees and take the pie crust out of the wrapper to sit on the counter until room temperature. While the oven is heating, place 2 1/2 cups blackberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 lemon fully zested, and 1 tbsp & 1 tsp cornstarch. To release a little bit of the blackberry juice into the mixture, I lightly pressed on them with a fork. Don't mash them! Mix these ingredients together and set them aside for 10 minutes while you prepare the pie crust. Using a 4-5 inch bowl, cut out small circles in both pie crusts. You can use the scraps from both pie crusts to make a few more cut outs. Spoon your blackberry mixture into the center of the small pie crust circles. Don't over do it or the blackberry juice will pour out making it hard to seal the edges. Fold the crust in half and use your hands to press the edges together. Then use a fork to crimp the seal, and a knife to cut two small slits in the top so the steam can escape. Place them on your lined baking sheet so that it looks like this! Use your egg wash to brush the tops of each hand pie. If you want to add a splash of water into your egg wash you can do that too before brushing on. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream and pray the St. Michael the Archangel prayer with me. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Enjoying your blackberry turnover/ hand pie/ fruit calzone? Share it with me on social media or in the comments so that I can see it. FB: @hisgirlsunday IG: @steffani_hisgirlsunday

On September 29th we celebrate St. Michael and the archangels. This is a very honored feast given the amount of devotedness that surrounds St. Michael, but is also a day that follows the Fall Ember Days, and ushers in the Fall season. For those that are unfamiliar with the Ember Days you can see my most recent post below to learn more about them. I've noticed a funny little difference in how Catholics pronounce the name of this feast day. Many Northern Catholics say (Mickle-mas) and a lot of Southern Catholics say (Mai-kle-mas). How do you say it? You can tell me in the comments! What's in this guide? A Brief About What to Eat How to Decorate Ways to Pray St. Michael's Lent Who is he? St. Michael is the archangel who fought against Lucifer, the fallen angel, and cast him out of Heaven. Did you know that today was a holy day of obligation until the 18th century? A few years ago I read Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn with my honors Theology students. In the book he touches on angels and the spiritual warfare that goes on with little to no awareness on our part. We were all intrigued by this point, that there is a battle for our souls which the angels of God are fighting for us and with us. Many of my students explained that they had just simply, never thought about it before. This is a great day to begin contemplating that reality on our own and with our families, and to give thanks for the many supernatural things they do on our behalf. What to eat? 1. Blackberry Desserts Have you heard of this traditional Irish folk tale about St. Michael and Lucifer? It is said that when Satan was kicked out of Heaven that he landed in a blackberry patch and he returns every year to curse and spit on the fruit that he landed on making them sour so they cannot be picked after the feast of Michaelmas. This story intertwines beautifully with the agrarian cycle given that blackberries are only in season from May to September. Every year around this time when I plan for our annual blackberry dessert tradition they are on sale at our local grocery store. Last year I made Blackberry Cobbler which you can find here. And this year I'll be making blackberry turnovers, which my husband calls fruit calzones. 😂 Nothing is sacred... 2. Carrots Scottish custom explains how they would dig a triangular hole in the ground which represented St. Michael's shield so that they could better access the root of the carrots while harvesting them. Here are some carrot recipes that I recommend. Honey Glazed Carrots Roasted Carrots with Garlic Breadcrumbs Whiskey Glazed Carrots 3. Goose He who eats goose on Michaelmas day; Shan’t money lack or debts pay. The tradition of eating goose on Michaelmas comes from certain areas within the United Kingdom, in fact some still refer to the feast of St. Michael as "Goose Day." A couple of legends point to the origins of this story but without entire certainty as to which was true. The first story states that when Queen Elizabeth I heard of the defeat of the Armada she was at dinner having goose. She saw goose as a token of good luck and promised to have it on Michaelmas every year. This custom spread and more people throughout the UK began doing it too. You can see that reflected in the rhyme above that those who eat goose will have good fortune. The other story explains that Michaelmas was around the time that the farming debts were due and that those who were trying to persuade their landlord to leniency would have sought to convince them with geese. You can see how this also relates to the rhyme. Either way, goose is a traditional dinner to have but if that is too expensive or difficult to find you could always adapt by doing turkey or roasting a whole chicken. How to decorate! The Aster flower, also known as the Michaelmas Daisy, is in bloom. The Michaelmas Daises, among the dede weeds, Bloom for St Michael’s valorous deeds. And seems the last of flowers that stood, Till the feast of S. Simon and St Jude. As the seasons change and the Spring and Summertime flowers begin to die, the little pointed and colorful astor flower named after St. Michael blooms. It gets its name in honor of the angel who fought against evil because this small yet brilliant flower fights against the impending gloomy, cold, and dark days of winter. It's in bloom all autumn and is fully of symbolism. It is difficult for me to find Aster flowers where I am so I usually just go grab a happy bouquet of daisies to put on the dinner table. What to pray! There are a wealth of St. Michael prayers out there and like everyone else I have my go-tos. To help you narrow in and avoid spending time scouring the internet for the perfect prayer, I'll share my three favorites. 1. The ever-so classic, St. Michael Prayer Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. 2. The St. Michael Chaplet Click here to see the full text and print. 3. St. Michael Novena “We honor you as a powerful protector of the Church and guardian of our souls. Inspire us with your humility, courage and strength that we may reject sin and perfect our love for our Heavenly Father. In your strength and humility, slay the evil and pride in our hearts so that nothing will keep us from God. St. Michael the Archangel, pray that we may be blessed by God with the zeal to live our lives in accordance with Christ’s teachings. St. Michael the Archangel, you are the prince of angels but in your humility, you recognized that God is God and you are but His servant. Unlike Satan, you were not overcome with pride but were steadfast in humility. Pray that we will have this same humility. It is in the spirit of that humility that we ask for your intercession for our petitions… (state your petitions) Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen." St. Michael's Lent In short, St. Michael's Lent is the period of prayer and fasting in which St. Francis of Assisi received stigmata. It became tradition in the history of the Franciscans to imitate St. Francis in his prayer and fasting but that has sense fallen out of practice. Thanks to the fervor of the laity this has been on the rise in homes across the US and is regaining popularity. You can learn all the details in my older post here. . . . . I pray that you were able to gather helpful ideas for bringing the cultural richness of this feast day into your home. Tell me how you pronounce this day and what you will be doing to celebrate in the comments.