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As a little play on words I thought it would be fun to make basil pesto for the feast of St. Basil. I also pull this recipe out for other Italian saint feast days because it reminds me of my Italian pilgrimage which was full of deliciously fresh pesto. I'll warn you ahead of time, I have an Italian in my kitchen so this is a garlicky recipe, but if that's too much for your taste I would say to just cut it in half. Before we begin, let's get a quick introduction to the saint we are celebrating today. St. Basil is one of the most notable Doctors of the Church and was also the Bishop of Caesarea. It is believed that he was born around 329AD and died on January 1, 379AD. We often read that he ranks after St. Athanasius as a defender of the Oriental Church against the 4th century heresy called Arianism, which denied the divine nature of Jesus Christ. In response to the Arian heresy St. Basil became a strong proponent of the Nicene Creed which clearly states what we believe about the nature of Jesus. His best friend is also a saint, St. Gregory of Nazianzus and his brother is also a saint, St. Gregory of Nyssa. The three of them are known as “The Three Cappadocians,” of which St. Basil has the most prominent theological writings. Imagine that for your own life; that you, your best friend, and your siblings could all be great saints of the Church. Dream big! The Emperor Valens, an Arian supporter, tried to silence St. Basil to no avail. And after the death of St. Athanasius defending the faith against Arianism fell to St. Basil. There is mention of St. Basil from the Council of Chalcedon, which took place 72 years after his death, that called him, "the great Basil, minister of grace who has expounded the truth to the whole earth." I also have a beautiful table blessing with a reading from St. Basil the great at the end of this recipe. You ready to whip up some pesto? Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: 1 1/2 cups Ingredients 3 cups fresh basil (OR 2 cups fresh basil and 1 cup fresh spinach) 3 garlic cloves 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 cup pine nuts OR walnuts (optional) I made everything in our Cuisinart Smart Stick, one of the best things we registered for. If you have a mini food processor you could make it in that too! The first time I made this I just used basil, which is the traditional way of making pesto and can also be the expensive way. It was delicious so if you want to go that route then just don't add in the fresh spinach. Measure out 2 cups fresh basil. On top of the basil, fill the measuring cup with fresh spinach up to 3 cups. Skin three cloves of garlic, don't worry about mincing them the food processor will do that work for you. Combine the basil, garlic, and spinach in the food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. *If you want the pine nuts or walnuts this would be the time to put those in. Locked and loaded! Pulse for about 10-15 seconds, if you are using the smart stick you may have to open it and move your ingredients around and then pulse again. This is what mine looked like, you don't want to make it too fine just yet because you are going to be running the food processor again. Pour in the 3/4 cup olive oil and turn the processor back on low for about 10-15 seconds. This smells so amazing, basil...garlic...olive oil goodness! Measure out 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and sprinkle that in along with the 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are incorporated to a consistency that you prefer and taste test along the way. You can serve this immediately or put in a container to be refrigerated first. I found that the spinach really filled out the pesto but if you taste the spinach too much you can counteract this by seasoning with dried basil leaves or adding a little more cheese. Refrigerating overnight also helped this as well because the ingredients were able to rest and soak in the olive oil. You can refrigerate this up to three days or freeze it up to a month. TABLE BLESSING A Reading from St. Basil the Great The bread you store up belongs to the hungry; the cloak that lies in your chest belongs to the naked; the gold that you have hidden in the ground belongs to the poor. If everyone would take only according to his needs and would leave the surplus to the needy, no one would be rich, no one poor, no one in misery. RESPONSORY: Verse: Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery Response: If riches increase, do not set your heart on them (Ps 62:10). The Lord's Prayer Blessing We bless you, Lord, our God, for you enlighten the church of the East and the West, with the solid doctrine of our teachers in the faith, St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzus. May we always be ready to live according to these teachings, as we seek to follow the path of the gospel shown to us by Christ, your Son. Bestow your blessing upon our table and all those dear to us, and make us always mindful of the needs of others. We ask you this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Keep in touch for more liturgical living recipes and resources. Follow along on FB @hisgirlsunday or IG @steffani_hisgirlsunday.

La Festa Di San Giuseppe La Festa Di San Giuseppe or the Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated all over Italy, but has a more pronounced sense of festivity in the region of Sicily. The Sicilians consider him to be their patron saint because as the story goes, he was credited with saving them from a drought. They prayed for his intercession and promised that if he would bring rain, then they would be devoted in honoring him. St. Joseph came through, and when the drought ended they were able to grow their crops again. The harvest came and the Sicilian people kept their vow and prepared a great feast for him. St. Joseph's Altar The traditional St. Joseph's Table or Altar stems from this story and is a beautiful sight for bread and sweet treat lovers. Sicilians still take pride in their tables, which you may see displayed in homes, churches, and even some Italian cafes. Typically this table will be placed in an area for all to see and partake in. They will set their table nicely with a cloth and fill it with gifts of food and religious significance as a sign of thanks to the saint that saved them. Take a look at the list of the many traditional items you could put on your St. Joseph table! Of course, don't forget to adorn it with a statue or image of this reverenced saint. Home made bread in the shape of carpenter's tools, sandals, crosses, etc. Selection of fish (However, St. Joseph's Solemnity this year will fall on a Friday so you can eat meat. Traditionally speaking, because it is within the Lenten season, you should serve fish.) Pastries Citrus fruit Flowers St. Joseph's Sfingi or Zeppole, which to some Italian regions is not the same thing. Fava beans, which is said to be one of the spared crops so it is there for good luck and abundance. This table is meant to be shared, so invite friends and family to contribute to the table and delight in it together! Zeppole As you can see from the list, Zeppole is a featured piece and a timeless baking tradition for Italians who would do nothing less than seek to praise this honored saint with delicious sweets. Zeppole is a custard filled pastry that you may see vary slightly from region to region. However, they will all have in common that this is a slightly sweet choux pastry, filled with pastry cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with a cherry. I am going to be very honest with you, I have tried 3-4 different recipes from Google, all of which were quite difficult to make and either didn't develop the custard to the right consistency, or the choux pastry. After a couple of years of this I thought, enough is enough, and I invited my professional pastry chef sister-in-law over to lend me her expertise. Liz, you are a Zeppole making angel! So when I say that this recipe is tried & true, practiced to perfection, I mean it y'all! Prep Time: 30 minutes Bake Time: 25-30 minutes (depending on how hot your oven gets) Yields: 16 servings The Ingredients for the Pastry 1/2 cup butter 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 1 cup milk 1 cup flour 4 eggs at room temperature Pinch of salt The Ingredients for the Filling 2 cups milk at room temperature 5 egg yolks 3 tablespoons corn starch 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 tablespoons butter Pinch of salt Powdered sugar to garnish Cherry to garnish How to Make the Choux Pastry 1. Heat your oven to 400 degrees. 2. Prepare the choux pastry by doing the following. 3. In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat combine the 1/2 cup butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1 cup milk then bring it to a boil. 4. Add in 1 cup flour and stir like crazy (technical term, just kidding) with a wooden spoon until the mixture combines and forms a ball. 5. Cook until the texture is a bit more on the dry side. Remember, we are going to add in 4 eggs and don't want it to end up being runny and unable to pipe. 6. Then put your dough into a mixer with the paddle attachment, let the steam out by placing the setting on low. 7. Once you have released most of the steam, whisk in two eggs. We will do this two at a time so that we can be aware of the consistency of the pastry as it develops. The texture should be smooth and satiny. 8. After you have that combined, whisk in the last two eggs. This is what it should look like! 9. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. 10. Put the mixture in a piping bag with a large star tip attached. 11. Pipe small puffs onto your baking sheet. Use the short clip as a guide! 12. Place in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and allow them to cool on a rack. 13. While the pastry is baking, make your custard. How to Make the Custard 1. Warm 2 cups milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. 2. While that is warming, combine 5 egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, and 3 tablespoons corn starch into a bowl and whisk together until it is pale yellow. 3. Once the milk is hot, pour it very slowly into the egg mixture while whisking. This may take some practice, but the trick is to just keep pouring slowly so as to not cook your eggs in the bowl once the hot milk combines with them. 4. Transfer everything in the bowl back to the saucepan on medium heat and continue whisking. Keep it moving and try to mix towards the edges of the pot so to avoid any burning. 5. Mix until the custard is thick! 6. Slice 4 tablespoons butter and toss that into the mixture until thoroughly combined. 7. Once you have done that, put the custard in a bowl and cover it with Saran Wrap. Pro tip: Press the Saran Wrap down so that it is touching the entire top of the custard. This will prevent it from forming a film. 8. Place that in the refrigerator to chill until the pastry is ready. How to Assemble 1. Put the custard into a piping bag with a medium size star tip. 2. You can fill the pastry in one of two ways. Option One: Slice the pastry in half, fill the center, then pipe filling into the indentation on the top. Option Two: Using a toothpick, poke a small hole in the bottom of the pastry, pipe the custard in through that hole until filled, you will feel it become heavier and see it filling up from the sides, then pipe filling into the indentation on the top. We did option two! 3. Sprinkle powdered sugar over your treats with a mesh sieve. 4. Then add your cherry on top! I kid you not, I ate three of these immediately after they were finished. It's a Solemnity! St. Joseph Prayer "O Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers." 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 to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more joyful.

St. Damien was a Belgian priest who answered the call of his Bishop to serve a leper colony in Moloka’i, an island in the center of Hawaii. Although he was in a beautiful place geographically, the community endured much physical suffering. St. Damien’s works of mercy within this community inspired great hope and faithfulness to Christ. (Photo: Catholic Online) As a way to celebrate him in your home, make a Mai Tai! It is one of the most famous Tiki drinks and was initially mixed with the intention of highlighting good, quality rum. Later on the use of juice and mixers became popular, but this is not the original way to make it and you will not find them in this recipe. This boozy beverage is deliciously refreshing, and highly popular in Hawaii. Even if you don't get to make it for his feast day, it's absolutely perfect for these hot summer months. Due to this being a weeknight mixer, mine is not too dressed up, but you could garnish with all my suggestions if you want! Ingredients 1 1/2 ounce white rum 1/2 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce orange liqueur (could also use triple sec or grand marnier) 1 ounce orgeat syrup (the g sounds like “ZH”) 1/2 ounce dark rum Garnish: pineapple slice, cherry, mint, or lime wedge Quick Video Directions with Explanation Below! Step by Step 1. Pour 1 1/2 ounce white rum, 1/2 ounce lime juice, 1/2 ounce orange liqueur (could also use triple sec or grand marnier), 1 ounce orgeat syrup (the g sounds like “ZH”), and a couple of ice cubes into a shaker. 2. Shake it up and pour it over an ice cube or two in a low ball glass. 3. Slowly pour 1/2 ounce dark rum into the drink and watch it sit on top. OoOh AaAh! 4. Garnish the glass with a lime wedge, pineapple wedge, cherry, and mint leaves. Before you toast one another, pray for the intercession of St. Damien! St. Damien of Moloka'i Prayer Damien, brother on the journey, happy and generous missionary, who loved the Gospel more than your own life, who for love of Jesus left your family, your homeland, your security and your dreams. Teach us to give our lives with joy like yours, to be in solidarity with the outcasts of our world, to celebrate and contemplate the Eucharist as the source of our own commitment. Help us to love to the very end and, in the strength of the Spirit, to persevere in compassion for the poor and forgotten so that we might be good disciples of Jesus and Mary. 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 and Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday. For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website or follow me on Facebook to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more joyful. Cheers! His Girl Sunday

Gumbo is a staple of Louisiana Cajun culture. In one big black pot you get the perfect blending of ingredients, community, and tradition that speaks of a people that know how to welcome a good time. To many in the South this is a weekly meal, to others this might be the perfect bowl of warmth as the months grow chillier, and for some it makes for a festive Mardi Gras dinner. Growing up about an hour the Louisiana border we found a lot of Cajun culture and experience floating around our small town. Our frequent trips to the neighboring state certainly added to our way of living and it is something that I've always cherished. Over time I inevitable picked up their love for life, color, jazz & zydeco music, dancing, good food, and togetherness. These are a people that know hospitality in their bones, not one that is manicured as we can sometimes do when we want to put our best foot forward when hosting a dinner, but a kind of welcomeness that treats you as if you are family. If possible I want to extend as much of that Southern hospitality to you as I can through this family recipe, especially as we approach Mardi Gras. My dad's recipe is packed with flavor and spice, it will surely bring your gathering or simple dinner at home with family to life. Settle in because we are going to be here for a while! Did you know? Gumbo is a roux based dark stew that incorporates what is popularly known as the Holy Trinity: onion, bell pepper, and celery, along with a protein of your choice. Prep Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 3 hours Yields: 8-10 servings Gumbo Making Tip: *Low and Slow* The Roux 1 cup flour 1/2 cup vegetable oil The Ingredients 1 lb of Andouille sausage cut into one inch pieces 4 boneless skinned chicken breast, or thighs if you prefer Holy Trinity 1 white onion, chopped 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped 2 celery sticks, chopped 2 quarts water 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Creole seasoning, to taste 1/2 tsp dried thyme Dash of hot sauce, to taste 5 green onions, chopped 1 tsp File powder, add more to taste, optional White or brown rice, for serving Additional green onion, for garnish Note: Filé powder, sometimes referred to as gumbo filé, is a spicy herb made from the dried and ground leaves of sassafras tree. This is optional as some folks don't prefer the taste of this ingredient. The Directions 1. In a big pot, cook the sausage for about 5 minutes or until browned. Keep the drippings in the pan and set sausage aside. 2. Cook the chicken in the same pot with the sausage drippings until browned, not cooked through. Set the chicken aside and keep the drippings in the pot. 3. Now for the roux! Making a roux takes time and attention, so from personal experience, don't put this on and walk away. If you would like to use a store bought roux you can do that too. We make ours at home and this is how you do it. There are a lot of different shades of roux that you can make, but the best roux for a gumbo is dark brown in color. Over medium low heat, add 1/2 cup vegetable oil to the pan of drippings and slowly sprinkle in the flour while stirring constantly. Cook and stir over the same heat setting for 35-40 minutes or until chocolate brown. I found this roux cooking chart that I really like from "Tastes Better from Scratch" and I thought you might appreciate it too! 4. When your roux is finished stir in your Holy Trinity: 1 chopped onion, 1/2 chopped green bell pepper, and 2 chopped celery sticks. Cook until these ingredients are tender. 5. Add about 2 quarts water, bring to a boil while stirring your ingredients. 6. Add in the chicken, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning to taste, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Simmer on low for 1 hour. 7. Add in sausage, 5 chopped green onions, and 1 tsp file powder (optional) then simmer for another 45 minutes on low. 8. Remove from heat, serve with a scoop of rice, and garnish with chopped green onions. 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!

A visit to my grandma's house was marked by her delicious tortillas and homemade ground beef. The fragrance of our Mexican heritage is undoubtedly embedded into my memory, but especially the vibrant flavors of her food. The essential ingredient to any good taco is flavorful ground beef, and I've perfected our down home recipe just for you. The sizzle of the skillet will blend a robust variety of spices that can be used tucked into tacos, layered in lasagnas, or mixed into rice in a hearty casserole. This dish bears the unmistakable stamp of Mexican authenticity. Join me as we delve into a delicious bowl of Mexican ground beef and discover a classic recipe that have stood the test of time. Get ready for this robust and flavorful symphony that is Mexican ground beef. Mexican Ground Beef: Savor the Flavor Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Yields: 4 servings Ingredients 1 lb ground beef 1/2 tbsp chili powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp onion powder 3 tbsp tomato paste 2/3 cup water Directions In a skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Use a spatula to break up the meat into pieces and let it cook all the way through until no longer pink. Occassionally toss the meat to ensure it's cooked evenly. Tip: Don't over do the process of breaking up the meat, you don't want smashed ground beef. When the ground beef is no longer pink, drain the grease and place the skillet back on the stovetop. Sprinkle in all of the seasonings, 1/2 tbsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp onion powder. Doesn't that smell wonderful? Watch everyone draw nearer to the kitchen with this step. Scoop in 2 tbsps tomato paste, pour in 2/3 cup water, and mix well to combine. Cover with a lid and let this simmer for 5 minutes on medium low. If some liquid remains that can be drained into the sink. Scoop into a bowl and serve! 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.

Unlocking the Magic of St. Lucy Buns: A Festive Feast Day Hack 'Tis the season to embrace the warmth of Advent traditions, and what better way to do so than by indulging in the delightful treasures that make this season's celebrations truly special? I'm excited to share a festive and time-saving hack for one of the most beloved feast day treats, St. Lucy Buns. St. Lucy Buns, also known as Lussekatter or Lucia buns, are a cherished Scandinavian baking tradition, typically enjoyed on St. Lucy's Day, December 13th. These saffron-infused, sweet, and delicately shaped buns are a symbol of light and goodness during the dark winter days. If you'd like to try them from scratch you can use my recipe here. But I understand that the holiday season can be a whirlwind, leaving little energy for intricate baking endeavors. Fear not! Our St. Lucy Bun hack is designed to capture the essence of this time-honored treat without the fuss. Join me on a festive journey as I guide you through this delightful shortcut, ensuring you can savor the magic of St. Lucy Buns with ease. You can use this video to help you make them or you can use the picture by picture steps below! St. Lucy Bun Hack Prep Time: 5 minutes Bake Time: 15 minutes Yields: 4 traditional style "s" shaped buns Ingredients: One can of orange cinnamon rolls Chocolate chips Note: To have the St. Lucy buns make the traditional "s" shape, you will need to use two cinnamon rolls to make one St. Lucy Bun. I used orange cinnamon rolls because the icing is actually more of a dark yellow color, which gave a saffron bun inspired look. Directions: Begin by breaking up the cinnamon rolls and laying them out on a baking sheet. Let's shape the buns into an "s" in steps. Step One: Take one cinnamon roll and unroll it a couple of inches. Step Two: Completely unroll the second cinnamon roll to form a long rope. Step Three: Spiral your "unwound" cinnamon roll in the opposite direction of your first cinnamon roll and tuck the ends into the spiral. Step Four: Continue the motion of simultaneously spiraling both ends of the cinnamon rolls together until you get an "s" shape. Be mindful to not smash or pinch the dough as you're doing this so that the cinnamon buns still get a full rise. Bake the cinnamon rolls according to the package. I baked these on a non-stick baking sheet at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. They were perfectly golden brown at this stage. Pull them out of the oven and ice them with the orange frosting. These smell so good; resist taking a bite! Take the chocolate chips and put one in the center of easy spiral. These represent the eyes of St. Lucy! Traditionally a raisin would be used but since we have a dessert roll I decided to go with chocolate. Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate and say this St. Lucy prayer. Saint Lucy,whose beautiful name signifies light, by the light of faith whichGod bestowed upon youincrease and preserve Hislight ain my soulso that I may avoid evil andbe zealous in the performance of good works, and detest nothing so much asthe blindness and the darknessof evil and sin. Obtain for me, by yourintercession with Godperfect vision for my bodily eyesand the grace to use them for God's greater honor and gloryand the salvation of souls.St. Lucy, virgin and martyrhear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen. Did you make the St. Lucy Bun Hack 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. Disclaimer: The idea of using cinnamon buns originated from Catholic Icing. I adapted this by using orange icing for the faux saffron color and chocolate chips for the eyes.

In the heart of Mexico City, on the hallowed grounds of Tepeyac Hill, lies a sacred site that has captured the devotion and admiration of millions around the world, Our Lady of Guadalupe. This iconic manifestation of the Virgin Mary has become a symbol of faith, hope, and cultural identity, captivating the hearts of believers and curious minds alike. In Mexico, during the festivities surrounding the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, both on her actual feast day and the days leading up to the celebration, the aroma of tostadas fills the air. Tostadas, a staple during these joyous days, reflect deep-rooted traditions that characterize the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The streets and homes resonate with the sounds of festivities, and you're likely to encounter the irresistible allure of tostadas in various flavors and preparations, serving as a delicious symbol of communal joy and reverence during this special time. Partake in this easily customizable dinner for you and your friends or family. Here's a simple recipe for serving tostadas during your celebration. Crispy Tostadas- Our Lady of Guadalupe Prep Time: 12 minutes Bake Time: 30-35 minutes Yields: 8 tostadas Ingredients Mexican Ground Beef (Try my recipe here) or shredded or diced chicken, pork or beef. Crispy corn tostada shells (store bought) Topping Options Lettuce Sour cream Salsa Shredded cheese Avocado Refried beans Pico de gallo Jalapenos Directions Make the ground beef according to the directions explained here. Warm the crispy tostada shells by placing them on a baking sheet and heating them for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. Warm the refried beans in a microwave safe bowl or in a small pot over medium heat. If you use the microwave be sure to cover them with a paper towel to avoid a mess. Assemble the tostadas by smoothing a layer of refried beans over the shell and sprinkling the ground beef on top of that. Feel free to customize your tostadas with any additional toppings listed above. Serve with rice or chips and queso. Did you make the crispy tostadas recipe for Our Lady of Guadalupe? 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.

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.