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Every year as Christmas approaches, Catholics begin to engage in a familiar debate: Should we “do” Santa Claus? Should a Catholic home welcome the jolly man in red, or is he merely a distraction from the sacred meaning of the Nativity? Some see him as an innocent, joyful part of childhood; others see him as a symbol of consumerism or a potential threat to a child’s trust in their parents. And, as with many things in Catholic culture, there is a truly split reaction. This question has only seemed to intensify in recent years, with social media fueling strong opinions on both sides. But for me, this conversation isn’t abstract—it’s personal. I grew up in a non-practicing Catholic home, where St. Nicholas wasn’t even a blip on my radar. I didn’t learn about him, his life, or his feast day until I was in my twenties. Yet we did have Santa Claus. We had the full experience: the cookies & milk, the stockings, the reindeer bait, and the presents magically appearing overnight. And somehow, despite Santa being part of my childhood, I went on to discover the Catholic faith, to love it, and to live it fully. So when I hear the argument that “Santa harms faith,” or that he inevitably leads to confusion, I can’t help but think: That wasn’t my experience at all. If I were to take a stance in this debate, I would say—wholeheartedly—that celebrating Santa can actually help cultivate faith. Santa, Imagination, and the Development of Faith When I look back on my childhood, Santa wasn’t a barrier to faith. He was a bridge—one that expanded my imagination, my sense of wonder, and my openness to “things unseen.” Santa, along with the many other imaginative traditions my family engaged in, gave me the capacity to believe in truths that aren’t tangible. My imagination was encouraged to recognize that reality is deeper, richer, and more mysterious than what can be measured. And isn’t that what faith is? A belief in the unseen? A trust in a reality beyond our senses? Santa didn’t confuse me. He stretched my imagination. And that imaginative, whimsical stretching would later support my ability to perceive divine truths that cannot be touched or proven with scientific precision. We, as Catholics, of all people, should understand the power of lore. Catholicism Is a Faith Built on Story Our tradition is filled with stories—thousands of years of them. Some are historical accounts. Others are hagiographies shaped by the spiritual minds of early Christians. Many saints’ lives include fantastical elements that, while perhaps not literal, convey a deeper truth about virtue, holiness, and God’s action in human lives. We appreciate writers like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien precisely because they understood that imagination is not opposed to truth—rather, it is one of its most powerful servants. They wrote in mythical realms with characters who ultimately reveal Christ, His virtues, and His love. So the idea that Catholics should become “flat,” unidimensional, or hyper-literal about figures like Santa or even Halloween feels strangely disconnected from our own heritage. We love a good story—so why do we cringe when it comes to our own cultural folklore? The “You’re Lying to Your Children” Concern One of the most common objections among parents is that telling children Santa is real feels like lying. And I understand the sensitivity. Parents want to cultivate trust. But here’s my honest reflection: Never—not once—has Santa appeared on the list of topics I’ve brought to therapy. The idea that believing in Santa somehow shatters a child’s trust assumes that children approach the world like miniature lawyers, carefully cataloging every statement for factual accuracy. But children approach the world through wonder. Through story. Through play. I don’t think abandoning Santa is inherently harmful. But I do think refusing to engage with imagination out of fear of “lying” misunderstands the developmental world children inhabit. Children, unlike adults, live in a liminal space—between the concrete and the imaginative—and that space is fertile ground for faith. Santa and St. Nicholas: A Both/And Approach Of course, St. Nicholas is deeply and directly rooted in our Christian tradition. His generosity, courage, and devotion to Christ are powerful examples for families. Celebrating his feast day—setting out shoes, reading his stories, teaching about his life—is a rich and beautiful practice. But why must it be either/or? Why not both/and? We can teach our children that the modern Santa has roots in St. Nicholas while also acknowledging that Santa has been shaped by a secular society that often misses the mark. We can draw from the good while rejecting the excesses. Santa does not have to represent consumerism, bribery (“If you’re good you’ll get more presents”), or shallow morality and reward systems. Parents can reshape Santa within the home by emphasizing: generosity joy kindness celebration creativity self-giving love Santa can become a character who inspires acts of charity and service—donating toys, baking for friends, giving away what we don’t need—rather than a dispenser of rewards. Why Do We Let Society Define Him for Us? This is the heart of my question: Why do we let society take ownership of Santa? Why do we surrender imagination, whimsy, and playful lore simply because the culture has distorted them? It is easier, I suppose, to say, “We’re not doing Santa because he’s not real and I don’t want to lie.” What’s harder is leaning into that messy, creative, imaginative space where stories and symbols become stepping stones to deeper truths. Where children learn through myths. Where joy leads to meaning. Where imagination nurtures faith. What We Lose When We Lose Imagination As adults, many of us have lost our sense of play. We forget how to create worlds, characters, rituals, and stories that shape the hearts and minds of our children. We underestimate how much imagination builds the capacity for faith. When we strip away whimsy, we strip away a part of the soul. And children need that whimsical space to grow in faith. Santa doesn’t have to overshadow Christ. He can point toward Him. He can prepare a child’s heart for the God who is unseen yet powerfully present. He can be a part of Catholic storytelling, not a competitor to it. So, To Santa or Not to Santa? Ultimately, each Catholic family must discern what aligns with their conscience and values. But for my part, I can say this: Santa was a magical part of my child heart. He didn’t hinder my faith—he expanded my imagination, my sense of wonder, and my openness to mystery. And I believe he can do the same for many children today. We don’t need to choose between truth and imagination because a good imagination will touch truth. We can embrace both. We can let lore speak truth. We can celebrate St. Nicholas faithfully and still welcome Santa joyfully. And maybe—just maybe—that imaginative space is where the seeds of faith take root most deeply. I welcome your thoughts and opinions on the matter, feel free to leave them in the comments!

Advent invites us into a different kind of pace—one marked not by frantic holiday rush, but by waiting, watching, and welcoming Christ with renewed hope. While the season is filled with beautiful liturgical rhythms, it’s also a wonderful time to slow down at home with stories that warm the heart, spark reflection, and help us enter more deeply into the mystery of the Incarnation. This movie list isn’t about checking boxes before Christmas arrives. It’s about creating small moments of stillness: lighting the Advent wreath before pressing play, sharing cocoa under a blanket, letting conversations linger after the credits. Films—whether classic, whimsical, or profoundly spiritual—have a way of drawing us into themes Advent holds dear: longing, light in the darkness, redemption, and the quiet persistence of love. Below you’ll find a curated selection of movies perfect for cozy evenings throughout the four weeks of Advent. Some are explicitly Catholic; others echo the season’s virtues in more subtle, story-driven ways. Choose a few that speak to your family, sprinkle them throughout the month, and allow them to become part of your annual rhythm—little cinematic touchstones that help you make space for Christ at the center of your home. Now, dim the lights, pour something warm, and enjoy the gentle, meaningful pause that an Advent movie night can bring. George Bailey, worn down by burdens and convinced the world would be better without him, is given a grace-filled gift: a glimpse of what life would look like if he had never been born. Through the gentle guidance of his guardian angel, Clarence, George discovers the immeasurable impact of simple kindness, quiet sacrifices, and steadfast love. A timeless story about the dignity of every human life, it reminds us that no good deed is ever forgotten—and no one is ever truly alone. A reverent and beautifully grounded retelling of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The film portrays their hardships, courage, and deep faith with a humanity that draws viewers into the miracle of the Incarnation. From the Annunciation to the humble birth in the stable, The Nativity Story captures the hope, vulnerability, and divine love at the heart of Christmas, making it a powerful reflection piece for Advent. Told from the perspective of a small but determined donkey named Bo, this animated film offers a playful yet heartfelt take on the first Christmas. As Bo and his animal friends inadvertently become part of the Holy Family’s journey, children and adults alike are invited to see the Nativity with fresh wonder. Lighthearted humor blends with genuine reverence, creating a family-friendly film that highlights courage, friendship, and the joy of Christ’s coming. In this classic musical comedy, a New York performer opens a cozy Connecticut inn that operates only on holidays, creating a year-round calendar of festive song and dance. Featuring beloved tunes and sparkling Americana charm, the film captures the nostalgia and delight of seasonal traditions. While not overtly religious, its warm imagery and celebration of simple joys make it a lovely backdrop for an old-fashioned Advent movie night. Father O’Malley, an easygoing priest, and Sister Benedict, a spirited and determined nun, join forces to save their beloved parochial school. Their differing philosophies lead to both gentle conflict and heartfelt collaboration. Filled with humor, compassion, and deeply human portrayals of religious life, the film highlights themes of charity, humility, and the quiet heroism of those who serve others—perfect for Advent reflection. Set during the Civil War, this treasured adaptation follows the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the joys and trials of growing up. Their close-knit family life, guided by Marmee’s wisdom and anchored in simple virtue, offers a tender look at generosity, sacrifice, and hope in seasons of uncertainty. Its winter scenes and strong moral undercurrent make it a gentle, soul-warming watch during Advent.

Welcome back to the Sunday Supper Club, friends! I hope your Thanksgiving was full of joy, warmth, and oodles of blessings… and, if your fridge looks anything like mine, there's quite a few leftovers too. This week, we’re taking all that post-holiday goodness and turning it into a cozy, intentional meal to kick off the First Sunday of Advent. If you missed Edition One, definitely go back and read it—it has all the starter tips on how to launch your supper club, set your rhythm, and create a space that feels hospitable and prayerful. This Week’s Menu: Thanksgiving-Leftover Inspired Instead of letting those containers sit forgotten, let’s reimagine them: Turkey, Sage & Gruyère Paninis Warm, melty, and perfect for a simple Sunday supper. Take thin-sliced turkey, leftover herbs, and that last wedge of cheese pressed between buttery sourdough. Harvest Autumn Salad Easy, colorful, and feels like fall giving a final hug. Mix leftover roasted veggies (brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, carrots—whatever you’ve got), add fresh greens, cranberries, pecans, and toss with a light vinaigrette. Mashed Potato Croquettes Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Mix mashed potatoes with shredded turkey or ham, roll into little ovals, coat with breadcrumbs, and pan-fry. Serve with a dollop of leftover gravy. Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Jars It tastes like you planned it all along. Layer broken pieces of leftover pie (yes, truly!) with a quick cheesecake filling—cream cheese, whipped cream, and honey. Outfit Inspo: First Sunday of Advent Since Advent begins on Sunday, November 30, 2025, let’s lean into the theme of hope, quiet expectation, and of course—liturgical purple. Casual Look: Think: cozy, welcoming, ready-to-host without overthinking it. A soft, oversized cream sweater Dark wash jeans Plum or lavender scarf for that Advent nod Comfy ankle boots. Dressy Look: Elegant, subtle, and perfect for marking the beginning of a sacred season. A deep violet midi dress (or even charcoal with purple accents) Paired with gold jewelry Simple heel or nice boot Advent-Themed Table & Home Atmosphere Let your Sunday dinner space reflect the beauty of the new liturgical year: Color Palette : Purples, deep blues, soft neutrals, and candlelight. Decor : If you have an Advent wreath, make it the centerpiece. Add small evergreen clippings, pinecones, or simple glass votives around it. Touches of Thanksgiving : A few leftover gourds or your pretty fall napkins still totally work! I'm thinking “late autumn meets quiet Advent.” Music : Gentle instrumentals or Advent hymns in the background—just enough to warm the room. Some food for thought as we enter into Advent. As you wrap up your Sunday Supper Club this week, don’t forget to bring your Advent wreath to be blessed if your parish offers it—or simply ask a priest after Mass. When you gather for dinner, take a moment to pray together as a family or friend group, and invite one member of your supper club to light the first candle. It’s such a simple but meaningful way to mark the beginning of a season of hope. And a gentle reminder that even though I’ve shared ideas for outfits, décor, and dinner inspiration, what matters most in hospitality and kinkeeping has nothing to do with having the “right” things. It’s all about showing up with a generous heart, making people feel seen and welcome, and creating space for shared prayer and connection. Those three things cost nothing—and they’re the reason Sunday Supper Club is worth doing in the first place.

Scroll down to the bottom to see an adaptation of this for every season! For those of you that like the salty sweet combination of treats, this one's for you. 😊 We recently hosted a house blessing and game night so I like to have little treats out that people can pick at or pour onto their plate while they are socializing. I ESPECIALLY love to crunch on chips, I could take care of an entire bag myself, but wanted to give the plain bowl of chips a little pizzazz. So, I decided to add in some of my other favorites: chocolate covered pretzels, peanut M&Ms, and Reese's peanut butter cups. When the company left I threw it into a Tupperware container and saved it for a movie night or show watching snack. What I love about this easy snack mix is that you can throw in anything and everything that you want. Since I mixed this one up during the Fall season I threw in candy corn, get creative with the season that you are making it in. For ideas on snack mix variations, scroll all the way to the bottom. If you are making it around Halloween, throw in some little candy eyes so that the pretzels look like monsters! You can see this when you scroll to the bottom, but you get the idea! Go to town with it! Prep Time: 10 minutes The Mix 1. Savory Chex Mix 2. Bugles (not pictured) 3. Flipz Chocolate Covered Pretzels (Chocolate and White Fudge) 4. Miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Cups 5. Peanut M&Ms 6. Candy Corn (or another season option) 7. Optional for Halloween: Candy Eyes Grab a big party bowl, glass or plastic, and pour in your Chex Mix. Note to self for next year : stay focused and stop eating the cheese crackers. Toss in the small peanut butter cups. Note to hubby: Let's make sure we don't buy the individually wrapped peanut butter cups! Unload the peanut M&Ms. See note to self from step one. Add in candy corn for those silly folks that enjoy those! Dump in the chocolate covered pretzels as you see fit. I did not use both bags entirely, it was getting crowded and I already added other chocolate treats. So if you don't use them all just seal them back up, throw them in the fridge, and eat a couple as a late night snack tomorrow. Our party was closer to Halloween so I bought candy eyes and put them on top of the pretzels facing up. This was staged for the guests to see it when they walked in. Easy. Cute. Quick! If you're anything like me you probably put a lot of other hosting to dos on your list so this is a really cute addition that adds character to the party display without taking up a lot of time. Here are some other season variations that you could do instead of using candy corn! Spring 1. Small peeps 2. Marshmellows 3. Pastel M&Ms 4. Cheerios Fall 1. Raw Nuts 2. Candy Corn 3. Candy Pumpkins 4. Raisins Winter 1. Peppermint Chocolate 2. Sprinkles 3. Candy Coating 4. Popcorn Summer 1. Dried Strawberries or Cherries 2. Cheeto Balls 3. Short Twizzlers 4. Chocolate Chips 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 social media to see what Catholic liturgical and seasonal things I am doing to make our day to day life more joyful.

Pumpkin pie was a Thanksgiving and Christmas delight for me growing up. In fact, it's one of the only pies that I really really enjoy. I may nibble here and there at an apple, pecan, or coconut pie, but everyone in my family knew to save me a couple of slices of pumpkin. Then I met a mister that also really likes pumpkin pie, which I found out on our first Thanksgiving together after he told me that he wasn't going to share. I knew then and there that I better figure out how to make this or the relationship might be doomed. But all is well now, we figured out how to share pie with the help of family and a therapist, we got married, I learned to make pumpkin pie, and became the most skilled hider of pie pieces in the fridge. In true form, we made this pie recipe together and hope that it brings as much family time, laughter, time in the kitchen, and holiday cheer for you as it does for us. Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 40-50 minutes Yields: 8 servings/ 1 pie Ingredients 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (store bought or fresh) Try my homemade pumpkin puree recipe here! https://www.hisgirlsunday.com/post/perfect-pumpkin-puree 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, we substitute with coconut sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ginger 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp cloves 3 lightly beaten eggs 1 (6 oz) can of evaporated milk 1 store bought or homemade pie crust Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees and let your pie crust sit out on the counter at room temperature. Especially if you are using a store bought pie crust, this will give the dough time to relax. Into a large bowl, scoop out 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree. Add in 3/4 cup brown sugar, or coconut sugar, into the same bowl with the puree. Then sprinkle in 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp cloves. If you are feeling a little extra you can also give it a dash of pumpkin pie spice! Whisk the spices and puree together until it is well combined. Now take your eggs and crack them into a small bowl. Lightly beat them and pour them into the pumpkin puree mix. Pour in 1 (6 oz) can of evaporated milk. This creamy picture looks so good! We whisk everything together by hand but you could also use a hand mixer or immersion blender. Set that aside and roll out your crust into a pie dish. To make this look prettier, I trimmed off the excess around the edges and gently pressed the fork around the rim. Note: Don't throw away the extra dough! Repeat that all the way around and with the extra dough I cut out two small leaves to add to the side. Get as creative as you want with this or just toss it, it's your life and your pie! Pour the mixture into your pie crust. If you want to use a baking spatula to smooth it you can! At this point you can also brush an egg or milk wash on the crust so that it bakes to a golden brown color. I have this fancy little pie crust protector but you could also just cover the crust with a strip of foil. Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes, checking it regularly by using your oven light, not by opening the door. To check if it is done, insert a small knife one inch from the edge and see if it comes out clean. A note about cracks, pie cracks that is... The beauty of a pumpkin pie is that smooth top and the question is how do you get that? Since our recipe has 3 eggs that makes for a thicker filling, which I personally like. It also means that you have to be cautious to not over bake it. When the eggs bake they tighten up and when they have been in the oven for too long they will inevitably begin to tighten unevenly causing the pie to split. In short, over baking the pumpkin pie will cause cracks. You can avoid this by baking on the lower rack, using a thermometer, and practice! The internal temperature of your pie should be between 160-170, but shoot for 160. The eggs in the pie will continue to cook after its been pulled out of the oven so try to account for that. And if in the end it does crack, put a big dollop of cool whip on the top! Now sit back with me and enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa! PS: I would recommend that you hide a piece in the fridge for later. 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.

For me, iced coffee is a love language and a way of life. I have one iced coffee a day, all year round, winter included! I can express my love for coffee with this short phrase, I drink coffee like a Gilmore Girl. As if I need caffeine, I'm naturally hyper and excitable, but it's a comfort that I can't help but to indulge. One of my new favorite coffee companies, Guadalupe Roastery, sent me a delicious bag and I have been using it to try out new recipes. This one was made for the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. As you may well know, sometimes I make cheesy food connections so that we can have fun treats for feast days. This recipe takes no time at all, but if you want to make iced coffee the best way, then you will make the coffee the day before. Letting it sit in the refrigerator will cool the hot coffee down in advance so that the ice cubes don't melt faster than you can chill your beverage. Prep Time: 2 minutes Day of Chill Time: 30 minutes Yields: 1 beverage Bring in the Troops! Ice ½ cup (4 fluid ounces) chilled coffee ¼ cup almond milk 1 tablespoon whipping cream 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1 ½ tablespoons caramel sauce Begin by making your coffee and chilling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Pour it over ice and get those measuring spoons ready! Add in 1/4 cup of almond milk, you can also use whole milk at the same ratio. And mid recipe it looks like the little yorkie pup fell asleep on my feet. He frequently does this when I'm cooking and baking in the kitchen, he's such a cuddly little dog. Okay, back to why we are here! Pour in 1 tablespoon whipping cream to your coffee and milk combination. Then drizzle 1 teaspoon maple syrup, I like using this as a more natural sweetener. Add in 1 1/2 tbsps caramel sauce... wait for it... wait for it.... And stir to caramel perfection! Oh goodness it's going to be a good morning. Get your rosary, your devotional, your journal, whatever you pray with and let's give some time to our Blessed Mother. Relax, pray, & drink coffee. This wouldn't be a good feast day post without some resources to learn more about Our Lady of Mt. Carmel right? If you have time for a few reads I would recommend the links below. This year I've seen a lot of, well, let's just say interesting pieces of information about wearing the scapular. Let's do some of our own reading with reliable sources! The Story of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Details About the Brown Scapular 5 Things to Know About Our Lady of Mt Carmel Pray this prayer with your coffee! “O Beautiful Flower of Carmel, most fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, holy and singular, who brought forth the Son of God, still ever remaining a pure virgin, assist us in our necessity. O Star of the Sea, help and protect us. Show us that you are our Mother. Amen.” Happy Feast Day, His Girl Sunday (Steffani)

Today we are putting together a sweet and salty treat that couldn't be easier to prepare. These little witches broomsticks add a pop of character to your Halloween spread without much effort at all. Admittedly they were inspired by my yearly Hocus Pocus viewing and my incredibly busy schedule this year: planning a parish Fall Festival and launching Liturgy Market only a few quick weeks ago. If you have a similarly busy October, this will be right up your alley. Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Yields: As many Reese's Cups as you have purchased! :) What You Need! Small Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Pretzel Sticks Directions Unwrap the small Reese's cups and insert the pretzel stick through the top center. Some may be a bit tough to push the pretzel stick through and if that is the case just let the peanut butter cups sit on the counter for a few minutes. Plate with a little sign that says, "Broomsticks"! If you put these together, tell me about it! I'd love to see your seasonal living so feel free to 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! Praying for you, His Girl Sunday

Somehow this Fall my husband and I fell into a homemade Rice Krispies Treats craze! We were making them every few weeks because that marshmallow gooeyness was so delicious we just couldn't get enough. I don't think I can ever go back to the store bought version, I wasn't that big of a fan anyway, but this just solidified that. Last week when we went to the store I found orange Rice Krispies cereal and I knew I already had little decorative eyes at home so I decided it would be a fun way to celebrate the season by making mummies. I didn't get creative with the Rice Krispies, I just followed the directions on the box which I have put below for your convenience. Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Yields: 12 servings Gather the Troops! 3 tablespoons butter 5-1/2 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows 6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal, white or orange White chocolate for melting Decorative eyes In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Allow these to completely cool before drizzling the melted chocolate. Then cut into 2-inch rectangles so they have a mummy shape. Microwave the white chocolate melts in a glass bowl according to the package. For this part you need to move at a steady pace so that the chocolate doesn't begin to harden. Dip your rectangular Rice Krispies treats into the chocolate 1/3 of the way. Lay them on a lined baking sheet to set. Dip a tablespoon into the bowl of melted white chocolates, then hovering over the treats move the spoon side to side. The chocolate should drip off the spoon and make lines across the Rice Krispies treats. There doesn't need to be any uniform pattern, we want it to look messy to get the mummy effect. While the chocolate is still soft, take your decorative eyes and place them on the dipped portion of your treat. Again, they don't need to be perfectly side by side, the crazy eyes make this a little more silly and fun. If you have any eyes leftover you can also sprinkle them on your serving platter for extra Halloween flair. These didn't last very long and they were perfect to hand out to coworkers! They would also be a delightful classroom treat for the kids' friends and their teachers. Each one can be placed in a ziploc bag for ease in passing out. You can make the bags cuter by cutting off the top and tying it closed with Halloween colored ribbon! 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. Hope you have a fun and prayerful All Hallows' Eve! God love you, Steffani

What could be more comforting than a warm, fragrant glass of mulled cider on a cold or rainy day? I have a fond memory from when I was younger of going to a dear friend's house and her mother would do a similar combination of this just in warm water to make their home smell of the season. It stands out to me so vividly as a scent and warmth that brought consolation and coziness. Serve up that same sense of home to your family and friends this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Allow your domestic church to be a fond memory for others with this delicious drink. There is something so communal about standing around a simmering pot of cider with hands cupped around warm mugs. Ready to get started? Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Yields: 8-10 servings Ingredients 1. 8 cups apple cider 2. 2 cinnamon sticks 3. 3 allspice beads 4. 2 whole cloves 5. 1 whole orange sliced 6. 3 star anise 7. 1/4 cup fresh cranberries Directions 1. Pour 8 cups of apple cider into a large sauce pot or Dutch oven and bring that to a simmer, barely bubbling 2. Add in 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 allspice beads, 2 whole cloves, 1 whole orange sliced, 3 star anise, and 1/4 cup fresh cranberries 3. Let your ingredients simmer for at least 20 minutes 4. Ladle into warm in mugs (If there are undesired particulates use a sieve to remove when serving) 5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice on the rim Want to make this drink a little more jolly? Kick it up a notch by adding a touch of alcohol. This is what I would recommend. Spiced Rum Brandy Bourbon A good ratio would be 1 oz alcohol for every 7-8 oz glass of mulled cider. Or you can just pour a little uncalculated splash into each mug and say cheers! So, cheers, friends! 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.

On of our Saturday morning traditions is to wake up and eat a nice breakfast and relax for as long as the day will allow us. I look forward to getting my bacon, eggs, and pancakes after a week of hustle and bustle. Since we had leftover homemade pumpkin puree we decided to add that to the pancake recipe that was passed down to us. Anybody else do pumpkin flavored recipes and treats into December? I do! These were so good I thought it would be sinful to not share the love! Prep Time: 10-15 minutes Bake Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Yields: 15-18 small pancakes The Cast and Crew 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar (you can also use the same measurement of regular sugar) 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp baking soda 3/4 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsps ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 3/4 cup pumpkin puree 2 eggs 3 tbsps melted butter (and more for greasing the skillet) 1 tsp vanilla extract Grab a large glass bowl and measure out 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Add in 1 1/2 tsps baking powder. Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp salt. Measure out 1/2 tbsp sugar, as you can see I couldn't find my 1/2 tbsp! Grr... we make do. We have been using Coconut Sugar as a healthier alternative, but you could also use regular sugar at the same measurement, judgment free. Don't forget to put in the delicious spices to give it that holiday flavor. Add 1 1/2 tsps ground cinnamon! Next, put in 3/4 tsp baking soda. Back to the spices, measure out 1 tsp ground ginger and add that to the dry mix. Lastly, to give it a little love, add 1/2 tsp nutmeg. Whisk all of your dry ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and set it aside to make your wet mix. In two separate glass bowls, separate the egg yolk and egg whites! This is a little family secret that has been handed down and will make your pancakes light, fluffy, absolutely delectable. To the bowl of egg yolk, add in 3 tbsps melted butter. Then pour in 3/4 cup pumpkin puree. You can use canned for this but I already had lots of puree from making Thanksgiving pies so I had it fresh. If you are interested in doing that check out my last post, it is so easy! https://www.hisgirlsunday.com/post/perfect-pumpkin-puree Take your beaters and make sure that everything is thoroughly combined. Then you are going to add 1 tsp vanilla extract. Pour in 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, seems like a lot I know but just trust me and keep pouring! Grab a rubber spatula and mix all of the wet ingredients together. Now get someone to hold the camera so you can safely pour all that pumpkin goodness into the flour mixture. I combine by hand with the same spatula, this is the start of that process! Keep on going! Alright, when you have perfectly mixed everything it will look like this, but we have one last thing to do! To give your pancakes that fluffiness that we all want you need to tend to your egg whites. Rinse off the beaters and place them into the egg whites. Set them on medium-high until they begin to look white and foamy like this. Don't stop there! You see those little snowy mountains? That is what you want to see when you raise your beaters up out of the egg whites. That is how you know you are finished! Slide those into the batter and fold them in. Fold, fold, fold! That is key, you don't want to mash the egg whites that you just worked so hard on. This is a close up of my batter with the folded egg whites. It's okay if they aren't entirely covered, you don't want big chunks of egg whites but a little peaking out like this is fine. Cooking Directions: Using some sort of scoop, you can pour them out onto a greased skillet on low to medium heat. I grease with spray canola oil but you can also use butter if your heart desires. Make sure you leave plenty of room between them for the batter to expand. Cook for a minute or two until the batter bubbles around the edges and then flip. This is my finished product with maple syrup and homemade butter courtesy of my mother in law! Yummmmmmm! Voila! Pumpkin pancakes, happy bellies, restful holiday season Saturday mornings. 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. 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. Praying for you as we build tradition together!

Halloween is the season of seasonal delights, saintly costumes, and, of course, mouthwatering treats. While we all love a good stash of candy, there's something about creating your own Halloween-themed snacks that adds an extra layer of fun to the festivities. That's where Jalapeño Mummy Poppers come into play! These delicious morsels are not only a taste bud adventure but also a perfect addition to your Halloween party spread or a delectable snack for family movie night. Picture this: plump jalapeño peppers, oozing with tasty cheese, wrapped in a crispy, golden layer of bacon, and adorned with whimsical mummy-like features. These little bites are the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy, making them a treat that both kids and adults will adore. Whether you're planning a Halloween soirée or just want a little seasonal excitement in your kitchen, our Jalapeño Mummy Poppers will be sure to fly off the plates. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating these festive and mouthwatering morsels. So grab your chef's hat, and let's get started on a culinary Halloween adventure like no other! Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Yields: 20 servings Ingredients 12 large jalapeno peppers 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 12 strips of bacon Candy eyes Directions Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Slice the peppers in half and remove the insides and seeds. In a bowl, combine the 4 ounces cream cheese, 4 ounces shredded mozzarella, 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Slice the bacon lengthwise so that each jalapeno can be wrapped in a thin slice of bacon. Wrap the jalapeno as you desire but leave some space open for the candy eyes to rest. I didn't do this uniformly so that there was fun and silly variation in the eye placement. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the bacon is completely cooked. Check them at 15 minutes to see if they need to cook for longer. Let the jalapeno poppers cool before arranging them on a plate and setting the eyes on them. 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 .

What is All Souls' Day? The feast of All Souls, observed on November 2nd, is a day when Catholics remember, honor, and pray for the faithful departed, especially those believed to be in purgatory. The Catholic Church teaches that purgatory is a temporary state of purification for souls who died in God's grace but still need cleansing to enter heaven. Prayers, Masses, and acts of charity offered by the living can help these souls on their journey to eternal peace in heaven. Where Do Soul Cakes Come From? The tradition of soul cakes is connected to medieval customs associated with All Souls' Day. People would bake and give out small cakes, often called “soul cakes,” in memory of the departed. These cakes would be offered to visitors or to the poor as they went “souling,” a practice in which people would go door to door, praying for the dead in exchange for food. The cakes were typically round and marked with a cross, symbolizing prayers for the souls in purgatory. This tradition of giving soul cakes is a way for communities to pray for and remember the deceased, share in charity, and pass down Catholic beliefs about the communion of saints and the power of intercessory prayer. Although the practice of “souling” has mostly faded, baking and sharing soul cakes remains a meaningful way for us to connect with the festivity of All Souls’ Day and to remember that our prayers continue to support and bring comfort to the faithful departed. Try My Recipe! Here's a unique and delicious take on Soul Cakes that blends traditional elements with modern flavors. My version adds a touch of warmth and comfort, perfect for the season! Orange Spice Soul Cakes with Honey-Maple Glaze Ingredients: For the cakes: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 tsp baking powder - ½ tsp ground cinnamon - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg - ¼ tsp ground cloves - ¼ tsp ground ginger - ½ tsp salt - ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1 egg - ½ cup milk - Zest of 1 orange - 1 tsp vanilla extract - ½ cup currants or raisins (optional) For the Honey-Maple Glaze: - ¼ cup honey - 2 tbsp maple syrup - 1 tbsp butter - Pinch of cinnamon Instructions: 1. Preheat and Prep: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. 2. Make the dough: - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. - Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. - Stir in the orange zest and currants (if using). 3. Wet ingredients: - In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough should be soft but firm enough to roll out. 4. Shape the cakes: - Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness. - Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles. - Place the cakes on the prepared baking sheet and score the tops with a cross pattern using a knife. 5. Bake: - Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. 6. Glaze: - While the cakes are baking, make the glaze by heating the honey, maple syrup, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth. - Once the cakes are done, brush the warm cakes with the glaze. 7. Serve: - Allow the cakes to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with tea or coffee. These Orange Spice Soul Cakes offer a blend of old-world charm with the bright, refreshing flavor of orange and the warmth of spices, elevated with a luscious honey-maple glaze. Perfect for sharing on a cool autumn day! Remember, the secret ingredient to liturgical living recipes is sharing in the fun with your friends and family. Happy baking and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and the delicious scent of soul cakes!