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Candlemas Lefse and Lemon Curd "Candlemas is celebrated forty days after Christmas, on February 2nd, and commemorates the Feast of Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, also known as the Purification of Mary. These forty days are twofold: the first reason being that Mary and Joseph presented their firstborn son, Jesus, in the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth. This is also the timeframe that a woman needed to be purified after birth. For Catholics, Candlemas also marks the end of the Christmas season in the traditional calendar. It is customary on Candlemas to bless candles that will be used throughout the liturgical year in the parish and in the home. The candlelight is significant in that it represents the last feast of the season of light and represents an outward and visible sign of Christ who illumines our hearts. For many, February 2nd is also Groundhog Day, determining whether winter will continue for an additional six weeks. I live in the area in which the 1993 film with Bill Murray by the same name was filmed, so Groundhog Day is a big deal here! What I love most about this day though is the promise of Spring. In the Midwest, we are still often battling frigid temperatures and snow. But by February I'm ready to get seeds started inside and moved into the greenhouse as soon as possible. Lemon recipes at this time of year remind me of warmer, hands in the dirt, sunny days ahead. Lemon curd is super simple to make and only uses four ingredients. It can be used as a filling in cakes or pies, in layered desserts like parfaits, or my favorite as a spread on toast, English muffins, and lefse. Lefse is soft Norwegian flatbread made out of mashed potatoes. In a move that would appall my ancestors, I use instant mashed potato flakes. In France, crepes are traditionally served on Candlemas. Their round shape and golden color symbolizes the sun, and warmer days to come. As a proper Scandinavian growing up in Minnesota, lefse, though a little heavier than crepes, represents the same thing. I love the contrast of the heaviness of the lefse against the lightness of the lemon curd. It reminds me that following the long winter, spring will come. The light, the sun, and the Son will come again." (Elizabeth Baker, Catholic Mama's Liturgical Living) I am so honored to have Elizabeth share her recipe for the feast of Candlemas. She is one of the women who manages Catholic Mama's Liturgical Living, a Facebook group that creates community and practical support for women seeking to bring the liturgical year to life in their home. A big, warm thank you for being a guest contributor at Liturgy Kitchen. (candlemas lefse and lemon curd) Lemon Curd Prep Time: 10 minutes Lemon Curd Cook Time: 10 minutes Lemon Curd Yields: 1 Cup Lefse Prep Time: 10 minute and overnight chilling Lefse Bake Time: 15 minutes Lefse Yields: 8-10 Pieces Lemon Curd Ingredients 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 egg yolks Juice and zest of three lemons 6 tablespoons cold butter Instructions Whisk sugar, eggs, and egg yolks in a heavy bottom saucepan until light pale yellow Add juice and zest Cook over low to medium heat until thick and bubbly, 5-7 minutes Pour mixture through fine-mesh sieve Stir in butter one tablespoon at a time until melted The curd will thicken as it cools Store in refrigerator Lefse Ingredients 1 1/2 cups instant mashed potato flakes 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup water (approximately) 1/2 cup milk 1 cup flour Instructions Mix salt and potato flakes in a medium sized bowl Put butter in a 1/2 cup measuring cup and add water to cup to fill Place is small saucepan and bring to a boil Pour over potatoes and mix with a fork Add milk and flour and mix thoroughly Cover with plastic wrap and cool for about one hour After cooled roll into 1 1/2 inch sized balls Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight On a floured surface roll thinly with a rolling pin Cook on skillet or griddle over medium to high heat, approximately 1 minutes each side until there are light brown spots Check out this delicious food! We're eagerly anticipating the opportunity to present a heartfelt meal for the celebration of Candlemas. Did you make this recipe? If so, we would love to see it. Drop a picture in the comment or send it to us on social media. Want to be a part of Elizabeth's liturgical living group? Join here! Catholic Mama's Liturgical Living And if you're not following along with the Liturgy Culture & Kitchen community, I welcome you to a seat at the table. His Girl Sunday Facebook His Girl Sunday Instagram For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more celebratory.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Honored to Share Three Marian-Inspired Halloween Costumes for Women! I'm thrilled to have Becca from The Art of Catholic Homemaking as a guest contributor on Liturgy, Culture & Kitchen. With All Saints' Day right around the corner, we're excited to dress up in a Catholic-inspired way. Becca has shared three amazing Halloween costume ideas for women that are inspired by Mary herself! We're grateful for her contribution, and we can't wait to try out these costumes. Thank you so much, Becca! catholic women marian halloween costumes There are so many options and ideas online for kids costumes, but there isn’t much for women and moms who also want to dress up as saints. I’m here to help you with that, and who better to dress up after than Our Mother Mary herself! We're confident that you'll adore these ideas and realize how effortless they are to implement. Our Lady of Pontmain Also known as Our Lady of Hope, this is an apparition of Our Lady, which is not often talked about. The people in the small village of France were saved from the Russians because of their prayers to our Lady. It is a visually stunning outfit and when you're done wearing it as a costume, you can switch their use for daily wear. Here is what you will need! Long sleeve blue dress Gold stars (tape or glue them on the dress) Gold crown Blue shawl or scarf Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego beginning in the 16th century. The story of the apparitions convey her message of love, compassion, and her universal promise of assistance and protection to all humanity. The color pallette of this outfit is going to make this Marian costume easily identifiable. Here is what you will need! Tan dress Black flats Black waist ribbon or sash Teal shawl or scarf Gold stars (taped or glued onto the teal shawl or scarf) Gold crown Our Lady of La Salette Another beautiful apparition of Mary is Our Lady of La Salette. If you don’t already know what her message is about, you should read the story further. She warned against things like missing mass on Sundays, and using the Lord’s name in vain. Our Lady wore a very bright and distinguishable outfit that highly recognizable to other Catholics. Here is what you will need! White dress Yellow apron Flower crown and gold crown combination Floral flats Cross necklace As adults we must remember that it is our inheritance to take part in these liturgical feasts, not only for the example of our children, but for praising God and building a liturgical life for ourselves and our communities. I pray that you all have a very blessed Allhallowtide and have been encouraged to dress up in celebration and fun! Get more ideas and encouragement from Steffani and Becca! The Art of Catholic Homemaking Instagram And if you're not following along with the Liturgy Culture & Kitchen community, I welcome you to join us. His Girl Sunday Facebook His Girl Sunday Instagram For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more joyful.

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