Savor the Flavor

Why this cookbook? A large portion of our life happens in the kitchen, as well as around the table, eating and sharing stories with one another. Food connects us together, a blessing from God’s Creation that sustains us physically and spiritually. Orthodox Christians recognize this. At St Mary’s, food is blessed. For example, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, when our Lord Jesus Christ revealed Himself in His divinity on Mt. Tabor, we bless fruits and other harvest items to celebrate the first fruits of the season. Food is offered. A special bread is prepared for Communion, offered with wine to become the Body and Blood of Christ. When one passes away, a special, sweet grain mixture is prepared as an offering and reminder of our future resurrection. Our eating is tempered during periods of fasting. In addition to regular Wednesday and Friday fasts through most of the year, we also observe four extended periods of fasting, including Great Lent. Such fasts see us abstain from certain food items, such as meat and dairy, while also working on virtues such as almsgiving and increased prayer. Because over half our year is spent fasting, you will see the impact this spiritual practice has on many of the recipes here. Our eating is thoroughly enjoyed during periods of feasting. Though much time is spent fasting, don’t think we don’t enjoy ourselves! Rich, decadent recipes welcome us when we celebrate the end of fasting. One of the most anticipated times is when we celebrate Pascha, or Easter. Having passed through Great Lent, we arrive to celebrate our Lord’s Resurrection with an incredible variety of meats, cheeses, chocolates, and so much more. Seeing an Orthodox Easter basket, blessed with holy water and filled with sausage and eggs, is definitely a sight for sore eyes for us! As you can see, food is central to us in so many ways. A lot is communicated through our food choices. For many who helped compose this cookbook, these recipes share traditions of faith, community, and cultures from all around the world. For you, our “why” for this cookbook is to give you a vibrant taste of St. Mary’s, with the earnest hope that these recipes become a blessing from us to you to share in your own kitchen and around your table.

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Savor The Flavor