Monday Recap: January 2017

February 6, 2017February 5, 2017 franciscanmomLeave a comment

It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.

At CatholicMom.com

Tech Talk: Listen to Our Writers: Several CatholicMom.com authors have their own podcasts! Subscribe to their shows for encouragement, entertainment and education.

At Cook and Count

Walnut Spice Cake: a dressed-up quick bread perfect for dessert.

Mushroom-Rosemary Marinara: a hearty meatless pasta sauce.

Orecchiette with Ricotta and Peas: comfort food!

Cod with Mustard and Panko: a jazzed-up baked fish dinner.

Monday Recap: July 4, 2016

July 4, 2016 franciscanmomLeave a comment

It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’ve gathered up links to the work I’ve done in other spaces.

At CatholicMom.com

Book Notes: Sunflowers in a Hurricane. My review of a new novel by Catholic author Anne Faye. Terrific characters in this one; it’s a great summer read.

Question of the Week: Ice Cream Edition. Just for fun–what’s your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Book Notes: Find a Real Friend in Jesus. Gary Zimak’s new book, Find a Real Friend in Jesus, is full of friendly, personal advice from someone who is so invested in his faith that he can’t help but share it with others.

Question of the Week: Summer Reading. Our question of the week: How do you handle summer-reading assignments with your school-age children?

Book Notes: The Creed by Scott Hahn. Scott Hahn’s new book, The Creed, invites readers to consider the importance of affirming their beliefs, and why we still need to do so today.

Question of the Week: Summer Activities for the Kids. Our Question of the Week: do your children participate in summer activities, such as sports, camps, or VBS?

Book Notes: A Novel for Fathers and Sons. This Father’s Day, consider giving a father-son gift: a novel that fathers and sons can enjoy together. Full Cycle by Christopher Blunt is just such a book.

Meatless Friday: Mahi Burgers with Grilled Pineapple. For your Meatless Friday meal, I introduce a healthy and delicious burger alternative: mahi burgers with grilled pineapple.

What My Daughter Has Taught Me about Mercy #OTEM. I examine the lessons I can learn from my impulsive daughter, who never hesitates to take action when others are in need.

At Cook and Count

Pineapple Salsa: a picnic-worthy side that goes with just about anything you’ll be grilling up this summer!

A Spicy Father’s Day Gift for Foodie Dads: my review of a deliciously spicy combination of ingredients from Fuego Box.

Monday Recap: February 2016

March 7, 2016 franciscanmomLeave a comment

At CatholicMom.com

Meatless Fridays with CRS Rice Bowl: Rice and Lentil Mash

This Lent, CatholicMom.com is partnering with CRS Rice Bowl in a special way, sharing the CRS Rice Bowl featured recipes on each Lenten Friday. I sampled Rice and Lentil Mash, a recipe from Laos.

Now on DVD: a TV Series that Proclaims God’s Mercy and Love

I reviewed the Touched By an Angel Complete Series boxed set of DVDs, a program with a message of mercy that’s needed even more now than when the show first aired.

Book Notes: Bread Upon the Water

I reviewed Bread Upon the Water, a story of perseverance that was written for the young adult audience but which will inspire adults as well.

Tech Talk: Magnificat Lenten Companion App

If you prefer to use a digital resource for your Lenten prayer and meditation, you’ll definitely want to explore the Magnificat Lenten Companion app for iOS. I examined its many features in my monthly Tech Talk column.

Rejoicing in the Dark Places: Inheritance by Audrey Assad

Praising God when you can’t see the light? Amazingly, it helps more than you might think! The music on Audrey Assad’s new CD, Inheritance, is a gentle reminder that we’re not in this alone.

Meatless Friday: 3-Bean Chili Mac

My recipe for meatless Chili Mac is Snow Day food at its best: it’s warm, tasty and fills you up. You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry!

Book Notes: The Kiss of Jesus

Catholicmom contributor Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle has written a memoir that views suffering through the lens of faith. I reviewed “The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross.”

At Cook and Count

Sesame Chicken Tenders: Crispy chicken tenders are always a family favorite. These no-fry chicken tenders get a little extra crunch from the sesame seeds, but don’t dry out in the oven thanks to a sour-cream-based marinade.

Gnocchi e Fagioli: Here’s a meatless dish that comes together in about 20 minutes! It’s easy to make and very heart-healthy. You won’t even miss the meat in this simple meal. Add other quick-cooking fresh vegetables to change up the flavor.

Cooking with Kids – Lazy Duchess Potatoes: These potatoes might not look fancy, but they’re fun for kids to make and an easy way to use up your leftover mashed potatoes.

Blueprint Recipe – Crumb Crusted Chicken: This 3-ingredient “blueprint recipe” is a favorite around here and easy to change up by swapping in different varieties of one ingredient!

Maple – Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs: The sauce on this chicken has a subtle sweetness. While the recipe’s a little more complex than my usual cooking repertoire (because I’m lazy), this is definitely worth the extra effort. It goes with any of your favorite side dishes.

Meatless Friday – Honey-Lime Fish Fillets: Fish fillets are an easy way to make a Meatless Friday meal. Try this simple and flavorful dish!

At Dynamic Women of Faith

Book Review: 3 New Lenten Resources from Ave Maria Press

Book Review: A Single Bead by Stephanie Engelman

Book Review: The Kiss of Jesus by Donna Marie Cooper-O’Boyle

#WorthRevisit: Meatless Edition

February 10, 2016 franciscanmomLeave a comment

During Lent, Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays as well as on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, when we also fast. Here’s how that works.

There’s more to Lenten meals, though, than fish sticks. No offense, Mrs. Paul, but you’re not our only option when it comes to feeding our family meatless meals.

Your Lenten dinners don’t need to be extravagant, but there’s no reason that simple can’t also be delicious and healthy (well, as healthy as mac & cheese with crab can possibly be…)

Over at my cooking blog, Cook and Count, I’ve set up an easy link for you to access all the meatless recipes included there–and I’ve linked to the CatholicMom.com Meatless Friday recipes as well. I’ve been contributing meatless recipes to CatholicMom since 2013, when Lisa Hendey graciously let me run with the ball in the cooking department.

And for the Almsgiving part of Lent, don’t forget to put aside the money you’ve saved by serving a simple, meatless meal on Fridays and donate it to CRS Rice Bowl or other organization that serves the hungry.

Speaking of CRS Rice Bowl, you’ll find me and 4 other CatholicMom bloggers in the CRS Rice Bowl Recipe section this year, sharing our experiences of cooking their recipes with our families.

I’m linking up with Reconciled to You and Theology is a Verb for #WorthRevisit Wednesday, a place where you can come and bring a past & treasured post to share, and link up with fellow bloggers!

Monday Recap: December 7, 2015

December 7, 2015 franciscanmomLeave a comment

At CatholicMom.com

Meatless Friday: Fast Fish Tacos

Here’s a crowd-pleasing recipe for fish tacos that’s quick to put together. Don’t save this dish for summertime! Fish tacos make a quick, light meatless meal that you can enjoy all year ’round.

Book Notes: Roland West, Loner by Theresa Linden

I reviewed a novel that’s a perfect gift for the teen boys in your life: Roland West, Loner. This novel packs plenty of mystery and suspense, along with a healthy dose of the Communion of Saints.

At Cook and Count

Cookie Time: Giant Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Cookies

Roaster Ovens: Not Just for Thanksgiving Anymore

Chicken Marinara with Mushrooms and Capers

Monday Recap: November 9, 2015

November 9, 2015November 9, 2015 franciscanmomLeave a comment

At CatholicMom.com

Meatless Friday: Teriyaki Salmon with Fried Rice. I’ve shared a quick and easy recipe for Teriyaki Salmon with Quick Fried Rice. Try this for your next Meatless Friday meal!

Book Notes: Sacred Reading, the 2016 Guide to Daily Prayer. Why not begin the new Church year with a new prayer practice? Here I review Sacred Reading, a guide to lectio divina for the 2016 Church year.

At Cook and Count

10-Grain Cinnamon Raisin Bread. A healthier twist on cinnamon-raisin swirl bread, this makes fabulous toast. I can’t wait to try it as French toast! (It’s great for peanut-butter sandwiches too.)

Copyright 2015 Becky Campbell. All rights reserved.

Diabetes Awareness Month: A Parent’s Perspective. My friend Becky Campbell wrote this two years ago at my request. I was writing for a parenting blog and wanted to include some useful content about diabetes. 6 days after Becky’s post was published, TheKid was diagnosed. Becky has been a wonderful source of support to me and Hubs ever since. November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Know the signs; save a life.

Monday Recap: 10/5/2015

October 5, 2015 franciscanmomLeave a comment

There’s been a lot of writing going on this week!

At CatholicMom.com:

A Catholic School Welcomes Pope Francis

Progressive Dinner: Granma’s Rolls

Meatless Friday: Ranch Tuna Macaroni Salad

Saintly Greetings: Saints for All Occasions Cards

Book Notes: Stay With Me by Carolyn Astfalk (look for a longer review of this book on Saturday, right here!)

At Cook and Count:

Sally’s Magic Chicken

Monday Recap: September 7, 2015

September 7, 2015September 7, 2015 franciscanmomLeave a comment

At CatholicMom.com:

You’re invited to the very first CatholicMom.com Virtual Progressive Dinner!

You’re invited to our very first Virtual Progressive Dinner here at CatholicMom.com! Find out how you can share your favorite recipe and join the fun.

Book Notes: Two Novels with a Side of Angels

Novels are always a pleasure to read, but they don’t have to be a “guilty pleasure.” I reviewed two novels you’ll want to share with the teens in your life–but don’t miss the chance to read them for yourself.

Meatless Friday: Rainbow Stir Fry with Shrimp

Here’s a quick-cooking shrimp stir-fry with plenty of colorful vegetables for your next Meatless Friday meal.

Monday Recap: July 13, 2015

July 13, 2015July 12, 2015 franciscanmomLeave a comment

At CatholicMom.com:

Tech Talk: Checking Things Off My Wunderlist. Tired of writing lists in your planner and on Post-It notes and scraps of paper that get lost or aren’t with you when you need them? Here’s my review of the Wunderlist app, which lets you go paperless with all your lists.

Meatless Friday Radio Feature with the Catholic Foodie. Our weekly Meatless Friday feature here at CatholicMom.com got a shoutout this week on contributor Jeff Young’s show on Real Life Radio, Around the Table with the Catholic Foodie. Listen in!