The Cross & Cleaver. Where Heaven Meets Earth. What’s Your Diet?
What’s Your Diet? (Part Two)- Recalibrating
Transition and change are not always easy. Second-guessing, re-packing, and re-checking to-do lists is the stuff nightmares are made of. I keep transitioning from the previous format of these articles into the project I got excited about … reflecting for you, and with you, on the similarities between dinner and worship service, whether you are preparing, offering or attending either one. So, this is the final “transition piece” … I promise!
I shared several times previously about the position from which I write. Here is a reminder, in case you missed it, or you are new to this column. I am an omnivore cook and eater. I am a post-liberal/progressive Christian pastor. I have many questions about food and faith alike, and I see them as mutually inseparable. I also have several strongly held opinions.
Not everyone agrees with my overall thinking, with my food choices or with the values espoused by the form of Christianity I identify with. And that is OK. Disagreements are OK, sarcasm can be OK, and educated criticism can be OK. We can all learn from that. Dissing, shaming, bullying or excluding, however, are not OK. And that should apply to the kitchen and the church alike.
I get annoyed by the social media posts that aim to dismiss, under a guise of a joke or “science”, the vegan folk, or the decaf folk, or the non-alcoholic beer folk etc. You know… by the “only real coffee in my veins” people. The same goes for the rejection of the LGBTQ2S+ people. Or the people not reading the Bible as the ultimate, authoritative word of God for all times there. Or people, like me, who will offer communion without reservation to anyone who extends their hand in the hope of being fed. That usually comes from the “real” Christians who possess every ounce of truth and claim to know God’s will better than God. Yep—I am being sarcastic.
There is more than one way to cook a steak and cooking for a vegan at a table should not be a major drama. As long as neither side is arrogant in their opinion nor militant in attitude, such dinner could be something we might want to repeat. Eating with such person, and hearing their stories can only enrich us. It will not turn you vegan—I promise!!! Just as a meal with a person of different faith, expression can be enriching if nobody tries to convert anybody. Practice curiosity not judgment, not-agreeing or not-understanding, does not have to be an argument.
There is also more than one way to enjoy a delicious Colcannon soup. Traditionally, Colcannon is a dish of mashed potatoes. Making it a soup stretches it, and provides for variety while not denying its base.
COLCANNON SOUP (ingredients in the recipe)
-In a large pot heat a little oil on medium heat.
-Add medium-sized chopped onion and white parts of spring onion bunch (as opposed to 3-4 large leeks which are impossible to find these days in Kindersley). Stir frequently until soft.
-Add finely shredded medium cabbage. Cook approx. 5 min. Stirring often.
-Add 4 large potatoes finely diced. Cover with chicken stock/broth (1L approx.). Stir, bring to a boil, lower temp and simmer on low for approx. 20 min.
-When potatoes are soft, mash everything with potato masher and add 1 cup of milk or cream. A knob of butter would not hurt 😉. Stir….
-Add finely chopped green onion parts, stir and cook another 2-3 minutes.
-Serve.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS (1 cup of either):
-Shredded Irish cheddar or smoked cheese
-Fried bacon bits
-Diced smoked fish
-Diced sausage
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