On 11th Day of Christmas Let’s Spice Things Up

Here we are, four days into the new secular year. January 4 is the 11th Day of Christmas, with only 1 day remaining. It is National Spaghetti Day, Missouri Day and the Feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Yeah, try pulling all that together in a single post.

First things first. For me, faith always comes first.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first American-born Catholic Saint. She is proof positive that you don’t need to be a cradle Catholic to achieve Sainthood. Elizabeth converted to the faith as an adult living abroad in Italy. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton suffered great hardship once shunned by her elite community after the death of her husband. She went on to dedicate her life to the care and education of poor children in America. There are a number of schools and parishes throughout the country that bear her name.

On the 11th Day of Christmas, we are given Eleven Pipers Piping. Just who are these eleven, and what are they piping?

“And when it was day, he called unto his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zealots. And Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.” Luke 6: 13 – 16

Of the twelve chosen, eleven remained as His apostles until death. They were His Vicars on earth, guiding the flock as trusted shepherds. The Apostles serve throughout the ages as examples of faith and trust in the Lord. They answered the call to evangelize for God. All are called to evangelize for the Lord in our own way according to our talents, gifts, and station in life. Some answer that call. Some don’t. God knows this, yet He continues to call because He never gives up on us. His love is unconditional.

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On the secular calendar, today is Spaghetti Day and Missouri Day. I suppose we could have cooked up a big pot of Spaghetti with a Midwestern twist. After all, Spaghetti as we know it in America really isn’t an Italian Dish, but an Italian-American one. However; we did the whole Spaghetti thing last year with our take on Camp David Spaghetti. So this time around, to honor Missouri’s Midwest flavors while kicking things up a notch, a Hot Dish seemed the tasty choice. Enjoy!

Spicy Midwest Hot Dish
6 oz Wide Egg Noodle Pasta
Salt to taste
1/4 White Onion
1 (14 oz) can Corn
3/4 lb Ground Beef
2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel Tomatoes
Black Pepper to taste
1/4 cup shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup shredded Mexican Cheese Blend

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and keep warm.

While the water comes to a boil and the noodles cook, drain corn, set aside. Peel and dice half an onion, set aside.

In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions, breaking meat apart as it cooks

Drain meat, return to skillet. Add garlic, corn, tomatoes and taco seasoning. Add pasta, stir to blend. Season with pepper to taste.

Let simmer 5 minutes for flavors to mingle. Remove from heat, top with cheese, cover and let cheese melt.

Serve and enjoy.