Ember Days of Spring and Sandwiches for Supper

Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord

Today is the final Ember Days of Spring. Spring, a time of renewal. A time of growth. A time to draw ever closer to God.

True wisdom is a gift from God. It is through prayer that we can seek God’s guidance, His wisdom in all we do. Psalm 19:8 tells us that the precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. Who does not seek joy in our lives? Sometimes in our search for joy, we tend to look in the wrong places. Material things might make us happy for a time, but when their shiny “new” thrill wears thin, we are left wanting more. And there is nothing wrong with wanting more. Providing that what we seek is truly good. More power? Not so good. More love in the world? Now that’s something we need in abundance.

Ember Days are a beautiful part of Catholic Faith of old. Like many things within the Church, the idea of Ember Days has not been abandoned, especially among the Ordained, yet it is no longer considered a required act of faith among the lay people. While I do not practice the sacrifice of  fasting and abstinence that was once associated with Ember Days, I do like to take advantage of the opportunity to turn my attention toward God with gratitude. Originally these days marked the changing of the seasons. In our modern world, we seem to take the seasons for granted. In many ways, the seasons don’t have the same impact they once did. Foods that are out of season in one part of the world are readily available in another. Import what you cannot grow. It’s why the mega markets are bursing with fruits and vegetables all year long. Still, we should give thanks. To appreciate blessings is to tap into the simple joy a blessing can give. Bite into that ripe peach, and say “Thank you God, for this is really good!”

Springtime also means mild days. There is nothing as wonderful as taking a walk, listening to the birds sing, see the flowers and trees budding out, and to let those blessings fill our hearts. Joy unto the Lord!

Turkey Croissant Sandwiches
Mayonnaise Spread
2/3 cup Mayonnaise
2 tablespoon Sour Cream
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
Pinch Black Pepper

In a bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Croissant Sandwiches
4 Butter Croissants
16 oz sliced Smoke Turkey Breast
4 slices Swiss Cheese
1 large Tomato, sliced
Green Leaf Lettuce

Split croissants, spread cut sides with mayonnaise spread. Divide turkey among sandwiches, folding as needed to fit snuggly inside sandwich. Cut each slice of cheese in half again, drape over turkey.

Slice tomato, drape over cheese. Top with lettuce leaf. Secure top of croissant, serve and enjoy.

Mema’s Sweet Pickle Macaroni Salad
3 Eggs, hard boiled
8 oz Macaroni Salad Pasta
1/4 Red Onion, diced
1 Celery Rib
3 tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish (or to taste)
3/4 cup Mayonnaise
Splash Red Wine Vinegar
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Green Onion, optional garnish

Peel hard-boiled eggs and set in refrigerator to cool completely.

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and rinse well under cold running water. Set aside to continue draining.

In bowl, combine onions, celery, pickle relish, mayonnaise and red wine vinegar. Whisk to combine. Taste dressing and season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning according to personal tastes.

Chop 2 eggs. Add to dressing. Cut V marks in remaining egg to create tulip flowers. Reserve 1 flower, chop remaining flower and add to dressing. Taste dressing a second time, adjust seasonings as necessary.

Place macaroni in a large bowl. Pour egg dressing over macaroni. If desired, add chopped olives and toss to coat. Smooth out top.

Using the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the top of the salad. Place Egg flower into indentations. If desired, sprinkle lightly with paprika. Cover with plastic and refrigerate until well chilled.