Bootlegger’s and Saint Anthony

Bootlegger’s and Saint Anthony? Please explain. Well, today is National Bootlegger’s Day and the Feast of Saint Anthony. Just who is Saint Anthony? That might be the better question.

Before we can answer who Saint Anthony is, we first need to establish just which Saint Anthony we’re talking about. After all, there are more than one. But only one celebrates his feast day today. He is known as Saint Anthony the Great.

Most of what we know about Anthony comes from the Life of Anthony, written by Athanasius of Alexandria in 360. The biography was written in Greek, later translated into Latin. He was born at Coma, Upper Egypt, in 251, of rich parents. When his parents died, they left their son in the care of his unmarried sister. As their son, the money went to him. Soon after, Anthony was inspired by Matthew 19:21 “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven.” Taking it to heart, he gave some land to his neighbors, sold the remaining property and donated all the proceeds to fund the poor. As for his sister, he placed her with a group of Christian Virgins.

Anthony himself became somewhat of a recluse; living a celibate life. It is said that he never ate meat nor took a drink. He was completely dedicated to God, believing that self-denial was a part of his calling. Soon there were reports of Anthony doing battle with Satin in the desert. This drew hundreds to him, to learn from him. While Anthony himself probably spoke only his native language, Coptic, an Egyptian dialect, his teachings were spread through Greek translations. Of his various teachings, one in particular struck me as having great insight into the times of today.

A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying “your are mad; you are not like us”.
Saint Anthony the Great

At 54, he established a religious community of Cenobites who lived in detatched cells. Anthony the Great lived another 51 years; and was called home on January 17, 356. He was 105 years old. There is much more to Saint Anthony than this small glimps into his long life. He is someone to admire, even if you don’t agree with his life choices. I for one am in awe of people who have that unwavering commitment to a life of prayer and service.

Today is also Bootleggers Day and National Hot Buttered Rum. Talk about a far cry from Saint Anthony! I find it ironic. As much as I admire his convictions, they aren’t mine. So forgive me, Saint Anthony, but it’s time to raise a glass and salute the Rum Runners of yesteryears with a drink sure to warm your bones from the inside out. It’s been a while since I shared this particular recipe, one that is worth a revisit.

Colonial Hot Buttered Rum
2 cups Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Butter
1 pinch Salt
2 qts Hot Water
2 Cinnamon Sticks
6 Cloves, whole
2 cups Rum

In the bowl of a 5-quart slow cooker, combine brown sugar, butter, salt and hot water. Stir to combine. Add whole sticks of cinnamon and whole cloves. Cover and let simmer on low for 5 hours.

Just before serving, fish the cloves from the slow-cooker pot. Stir in the rum.

To Serve
1 cup Heavy Cream, whipped
2 tablespoons sugar, to sweeten whipped cream
Ground Nutmeg for dusting
Ground Cinnamon for dusting
Cinnamon Stick, optional for garnish

About 30 minutes before serving, chill the bowl and whip of a mixer in the freezer. Once the bowl has chilled well, whip heavy cream with sugar until firm peaks form. Cover bowl and set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.

To serve:  Ladle buttered rum into mugs. Top with whipped cream. Dust a little fresh ground  nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon. Serve and enjoy.

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Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!