The Feast Day of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Thomas Aquinas. In the past, I seem to share recipes for Blueberry Pancakes to celebrate this particular day. And with good reason, since it’s also National Blueberry Pancake Day.

Another favorite thing to do for Saint Thomas is to share quotes from this amazing man. As a Catholic, I am encouraged to strive for sainthood. While that sounds terribly self-serving, it isn’t. Saints are people, ordinary people, who put the will of God and serving Christ about all else. To accomplish this requires humility and sacrifice.

While I’ll be revisiting a recipe from the past today rather than to serve up more pancakes, words of inspiration are a must. Of all the Saints, Saint Thomas is my favorite. His wisdom speaks to my heart and touches my soul in ways I cannot explain. It is my hope his words will inspire you too.

Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things that are not in hand.

Love takes up where knowledge leaves off.

Angels transcend every religion, every philosophy, every creed. In fact Angels have no religion as we know it . . . Their existence precedes every religious system that has ever existed on Earth.

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Have a glorious Tuesday filled with plenty of spice!

Grand Southwestern Chili Burritos
Southwestern Chili
1/2 large Yellow Onion
1/2 Red Bell Pepper
3 Serrano or other small hot chili peppers
2 lbs Ground Beef
1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel Tomatoes
3/4 cup Beef Stock, divided
1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans
1-1/2 tablespoons New Mexican Red Chili Powder
Salt to taste
Pinch Reaper or Cayenne Pepper
2 tablespoons Masa Flour

Cut onion in half from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose. Peel and finely dice remaining half. Core and seed bell pepper. Reserve half of the bell for another day, finely dice remaining half. Core and finely mince Serrano Peppers, retaining seeds if desired for extra heat. Set aside until ready to use.

In a large, high-sided skillet, brown the beef. Transfer the meat to a colander, drain well. To the empty skillet, add onions and peppers. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, 1/2 cup beef stock and beans with their liquid. Stir, bring just to the point of boiling. Return ground beef, season with Red chili powder, salt and spicy pepper seasoning. Lower heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup beef stock with Masa Flour. Pour into the chili to thicken bind together with added flavor and textrue. Keep chili warm until ready to use.

Grand Burritos
2 Roma Tomatoes
4 oz Mild Cheddar Cheese
6 extra-large Flour Tortillas
Cooking Spray
3/4 cup Sour Cream or as desired
1 tablespoon Lard

Seed and finely dice the tomatoes. Cut an 8-ounce block of Cheddar Cheese in half. Reserve half for another purpose. Finely shred remaining half. Set aside.

Warm tortillas with a little cooking spray in a large skillet or tortilla pan. Stack tortillas on a plate to fill.

Spread a thin layer of sour cream over the top tortilla. Fill the center with some Chili, top with tomatoes and cheese. Fold ends in, then roll tightly. Set aside. Repeat with the next tortilla until all have been filled and rolled.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt lard in the skillet. Lightly fry the burritos to brown and crisp the outside, turning as needed for even frying.

Serve these massive burritos alongside Mexican Rice a giant pitcher of Margaritas.

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Here am I Lord; I come to do Your will
I have waited, waited for the LORD,
And He stooped toward me.
And He put a new song into my mouth,
A hymn to our God
Here am I Lord; I come to do Your will