Presenting Our Lord

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ. It is also the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the Feast of the Holy Encounter. This all stems from Jewish teachings, traditions and law.

As a Catholic, I see this day as yet another example of our Jewish roots. According to Leviticus 12, a woman was to be purified by presenting a lamb as a burnt offering and either a young pigeon or dove as a sin offering 33 days after a male child’s circumcision. The Feast of the Presentation and Purification is one of the oldest feasts within the Church. There are records dating back to 380s in Jerusalem.

In accordance with the Torah, the Firstborn son of any union must be presented to the priest at the Temple. The family needs to redeem their son, pay silver to the temple to buy back their son. It is a reminder that the Lord spared the firstborn sons at Passover.

When homes used candles as a source of light, it was tradition for Catholics to bring all of their candles for the year to the church to be blessed during this feast. Often the church itself was dark, lit by candlelight in a procession of the faithful carrying candles. This must have been an amazingly inspiring and moving sight. In some countries, the Nativity display in homes remains until the Candlemas as a reminder of the Season. Some consider this to be the actual end of the Christmas Season.

In the secular world, today is Groundhog Day. This too can trace its roots to the celebration of the Candlemas. Groundhog Day and the idea of predicting when winter might end comes from an old Scottish folklore. “If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another fight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again.”

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Traditionally on this day Crêpes are served, be it as a main course such as Chicken Florentine or Beef Stroganoff Crêpes, or the more traditional Candlemas Crêpes which are a sweet dessert Crêpe. This year I decided to break with all my usual traditions or fancy feasts. A Hot Dog in a bun reminded me of a baby swaddled in a blanket. I know, crazy. But what the heck, I went with it.

One last thought – this relish recipe will make more than enough, making it a great relish to bring to your next family cookout. Try it on burgers as well as the dogs.

Hot Dogs with Onion-Tomato Relish
Onion-Tomato Relish
1 White Onion
1 Jalapeño Pepper
1 large Tomato
3 Garlic Cloves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 cup Ketchup
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Garlic
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 tablespoon Hickory Balsamic Vinegar
1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Peel and dice onion. Stem and mince Jalapeño. Seed and dice tomato. Peel and mince garlic. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic and jalapeños. Sauté until the onions are slightly golden. Add tomatoes, continue to sauté until the tomato is soft.

In a small bowl, combine the Worcestershire Sauce, ketchup, Balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Pour flavors into the skillet, stir to blend.

Simmer on low heat while the hot dogs are grilled and ready to put together.

Hot Dogs
1 tablespoon Butter
4 large Hot Dogs
4 Hot Dog Buns
1 tablespoon Mayonnaise or as needed

Heat a cast iron skillet. Melt butter into the skillet, turning to coat. Add the hot dogs to the skillet. Cook until beautiful and nicely blistered, turning as needed. Remove dogs, keep warm.

Split hot dog buns open. Brush with a little mayonnaise. Toast buns, mayonnaise side down in the skillet.

Top each toasted bun with a hot dog then smother in relish. Serve alongside seasoned Tater Tots and enjoy.

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Thus says the Lord GOD:
Lo, I am sending My messenger to prepare the way before me
And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek
And the messenger of the covenant who you desire.
Yes, He is coming, says the LORD of hosts
Malachi 3:1