Our Lady of New Orleans

There are countless reasons why I love my faith as I do. Not to put any other Christian denominations down, but Catholic (meaning Universal) is the original Christian Faith. Our first duly appointed Pope was a fisherman named Simon, later called Peter by Christ Himself.

That alone is reason enough. Oh but just as the infomercial of late night television promises, there’s more. I am a conservative product of the Women’s Lib Movement right from the very beginning in the late 1960s (don’t get me started!). People outside the Catholic Faith don’t realize how women are revered within the Church. They think because a women is banned from performing the same duties as a man, we are somehow second-class or oppressed. Men and women are different. One is not superior over another. But they were created for different purposes. The Church, through it’s teachings of Mary, honors all women. Everything that is sacred within the Church is veiled. The alter is veiled . The tabernacle is veiled. Veiling is a way of showing that something or someone needs to be revered. This includes women veiled in Mass. It truly is a shame that women were told by the secular world that veiling is some sort of oppression placed upon us by our “Master – Husband”. Saddly, we listened to the lies and the Church failed to speak up. I cannot speak for other faiths that cover their women, I can only speak for Catholics. I have a closet filled with veils, each serving a different purpose based on the length and color. I am proud to place the veil over my head. It is an honor to do so. It says I am precious. All women are precious. We were formed from the rib of Adam. Not from his foot to be stepped upon, but from his side, to be a partner, to be loved and protected.

Today is the feast day of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Mary does not have the power to heal us, or to redeem us. What she can and will do is intercede on our behalf. We as Catholics can go to the Mother of our Lord and pray. It is not worship. It is having a conversation with Mary. As a mother, she has our best interest at heart. And she has the ear of her Son, Jesus Christ. The power lays with Him, but the influence is hers. The beauty of this is that as women, we can have heart to heart discussions. She does listen, and she will respond.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor is special in that the dedication to her did not come from an appearance by our Blessed Mother. The dedication is a result of answered prayers. Prayers offered up in New Orleans. Even Andrew Jackson came to know just how special the Mother of God is.

Cajun Chicken Nuggets with Dipping Sauces
4 large boneless Chicken Breasts
Onion Powder to taste
2-1/4 cups Flour, divided
1-1/2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
3 large Eggs
1/4 cup Milk
1 tablespoon Oil
Additional Oil for frying
3/4 cup Barbecue Sauce or as desired
3/4 cup Ranch Dressing or as desired
Honey Mustard (recipe to follow)

To prepare chicken slice into even pieces, as similar in size as you can get. Liberally season with garlic, onion, and Creole seasoning. Toss together.

In a mixing bowl whisk together 2 cups of flour, the Creole seasoning, and garlic powder. In another bowl whisk together the eggs, remaining quarter cup flour, milk and oil. Whisk vigorously until smooth.

Heat enough oil in a deep pan, deep fryer or wok to cover chicken once placed in oil. Heat the oil to 350 degrees.

Note: If you do not have a pan deep enough, you can turn chicken midway through frying for even crispness, color and cooking.

Once the oil has reached temperature, dredge a few pieces of chicken in the egg mixture followed with a coating of the flour mixture.

Note: Dredge only the amount of chicken for each batch based on pan size. This will allow time between batches for the oil to return to the desired temperature.

Drop the pieces of chicken into hot grease. After about 8 minutes the chicken should float to the surface. Continue to cook until golden. If frying in a shallow pan cook for about 10 minutes, turning mid-way through.

As each batch is cooked, drain on paper towels. While hot, sprinkle with salt or Creole seasoning if desired. Hold in a warm oven until all the chicken has been fried. Serve with desired dipping sauces such as barbecue, Ranch or Honey Mustard.

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Honey Mustard
3/ cup Mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Honey
3 tablespoons Yellow Mustard
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Hot Sauce, optional

In a bowl whisk mayonnaise, honey, mustard and lemon juice together. Shake a few drops of hot sauce into the mixture if looking for more sizzle. Cover until ready to serve.

Serve Chicken Nuggets with fries if desired.

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May His name be blessed forever;
as long as the sun His name shall remain.
In Him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed;
all the nations shall proclaim His happiness.