Each month throughout the year the Catholic Church dedicates that particular month to a devotion. August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Consecration of the faithful to the Mother of God was a part of the Fatima message.
To dedicate ourselves to Mary’s heart signifies a great deal of trust in her. It says that we believe she is our Heavenly Mother, that she is seated with her Son in heaven, and that she lovingly intercedes on our behalf.
I find it interesting that the entire month of August is dedicated to our Blessed Mother, while the first day in August is National Respect for Parents Day. You would think respecting our parents would come as naturally as breathing. But then again, you would think prayer would be the same – like breathing for the soul.
We don’t need to agree with our parents on all things all the time. They have their opinions and views, we have ours. I love my husband with all of my heart, but we don’t agree on everything. We are independent. Yet even when we disagree, I never stop respecting him or love him any less. The same can be said about our parents. For better or for worse, they are the reason we exist. And to some extent, the reason we are who we are today. If you are fortunate enough to still have your parents in your life today, let them know how grateful you are for the sacrifices they made. And if your parents are no longer with us, take a moment to think of them, let that be a connection within you.
I’ve criticized the idea of needing a day to remind us to respect our parents. While I have respected and loved my parents every day of my life, there are times when I take their existence for granted. Had I known when I was 25 that my mother would be gone, I would have spent more time with her, even if we did argue a lot. There are times when I get busy and forget to call my dad as I should. Sometimes we need reminders to appreciate those around us while we can. Lord knows, we will miss them when they are gone.
Vanilla Dutch Baby Pancakes
3 tablespoons Butter
3/4 cup warm Milk
3 large Eggs
3/4 cup Flour
1-1/2 tablespoons Sugar
3 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
Powdered Sugar for Dusting
Blackberry Jam for serving
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Put the butter in a large cast iron skillet and place in the oven to warm.
Place milk in the microwave for about 20 seconds to war. Pour into a blender, combine with eggs, flour, sugar, vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Blend on medium-high speed until uniform.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. The butter should be melted. Swirl the butter around the pan to coat completely, and then pour the remaining butter into the batter and pulse to blend. Pour the batter into the hot pan and return the pan to the oven. Cook until the pancake is puffed in the center and golden brown along the edges, 20 to 25 minutes.
Using a spatula, remove the entire Dutch Baby from the pan and place on a cooling rack for a few minutes to allow the steam to escape without condensing along the bottom and rendering the pancake soggy. Dust with confectioners’ sugar when cooled slightly. Slice the pancake into 8 wedges on a serving platter or cutting board.
Serve with Blackberry Jam or favorite preserves and enjoy.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
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