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Elizabeth
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Don't miss Alice's great ideas for A Lenten Tea at her blog, Cottage Blessings, today. Really makes me hope I have the energy to do this before Easter...
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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Mary G
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Thanks for posting this -- it sounds perfect for a Holy Week event....
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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alicegunther
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Elizabeth, you are so kind to mention this here! Thank you! Thanks to you too, Mary.
If I had had the energy last night, I would have posted the menu and plan in its entirety. (It took me a while to remove all the Typepad codes.) Here it is:
Our tea kettle has stood mute since Ash Wednesday, its cheery hum hushed as if in contemplation of the season. When the girls decided to give up drinks other than water during the forty days of Lent, I am not sure if they quite realized that this would mean parting with the most cherished moment of their day, Afternoon Tea. Their sacrifice was particularly acute during the first few days, and more than once I saw a girl cast a wistful glance at that tongue-tied pot during the suddenly hollow hour of two o'clock in the afternoon.
For quite some time, it has been on my mind to surprise them with a special "Lenten Tea." Naturally, water will serve as a substitute for our usual hot refreshment, but at least the china set will be summoned from its sudden sabbatical to grace our table once more. Plain water issuing from that lovely teapot should in itself serve as a subtle reminder of the intrinsic beauty of sacrifice offered with love.
Forgoing the usual literary selections, our Lenten Tea reading will be taken from the Gospel of St. Mark, and each offering on the menu will represent a fragment of the underlying story. The Gospel was so full of vivid imagery, that I decided to prepare two separate Teas for Lent. We will read Chapter 14 on the first day and Chapter 15 the next. As we read, the significance of each item on the table will become clear to the children, and hopefully it will create a memory they will not soon forget.
This first of two menus, based primarily on Chapter 14, might even work well for Holy Thursday:
Lenten Tea Menu
Palm on the Road
Costly Oil
Thirty Pieces of Silver
Unleavened Bread
Mount of Olives
The Cock Crows Twice
Gethsemane Figs
Judas' Kiss
Clouds of Heaven
Saint Peter's Tears
Recipes and Suggestions
1. "Palm on the Road" (Mk. 11: 1-11): Although this Tea was created with Chapter 14 in mind, I could not resist starting off with the story of Palm Sunday and Jesus' reception in Jerusalem. To create "Palm on the Road," you will need:
Butter
White or whole wheat bread, thinly sliced
Hearts of Palm (canned variety available in the grocery store)
A hint of ketchup or mustard
Butter thin slices of bread (the "Road") and cover with sliced heart of palm. Add a small dot of ketchup or mustard (if the children like it) for a flavor boost. The ambitious might try piping it through an icing bag, but a squeeze bottle or even the tip of a toothpick would work just as well. These simple savories could be cut into squares and should be served open faced.
Heart of Palm has a delicate flavor children usually like when they try it. Perhaps the symbolism of "Palm on the Road" will serve as an incentive.
For a more substantial offering, consider trying this recipe for Heart of Palm Salad instead.
Quote "And many spread their garments on the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields." Mk. 11: 8.
2. "Costly Oil" (Mk. 14: 3-9): Any type of flavored olive oil, homemade or store bought, preferably in an attractive bottle, would work well to represent the expensive oil offered to Jesus so lovingly by the woman in Bethany. It will be an appetizing accompaniment to the "Unleavened Bread."
Quote "And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." Mk. 14: 9.
3. "Thirty Pieces of Silver" (Mk. 14: 10-11; Mt. 26: 14-16): Any round savory suitable for teatime would do well, but I plan to serve sliced Munster cheese cut into circles with a biscuit cutter. The detail of the number thirty is not mentioned in Mark's Gospel, so I have included an additional reference to the book of Matthew in the menu.
Quote "Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What will you give me if I deliver him to you?' And they paid him thirty pieces of silver." Mt. 25: 14-15.
4. "Unleavened Bread" (Mk. 14: 12-22): This will be warmed pita bread cut into wedges, although matzoh would work well too. Pita is perfect for dipping in the flavored oil, and this will serve the dual purpose of representing the moment of the Last Supper in which Jesus identifies His betrayer, saying, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me." Mt. 14:20. (The Munster cheese rounds could be tucked inside the pita as well.)
Quote "And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the passover lamb, his disciples said to Him, 'Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the passover?'" Mk. 14: 12.
5. "The Mount of Olives" (Mk. 14: 26): This is perhaps the simplest item to prepare. Pile assorted olives on a plate to create the perfect "Mount of Olives." I know at least a few of my children like olives.
Quote "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." Mk. 14: 26.
6. "The Cock Crows Twice" (Mk. 14: 27-31): My sympathy always goes out to St. Peter during this part of the story. He loves Jesus so much and sincerely believes he will not fail Him--what anguish he must have felt. If you are not serving this Tea on a Friday, chicken tea sandwiches could symbolize this aspect of the Gospel story and would make a perfect addition to a luncheon tea:
Cold sliced roast chicken (or sliced chicken from the deli)
White or whole wheat bread
Butter or mayonnaise
Optional: tomato, tarragon, chopped celery, or flat-leaf parsley, a pinch of salt and pepper
Cut the sandwiches into triangles and serve two to each child.
Quote "And Jesus said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.'" Mk. 14: 30.
7. "Gethsemane Figs" (Mk. 14: 32-42): Dried figs would make an appealing accompaniment to the other items on the table, or, if you do not mind sweets during Lent, Fig Newtons would work well too, especially because the last few menu items happen to be on the sweet side.
Quote "And they went to a place which was called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, 'Sit here, while I pray.'" Mk. 14: 32.
8. Judas' Kiss (Mk. 14: 43-50): My children are off candy for Lent, but a single Hershey's Kiss would work so well that I cannot help suggesting it. If you would prefer to avoid sugary treats, or if your children are giving them up for Lent, a fresh strawberry could serve as a "kiss" as well.
Quote "And when he came, he went up to him at once, and said, 'Master!' And he kissed him." Mk. 14: 45.
9. "The Clouds of Heaven" (Mk. 14: 62): Once again, this is an optional sweet offering. Fresh whipped cream would go well with either the strawberries or the Hershey's Kiss. Plain yogurt could replace whipped cream and be served with the strawberries if you are avoiding added sugars during Lent.
Quote "And Jesus said, 'I am; and you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.'" Mk. 14: 62.
10. Peter's Tears (Mk. 14: 66-72): This may sound ridiculous, but I plan to offer each child a couple of peppermint Tic-Tacs to represent St. Peter's tears of regret. It will punctuate the meal, and help them to remember a pivotal moment and the final lines of Chapter 14.
Quote "And immediately the cock crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, 'Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.' And he broke down and wept." Mk. 14: 72.
If you have the help of an older child or a bit of extra time, it would be worthwhile to create small cardstock signs for each of the dishes featuring the short Biblical quotes in the recipe section. Agnes, Theresa, and Margaret would relish a task like this, especially if they had purple markers and perhaps stickers for embellishment. As much as I would like to surprise them with this Tea, oftentimes being included in the preparation is half the fun!
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
      
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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JennGM
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Alice,
This is so beautiful!!!  You should be putting together a book with your ideas, they are so original, creative, captivating and deeply spiritual.
You're my inspiration!
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Family in Feast and Feria
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alicegunther
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JennGM wrote:
You should be putting together a book with your ideas, they are so original, creative, captivating and deeply spiritual.
You're my inspiration! |
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Jenn, I have this exact same thought--word for word--every time you post anything.
Thank you!
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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mary
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What a fun, lovely idea! Thank you!
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alicegunther
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This may make things a bit more convenient:
First Lenten Tea Shopping List
Deli Counter:
Whole Roasted Chicken or Sliced Chicken (if you haven't any left over roast chicken on hand)
Munster or another thinly sliced white cheese for "thirty pieces of silver"
Breads:
White or whole wheat bread, thin sliced (you may need two loaves if you have a large family)
Pita Bread or Matzoh
Produce:
Fresh herbs (if needed for the olive oil)
Tomato, tarragon, celery or flat-leaf parsley (optional for chicken sandwiches)
Fresh strawberries (if you are not using Hershey's Kisses)
Canned or Jarred Goods:
Heart of palm
Black, green, or assorted olives
Condiments:
ketchup or mustard (optional)
Butter
Flavored olive oil (or plain if you are making homemade flavored oil)
mayonnaise (optional if you are not using butter for the chicken sandwiches)
Sweets:
Dried figs or Fig Newtons
Hershey's Kisses (if you are not using strawberries)
Heavy cream, sugar and vanilla extract for homemade whipped cream--or Cool Whip or Redi-Whip topping for convenience. Plain or vanilla yogurt would work too.
Peppermint Tic-tacs
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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Dawn
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Alice, this is just the nicest, most creative idea! Thank you for the handy shopping list above ~ I've printed it out and added it to my planner for Holy Week!
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Dawn, mum to 3 boys 
By Sun and Candlelight
The Nature Corner
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lapazfarm
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Thanks for this beautiful idea. And for the shopping list! How thoughtful!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Elizabeth
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Okay, so the shopping list really does make it seems do-able if I can stay vertical long enough. If not, would you considering catering, Alice  ?
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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MichelleW
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Can I just add my WOW!? This is exactly what we needed at this time mid-way through Lent. Today is grocery day. I am so excited. Alice thank you so much for sharing.
On another note, you know there are so many creative moms on this board. Maybe we could compile something together? It doesn't seem like it would be that difficult...
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Meredith
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Alice, THIS IS AMAZING!!! You are SO creative and inspiring, and I love that your girls wanted to give up beverages for Lent, how absolutely special this will be for them. If only I could replicate something half as wonderful for my family, they would be well and truly amazed! Thank you so much for sharing this!! God Bless your special Lenten Tea!!
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momwise
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Elizabeth wrote:
| Okay, so the shopping list really does make it seems do-able if I can stay vertical long enough. |
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As soon as I saw the idea, I thought it would make a great activity for a group or 2 families, so moms could share the work.
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Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
"If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." JPII
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momwise
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alicegunther wrote:
JennGM wrote:
| You should be putting together a book with your ideas, they are so original, creative, captivating and deeply spiritual. |
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Jenn, I have this exact same thought--word for word--every time you post anything |
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What more can I add, except that a collaboration would be a double blessing for us all!! Alice, this idea is wonderful!!
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Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
"If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." JPII
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MaryM
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Alice, this is indeed such a clever approach to the telling of the Holy Week story. Thanks for sharing. Just as the "Resurrection Eggs" and the Stations of the Cross box ideas really provide a visual and tactile experience for the children this gets to the culinary and the sense of taste. Food makes celebration so memorable and I love the incorporation of this additional sense.
It got me thinking about ways to bring the other two senses into some type of Paschal presentation. Does anyone have ideas for presenting this through sounds and smells/scents?
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Our Domestic Church
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MichelleW
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Alice, have you had your tea party yet? Did your kids just LOVE it?!
I found goat cheese in a log that made the "coins" easier for me to handle. All I had to do was set dd to slicing the log into coins.
And we used homemade Thousand Island dressing instead of butter on the "palms on the road."
Thank you so much for sharing this. It made for a very very special Lenten celebration. Solemn, reverant, and yet much anticipated and enjoyed. We were blessed.
Thanks.
Michelle
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alicegunther
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MichelleW wrote:
| Alice, have you had your tea party yet? Did your kids just LOVE it?! |
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Actually, we decided to do things a bit "bigger" than originally planned. We are having the "Lenten Tea" with our Catholic Girls Club (and all of their brothers as well!) The moms in our group have volunteered to bring dishes, and the girls and I will prepare the quotes to label each item. I'll read the Gospel to the children as the food is being passed out, and hopefully it will work out even with a large crowd. Expect a full report on Thursday!
If all goes well, our group will use the follow-up tea menu (Mark Chapter 15) when we meet next week. I haven't typed this plan up yet, but it should be ready within a few days.
MichelleW wrote:
I found goat cheese in a log that made the "coins" easier for me to handle. All I had to do was set dd to slicing the log into coins.
And we used homemade Thousand Island dressing instead of butter on the "palms on the road."
Thank you so much for sharing this. It made for a very very special Lenten celebration. Solemn, reverant, and yet much anticipated and enjoyed. We were blessed.
Thanks.
Michelle |
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Michelle, I am so thrilled to hear that you tried it and that it went well. I love your ideas for improvising the menu! A log of cheese is brilliant! Homemade Thousand Island sounds yummy too.
Many, many thanks for the feedback!
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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MichelleW
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Oh Alice,
One more thought: the tea pot for verses 14:12-16
The Quote "So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him."
Michelle
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alicegunther
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MichelleW wrote:
Oh Alice,
One more thought: the tea pot for verses 14:12-16
The Quote "So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him."
Michelle
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That's a great idea, and I will be sure to mention it to the children tomorrow!
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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alicegunther
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By the way, I just realized I never thanked all of you for your extremely kind comments. Thank you!!!
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: A Lenten Tea
