Kids get hungry (well, to be honest, Moms get very hungry).
You can feed them even if it's Lent.
I say this because I think that a convert, especially, or any person newly awakened to the zeal of living the liturgical year without benefit of the collected wisdom of the village, so to speak, can overdo things.
Sometimes we end up making our kids suffer a little for our piety — I'm thinking of that mother of hoary anecdote who made her family say the Rosary on their knees every day. With their arms outstretched if they wiggled.
Remember, God has no grandchildren… So try not to be more penitential on their behalf than necessary.
Anyway, it's funny how Catholics do things. It ends up that some things are even a little easier and nicer in Lent. For instance, during the rest of the year, where I live, if I've missed weekday Mass at 7am I've pretty much missed it. But during Lent, there's the 12:10! Wow, I can sleep a little later if I have to and still make it! So very ascetic.
And it seems like since everyone is focused on not eating, there are nicer snacks than just opening a box of whatever.
And when I was making my hot cross buns in advance (since we were leaving for California and for the first time ever, I wasn't with my youngest children on Ash Wednesday), I made extra dough and used what didn't make it as buns for swirly bread.
This post has my (utterly bogus) recipe (there is an actual recipe nestled in there — not mine, but a recipe you could follow).
I just don't make bread by a recipe. (If you go to the sidebar and click on “bread” in the categories, you will get a load of bread chaos from me. But there may be some ideas for you there if you like my crazy bread style.)
So for instance, this time I was low on raisins, so I added what I had and chopped up some apricots (I think there were four!) as well.
Not risen. |
Risen. |
After you've made your rolls, if you are making them, divide your dough into loaf-sized lumps. Roll each lump into a mild rectangle and spread some (a couple of tablespoons) soft butter on there. Sprinkle brown sugar over, and maybe a little cinnamon.
Roll the dough up and tuck it into the greased loaf pan. (Note that if you cut that roll into slices and put each slice into a shallow dish of butter and sugar, you would have cinnamon rolls.)
Let it rise, and bake it as usual. This freezes just fine after complete cooling, as does all bread, so always try to go ahead and make more.
Serve with butter for an afternoon snack.
What Lenten snacks do you pull out for your hungry ones?
Susan says
Yes, Children need to eat. I usually find myself using up things in the freezer during spring. (applesauce, pear sauce, pumpkin puree) to make room for the next summer's garden surplus. So we have a lot of quick breads during Lent.
Homemade bread and jam are staples in our house, as is popcorn (air-popped and drizzled with butter) and apples and peanut butter. I had to convince a couple of my more scrupulous children that jam doesn't not constitute a violation of the fast. (We give up sweets -a meaning desserts and candy and cookies)
Lisa G. says
The photos are helpful – the amount of brown sugar, I mean. Thanks!
Terra says
This looks delicious with the brown sugar filling. We are fans of air-popped popcorn, quick and easy and healthy.
@byzcathwife says
about fasting- I heartily agree with you! a bit of balance- especially where children are concerned!
I have a Roman-rite friend whose husband converted to Orthodoxy. He insists on following the monastic-style fast during the four fasting periods of the year (basically- no fish, meat, oil, eggs, cheese etc every day)- he also insists that the four children do this. You can imagine, it has caused some tension in the family.
I suggest a honest, heartfelt talk with a trusted spiritual father when trying to balance fasting and living in the world with children
_Leila says
byzcathwife–
what's missing from this man's household is the Orthodox grandmother and aunties — who will make sure the children are fed 🙂
Kimberlee says
Some of our ways of feeding the hungry during Lent: lots of pretzels, bagels, graham crackers – all homemade. Skipping white flour and cutting way back on sugar. Plain biscuits with cheese or raisins. Bread or toast with butter. Scones with just nuts or apricots. Rice pudding! Custard, not overly sweet. Make a pot of applesauce or cut up some oranges to go with the homemade graham crackers and you have a wonderful, flavorful healthy snack. It's amazing how good the simplest things taste during Lent. 🙂
PS We love the picture of Bridget, the Math, and the Patient Dog (as I look at my own daughter sitting here with her compass, ruler, calculator and tea cup, sans pooch)
Laura says
Pumpkin muffins in the oven this afternoon- quite like gingerbread- these are muffins, not cupcakes 😉 Breakfast, snack, dessert- They're our favorite.
Liz says
Love the title : )
I am having exactly this trouble at the moment! Trying to cut back on our sweets, etc. but also want to make sure the kids have things they like to eat for snacks during the day. I had no idea others had this “problem” too! (Though I suppose I should have known.)
Thank you!
Liz
Betsy says
Homemade granola! I'm feeding it my littlest one right (in utero) who has been *demanding* carbs all day. I'm wracking my brain for complex (gluten-free) carbs that will satisfy a slight sweet craving. This seems to hit the spot…right, baby? I hope so!
Kate says
Sweet potatoes!
_Leila says
Betsy, granola is great. Also, macaroons! Easy and sweet and gluten free.
Sarah says
We have been completing the RCIA program in the lead up to Easter. The topic on Monday night was on Marriage and Priesthood – the vocations. It was amusing to come here Tuesday our time, and discover that what you posted on Monday was so topical.
Anyway, one comment that our priest made on Monday night which seemed to surprise the lifelong Catholic sponsors as well as ourselves, was that in the 40 days of Lent the Sundays don't count, because if you included them there would be 44 days! Our priest said that you could go right ahead and celebrate (if you, say, had given up sweets) on a Sunday because it was still meant as a day of celebration despite it being Lent.
_Leila says
Sarah,
Yes!
And Sunday begins at sundown on Saturday and ends at midnight on Sunday 🙂
Valerie says
For those not familiar with Catholic Church Law Regarding Fasting: “…Catholics are only required to fast on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and on Good Friday, the day that Jesus Christ was crucified. Anyone over the age of 18, but under the age of 60, should eat only one full meal on those days, although they can also have small amounts of food in the morning and the evening.” NOTA BENE: CHILDREN are EXEMPT.Moral theologians remind us that some people are excused from fasting and/or abstinence because of sickness or other reasons… One should use common sense. :o)
In our house, cutting out snacks would be considered “fasting”. lol
We seem to cook healthier during Lent, with not as much waste – there is less in our refrigerator. The fare is much simpler with increased soups & quick breads AND we partake in the Friday Fish Fry at our local parish. It's a nice change from our 'ordinary' diet.
lauren says
“…Moms get very hungry.” I have been pondering this quite a bit lately because I realized how much time I spend preparing food and eating. I find myself ravenous most of the day (3 children 5 and under – including a 6 month nursling). Weight is not an issue – it is the idea of eating our way through the day. I feel guilty for not sticking to meal times and eating so haphazardly with my children. I just honestly feel hungry so much of the time. We do many of the same snacks that have been mentioned here. For instance, after a 7am oatmeal breakfast, I am scrambling eggs and making toast by 9am. Plates are devoured by all of us. Does this happen to anyone else? I would love a reference point for what is normal. Lauren
Suzanne says
I don't know if it's normal, but it sure happens at my house. And I too, have felt the worry that I am not enforcing regular eating times. It's not that we're not eating healthy, eggs, fruit, whole grain cereals, etc. but it seems like it's constant. And the dishes it makes!! How to get a handle on it? Or do I need to? My older kids aren't quite as bad, so it kind of makes me think small tummies really do empty faster, and need refilled more frequently.
Mel says
have this issue too…my little boys especially are always looking for food. My eight year old just got some cavities fixed, and the Dentist said that frequent eating is a big cause of cavities…something to do with the digestive enzymes in the mouth? We are attempting to get a grip on this now, having more scheduled snack times so everyone isn't grazing all day.I keep telling myself that if they were in preschool they would have to eat on a schedule! But they do need to eat often, with a hearty snack between meals. Their tummies are small, and they don't eat enough at meals to hold them long.
_Leila says
Lauren and other moms of littles —
1. When you are pregnant or nursing, yes, you need to eat a bunch. More than three meals a day.
2. Try starting with the protein. Eggs first, and a little meat with that isn't a bad idea (a little bacon left over from Sunday, some meat in an omelet). When you make your eggs, always add a little cheese. I use grated extra sharp cheddar. If I'm frying eggs, the cheese goes in the pan first, egg on top. If scrambling, the cheese goes in the raw eggs with a little dab of water.
When you make oatmeal, always add nut butter, nuts, or an egg to it. By itself, oatmeal will not satisfy some metabolisms. Mine is one! Without a handful of cashews or some peanut butter, it's as if I haven't eaten anything.
3. Here is my post about breakfast: http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org//2009/03/h… (I explain how I make oatmeal with butter, by the way. Which helps.)
Here's how you get breakfast ideas in order when you're not too sleepy and hungry to think: http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org//2009/03/d…
4. After your protein-rich breakfast, schedule a snack. If you know snack time is at 10, it helps you think of something other than eating between 8 and 9 🙂
5. Unload (or make kids unload) dishwasher BEFORE breakfast so that you are able to clean up quickly after breakfast and get out of there.
Becky says
When I'm nursing or pregnant and all 3 children eat around 5-6 times a day. We have 3 meals and a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. I tend to eat a before bed snack as well. As the baby weans, I tend to cut back on snacks, etc, naturally. I also usually try to keep water available all the time. The kids and I all carry reusable water bottles. When I had 2 under 3 and then 3 under 4 and was nursing/pregnant, I kept a big jar of trail mix in the mini van and tended to try to sneak in a snack via handfuls at stoplights, etc. I was just too busy to keep up with my needs while I was so very busy with the children and would find myself lightheaded after nursing.
Amy says
Hi Leila, thank you for posting. I have a question about your “recipe.” Would you mind sharing what you use for shortening? Thanks again for the encouragement.
_Leila says
Amy: butter butter butter!
I probably should change the recipe that link goes to.
Butter.
Amy says
Thank you!
Betsy M says
Hi Leila, l just had to comment that I am holding my 2 yr old and he saw the gingerbread in the pan and yelled “CAKE!”. No, I told him, it's bread. 🙂 We will be trying a gf version today. My kids will be thrilled as I have not baked much these last few weeks.
_Leila says
Good work, Betsy M. We'll make a Catholic of him yet 🙂
Donna L. says
Hi Auntie Leila,
I love your bread recipe–I do not think it is the least bit *bogus*–bread is SO forgiving, and by posting this recipe I believe you are empowering moms to just go for it!
I make Cinnamon swirly bread, too! I also chop pecans and sprinkle chocolate chips on it, so it's in the freezer until Sunday! Yummy!
Thank you for continuing to cheer us on during this Lent…for some reason, it seems particularly tough this year…
God bless you and your family!
Donna
_Jessica says
The snacks around here are usually cheese, yogurt, and eggs. I always thought of eggs as solely for breakfast, but a cheese omelet makes a great afternoon snack! Canned sardines are a great source of protein, and yummy on top of some raw spinach with a balsamic vinaigrette!
The pictures of the cinnamon swirly bread reminds me of when we were attending Mass at a priory, and one of the brothers would make bread to sell after Sunday Mass. Even though we were gluten free, I could usually talk my husband into buying a loaf to support the order. I think my favorite flavor combination was rosemary apricot. If there is one thing I miss not eating gluten, it is warm, fluffy bread. With butter. At least I can live vicariously through the rest of you. 🙂