Week 2
“Welcome to the Lord’s Table”
This Week’s Good Shepherd’s Garden Party Menu
Lamb of God Rolls
Sparkling White Grape Juice
Ice Cream Sundae Bar with Easter Candy Toppings
Honey Butter
Fruit Salad
Decorating Ideas
Set the Table
Decorate the Chairs with Streamers
*Please feel free to modify and be creative with these plans to suit your family!
Recipes and Suggestions
8. The Table
Decorating Suggestion: Set the Table!
“When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which they had with them, and bowed down to him to the ground. And he inquired about their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well, he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and made obeisance. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” Then Joseph made haste, for his heart yearned for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and controlling himself he said, “Let food be served.” They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked at one another in amazement. Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.” Genesis 43: 26-34
9. The Chairs
Decorating Suggestion: Decorate the Chairs with Streamers!
“And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men stood in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the earth, and said, “My lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I fetch a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on — since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds, and milk, and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.” Genesis 18: 1-8
10. The Bread
Any type of Bread or Rolls would work well for this symbol. We’ve decided to make the Lamb of God Rolls from Catholic Cuisine. Guest author Lara says, “This Lamb of God can be made with any suitable (read: yeast) dough. If you’d rather not make your own dough, frozen bread dough will work just fine.
Lamb of God Rolls
Ingredients:
- Bread Dough
- 1 raisin
- Egg White Glaze
- (1 egg white whisked with about 1 T. cold water)
- 2 T. sesame seeds
- Ribbon & Bell (optional)
Directions:
1. Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Cover three portions and set aside.
2. On a lightly greased surface, roll remaining dough into a 9×6″ oval about 1/4″ thick. Cut body of lamb. Transfer to a greased baking sheet (I add a generous drop of lecithin to my oil and rub onto a cookie sheet) Cover and set trimmings aside.
3. Roll one portion of dough into a 9×1″ rope. Cut off a 5″ section for the head. Cut a scant 1/2″ section for tail. Cut remaining rope into two equal portions for legs. Shape head into oval. Attach to body, overlapping slightly and pinching to seal. Shape and smooth nose area. Flatten top of head slightly. Shape tail and attach to body, pinching to seal. Roll each leg section into a 2 1/2″ length. Insert under body, pinching to seal.
4. Using most of the remaining dough, make 26 1″ balls. Arrange over main part of body to within 1/4″ of outer edge. Make a 1/2″ ball and shape into an ear; attach to head. Make several 1/4″ to 1/2″ balls from all remaining dough. Arrange smaller balls atop head and between the larger balls on the body. Cover and let rise 15-20 minutes. (Dough will continue to rise during baking).
5. Cut a lengthwise line in each leg. Insert raisin for eye. Brush lamb generously with glaze. Sprinkle half the sesame seeds over ‘fleece.’
6. Bake in a preheated 375 F oven for 10 minutes. Quickly brush with glaze; re-cut legs if needed. Sprinkle body with remaining sesame seeds. Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until lightly browned and bread sounds hollow when tapped in the thickest portion (I actually think this makes bread that is too dry and overdone; I prefer to use a meat thermometer. Bread is done when the center of the thickest part registers 190 F). About halfway through baking, cover browned areas with foil if necessary. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Tie ribbon with bell around neck.
“Then Bo’az said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my maidens. Let your eyes be upon the field which they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to molest you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.” Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?” But Bo’az answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The LORD recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” Then she said, “You are most gracious to me, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not one of your maidservants.” And at mealtime Bo’az said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her parched grain; and she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.” Ruth 2: 8-14
11. The Wine
The bubbles from the lemon-lime soda cling to the grape “ice cubes”, giving this refreshing beverage lots of sparkle.
Sparkling White Grape Juice
Ingredients:
- 2-1/3 cups white grape juice, chilled
- 4-2/3 cups chilled lemon-lime soda
- Green Grapes
Directions:
In a pitcher, combine grape juice and soda. Pour into chilled glasses. Thread grapes on skewers; add to each glass. Yield: 7 servings.
Photo Credit: Taste of Home
“Ho, every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Hearken diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in fatness.” Isaiah 55: 1-2
12. The Milk
We thought this would be a good way to help finish off all of that lingering Easter candy!
Ice Cream Sundae Bar with Easter Candy Toppings
Ingredients:
- Assorted Ice Creams
- Assorted Easter Candies
- Assorted Fresh Fruits (Chopped Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and/or bananas)
- Chocolate, Caramel and/or Strawberry Syrup
- Whipped Cream
Directions:
1. Assemble sundae bar starting with sundae glasses or bowls, followed by ice cream, fruit, assorted Easter candies, syrups and whipped cream. Decorate sundae bar with decorations if desired.
2. Allow children to create their own sundaes using their own imagination.
Photo Credit: Nesquik
“And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which thou, O LORD, hast given me.’ And you shall set it down before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 26: 8-10
13. The Pot of Honey
We thought that some Honey Butter would represent the “Pot of Honey” very well and go perfectly with the Lamb of God rolls. To simplify this even further, you could purchase some pre-made Honey Butter or Creamed Honey.
Honey Butter
Recipe Source: Alton Brown
Ingredients:
- 1 pound butter
- 1/4 cups honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Cut the butter into chunks using the dough scraper.
2. Place butter into a bowl and beat on low speed, using a whisk attachment to loosen the butter. Increase the speed to medium and add the honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove butter from bowl and spoon onto parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll into a log and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Photo Credit: Cooking Light
“John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey.” Mark 1: 4-6
14. The Fruit
Any type of fruit or your favorite families favorite fruit salad would be perfect for this menu item. Here is a recipe from Catholic Cuisine for a Twelve Fruit Salad in honor of the twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost.
Twelve Fruit Salad
This one includes:
Strawberries, Blueberries, Red Grapes, Green Grapes, Kiwi, Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Peaches, and Apples
Photo Credit: Shower of Roses
“Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind! Blow upon my garden; let its fragrance be wafted abroad. Let my beloved come to his garden, and eat its choicest fruits.” Song of Solomon 4:16
Shopping List
Fresh Produce:
Green Grapes
Fruit for Ice Cream Toppings –
Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and/or bananas
Fruit for Fruit Salad – Strawberries, Blueberries, Red Grapes, Green Grapes, Kiwi, Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Peaches, Apples, etc.
Dairy & Refrigerated Items:
Butter (1 pound)
1 Egg
Whipped Cream
Spices:
Ground Cinnamon
Vanilla Extract
Sesame Seeds
Baking Supplies:
1 raisin
Honey (1/4 cup)
Frozen Items:
Frozen Bread Dough (or ingredients to make your own)
Assorted Ice Creams
Sweets:
Assorted leftover Easter Candies
Chocolate, Caramel and/or Strawberry Syrup (Ice Cream Topping)
Beverages:
7-up or other lemon-lime soda
White Grape Juice
Other:
Streamers
Ribbon & Bell (optional)
You can download this post in a printable form here.
A Mr. Linky will be posted at Catholic Cuisine on Monday April 19th, for anyone who would like to share the pictures from your own Good Shepherd’s Garden Party!
Good Morning Jessica
I hope your having a great morning so far. All the food looks great,especially the fruit salad.
I linked to this one on my roundup too – what a blessing you are to the rest of us to share all this!
FYI your document download does not work properly. "Sorry! This document is not publicly available.
The owner has set this document to private.
You will not be able to read it unless the owner changes it to public on their "My Documents" page, or sends you a direct link."
Pax – Lena
Apparently Scrib just made some changes to their site, and now all private documents must be made public in order to be shared, downloaded and printed. We just changed all the Garden Party documents to public so you should be able to download and print now.