HOORAY FOR THE JOY-GIVERS! We always need more smiles, music and laughter. The “local” version of this fun series salutes those seriously unsolemn people, places and things that bring joy to our community.
The “SHIELD THE JOYOUS” shields, which will be given to those honored or to their family, are inspired from a passage in “The Book of Common Prayer” (1662). Prayers are lifted to “tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless the dying…and shield the joyous.” Joy-givers are precious. Let us preserve them, protect them, treasure them, smile with them, laugh with them, tap our toes with them and give them A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
A CULLMAN ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR: MONKS’ BREAD FROM ST. BERNARD ABBEY
There are joy-giving angels among us in the Cullman area and one of those is the baker of MONKS’ BREAD at St. Bernard Abbey, Brother Benedict. MONKS’ BREAD comes in three varieties: CLASSIC–cinnamon raisin, MONTE CASSINO–Italian dinner bread and MONKS’ RATION–classic, white table bread. Brother Benedict bakes fresh batches 4-5 days each week. The price is $5 in the Ave Maria Grotto Gift Shop with profits supporting the good works of the Benedictine monks at the abbey.
MONKS’ BREAD BENEDICTINE TOAST (adapted from a French toast recipe at Epicurious.com)
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup Half and Half
- 1/4 cup Benedictine liqueur
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tbsp. grated orange peel
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- (8) 3/4-inch slices of Monks’ Bread (any of the three)
- 4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) butter
- Powdered sugar
- Warm maple syrup
Directions
- Whisk first 6 ingredients to blend in medium bowl.
- Dip each Monks’ Bread slice into egg mixture evenly over bread.
- Let stand until egg mixture is absorbed, at least 20 minutes. (This can be prepared the day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
- Place baking sheet in oven and preheat to 350F.
- Melt 2 tbsp. butter in heavy, large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 4 bread slices of the Monks’ Bread to skillet and sauté until cooked through and brown, about 3 minutes per side. Place on baking sheet in oven to keep warm. Repeat cooking with remaining 2 tbsp. of butter and 4 bread slices.
- Transfer toast to 4 plates. Dust with powdered sugar Serve with warm maple syrup.
YIELD: serves 4
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