“When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting.”- Saint Jerome (347-420)
I grew up in a Catholic household, and every year we would observe Lent on the 40 days leading up to Easter. Actually, it’s 46 days, because for some reason the Sundays during Lent don’t count.
On Pancake Tuesday, my mom would dutifully make pancakes, and on Ash Wednesday we would attend church to get the little crosses of ash put on our foreheads by the priest, ashes made from burning the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday. Then I would give up chocolate until Easter. It didn’t seem like such a big deal then, as we never had that much chocolate around the house anyway.
Today I could never give up chocolate, but this year I have decided to try a Lenten fast of red meat. So, for the next 46 days, no beef, lamb, pork, veal or game meats such as venison, bison and elk. As a food guy, I get exposed to those kinds of meats every day, so it could be challenging.
This afternoon I’m headed to an event showcasing a new menu in the lounge at Hotel Vancouver, I’m sure I’m going to have to turn aside some of the offerings!
How about you? What food are you giving up for Lent and why? What will you eat instead? Inquiring minds want to know…
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