the domestic zoo

A nice way to spend the morning.

As the Prophets beheld,
As the Apostles taught,
As the Church received,
As the Teachers dogmatized,
As the Universe agreed,
As Grace illumined,
As the Truth revealed,
As falsehood passed away,
As Wisdom presented,
As Christ awarded,

Thus we declare,
Thus we assert,
Thus we proclaim Christ our true God
and honor His saints,

In words,
In writings,
In thoughts,
In sacrifices,
In churches,
In holy icons.

On the one hand, worshiping and reverencing Christ as God and Lord.
And on the other hand, honoring and venerating His Saints as true servants of the same Lord.

This is the Faith of the Apostles.
This is the Faith of the Fathers.
This is the Faith of the Orthodox.
This is the Faith which has established the Universe.

First: fried eggplant.

Because everything tastes better when it’s fried. Even eggplant, the most boring of vegetables. We use panko crumbs for a nice crispy texture; I have yet to venture into the world of egg substitutes, so we did use eggs to dip the slices of fresh eggplants into before tossing them in with the breadcrumbs and spices (your imagination and taste preferences are the only limit here – we use oregano, garlic and basil). Fried in olive oil until both sides are golden brown, these are perfectly wonderful topped with slices of fresh tomato.

On the side we enjoyed Artichoke Tapenade on sesame crackers. I made it on Friday morning and saved it in the fridge, which gave the ingredients the chance to really come together. Very delish.

And on an unrelated note, I got some goodies in the mail today…

www.photovisionvideo.com

PhotoVision consists of 6 2-hour video DVDs a year, 1 mailed every other month, featuring leading photographers bringing you the latest and greatest things happening in the photographic industry.

You’ll see photographic styles and techniques, digital workflow, lighting and posing, Photoshop tips and tricks, hear innovative marketing and sales strategies, output alternatives, new hardware and software reviews and much, much more. You’ll go into the studios and see photographers during actual sessions working with real clients and go on location to experience entire weddings.

I got a very good deal when I subscribed to this year’s series, and was able to purchase all of last year’s DVDs as well. So now I know what I’ll be doing in my free time this week.

I think I may have found my new favorite food.

This recipe was in Yankee magazine a few summers ago, and can easily be made on the grill or (as we did) in the oven. The smell of roasting bell peppers and fresh basil are enough to make you forget that, yes, it is still February, and yes, there is still snow on the ground.

And the taste. Did I mention the taste? Let’s just say that my sister, who is not traditionally a lover of vegetable-based dishes, was eagerly piling on the peppers and asking for more.

J’ADORE.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Another dish that has gotten our non-vegetable lover to ask for seconds: Cabbage-Vegetable Soup. All of the flavors in the soup come from the vegetables themselves and it is so, so yummy. I made it on Wednesday night and we ate it so quickly that I forgot to take a photo. Served with a warm loaf of bread it is the perfect comfort food: healthy and hearty.