Saints, Feast, Family
- Traditions passed down with Cooking, Crafting, & Caring -
September 12
Saint of the day:
St. Guy
Patron Saint of Anderlecht, Belgium; against mad dogs; against rabies; bachelors;
people with epilepsys; horned animals; laborers; protection of outbuildings, stables, and sheds; sacristans; work horses
The Story of St. Guy
St. Guy (950–1012), also known as the "Poor Man of Anderlecht," was born to pious parents of humble means in the country village of Anderlecht near Brussels. Having no money for school, from his childhood he served the poor and fostered a great devotion to the Church while praying for the grace to love and accept his poverty. He was regarded as a young saint by those who knew him. One day a priest, who noticed his great reverence while praying in church, invited him to serve it for a small sum by sweeping the floors and keeping the altar and sacred vessels clean. During the day St. Guy would help the poor, and at night he would work and pray in the church; these were his two great loves. He served in this way joyfully and faithfully. One day a shipping merchant from Brussels, prompted by a devil who wanted to take St. Guy away from his holy work as a sacristan, presented him with a lucrative opportunity to invest his small savings into a business venture. Guy, not recognizing the temptation, accepted the job offer under the pretense of making more money to give to the poor, and he left his position as sacristan. When his first cargo ship sunk as it left the harbor, Guy realized his error and the deception he had succumbed to in giving up his happy and humble work serving Christ. He went back to the church and found that the sacristan position had been replaced. Left without a job and no money, Guy was so filled with remorse over his foolish decision that he went on a penitential pilgrimage. He visited Rome, the Holy Land, and other shrines over a period of seven years. He returned to Anderlecht in 1012 and died in the same year. Miracles were reported at his grave, after which a church was built in his honor.
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=473
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_of_Anderlecht
Prayer:
Visit:
Anderlecht, Belgium
Recipe:
Belgian Chicken Waterzooi
It is a stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, cream, and egg. This dish is a Belgian comfort food. Enjoy this stew on any cold day and feel the soup warm your senses in no time!
Ingredients
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2 leeks
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2 large carrots
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2 celery stalks
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4 chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 onion, chopped
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4 cups chicken broth, divided
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons corn starch
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1 egg yolk
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1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
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Peel and wash the leeks, then chop them into thin slices. Dice the carrots and celery.
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Cut the chicken breasts into medium slices, about 1/2-inch thick.
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In a deep pot, melt the butter and sauté the vegetables and the onion for 10 minutes. Add enough chicken broth to just cover the vegetables and bring to a boil, uncovered.
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Add the chicken breast and cover the pot. Poach the chicken on medium heat for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. Drape some aluminum foil over top to keep it warm.
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In a bowl, whisk the cream, cornstarch, and egg yolk. Add this mixture to the broth and vegetables. Add more broth to thin the mixture as desired. Stir constantly until the waterzooi thickens.
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Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes at a low simmer.
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Serve in soup plates, topped with fresh parsley
