Grace Before Meals

by Leo E.; Snyder Patalinghug, Stella Snyder

Grace Before Meals is not your typical cookbook-it offers recipes for building more meaningful family lives. Families today are busier than ever. They never seem to have enough time together, and even when they do, there's often a struggle to find common ground. But living in a fast-paced world doesn't mean we have to live with a fast-food mentality. The simple act of creating and sharing a meal can strengthen all kinds of relationships. Research shows that frequent family dinners can reduce risks facing children-from teen pregnancy and smoking, to drug use and depression. Grace Before Meals is a welcome resource for parents who want their sons and daughters to know, whatever happens in their life, they will always know whom they can turn to. And you don't have to be a traditional family or have kids to reap the benefits. Grace Before Meals-Stronger Family. Better Food.

Genres: Cookbooks, Catholic, Nonfiction

158 pages, Spiral-bound

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

#70 - 2010.

Got a review copy in the mail yesterday and already can tell that this is a good book on several levels. Father Leo's focus is encouraging family participation in cooking and meals, which is something that I know has much more value than that bald statement can convey. Each short chapter is themed around a holiday or family celebration with an introduction basing it on faith, conversation starters, scripture to look up and read, and (naturally) recipes.

I have read the forward, intro, and dipped into a few chapters thus far. I want to read it all before actually reviewing it.

UPDATE
This actually is a good brief manual, of sorts, for having a Christian focus for holidays and important family events. Conversational starting points are provided, as are recipes for a main menu. I will be doing a more formal review of this on my blog, but that is the gist. I'd recommend it to anyone who feels they need a little help or support on family meals.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I attended a cooking demonstration/NFP talk by Fr. Leo, and it was fabulous! He is funny and enthusiastic, and he has a passion for his faith that is inspiring! We are blessed to have him as a priest in our Catholic Church.

His cookbook is very good. It contains menus for various holidays, feast days and other family milestones. He weaves in stories, faith teachings and fun questions that families can discuss around the dinner table. His mission is to bring families together—ever stronger—through the family dinner.

(I only wish there were more photos!)

I have made three recipes from his cookbook so far, including his fajitas that won the "Throwdown with Bobby Flay," and all of them have been hits with my children. To me, that is the #1 criteria of a successful cookbook.

I highly recommend this cookbook, and if you ever have an opportunity to hear Fr. Leo talk, grab it! You will be so glad you did!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written guide on how to nourish your family's bodies and souls. Father Leo has some great pointers and discussion questions to get families to open up and make a deeper emotional connection while preparing and eating a meal together. Very practical examples for how to be a domestic church and create a stability that images the love of God to the world.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw that Father Leo was coming to my church to present on Grace before Meals and I got curious. I knew I wouldn't be able to attend his presentation because I had a prior commitment but I am drawn to learning new ways of worship.

I like that this is meant to bring families together. I dislike being the only Catholic (or Christian) in my family and seeing so many resources for families but virtually none for Catholics without children or single Catholics. None of this has anything to do with Grace before Meals other than bringing an understanding of the feelings of jealousy I sometimes experience.

I like that he brings a variety of table topics to discuss at the dinner table, topics the whole family can participate in I like how he uses the liturgical calendar to add some grace to the dinner table. The recipes are delicious. About the only complaint I have about the recipes is that I wish there were more!

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Father Leo had an idea involving food and prayer, like many good concepts his peers had their doubts, although I believe that has changed for the better from the success proven. I have not seen the television series or Father Leo on a popular food show called Throwdown with Bobby Flay. I wouldn't mind looking for them sometime because I did enjoy this book. There is some scripture with the coordinating holiday/recipes, ideas to celebrate and enjoy meals as family. The recipes are not complicated and varied with ingredients which is easier for the kids to help. I caught my oldest child reading this on his own, so that is always a reason to keep a good book around.

[Maria Francisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had bought this book when it had first come out (and had given it as gifts to four friends in addition), and I will admit: even though I figured out his Fusion Fajita recipe is his variation on Bistek Tagalog, I wanted the recipe anyway—it beat the pants of Bobby Flay!!! I sat down and read the rest of it... and it's full of good stuff, great recipes, and wonderful reflections the entire family can enjoy. I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your typical book you read and return to the library or your bookshelf. It needs to be passed on to family and friends, used as a family reference, and brought out for special occasions. Reflection and recipes - what a combination. Fr. Patalinghug does a great job bring faith to everyday family events.

[Beth Neu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read - I like the prayers and the recipes.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a good book to get families with kids talking at holy days and special feast. Lots of discussion questions, scripture, and recipes to make together. A nice addition to a home library.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this book now. I love it!