Saints at the Dinner Table

By Amy Heyd

I aimed to create recipes that would appeal to most people, would not require a master's in culinary arts to prepare and that would entertain as well as inform. My hope is that you feel inspired too... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 086716851X
• ISBN13: 9780867168518
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Franciscan Media
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Meals with a Dash of the Spiritual

In Saints at the Dinner Table, Amy Heyd has combined her love of cooking with a strong background in praying through the saints. The book is organized around stories of 12 saints that Heyd especially loves. Each chapter begins with a biographical sketch and reflection on the saint's life. Next is a description of the menu and its connection to the saint. The following pages are devoted to recipes, suggestions for dinner conversation, and a meal prayer. The reflection and dinner conversations concentrate on lessons from the life of the saint and how they apply in today's world. Sidebars presented throughout offer scripture passages and tidbits about the saints and related subjects. Tips for using leftovers and recipe shortcuts accompany some menus. Heyd also provides a table of equivalencies; pages for notes; and indexes of topics, recipes, and patron saints. Heyd, a stay-at-home mother of three, has created menus suited to modern tastes, ingredients, and practices. Some recipes were staples in her home before she started on the book; others were inspired by the stories of saints. Most of the meals consist of a main dish, side dish, salad, and dessert, though pizza, soup, and casserole-type recipes are also provided. Three main dishes feature fish, three ground beef, and two chicken. Other meals are built around lamb chops, pork tenderloin, and Spanish eggplant with Fettuccini Alfredo. Cooked fruits and vegetables include potatoes, asparagus, tomatoes, bananas, and apples. Most of the salads contain raw fruits and vegetables such as oranges, greens, cabbage, and cucumbers. Ice cream, whipped topping, or cream cheese are ingredients in about half the desserts. Though they all sound tempting, a tip on lower fat substitutes would have been helpful. Saints at the Dinner Table can be used as an ordinary cookbook. The grace that derives from connecting with saints is an added value.

Great way to bring the family to the table

Saints at the Dinner Table is more than a cookbook (although the recipes are easy and delicious). It's a great way to start meaningful conversation with family and friends while sharing a meal. The bios of the saints are well written and Heyd finds a way to tie each saint to the meal she crafts around their legacy. Also, the chicken saltimbocca and almond tarts are to die for!