Now that Mardi Gras is over and for us Catholics and members of other denominations that observe Lent typically we give something up during the weeks before Easter. Moreover, in doing so we have selected to give up coffee and all red meats for the season of Lent, but look forward to eating much more seafood, and plenty of the bounty of the sea.
Giving of your time in the Lenten season
For the 40 days of the reflective, penitential season, it also can mean a season of giving to others. That is an idea that can extend beyond people of faith, to the betterment of our community. That might mean spending time in community or charitable work that serves vulnerable members of the community such as children, the sick or the elderly. Giving also means more than just opening up your pocket book, but can equate to giving of your time. Volunteering at the local food bank, charity organizations, or other non-profits that serve the community go much farther to helping the community. It also builds self-esteem knowing that you helped someone else have a better day. Locally, we have donated time in volunteering at local Catholic charities, food pantries and childcare giving. Globally, we donate money to several charity organizations throughout the year, in addition, I participate in the BloggerAid Changing the Face of Famine, bloggers making a difference.
Fisherman Lenten Season
Back to food…what kind of seafood is available fresh this time of year, well, we still have oysters, shrimp and crabmeat, though still quite expensive, and if you are willing to shell out $12.00 a pound for fresh Louisiana crawfish tails you can get them too. Marcelle Bienvenu who writes in her article “It’s still too early for crawfish, but other Lenten choices abound” found in the Times-Picayune, the New Orleans newspaper and NOLA.com online, she reports that crawfishermen are bringing in really small catches right now, but warming temperatures in the next few months will have them increasing in numbers.
Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Lenten season
Today’s Lenten choice recipe is a quick and easy dish of sweet and spicy shrimp, inspired by the Weight Watchers recipe from page 32 in the cookbook, “Five ingredient, 15 minute recipes.” This recipe has a Weight Watchers point’s value of 7, and nutritional analysis is 322 calories, 4.7g fat, 28.3g protein, 39.6g carbohydrates, 0.4g fiber, 194g cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 78mg calcium.