This balanced and helpful book was born out of the author's nearly decade-long quest to attain a rule of fasting for her family in accordance with the traditional Orthodox Christian discipline. Her goal was not only abstention from meat during Lenten seasons, but also abstention from dairy products, and from oils on the strictest of fast days. The resultant 200 recipes provide a variety of easy, nourishing, and appealing meals. Sprinkled among the delicious recipes are sayings from the Mothers and Fathers of the early Church regarding how the body and soul are affected by eating habits -- pithy illuminations to accompany the appetizing recipes.
A foreword and afterword by two Orthodox priests provide excellent explanations for the underlying principles and effects of fasting.
Special features:
- How to stock a Lenten pantry
- Recipes for breads, spreads, sandwiches, soups, salads, main dishes, fish, shellfish, desserts
- Dairy-free recipes
- Recipes with and without oil
- Dozens of variations for the recipes
- Homespun introductions to each section
- Helpful notes from the author
- Brief but forceful sayings from Holy Scripture and the saints
- Guidelines for fasting in accordance with the Orthodox Christian tradition
3 Reviews
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When You Fast Cookbook
I enjoyed this cookbook which has many good recipes for Orthodox Christians and gave one to my future Goddaughter
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When You Fast . . .
I thoroughly enjoyed the writings of some of our well known and highly acclaimed priests and teachers, along with scripture references and sayings by monks and quotes from the Holy Fathers. That part of the book was insightful and inspiring. But the recipes fell flat for me. I felt that there was not much new offered for recipe ideas to help and encourage converts to see this "tradition" as not so tedious and boring. Fortunately or not, "vegans" have provided an abundance of new recipes to help the newbies get through Lent. Personally, I have worked at finding recipes and adapting them to Lenten Fare to help our converts not feel so defeated by the new obediences. I would have liked to have seen some new recipes that reflected Lent in a less ethnic way, with more variety and an extended flavor palate. Still, it is a very helpful and inspiring book.
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When You Fast
This is the kind of book every fasting person will want to have in their kitchen during lent. Its wide variety of ethnic recipes serves all who strive to follow the fasting seasons.
