Saints at the Dinner Table

Written by Inspired Mother Staff

Books

Saints at the Dinner Table, by Amy Heyd. (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2008). A book of recipes inspired by the saints? Admittedly, it's a strange concept.  Even more original is the fact that Amy Heyd has not chosen "the most popular ‘food' saints: the reason being that foodies...love to bring these saints up more for their outlandish stories than their actual connection to cooking," she explains.  Thus, some of the saints here are little known. (St .Isodore and St. Notburga are fairly obscure even in devout Christian households.) Their stories are no less fascinating than the most recognized holy people, however.

Heyd does a great job telling each saint's story. The connection she draws between food and spirituality is fascinating and the history easy to read. She suggests that readers use Saints at the Dinner Table as a family; it's a perfect reference for this. You can also create a dinner/saint club with friends, or simply use the book as a historical reference.

Recipes are contemporary, range from simple to moderate in difficulty and require ingredients that are easy to find. Heyd includes reflections that are sometimes personal and always relevant, and a collection of lovely mealtime prayers. List price: $19.95, paperback.