Food and Friendships Found Online

The cuisines of the world bring joy to our taste buds and nourishment to our stomachs. This post is dedicated to the friendships developed through online cuisine and pastry classes. I refer to these relationships as “soul food,” because I am a foodie. Soul food is defined by Food Lover’s Companion as the “fare [that] has long been popular in the south … derived from the cultural spirit and soul-satisfying flavors.”

Our souls are eternal! Proverbs 11:30 states, “The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Food is vital to sustain life.

For years I have taught cuisine and pastry classes online, and many times something special takes place between the students in these classes. They form authentic friendships through common bonds, such as a relationship with Jesus Christ, strong family ties, homeschool education, and love of fine cuisine.

Throughout Scripture, Jesus goes to the homes of his followers. The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus found in Luke 19 is an example of an intentional meeting and an unlikely friendship. Jesus says in Luke 19:5b, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Just like Jesus and Zacchaeus, the Lord allows us to develop unlikely relationships with those around us; some are believers, and some may not be. Either way, we can take Proverbs 27:17 to heart: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Later in the story of Zacchaeus, Luke 19:10 states, “For the son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.” We can’t save those who are lost, but we can seek to build authentic relationships wherever we can, even and perhaps especially unlikely ones like the one between Jesus and Zacchaeus. And in so doing, we can point those around us to Jesus Christ, the one who can save the lost. So, what does this have to do with food? Well, Jesus and Zacchaeus’ relationship was formed from the soul. I encourage you to make your “soul food” connections!

Sweet and Savory Grilled Beets and Greens

Recipe by: Jennifer Pasos

 

3 medium-sized beets (with greens attached)

2 spring onions

3 pieces of bacon, diced

Dressing

2 tbsp. bacon grease

2 tbsp. maple syrup

2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 clove of garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Dash of hot sauce

Directions:

1. Combine dressing ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth, microwave 30 seconds to melt ingredients, and separate into 2 portions for grilled items and sauteed greens.
2. Quarter spring onions and beets, drizzle with dressing, and grill 10 minutes on medium until tender.
3. Dice bacon and cook until crisp. Chop beet greens and sautee with remaining dressing and crisp bacon, 2-4 minutes.

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Jennifer Pasos
Instructor & Club Leader

Jennifer is the wife of Franklin and the mother of Frankie (11), Bella (8), and Jaydon (6). She resides in Oklahoma and homeschools two of her three children. Jennifer is a classically-trained chef and pastry chef with dual degrees from Sullivan University in Louisville, KY. She has over 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry and over eight years of experience developing and presenting private culinary and pastry classes for local youth and co-ops in Tennessee. She has taught online for four years presenting culinary classes, pastry classes, culinary camps, and a culinary apprenticeship. She has worked as an Events Chef for G Catering & Events in Nashville, TN for 8 years and has catered many upscale weddings, corporate events, Nashville Junior League Galas, CMA and CMT Events, and the 2014 Artist of the Year Awards.