As many of you know, I was raised in the Lutheran school system in Denver until the tenth grade. Because of this I am very aware of the Christian calendar and that we should "keep Christ in Christmas" and all those things that we were taught from a very early age. But there's another element to this upbringing that can shed some light on my indifference and the not celebrating Lent issue...we weren't really a religious family at home and we we're OK with that. We initially attended Lutheran schools for the education and we stayed because we made great friends and there was such a close sense of community. We payed our tuition money every year and attended all the required activities until we were "excommunicated" from the Lutheran church (yes, that's my reference to Martin Luther if you're familiar with the history of the Lutheran religion). Talk about leaving a "nasty" taste in my mouth.
Ever since we were "thrown out" of the church I've had this "bittersweet" feeling about those memories. Yes, these were some amazing times, with great friends and fellowship. However, I still have this sick feeling in my stomach as I think back to how committed we were and how quickly and harshly it all changed. Enough said.
So, back to the Fish Frys...
When I moved to small town Nebraska I started hearing about these Lenten Fish Frys. My husband and I first attended one in Valley, Nebraska and it was AWESOME! We didn't know a single soul, but that was fine because we came for the food and only the food. From what I hear these things are hugh fundraisers for these churches, bringing in thousands over the Lenten season.
Here's how it goes...you go to a Catholic church on any Friday night during Lent. You typically go in the doors, pay the lady with the cash box and then you enter a large cafeteria-style room. You stand in a very long line and wait your turn. When you finally make it to the serving window there are a few ladies dishing-up the food who will ask you what you want. The typical choices are; catfish, shrimp or pollock. You tell them the type of seafood you desire and they plate it for you with scalloped potatoes and cole slaw. You'll notice that behind them are lots more volunteers who are actually frying the fish and keeping to large operation afloat. Next, you take your tray of food and go to a long table with various salads and side dishes. These items are typically made by the other women in the church. They make these dishes in their homes and bring them to share with everyone at the Fish Fry. Then you choose your seat. There are typically many large tables to choose from.
The best part comes last as you can go to another table where the desserts are. You pick a dessert from a HUGE variety of choices. The deserts usually cost extra, but it's a nominal fee for what you get. Now, here's the crazy part, at least to me it's crazy...they sell beer for you to drink while you wait in line and while you're eating. In fact, the beer "station" is typically one of the first things you see when you enter that large, cafeteria-style room. When I first saw this, I was shocked. The Lutheran churches I grew up in do not promote drinking alcohol at all, let alone in the actual church itself?! Yes, these are Catholic churches we're talking about here, but still so shocking for me! Doesn't seem right to me, this drinking in the church business, so I don't partake.
Anyway, the food is really good and fresh and it's just plain fun. We went to the Tekamah Fish Fry last week and had the shrimp, catfish, potatoes, dinner rolls with butter, side salads and BETTER THAN SEX CAKE! How funny is that? Yes, they were serving a dessert called Better Than Sex Cake. By the way, this Better Than Sex Cake is really good and simple to make.
 |
| BETTER THAN SEX CAKE |
No comments:
Post a Comment