Category Archives for "Carol Jessen-Klixbull |Taste of the Diocese"

It’s easy for children to associate Easter treats with chocolate bunnies, jellybeans and brightly colored hard-boiled eggs. But, resurrection cookies turn a simple morsel of meringue into a powerful teaching tool by blending verses from Scripture with the five ingredients throughout the preparation phase. While these tidbits can be made at any time, the process […]

Faith and Begorrah! If you love Reuben sandwiches, you are going to thank your lucky stars for this easy recipe! My longtime favorite Corned Beef Reuben spread came to mind when I read that Bishop Donald Kettler granted a St. Patrick’s Day dispensation from the Lenten Friday obligation to abstain from eating meat because the […]

February 2 is the Christian holiday of Candlemas, called “la Chandeleur” in France. It is also “le Jour des Crêpes” (the Day of the Crêpes) in this European country known for good food and wine. Crêpes — both savory and sweet — will be created in home kitchens and quaint little “crêperies” all over France […]

‘Strong to the finish ‘cause I eat my’ … spinach lasagna Connie Roehl’s Spinach Lasagna recipe, featured in the Christ Our Light Parish cookbook “Favorites From Our Table,” caught my eye as perfect “Meatless Monday” fare. She has been preparing it for 20 years or more and says it is one of her husband Bruce’s […]

In yesterday’s blog post, I mentioned Janet Brinkman’s array of scrumptious treats and shared her recipe for “Jeweled Fruitcake.” Here’s another of her recipes — a rich, creamy fudge made with white chocolate, pistachios and cranberries — Yum! White chocolate, pistachio and cranberry fudge 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 2 cups powdered sugar, […]

Any time of the year one might spy a tasty treat on the counter in the Pastoral Center’s kitchen. Colleagues in this building are ever so generous with sharing sweets and garden produce. But, a stroll through the kitchen around Christmas is especially gratifying as samples of holiday baking appear. Janet Brinkman, director of human […]

At a recent Learning Over Lunch session for employees of the diocese, Deacon Mark Barder, director of the planning office, delighted us with his passion for creating fudge. He has spent a number of years honing his Creamy Velvet Fudge recipe and technique. As an early Christmas present, Deacon Mark generously agreed to share his […]

Recipes in my collection often elicit a sweet memory — the event where I first tasted it, the person I received it from or someone in my life who especially likes that dish. Most foodies can probably relate. When I asked Visitor columnist Rita Meyer about featuring her Caramel-Crowned Pumpkin Squares recipe in the Meire […]

Angie Loecken, a friend and longtime colleague, is retiring from the diocese today. She’s worked for the diocese, mostly in the Office of Marriage and Family, for more than 40 years and literally touched thousands of lives during that time through all the programs and events that she has organized, coordinated and staffed. The epitome […]

When the middle of April rolls around, I start anticipating the annual return of hummingbirds to our house. And, by early May the Ruby Throated males begin to arrive to claim their feeding territories. It’s always exciting to spot the first one scouting out his familiar “fueling station” by our kitchen window. Throughout the spring […]