Grace Before Meals: Recipes and Inspiration for Family Meals and Family Life [Paperback]

Father Leo Patalinghug (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 27, 2010

With just a few ingredients and a few hours of time, your kitchen can become the perfect setting not only for a delicious meal but for experiencing the greatest blessings in life.
 
In Grace Before Meals: Recipes and Inspiration for Family Meals and Family Life, Father Leo Patalinghug (yes, the same Father Leo who defeated Bobby Flay on Throwdown!) helps you make family meals a way of life. Combining more than 30 simple but delicious recipes related to personal milestones, family holidays, and faith observances, along with scriptural references and short essays offering wisdom on faith, values, and family togetherness, Father Leo shows that mealtime is the perfect setting for discussing the major issues all families face. In fact, research shows that frequent family dinners can reduce many risks facing children, including drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, depression, eating disorders, and poor academic performance. These are meals that nourish body and spirit.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I can think of no greater pastoral and societal priority than the renewal of family life.  And I can think of no better place for this renewal to take place than around the dinner table.  Father Leo is leading the charge with his wise and practical book, Grace Before Meals.”
– Father Jonathan Morris, Fox News Analyst and Author of The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for when Life Hurts
 
“Brilliant! Grace Before Meals is a delicious invitation to celebrate family and food in ways that will nourish both the body and the soul.”
– Matthew Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of The Rhythm of Life and Rediscovering Catholicism
 
“The "New Evangelization" proclaimed by Pope John Paul II takes the people of the Church into many different venues -- including, says Father Leo Patalinghug, the kitchen. And why not? The Master himself did a lot of his teaching over meals, and identified himself and his enduring love for his people with bread and wine. Catechetics-through-cooking might seem new, but it's as old as the Gospels, and in Father Leo, this ancient craft has an engaging 21st century practitioner.”
– George Weigel Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center
 
“I happily endorse Grace Before Meals by Father Leo E. Patalinghug. Father Patalinghug was a student of mine at the Pontifical North American College in Rome when I was rector. How pleased I am to learn that he is now nurturing and caring for both souls and bodies, the first through sacraments and the second through good cooking. Our human family and our supernatural family – the Church – will be strengthened.”
– Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York
 
“Through his amazing ministry and this wonderful new book, Father Leo Patalinghug has cooked up the perfect recipe for a fun, faith-filled and delicious family life.  This book is packed not only with delectable meals any family can prepare, but also with thought provoking commentary to get conversations flowing around your dinner table.  You'll enjoy Father Leo's culinary treats, his spiritual inspiration, and the great wit and good cheer with which he draws friends and family closer together to celebrate life, love and great food.”
– Lisa M. Hendey, Founder of CatholicMom.com and author of The Handbook for Catholic Moms
 
“Grace Before Meals is much more than a motto or book title.  It’s really a conscious life choice to value the true worth of sharing meals with family and friends.  Fr. Patalinghug has beautifully captured the essence of what eating a meal with loved ones should be – a time to reflect, to be thankful to God for all He has given us and to take some time out of a busy day to truly connect with your family.  The book is equally inspirational as it is appetizing.”
– Thomas S. Monaghan, Chancellor & Founder of Ave Maria University
 
“Patalinghug is using his role as a budding celebrity chef to preach the importance of the dinner table in family life.”
– The Washington Post
 
“Father Leo Patalinghug is looking to bring families closer together and closer to God using the simplest of recipes: Stir things up and have dinner together.”
– National Catholic Register
 
“Grace Before Meals is a movement. A movement to get families back to the kitchen to feed each other – physically and spiritually.”
– Catholic Digest

About the Author

FATHER LEO PATALINGHUG is the driving force behind Grace Before Meals – a movement founded on the belief that shared meals strengthen relationships – as well as the star of the Grace Before Meals webisodes, a popular online video series. He often cooks diners for friends, students, and local parishioners, using these opportunities to build friendships and engage in relaxed conversations in the kitchen. In addition to his work with Grace Before Meals, Father Leo also serves on the faculty at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary and travels widely as a Catholic conference speaker.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday Religion; Original edition (July 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307717216
• ISBN-13: 978-0307717214
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.5 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #335,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Grace before Meals August 27, 2010

By Robbie L. Macdonald

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book. Not only does Father Patalinghug give the reader fantastic recipes, he flavors them with contemplation and scripture readings. Well worth the price and the recipes are delicious. Pax, Robbie

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great gift for Catholic families July 12, 2011

By Michael Cibenko

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I gave this as a Fathers' Day gift. I like the way it ties in recipes with prayers and the liturgical calendar. Only wish it included photographs of the meals.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for all families! September 7, 2010

By charlene

Format:Paperback

My mom bought this book for me and my family and it's truly wonderful. It's a must have for all families. The recipes are amazing and the prayers are as well. Thank you Heavenly Father for giving Father Leo such a beautiful gift and enabling him to share it with the world.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!!! September 7, 2010

By Joann Somerville

Format:Paperback

The food that you will create is very good. The family memories will be awesome!!!!
I have ordered to give as gifts - everyone LOVES it!!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Cookbook that EVERY Catholic should own!!! March 10, 2011

By kipper

Format:Paperback

My husband gave me this cookbook on our wedding anniversary. I had been wanting the cookbook for several months. This cookbook is much more than a cookbook! It incorporates the importance of raising good children in our society that attacks family, and values. Father Leo is inspirational for every season of the Church year, and the importance of having meals together, as a family. If I had to chose only one cookbook to have in my kitchen, and believe me, I have SEVERAL of them....I would give all of the others away, and keep "Grace Before Meals"

I cannot wait to read any future books that Father Leo publishes. May God continue to bless him!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful revised new edition pairing Father Leo's favorite recipes with dishes sure to nourish on many levels! January 21, 2011

By Midwest Book Review

Format:Paperback

Grace Before Meals: Recipes & Inspiration for Family Meals & Family Life provides a fine survey covering cooking and family relationships alike, blending recipes with spirituality and including Biblical references for encouraging family dialogue. The result is a powerful revised new edition pairing Father Leo's favorite recipes with dishes sure to nourish on many levels!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Grace Before Meals January 2, 2011

By Janet Miles

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased the cookbook as a gift. The person I gave it too was thrilled as she had wanted the cookbook for some time. She is a follower of the author.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars foodie September 7, 2010

By Gloria Lewis

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Excellent recipes, and nice discussion points to promote dinner conversation. Oh, and did I mention, excellent recipes. :-)