Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" ~John 6:8-9
One thing I truly like about our new church is that we hold a potluck after service once a month. It's such a casual and pleasant to get to know the members better so that new friendships can be nurtured and grown. Being a small congregation, that is delightfully easy to do.
Danny and I take a tuna/pasta salad for our last potluck. This Sunday, we decide on bringing his homemade pimento cheese sliders. If you live for any length of time in the South, you quickly discover that pimento cheese is a year-round favorite! And Danny's take on it is truly out of this world.
When Danny goes to the store to secure ingredients, he is thrilled to find that this imported, non-GMO sharp Irish cheddar is on sale. He buys two, and grates both 7 oz. packages into a large bowl.
Once grated, Danny adds two 4 oz. jars of pimentos, drained.
Next, he adds mayonnaise. We use the brand "Chosen," as it is made with 100% avocado oil.
For extra creaminess, Danny adds a generous dollop of whipped cream cheese. What a difference it makes in the texture!
He mixes all these ingredients together with dashes of pepper and garlic powder. Now, for the taste test.
Yum! It's perfect!
The cheese mixture is refrigerated overnight; we prepare the actual sliders, using King's Hawaiian bread rolls, on Sunday morning so the bread won't get soggy.
Here is a partial view of the dishes brought by other church members for our monthly feast. There is something for everyone, and no one leaves the table hungry.
Potlucks always bring to mind the story of the little boy with his loaves and fishes. What he had was probably portioned just for him. I wonder how he felt when Andrew asked if he would give his lunch to Jesus? Did he already believe that Jesus could work miracles? That He could multiply the meager loaves and fishes to satisfy the appetites of all the hungry people gathered on the hillside? Or was it a loving look from the Lord that convinced him he was doing the right thing?
When we unselfishly share whatever portions we have, and everyone contributes, there is always more than enough to go around, and then some. It is our act of sharing with others that abundance is found. After all, Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.
Let's live that lesson out in our daily lives.
Amen!
It's the timing of our posts on the feeding of the 5,000 that's borderline amazing. I wrote and scheduled mine almost nine months ago, and it focuses on the general while yours is on the particular.
ReplyDeleteYes, Glynn, I agree that this is more than just coincidental. I'm amazed that you can manage to schedule your posts so far ahead of time, too. Lately, I'm fortunate if I can prepare one entry a week. Maybe, I need to make that effort to write ahead of time.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Cheddar is a favourite of ours too. It is certainly good to share what we have made with others. We had similar gatherings yesterday after Mass to raise funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society - a charity that helps people in need: feeding the homeless in town, helping the elderly with shopping, gardening, going to the doctor, dentist etc ...
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Another cheddar fan! I'm very familiar with the St. Vincent de Paul Society as they have a thrift store in our town of Kennesaw. We often take our gently-used clothing and other goods there to donate. It's also a fun place to shop! Yes, they do such great work for those in need, Victor.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Three words suffice: I love potlucks. I call them pitch ins because everyone pitches in. I usually go last (a weird "rule" I have for myself) so sometimes there isn't much left, but that hasn't been lately. Our people put out a feast!!
ReplyDeleteI think they're fantastic, too, Bill. The one yesterday was so much fun for all involved. And I don't think it's odd that you choose to go last - that's what great pastors do!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Mmm Mmm Boy, does everything look so good. I haven't made pimento cheese in forever. In fact, I'll probably have to hit my LBS up for mama's recipe. So glad to see all y'all are enjoying sweet fellowship and your new church.
ReplyDeleteWe are enjoying every moment with this crew, J. D. They are all so delightful! Hope you can recreate your mama's recipe sooner than later - it must be delicious!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Boa tarde, Martha
ReplyDeleteLinda postagem, a festa depois do culto é muito gratificante, é uma forma de fazer novas amizades, linda história bíblica do menino com seus pães e peixes, Jesus nos convida a partilhar sempre. Obrigada pelas felicitações no aniversário do meu filho, um forte abraço.
It is a rewarding time for all who participate, Lucinalva. I'm grateful to be a part of such a friendly and caring congregation.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are most welcome for mentioning your son here. How could I not wish him a happy birthday?
Love and blessings!
What a great way to 'flesh out' this Bible story. I love pimento cheese, but unfortunately, Tom not so much. I'm so glad you shared Danny's formula and will be making it for our congregation's 5th Sunday potluck!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you're going to try the recipe, Myra! It's absolutely great for a potluck - your chance to enjoy pimento cheese even when Tom doesn't. Let me know how it works for you, my friend.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Sharing food is always a nice thing to do and a nice way to meet new people. Danny's recipe sounds and looks good. Sharp cheddar cheese is called mature over here. Have a wonderful week, Matha.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that sharp cheddar in Ireland is called mature, Bill. It certainly is that with it's one-of-a-kind taste. It's my favorite cheese, hands-down.
DeleteBeing able to share our food with others is the best!
Love and blessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteYes, if being in good health, such a potluck lunch after Mass is perfect. We did that at our previous Church and enjoyed mingling and sharing.
They also did coffee with dessert after Mass on other Sundays and I've often created something to share.
Hugs,
Mariette
PS have to regain my strength and weight... 91.5 pound yesterday morning
Oh, yes, Mariette, you certainly do have to gain some weight and your strength back. Less than 92 pounds? I'd say that's way too thin! I do hope you improve soon; it can be a journey, I know.
DeleteI do like the idea of coffee and dessert after service, too. Maybe, that's something we could try in the future.
Love and blessings!
💞 and please pray that my pain does go away...
DeleteMayonnaise made from avocado oil? That sounds extra delicious! I'll have to look for that. I can't help but notice the faith-reminders of a couple of your pimiento cheese ingredients: CHOSEN mayo and TRULY cheese! Especially appropriate for a church potluck! 😁
ReplyDeleteNancy, you are so observant! I hadn't caught that, but now that you mention it, it makes perfect sense. :) The mayonnaise is delightful, by the way. Let me know if you can find the brand and try it out.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, I have never made homemade pimento cheese, but hubby is a huge fan of it, unless it has peppers in it. No peppers please! Those sliders look wonderful! And yes, pot lucks can definitely be a time for the loaves and fishes story for sure. You've helped me feel better about the potluck. I've been kind of down on them lately because I usually get a tummy ache afterwards so I am trying to be more cautious about what I eat. But the fellowship is so important. I should just be sure to take food that I know I can eat safely and hope I can get that before it's all gone, and then enjoy the fellowship! Thank you for this wonderful post and also for your dear friendship!!! (I loved the card, thank you so much!!!) God bless you dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the card arrived in time, Pamela! The design reminded me of the type you like on your calendars. I do understand about taking something that you know you can easily digest, too. I went through a similar bout earlier this year. Metamucil works wonders!
DeleteLove and blessings!
The potlucks are so fun!! My church does one each month too, September through April. We have tables outside so it is too hot in the summer months. There isn't enough room to set up the food tables and tables for eating in our gathering space. Thanks for Danny's recipe!! I have made note! xo
ReplyDeleteI do hope you'll have a chance to try out this recipe, Terri. Maybe for your next potluck?
DeleteThose after church meals together are always so much fun. I'm glad your church has been able to go back to them this month.
Love and blessings!
These look so yummy the potluck sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYes, Christine, they were extraordinarily delicious.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Blessings 🙏🏽💞
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings to you, Cloudia!
DeleteYou really can't taste the avocado, Jo-Anne, but the flavor of the cheddar cheese is unmistakable. Sorry the food doesn't float your boat, but glad you enjoyed the post.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Olá, Martha
ReplyDeleteVoltando aqui para agradecer as felicitações hoje, um forte abraço.
Thank you, sweet friend!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I've never tried to make pimento cheese, but I love it from the deli. This looks so delicious and I enjoyed your analogy of our sharing the portions we have to contribute to everyone having something. Beautiful. And your post that came out today on JD's site was so awesome! God bless! Karen Friday
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Karen, for your kind words here! Let me know if you decide to try this recipe; I know you won't be disappointed. :)
DeleteAnd I really appreciated your comment on the J. D. post, too. Your friendship means so much.
Love and blessings!
The hubby recently had a potluck for his elderly Qigong members, and I made mac and cheese, something unusual for a Malaysian potluck. I was worried that no one would touch it, but surprisingly, it turned out to be a favorite!
ReplyDeleteDanny's recipe sounds great.😋
I love your analogy.
Hugs and blessings, Martha
Hugs and blessings, Martha
I love that you made mac and cheese, Veronica - that's another favorite of mine. I'm not surprised that the folks all enjoyed it, even if it wasn't an item they usually eat. Great cultural exchange!
DeleteLove and blessings!
church potlucks are the best and so glad after Covid they are returning. homemade pimento cheese sliders. wow they look delicious. Thanks for including all the tips on making this.
ReplyDeleteAnd even the bread rolls look like a little cemetery.
ReplyDelete