I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Robin Davis about her upcoming book Recipe for Joy. I must say this was a great read and it warmed my heart.
Robin Davis, who currently works for the Columbus Dispatch as a food editor, is also a James Beard award winner, former Restaurant critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, and a recent convert to Catholicism.
She takes us with her on her journey in life. She shows us how she connected with her family through food. Each of the seven chapters are named after a part of a meal. Each relevant and reveals a little piece of her life. Then at the end of each chapter she shares with us a wonderful recipe.
For instance the recipe I will share with you today is her Pomegranate Cocktail located in chapter one, appropriately titled The Toast. I really liked this drink because not only did it taste good, it can be made with or without the alcohol. Trust me, any kid will love this.
Robin was so gracious in allowing me to interview her. This was the conversation we had.
How did food help you in your Catholic Faith?
Food and faith go hand in hand. So many of the stories of Jesus involve food, and I don’t think that’s just a coincidence. I didn’t feel qualified to be a mother, but I could cook. When I gathered my family around the table to eat, it fed our bodies, but also our souls by drawing us close in the community of our family and in love. That’s one of the building blocks of the Catholic faith: love one another, care for each other.
What inspired you to write this story?
As my husband and I encountered challenges in our blended family situation, we often felt we were the only ones going through them. I wanted others to know they weren’t alone.
When no one is looking I like to indulge in?
A peanut butter and honey sandwich on white bread.
What is your favorite Kitchen tool?
I am not much of a gadget person. If something is in my kitchen, it better have more than one use. I love my microplane grater. I use it for everything from citrus zest to Parmesan cheese to garlic.
What is your favorite Catholic tradition?
The veneration of the cross on Good Friday. I am so deeply moved by the whole service each year.
When I am cooking I always?
. . . put a wet paper towel under my cutting board to keep it from slipping. Seriously!
Do you have any advice for someone looking to convert to the Catholic faith?
Go to Mass. Start with what’s the center of our faith. Get a priest or a deacon or a trusted parishioner to explain the details to you. And pray. God will lead you right where you need to be.
Pomegranate Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon chilled pomegranate juice
1 cup chilled champagne or sparkling wine
1 teaspoon orange liqueur such as Grand Mariner
Orange peel twist or orange slice for garnish
Directions:
Pour the pomegranate juice into a champagne flute or wine glass. Fill with champagne.
Top with orange liqueur. Garnish with orange peel or an orange slice
Serve immediately.
Variation: To make this cocktail nonalcoholic, use nonalcoholic sparking cider in place of the champagne and orange juice in place of the orange liqueur.
Peace be with you,
Veronica
