The Misadventures of Cardinal Fratelli by Rachel Marie Gohlman

I found this book through a response from "The Cardinal" on one of my 1000+ Gifts posts! So I started following the thread that runs through the internet to get more information on this Cardinal. I mean after all, if a Cardinal comments on your blog - you sit up and take notice! Especially if you've only been in Catholic Churches for weddings and funerals! 

That's when I discovered that the Cardinal is a fictitious character. I was hooked on the idea of reading about him in Rachel Marie Gohlman's first book "The Misadventures of Cardinal Fratelli."

You know how I like "funny" and he sounded funny - plus, can one lose with a clumsy Cardinal? -  so I got the first book in this series and that's how I met personally the "Cardinal!"

"Set in the 19th century, in picturesque Italy, this comic writing follows the daily life and blunders of one Cardinal Angelo Fratelli. He is devout, young, handsome and experiences many trials partly because of his excitability and because of his snobby Aunt Francine.

Suddenly, Michele, a dear, childhood friend, comes around and doesn’t get the hint he is unavailable. Fratelli must hatch a plan to get her married off so she leaves him alone- also while proving himself to parishioners and various, other clergy.

Lots of laughs and misadventures" 

I'm not very well learned in the Catholic Church so this was not only a fun book about the Cardinal, it was also my Catholic 101 lesson! 

For example:

At first I was a bit surprised at this actions toward his Aunt Francine until I really stopped and thought through what she was trying to do - which was to marry him off to carry on the family name! Plus - it took me a minute to figure out the "importance" of a Cardinal.  Okay, okay, I have never said I'm a smart protestant.. 

 

You can find the Cardinal's blog H.E.R.E

Author Biography: 

"I have enjoyed writing all my life usually in the fantasy genre. Creating my own worlds and seeing beyond this world is something I regularly do.

Now I am experimenting with horror and comedy using my Catholic faith as a theme. I also write poetry about a variety of religious, natural and philosophical subjects. Hopefully, I will be publishing a book of my poetry soon which will be peppered with illustrations using my own art.

I am a graduate from Bradley University with a Bachelor's in science. My concentration was Studio Arts."

I am not a fan of the fantasy or horror genre's but Gohlman's Cardinal Fratelli series isn't either and will become a favorite with those that enjoy a funny light read.

Mennonite Girls Can Cook

Not only does this book look cheerful - it is very uplifting to read and browse through. It started as a blog that you can read H.E.R.E.

"Mennonite Girls Can Cook is filled with more than a hundred enticing and easy-to-use recipes that are bound to become trusted favorites. Combine these with the many personal stories and colorful photos and you have a close kitchen companion. Join the authors on a delightful journey that's much more about hospitality than entertaining - about blessing, not impressing.  It's all about passing God's bounty on to family and friends."

A picture of the authors:

Lovella Schellenberg, Anneliese Friesen, Judy Wiebe, Betty Reimer, Bev Klassen, 

Charlotte Penner, Ellen Bayles, Julie Klassen, Kathy McLellan, Marg Bartel

I was not raised in a Mennonite Church but I did graduate from a Mennonite High School. So over the years I've always cooked a few "Mennonite" dishes that I learned during my teen years. So when I found this blog, I was thrilled and ordered their book. I have not been disappointed. The recipes are easy - if you enjoy cooking! They are very good and the personal stories and pictures make the book so personal. 

I am not a cookbook reader. But, I did enjoy reading through this cookbook. 

"...Our lives were enriched by the people we entertained." Anneliese

"When my beloved began coming over for dinner when we were dating, my mom would make this soup for him. I often think that this soup secured the eventual proposal of marriage. I still make it for him when I want to serve him something special." Lovella

" I am reminded not to rush as I read the Bible, but to let my mind absorb God's goodness and allow it to nourish my soul.  God's love is worth savoring." Betty

I could go on and on with wonderful quotes from this book. But I will let you get your own and enjoy it in the comfort of your kitchen!

Included on the dedication page it says " All author royalties from Mennonite Girls Can Cook will be donated to charity to feed hungry children." This is a win/win!!

On the website it tells where one can order the book. I ordered mine from Amazon for $16.49. Which is a great price for such a beautiful book.

This is a book for every woman's collection and it will also make a beautiful gift.

I've fixed 4 items so far and they were DELICIOUS!!! 

I fixed the blueberry scones that were wonderful! I made them to eat while watching Downton Abbey! 

We had a fish fry at church and I made a cole slaw out of this book that everyone enjoyed.

I made meat pinwheels with a cheese sauce. All I have to say us YUM. I think I will be trying the cheese sauce with other dishes. It was unbelievable.

I made homemade noodles last week. I loved them. Randy and Andru thought they were too stiff. (that was the cook's fault and not the recipe!) 
 
Whether you collect cookbooks or not, this is a great addition to any kitchen.