When Love Turns to ashes
Today, we celebrate 2 Christian holidays. One is rarely associated with Christendom. But, the other one is steeped in religion. It’s Valentine’s day and ash Wednesday at the same time. I guess you could say it’s when love turns to ashes. Not very romantic is it? Well, neither holiday is very romantic in the sense we think of romance. Although, the ideals are romanticized in a biblical context. Unfortunately, most people don’t know the origins of either holiday. In fact, it’s a bit of a stretch to even refer to them as holidays at all. Both are merely symbolic of grander themes.
While both days are founded in Christianity, you don’t need to be Christian to mark the occasions. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of “Lent”, the period leading up to Easter. The theme is to repent and get your affairs in order to reconcile yourself with your god. St valentines day actually marks several people with the name Valentine. There were actually three Valentines in the list of Martyrs: St Valentines of Rome, Terni, and Africa. So, when people say valentines, plural, its not a mistake. The common thread of all the Valentines is that they were forgiving of their oppressors, which many consider the greatest kind of love. It has little to nothing to do with the kind of love we associate it with today. So, we actually see overlapping themes in the 2 holidays: repentance and forgiveness.
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What happens when love turns to ashes
Taking on 2 holidays at once may seem daunting. But, when you combine the two concepts, they actually fit together nicely. And, if you take the religion out of it, everyday people can relate to both concepts.
Let’s start with Ash Wednesday. First, how did we get here? Why ashes? Just like Hearts are symbolic of valentines day, ashes are just that for ash Wednesday. If you know anything about Christian rituals, you know about palm Sunday. This is another symbolic event. The story goes that Jesus followers laid palms beneath his feet on the path to Jerusalem. Christians exchange palms in a show of peace. But, what happens to the leftover palms? The church burns them, and use the ashes the following year to kick off the next season of lent on ash Wednesday.
But, why ashes? Lent is a 40 day period leading up to the celebration of Easter. The 40 days are symbolic of Jesus 40 days in the dessert where he shunned the temptations of Satan. Christians are supposed to do the same, confront and atone for their sins. Ashes are purely symbolic of penitence. There is a story in the bible of a woman, Tamar, who is raped by her half brother. She tears her clothes, covers herself in ashes, and runs off crying, asking for repentance. Pretty misogynistic, don’t you think? The original blame the victim of rape tale. Beside this nasty origin story, over the millennia, Christians used ashes as a symbol of repentance. So, on Ash Wednesday, a priest smears ashes on worshipers’ foreheads while saying some variation of “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Violence begets violence
Ashes are a symbol of repentance, trying to regain your good standing after doing something wrong. Tamar did nothing wrong. But, thanks to religion and customs, she felt like she was to blame and needed forgiveness. And, the story gets worse. She sought comfort and protection from her Brother who had her half brother killed a couple years later, while their father, King David (yes, that David) did nothing. She and her brother ended up in exile at some point. Her other brothers all died. Then, she spent her remaining days caring for her niece, living with the trauma of the rape. And, her act of tearing clothes and sprinkling herself with ashes became a symbol for Christians throughout history. How many of these “Christians” seeking forgiveness committed horrific acts in their day? Plus, why go through these rituals when you don’t actually learn or grow from the experience?
The same trail of violence follows the Valentines too. All the “saints” named valentine died at the hands of their captors, despite their showing mercy and forgiveness to those who hated them. Valentine of Rome, supposedly healed the daughter of his jailer. Yet, he was beaten and beheaded. The other possible Valentines also died for their Christian deeds. And, of course, there was the infamous St Valentines day massacre in Chicago, 1929. And, let’s not forget the trail of broken hearts the holiday leaves in its wake. The romance part itself isn’t very romantic. February 13 to 15 was a holiday called Lupercalia: a festival of health and fertility. When Pope Gelasius (in 496 AD) realized that one of the rituals was for local men to pick names of women, out of a hat, to have sex with, he banned the holiday, replacing it with St Valentines day.
So, this is how love turns to ashes
Beside the romanticizing of the People involved in the holidays, neither really stands for actual romantic love as Hallmark and chick flicks portray it. At least Lupercalia had fertility in mind. But, the animal sacrifices and perfunctory use of intimacy belie its actual reason. Again, we come back to the concept that Ash Wednesday and Valentines day are purely symbolic. And, the over-riding symbol is the dollar sign. Restaurants, florists, Bakeries, Jewelers, and of course, greeting card companies thrive on you making a symbolic gesture. And, like Rome burning, capitalism is how love turns to ashes.
And, don’t think that Ash Wednesday gets off that easily either. It marks the beginning of the Easter Season (literally). There is a multi-billion dollar industry around Easter celebrations. Plus, churches raise more money at this time of year too. Despite being a strictly religious holiday, its symbolism spreads far and wide. One place where it helps is the fishing industry, since it’s customary to give up “meat” for lent. But, isn’t fish just another kind of meat? Just sayin’.
The return of Lupercalia
The romantic interpretation of Valentines day we celebrate today is closer to Lupercalia than the religious holiday. Although, it does contain elements of of both. Valentine of Rome got in trouble for performing wedding ceremonies for soldiers despite Caesar banning the practice. So, there is your matchmaking. he also signed a letter to his jailer’s daughter “your valentine”.
But, Lupercalia predates the Valentines by centuries. The tale goes back to at least 600 BC. According to legend, King Amulius sent his infant nephews Remus and Romulus to be drowned. But, the servant he sent to do the drowning sent them downstream in a basket instead. They ended up caught on a fig tree on the river bank, and were ultimately raised by wolves at the base of a hill where they eventually founded Rome. To honor the she wolf who raised them, they named her the god of health and fertility. Rituals developed around the festival. Goats were sacrificed to the wolf goddess (and, the aforementioned raffling off of women).
While the rituals may seem barbaric and unkind to women and animals, many of the couples introduced at these ceremonies stayed together in loving relationships. And, that’s the more important part of Lupercalia. Remember, it’s the celebration of health and fertility. If we leave out the killing and human trafficking, it could be a happy holiday.
This is how love turns to ashes, unlike dinner, hopefully
Lupercalia was a silly holiday. After the sacrifice, the priest would smear the blood on one of his apprentices and laugh. After the ceremony, the Luperci men would run naked (or nearly naked) through the streets, slapping women with strips of goat skin. They believed it helped with pregnancy. But, what about the poor animals slaughtered at the ceremony? Given the value of meat at the time, they likely ate it. These people were primitive, not stupid. We could celebrate the holiday with something like Goat’s head soup. But, the stones already did that. So, we’ll opt for something a little more refined.
Vegetarian fair is more in-line with the theme of the day, since it’s about health and fertility. We know vegetables are healthier in general. But, they’re also helpful with matters of the bedroom. Many fruits and veggies are high in anti-oxidants. This promotes better blood flow (including in erogenous zones). Pineapple, pomegranate, and blueberries are especially helpful. Besides their shape, eggplant and cucumber also offer energy boosts thanks to B and C vitamins and other nutrients. And, don’t forget garlic. Although the scent may not be exciting to most, garlic has nutrients essential in libido regulation. So, load up on your pastas (not too much, though, you don’t want to get weighed down). So, if you don’t want to find out how love turns to ashes, try our recipes for a libidinous Lupercalia.
Homemade Sea Salt and Red Wine Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour Typo 00 preferred, but you can use AP or other)
- 2 each Large eggs
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 2 Cups Red Wine (Chianti, Sangiovese, or whatever you have. Not too sweet)
Instructions
- Put the wine in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Cook until the liquid is reduced to about 1/2 cup. It will be thicker and deeper in color. Set aside to cool.
- Mix the flour and salt together. Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
- Mound the flour on a clean, non porous surface (Cutting board, marble, stainless steel, granite, butcher block, etc.). Create a "bowl" in the middle to mix in the ingredients.
- Pour the eggs into the indentation in the flour. Add in the wine and oil. Fold the flour into the wet ingredients. Be careful that they don't spill out. Continue folding in until a dough begins to form. Flour the surface, as needed, to continue kneading.
- As the dough forms, continue kneading it with the palm of your hand. Fold it, and knead some more. Do this for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then form the dough into a ball and cover it. Let the ball rest for about 5 minutes.
- Split the ball into 4 pieces. Roll them into balls. Flatten the balls by hand or with a rolling pin. Then put through a pasta machine. Start on the widest setting. Roll it into a long thin strip. Fold the dough in 1/2 and roll through again to get even strips. Then, roll again at the next lowest setting. Repeat this process until it is the desired thickness. If the pieces are too long, cut them to a manageable size.
- Once the sheets are at the desired thickness, use the cutter attachment of the pasta machine to cut into strips.
- Boil water with salt. Cook the pasta for about 2 minutes. Toss with your favorite sauces and toppings. Mangia!
Notes
Truffled Grilled Eggplant Plank with Wild Mushroom Ragout Served with Caramelized Leek studded Cauliflower Puree and garlic Spinach Timbale
Ingredients
- For the Eggplant
- 1 Large Eggplant
- 1 tsp Chopped Fresh garlic
- 1 tsp Chopped Fresh Rosemary
- 1 tsp Chopped Fresh Thyme
- 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Truffle oil to Drizzle
- For Mushroom Ragout
- 2 Cups Assorted Wild Mushrooms, Cut in large chunks or slices
- 1/2 Cup Sliced Fresh Shallot
- 1/2 tsp Chopped Fresh Garlic
- 1/2 cup Sherry Wine
- 1/2 Cup vegetable stock (optional)
- 1 Cup Grape tomatoes cut in 1/2
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Basil, sliced
- Truffle oil to taste
- For Cauliflower Puree
- 2 Cup Fresh Cauliflower
- 2 Cup Yukon Gold Potato
- 1/2 Cup Fine Diced Leeks
- Salted Water to boil
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- For Garlic Spinach Timbale:
- 1/2 Lb Fresh Spinach
- 1 tsp Chopped Fresh garlic
- 1/4 Cup Diced Sweet Onion
- 1/4 cup Diced Red Pepper
- olive oil for cooking
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplant: Chop your garlic and herbs, toss with oil and vinegar, and season. Peel and slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch Thick Planks or rounds. marinate the eggplant for about an hour
- Make the Ragout: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium high heat. Saute the garlic and shallot until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until soft. Add the sherry and cook down until half the liquid is gone. Then add the tomatoes. Cook until they become soft, but don't fall apart. If the sauce looks a little dry, add a little vegetable stock. Season with salt and pepper, Add the basil and truffle oil at service time.
- Make the Cauliflower Puree: Boil the potatoes in salted water until slightly soft, drain well, toss in olive oil, and spread out on a sheet pan. Toss the cauliflower in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place both in a preheated 400 degree oven. Cook until soft. In the meantime, heat some olive oil in a saute pan. Saute the leeks over medium heat until translucent. When the Cauliflower and potatoes are done, puree in a food processor, Add in half of the coconut oil. Check the consistency. If it is not too thin, add more coconut oil. Season the puree and fold in the leeks at the end. Keep warm until service or reheat when ready.
- make the spinach Timbale: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium high heat. Saute the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the peppers and spinach and cook them down stirring until the spinach becomes wilted and pliable. Season the mix, Then strain off extra liquid. Stuff the spinach and pack tightly into ramekins. Hold in a warming oven.
- Grill the eggplant over a preheated grille or grille pan. Cook until nice lines appear and the "steak" softens all the way through.
- Assemble the plate. Carefully spoon the Puree into the middle of the plate, maybe slightly off center. Prop the eggplant against or on top of the puree. Turn the spinach Timbale out onto the plate next to the eggplant. Top the eggplant with the ragout. Then, drizzle a little truffle oil on top of the eggplant and ragout. Serve hot.
Minted Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Feta
Ingredients
- 2 cup cubed fresh watermelon
- 2 cup fresh English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1/2 cup shaved red or sweet onion
- 1 cup feta cheese cubed
- 2 Tbsp fresh mint julienne
- 1 handful fresh spinach or arugula
- For Dressing:
- 1/4 cup honey or agave
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp pink peppercorn
- 1/2 cup neutral oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- mix all ingredients for dressing except oil in a mixing bowl with stick blender or in a blender. Slowly add in oil until emulsified.
- Toss all ingredients in a bowl except dressing. Put in a little dressing at a time until well coated, but not swimming in dressing. Serve chilled.
Frangelico Scented Chocolate Souffle
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cup heavy Cream
- 2 Tbsp Corn Starch
- 1 Lb High quality Chocolate
- 2 Oz Frangelico
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 large Egg Yolks
- 5 large Egg Whites
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- Butter for lining the ramekins
- Sugar for lining the ramekins
- Powdered Sugar and sauce for garnish (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- melt some butter. Brush the insides of your ramekins with butter. refrigerate for a few minutes. Then Brush again. This gives a solid coating. return to the fridge. But, keep more melted butter ready for the last coating.
- Heat cream in a heavy pot. Stir in the cornstarch and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. This will result in a thickened cream. You can substitute milk or a lighter cream if you want a lighter souffle. Add the Frangelico and vanilla, and remove from the heat.
- Break up the chocolate into small pieces. Pour the hot cream into the chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Separate your egg whites and yolks. Stir three yolks into the chocolate mix. Set aside.
- Whip the egg whites until white and fluffy. Add the sugar and continue whipping to a point where they will hold stiff peaks. But, don't over-whip or they will separate into a foam and liquid.
- carefully fold the chocolate, a little at a time, into the egg whites. Do not whip or stir. You want to keep the whites light and airy.
- Remove ramekins from the fridge. Brush once more with butter, then pour in some sugar, turn the ramekins to coat with sugar. Shake out the extra sugar.
- Fill the ramekins and place them on a sheet pan. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. If you have to check on them, try looking through the window. They should rise about an inch over the ramekin edge. Baking time depends on the size of your ramekins. it takes about 20 to 25 minutes for a 4 to 6 ounce vessel. Longer for a larger one.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with a berry coulis or other sauce if desired. Serve as soon as possible before they deflate.