Feeding Five Thousand

Let us begin with the familiar story of the feeding of the five thousand:

Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." But Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

The profundity of this pericope is inexhaustible, and that's starving the story, as it were. This side of the beatific vision (i.e., heaven), there's no way to appreciate this story for all its worth. Hence, I would like to take a new spin on this miracle, one that perfectly encapsulates the theme of this blog, though I certainly think there are better interpretations than what follows! I simply want enhance your joie de vivre, both gastronomically and spiritually.

So, ever had what felt like five thousand coming over for dinner? Ever felt nervous over how to feed a multitude of visitors, praying they'd leave your house 'satisfied'? Well, of course you have: we're human. Well, worry no more, for behold a wonderful, filling and cost-effective recipe that promises not only to offer gustatory delight but also will, with any luck, have you pondering the miraculous power of the Numinous One in our midst.

Charleston's Chicken Spaghetti for 5,000 (or 10-12, but who's counting, aye?)

Cook 6-8 chicken breasts (with bone and skin) until tender. Let cool. Don't overcook! Remove chicken, save broth and shred the meat by hand.

Meanwhile, sauté 4 Tbsp. of butter, 2 cups of sweet yellow onions (I prefer Texas Sweets or Peruvian Sweets), 2 cups of chopped celery, 2 cups of fresh sliced button mushrooms and 2 bell peppers.

Cook 12 oz. of angel hair pasta in broth saved from chicken. When almost tender, add the shredded chicken and the sauté mixture to the pasta. Turn off heat and let stand for five minutes. Drain and place all ingredients in a mixing bowl, saving 1 cup of the broth mixture.

Add 16 oz. cubed Velveeta, 1/2 cup of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of cream of celery, 1/2 cup of cream of chicken soup, 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1 cup of broth mixture, 1.5 cups of grated sharp white cheddar and 1 cup of grated gruyere.

Place all in large au-gratin dish, top with fresh parmesan, panko bread crumbs, and if you're so inclined, add thinly sliced jalapenos, too.

Bake for 45 minutes on 350 or until done. Often times, I broil for a few moments to crunch up the layer of cheeses on top. Remove and let stand for at least 20 minutes.

Now, I can't promise any miracles, but I can tell you something about the Numinous One, Jesus Christ, who, after he fed the five thousand, said, 'All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out'. Do those words warm your innermost being? 'For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day', Jesus continues to say.

Look, I don't know what's going on right now in your lives; whether or not you're lonely, depressed, hurt, angry, or sick. I don't know whether or not you're on top of the world (pride, watch out) or, to quote Shakespeare, if 'something is rotten in the state of Denmark'. Perhaps you're wallowing in your own mire -- stuck in a deep depression with seemingly no end in sight. Maybe you're in a broken relationship, or you've been holding on to the pain of your own yesteryear. I simply do not know your story, other than the fact that everybody's got one, including me.

But I do know one thing: no matter what ails us, Jesus promises, 'whoever comes to me I will never cast out'. I don't know your earthly mantra, but I know your heavenly song, for the Lord the universe promises, 'everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day'.

Beloved brothers and sisters, look to Jesus. Just look to Jesus, now and evermore.

Bon appétit!