Q & A: Are you holier than the Pope?

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I write that title with a little chuckle under my breath. That's always been my mantra. Well, not always, but for many years. If it's good enough for the pope, I say it's good enough for me. Anything, really. I can not be holier than the pope.

And it is with much levity that I ask the question, "Are you holier than the pope?" because I recently made a discovery that makes me wonder if I have made that mistake.

For many years we have been a family of meatless Fridays. It was not long after we began homeschooling that I made the discovery that Catholics, according to the Code of Canon law, are still called to be meatless on all Fridays, not just those that fall during the 40 days of Lent. It was quite a revelation when I made this discovery, especially since it is never a topic of a Sunday homily. Since that time, we have been meatless on Fridays, much to the irritability of my offspring, who like their meat.

We have friends who are priests who do not follow this practice and I always thought that was kind of funny. But, recently, when my second son went for a weekend visit at the Pontifical College Josephinum, I discovered that the pope's own seminary does not follow the practice either (the Pontifical College Josephinum is the pope's only seminary in North America). When Josh came home from his weekend, I asked him what they ate on Friday, and he answered "burgers, pizza, chicken," typical dormitory fare.

Wow. No fish Friday at the seminary? Maybe I'm being a little too picky about it.

So, in the nature of Q & A (I ask, you answer), I ask (again, with much levity, and absolutely no judgment) "Are you holier than the Pope?" In other words, "Do you eat meat on Friday?" For the time being, we are (eating meat), but the jury is still out.

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Q & A: natural peanut butter

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I occasionally have a question I'd like to discuss with other foodies. And even though my kids think they are foodies, I'd rather talk to real people. Like you.

So, how 'bout I ask and you answer. You're awfully quiet, you people who visit here. And maybe you'll talk if I ask.

I ask.

You answer.



So, today's question is, what do you think about natural peanut butter?

I buy natural peanut butter, Krema brand to be exact (a local company). And it is good, but then almost all peanut butter is good. The problem I have with natural peanut butter is the maintenance. It's made with only peanuts, no oils or salt, and so it separates. When I first open a jar I have to stir it to death, and then I have to refrigerate it if I don't want to do that every time I use it. And if I refrigerate it, it's not very spreadable -- it rather rips the bread apart.

I realize I am sucked in by the "natural" label and the "purity" of the product, so I think maybe I'd like to switch.

So, do you eat natural peanut butter? Do you think that other brands of peanut butter (they are not unnatural, so I'm not sure what to call them) -- the kinds that are processed with oils to keep them smooth -- are just as good? I'd love to know your thoughts.




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