Tis the season of Church fish fries. Also known as meatless meals, the Friday’s in lent were a time to come together as a parish to share a meal. It became a money making operation for churches and other non-profits, such as Knights of Columbus and Veterans organizations.
For a small price, a person can get a piece or two of fried perch, walleye or cod. The meal may include fries, coleslaw, a roll and butter and a drink of lemonade or coffee. Other menu items could include macaroni and cheese, for the children, a tossed salad, and baked potato. There may be an optional dessert selection donated by parishioners. Like many food items, fish fry’s have raised their prices from 8 dollar meals to 13 to 15 dollar per meal. To allow a lower cost alternative for families, some churches are offering Soup and Salad with a roll and a drink. A choice of several soups and salads may be available.
Different parts of the country may have different items on the menu. In Florida and other parts of the south, French fries were replaced with fried okra. The offered seafood was shrimp. A soup of clam chowder was available.
My mother had several meals she would rotate through the lenten season. There was creamed peas on toast. I would get my creamed peas in a separate bowl with the toast on the side, after I had thrown up the pea mixture on toast.
Home made mac and cheese was a favorite. It was served with a side salad in wooden bowls. The same bowls would be used later for popcorn.
Finally there was homemade pizza with several different veggies. My choice was mushrooms. Occasionally mom baked fish sticks, but not often.
As we grew older, we were expected to fast, eating only one meal or two smaller meals. Coming to the table hungry, we were less picky.
Finally, remember the volunteers that cooked and will clean up after you. The meals are offered hoping to break even. Be generous with your donation.
Fries
A long table,
Paper plate of cooling fries,
A small girl daintily pinches a fry
between her finger and thumb.
Dipping into a cup of ketchup.
She dips again and again.
Till the plate is clean.
carolaspot@aol.com February 19, 2024
traveling up and down the blind highway 