Recipe of the Week

From Father Leo Patalinghug

Divinely inspired? Father Leo's website "Grace Before Meals" shows off his culinary talent and winning personality.

This week's recipe comes from Rev. Father Leo Patalinghug, a Catholic priest and founder of Grace Before Meals, a movement started on the concept that “the simple act of creating and sharing a meal can strengthen all kinds of relationships.” Since 2003, this simple concept has grown into the cookbook "Grace Before Meals: Recipes for Family Life," online videos, a blog, a TV series in production, and growing national exposure.

In 2009, Fr. Leo was challenged to a “throwdown” by Food Network star Bobby Flay, for the celebrity chef’s signature show “Throwdown! With Bobby Flay.” The winner? In front of a home crowd at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Maryland, Fr. Leo’s fajitas reigned supreme that day.

Recipe of the Week for March 1, 2010: Father Leo's Eggplant Caponata.

About our Recipe of the Week: Reducing the consumption of animal products is a positive way to make a difference for animals. Fortunately, this is becoming easier and more fun every day. With that in mind, we have started a new section on our website featuring recipes of the week. Some recipes are offered courtesy of Compass Group, the world's largest food service company, which recently announced its "Be a Flexitarian" initiative. Other recipes are provided by our favorite chefs and authors and companies that are taking a lead in conscious eating. And we hope you will share with us some of your own recipes, be they originals or adaptations.