Ash Wednesday

Today is the first day of the Lenten season and I am thinking about my absolute favorite thing about Lent.

Friday Night Fish Fry's at Saint Al's.

The line sometimes wound out onto the sidewalk as people waited their turn. You would go up the stairs and into the school, then down the stairs into the basement cafeteria. At the bottom you were met by a police officer who would check your id and then hand you are plastic cup of beer poured from a keg at his feet. Next, a parishioner at a card table took your $5 and then you stayed in line and followed the wall around the room until you came to the kitchen area.

Leaning against the wall with your beer was a great time to view the room, find your friends and catch up with your neighbors.

In the kitchen you got your choice of batter fried fish (usually cod) or grilled cheese sandwiches. They also served french fries and baked potatoes that were piping hot from the giant school sized oven. You took your plates of hot food out into the cafeteria and found a seat. Usually by someone scrunching over and letting you in. The place was always packed.

Centrally located was a salad bar with cole slaw, various other cold sides and desserts.

Saint Al's had Fish Fry's every Friday night throughout Lent. Friends and family and neighbors came; Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Just another food memory of my childhood... Nourishing the body and feeding the soul.

Here's a healthier version of the french fries they served at Saint Al's. They will go great with your fish:

Baked Sweet Potato French Fries

4 medium Sweet Potatoes

1 Teaspoon salt

2 Teaspoons cracked Black Pepper

1 1/2 Tablespoons Rosemary

2 Tablespoons Canola Oil

Parmesan Cheese to taste

Cut potatoes into long fries - the thickness should be to your own preference. Toss the fries in oil and then season with salt, pepper and rosemary.

Put the fries on a crinkled layer of foil on top of a cookie sheet. Bake the fries in a 450 degree oven for 35 minutes or to a desired crispiness. Thicker fries may take longer to cook than thinner ones.

Serve your fries with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.