Palm Sunday indicates that in one week, we will be celebrating the Resurrection! It also indicates the second time during Great Lent that we can consume fish. When we went to Church for our palms (see the laurel leaves to the right of the plate), we also were treated to a lovely salmon luncheon prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary group, known as Philoptochos in a city just north of Toronto, Canada.
Many churches offer a Lenten luncheon on the two days that we consume fish -- Annunciation (March 25th) and Palm Sunday. But, there were a few points about this one that made it notable for us. First, the choice of salmon as the entree was unique. Typically, in Greek culture, cod or salt cod (bakalao) is served. With the fried salt cod, a serving of skordalia (garlic sauce) is the standard accompaniment. And, with the salmon, we were served skordalia (small cup on the right of the plate). Salmon went surprisingly well with the baked salmon. That could be because we love skordalia, or it could be that the salmon was cooked so perfectly, that having a creamy garlic sauce to top the fish seemed like a very natural pairing -- together, they were delightful. The vegetables were cooked just under al dente, which, for some of us is preferable, and the rice was flavourful. This was served with a salad, dinner rolls, and water.
But, then, came the surprise dessert. Often, with a cup of coffee at church, there may be a pita, or a koulouri, but today was truly special. Several of the ladies of Philptochos prepared loukoumades. We know these were hand made because they were not the small, uniform balls that we can buy at the bakery for $12 Canadian per kilo (or about $5 Canadian per pound). These were light, fluffy, and coated lightly in syrup and sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon. These were clearly homemade. And, loukoumades seemed like the perfect ending to a delightful Palm Sunday luncheon.
We had good food, good dessert, and most importantly, we had good company for our Palm Sunday luncheon. Regardless of the food, the parea can make any gathering special and memorable. Such wonderful enrichment makes us ready to face the week!
Source of video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4nqd_r6mo8&spfreload=1
Please note that the beautiful Hymn of the Bridegroom ("O Nymphios") begins at 15' 56".
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