Thursday, March 29, 2018

"Green" Thursday

Those who follow the liturgical calendar (church calendar) observe today as Maundy Thursday.  It commemorates the evening when Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples - the "Last Supper" before his death on the cross.  It's also when Jesus washed this disciples' feet, which is another symbolism of the day.  Coins (alms) might also be given to the poor as a sign of charity. 


Maundy might be a word that is derived from the same root from which we get the English word "mandate".  In John 13: 34 - 35, Jesus gave his disciples a mandate, a new commandment: 

...that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.


In Germany, today is called Gründonnerstag (Green Thursday).  Why green?  Some sources say that green symbolizes the "new beginning" of being forgiven of sins.  Apparently, some churches decorate with green, budding branches for a green themed decor. 

In my hometown of Frankfurt, many people look forward to eating grüne Soße (green sauce) this time of year.   It's called Grie Soss in the Frankfurt dialect. This herbal sauce is equivalent to chimichurri or salsa verde - and yet, it is uniquely Frankfurterisch


One needs 7 herbs to make green sauce:  Kerbel, Schnittlauch, Petersilie, Pimpinelle, Sauerampfer, Kresse & Borretsch
1.  chervil - also known as French parsley
2.  chives
3.  parsley
4.  pimpinella - an herb of the carrot family, which includes anise, also considered medicinal
5.  sorrel
6.  cress - garden cress, related to mustard and watercress
7.  borage or starflower, also considered to be medicinal

This wonderful blend of herbs is combined with yogurt, sour cream, cooked egg yolks - through a sieve, mustard, garlic, oil, and lemon juice - then cooked, chopped egg whites and salt and pepper.  It is served with boiled eggs and boiled potatoes.  A true Frankfurter will drink Appelwei' (apple wine) or Apfelsaft (apple juice/cider) with this meal. 


A real Frankfurter recipe can be found here:  Traditional Grüne Sosse

My recommendation is you get on an international flight TODAY and fly immediately to Frankfurt and try this sauce for yourself.  ;)


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