May 2013

The Soul of an Apprentice 

I finally published my book, “Essential Inequality & Social Justice in an Unjust World,” this week after a year of seemingly endless nitpicking of words and phrases. In my book, I looked for causes of world hunger and poverty in our world of plenty. It doesn’t seem realistic that nearly a quarter of humanity goes hungry when there is enough food to feed everyone. 

After some research, I found a startling statistic: almost half of the world’s food is thrown away uneaten. But not only are we careless with our resources, we aren’t ethical in our buying practices. We buy things made by underpaid labor, and even children. So the problem of poverty and hunger is created by all of us, wherefore all of us are part of the solution. 

What can you do to create a more just world in which our common resources are distributed justly?
 

First of all, shop locally. It seems to make sense to drive a half an hour to go to the Big Box store, but the money you save by doing so, you lose in the total income that remains in your own local community. The more money you spend in your neighbors' stores, the more money there is available for education, health care, and safety. And these are all things we all need.

Secondly, by things made by well-paid labor. While you may initially feel the difference in your wallet, you will gain a safe community, for higher income average brings with it a lower crime rate. A lower crime rate makes it possible for children to attend school and gain a good education, which in turn lowers poverty.

Thirdly, by organic food. GMOs and other genetically modified foods are engineered to concentrate the profits in the hands of few, which will create poverty as family farms disappear and incomes drop.

Fourthly, by seasonal ingredients. Many farmers in poor countries produce cash crops for the First World, making it possible for us to eat foods in and out of season. But when a large portion of land is dedicated to cash crops, where is the food that the local people need to eat going to be planted? Cash crops create hunger by reducing the amount of food available in poor countries, which causes prices to soar.

Fiftly, avoid unethical companies. There are many websites that provide information about the ethics of large multinational companies. (See, for example, http://ethisphere.com/past-wme-honorees/wme2011/). People die every year in the developing countries due to unsafe work conditions. Make sure your money doesn't further this unjust and deadly practice.

Lastly, consider whether you really need those shoes you saw in the store, or whether you could live without them, and give the money to the local Rescue Mission, or sponsor a child in a developing country. There are a lot of things we want, few things we really need. Food, clean water, and a safe shelter are necessities we cannot live without, yet the lack of the most basic necessities is a grim reality for millions of people around the world.

We can all become part of the solution. It all begins with us.

  

Susanna Krizo 
Editor
Board of Directors, CCI 
Secretary

April 2013

The Soul of an Apprentice 

[Written in 2002]

God has really taught me a thing or two in the past few years about His requirements for a person to do His work through him or her. Although I have failed at doing this many times, ever since God set me on fire for Himself, I have always tried to stay open to whatever God might have for me to do.

Not long after God set me on fire, I really started to get into God's Word for the very first time. During this time, God called me to attend a culinary school. It was not long after I had stopped studying to be a commercial airline pilot, and when I knew very little about scripture. I soon realized that it was God's will that I attend culinary school. There was no use waiting any longer about something God had clearly shown me, so I spent a short time researching the different schools, and off to New York I went. I still wasn't very knowledgeable about scripture, but was excited to learn more, and also was excited to find out what God desired to do through me by bringing me into this industry. Well, it wasn't long until God called me to lead the Christian club on campus. The leader was graduating and no one else wanted to become the leader. Sensing God's leading, I volunteered. I had absolutely no clue how God could do it through someone as unknowledgeable about His Word as myself, but by His grace, I submitted to His direction and He gave me all the strength to lead the group for most of that year, and much of my second year of school as well. God ended up teaching me more than I could ever have imagined during that time, and I was so excited about the campus fellowship at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) that I began to think how awesome it would be to work with a worldwide ministry for cooks and chefs.

Little did I know that there was none in existence. I researched online, through friends, through other ministries, and more, but couldn't find a ministry like that anywhere. I felt that I would be completely unable to start something like that, as I was a broke college student in a great deal of debt from culinary school and aeronautical school, and had only a little culinary knowledge, didn't know anything about websites, newsletters, leadership, or ministry in general. Still, even though all those thoughts were rolling through my mind of how I wasn't able to do such a great task, I continued to keep myself available to whatever God would have me to do, knowing that I couldn't do it, but if He wanted to, He could.

The vision stayed in the idea stage for a few months, but a worldwide ministry to cooks and chefs was on my mind often. It wasn't long before God allowed me to buy a computer. From there, I found that free webspace was available, and found out how easy it was to write HTML code to build a website. I later started learning how to put out an e-mail newsletter, and that was it. Through staying available to God's will for my life, God started CCF. Now, 3 years later, God continues to grow me personally, grow the number of people this ministry reaches out to, and grow the ministry in general, both spiritually and physically. He's given me the culinary knowledge through school, and through some awesome restaurants He's allowed me to work in throughout the US, France, and Australia, helping me to better understand cooks from all backgrounds. God has also allowed me to take some Bible college classes, and has allowed me time for personal study enabling me to better minister to them spiritually as well. He's brought CCF from our first newsletter (http://www.christianchefs.org/newsletters/1998/09.html) to the current newsletter, and from the original 2 members to the current almost 650 (and growing daily). He's ministering to cooks and chefs through CCF in more ways than I could've ever imagined before, including the new Christian Culinary Apprenticeship, the culinary charts, the Message Boards, industry job listings, and many other many resources. All this by my own strength? I think not!

And, as always, the focus remains on staying available to His will for the ministry, which is kept that way through few others like myself that God has led to carry out His work in this ministry of His. In staying available, I've found that there is no such thing as being too busy to serve God. Just over a year ago God had called me to continue serving Him, giving me all the strength needed to take care of the newsletter, website, e-mails, and everything else that needed done while working one 55-75 hour/week job, one other 15 hour/week job, and continuing to have a good social life at the same time. Now that's God!

I'd just like to encourage you to keep yourself available to whatever God may have for you, both in the big things and in the small; whether He's called you to be a witness in the kitchen you work in or ministering to other Christian cooks and chefs around the world. And in all things remember, it's not about what ability you have or don't have, for just like Paul said in Philippians 4:13 (NKJV), "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Notice that Paul doesn't state that Christ helps grow Paul's strength, but rather that Christ IS Paul's strength.

God bless,

Ira Krizo
Board of Directors, CCI
President

March 2013

News and Updates 

 

Fourth annual CCI Conference is coming up!

March 17-21 at Canby Grove Conference Center, Canby, Oregon

http://www.christianchefs.org/conferences/cci/

___________________________________________________

The Soul of an Apprentice

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong- that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Rom 1:11-12 NIV

Families consider it natural to get together during the year. Christmas, birthdays, and family vacations, are times when those who belong to the same family find a way to spend time together. How important isn’t it for those who belong to the family of God to do the same!

When Christians meet, something more happens than just a sharing of the latest news, for every child of God has a spiritual gift.

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge- because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Cor 1:4-9 NIV

The spiritual gifts were given for the profit of all.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Cor 12:4-8 NIV

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Pet 4:7-11NIV

The different gifts complement each other, wherefore when we come together, the gifts all work together and create a circle within which we are encouraged by our mutual faith: one has a message of knowledge, another the ability to heal; one has a miracle, another a prophecy; one gives liberally, another leads well, and another shows mercy to the needy (1 Cor 12:7-11, Rom 12:3-8). Without these gifts the body of Christ would not function, for a spiritual body needs spiritual nourishment.

The Greek word that is found behind “encouragement” is comfort.

For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn-conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. 2 Cor 7:5-7 NIV

Life in this fallen world can be discouraging and often filled with heartache and disappointment. When we come together, our mutual faith reminds us that we will one day inherit a new world in which only righteousness will dwell (2 Pet 3:13). When we are comforted, we are also strengthened; that which was weak due to sorrow is made strong

It is good to come together.

  

Susanna Krizo 
Editor 
Board of Directors, CCI 
Secretary

February 2013

Italian cuisine is known for its pasta, gelato, and espresso. Dishes full of flavor—and calories. But two thousand years ago, ancient Romans didn’t have tomatoes or coffee, nor were they all that excited about meat. Fish, grains, and the occasional stuffed rodent, were the staple foods of the ordinary Roman kitchen. Only the privileged upper classes were able to indulge in more sumptuous fares.

A wealthy Roman named Marcus Gavius Apicius loved food. Actually, that is an understatement—he worshiped food. (Perhaps he was the one Paul was thinking when he wrote that some people's god was their stomach, Phil 3:19-20). That was certainly true of Apicius, who spent his vast fortune on creating extraordinary foods, and committed suicide when he feared he would starve to death because he didn’t have enough money left to buy food (a mere quarter of a million US dollars wasn’t enough for him).

Yet, from a culinary aspect Apicius was a genius. He created new recipes and operated a culinary school that promoted culinary ideas in an era that revered austerity. A compilation work of ancient Greek recipes combined with Roman novelties was dedicated to Apicius to promote sales. It is because of de re coquinaria that we have a window to a culinary world that no longer exists. Modern methods do not always work, making the recipes more of a historical curiosity than reliable recipes to be used in the modern everyday kitchen. Nevertheless, de re coquinaria, provides a fascinating glimpse into a world that gave us ours.

To view the entire collection, and for an informative article about culinary arts in the first-century Rome, visit

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/29728/29728-h/29728-h.htm

Excerpt from Marcus Gavius Apicius: De re coquinaria

·         TO KEEP MEATS FRESH WITHOUT SALT FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME UT CARNES SINE SALE QUOVIS TEMPORE RECENTES SINT

COVER FRESH MEAT WITH HONEY, SUSPEND IT IN A VESSEL. USE AS NEEDED; IN WINTER IT WILL KEEP BUT IN SUMMER IT WILL LAST ONLY A FEW DAYS. COOKED MEAT MAY BE TREATED LIKEWISE.

·         TO TEST SPOILED HONEY MEL CORRUPTUM UT PROBES

IMMERSE ELENCAMPANE IN HONEY AND LIGHT IT; IF GOOD, IT WILL BURN BRIGHTLY.

·         TO KEEP POMEGRANATES UT MALA GRANATA DIU DURENT [1]

STEEP THEM INTO HOT [sea] WATER, TAKE THEM OUT IMMEDIATELY AND HANG THEM UP. [Tor.] THEY WILL KEEP.

·         CUMIN SAUCE FOR SHELLFISH CUMINATUM IN OSTREA ET CONCHYLIA

[Tor. CUMIN SAUCE (SO CALLED BECAUSE CUMIN IS ITS CHIEF INGREDIENT) FOR OYSTERS AND CLAMS IS MADE OF] PEPPER, LOVAGE, PARSLEY, DRY MINT, MALABAR LEAVES, QUITE SOME CUMIN, HONEY, VINEGAR, AND BROTH.

·         [BRAIN SAUSAGE] [ISICIA DE CEREBELLIS] [1]

PUT IN THE MORTAR PEPPER, LOVAGE AND ORIGANY, MOISTEN WITH BROTH AND RUB; ADD COOKED BRAINS AND MIX DILIGENTLY SO THAT THERE BE NO LUMPS. INCORPORATE FIVE EGGS AND CONTINUE MIXING WELL TO HAVE A GOOD FORCEMEAT WHICH YOU MAY THIN WITH BROTH. SPREAD THIS OUT IN A METAL PAN, COOK, AND WHEN COOKED [cold] UNMOULD IT ONTO A CLEAN TABLE. CUT INTO HANDY SIZE. [Now prepare a sauce] PUT IN THE MORTAR PEPPER, LOVAGE AND ORIGANY, CRUSH, MIX WITH BROTH PUT INTO A SAUCE PAN, BOIL, THICKEN AND STRAIN. HEAT THE PIECES OF BRAIN PUDDING IN THIS SAUCE THOROUGHLY, DISH THEM UP, SPRINKLED WITH PEPPER, IN A MUSHROOM DISH [2].

·         [Rank of] DISHES ISICIA

[Entrées of] PEACOCK OCCUPY THE FIRST RANK, PROVIDED THEY BE DRESSED IN SUCH MANNER THAT THE HARD AND TOUGH PARTS BE TENDER. THE SECOND PLACE [in the estimation of the Gourmets] HAVE DISHES MADE OF RABBIT [1] THIRD SPINY LOBSTER [2] FOURTH COMES CHICKEN AND FIFTH YOUNG PIG.

  

Susanna Krizo
Editor
Board of Directors, CCI
Secretary

January 2013

The Soul of an Apprentice

What does it mean to be a disciple? A disciple follows a master, with the purpose of becoming a master himself. In the kitchen, an apprentice pays close attention to the master wanting to learn everything the master knows.  The same is true of the disciples of Jesus.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8 NIV

What does it meant to bear fruit?

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matt 7:15-20 NIV

In the kitchen, the professionals are known for their ability to cook good food, and the apprentices are recognized for their ability to imitate their masters. Similarly, the disciples of Jesus are known for their good works, which is the fruit they bear because they follow the Master and imitate him.

Susanna Krizo
Editor
Board of Directors, CCI
Secretary

December 2012

There is a book out there called, “Christmas is not your birthday,” by Mike Slaughter. It is nice to get presents, but how many would feel comfortable going to a friend’s party to receive presents while the friend sat there empty handed.

What would Jesus like to get? He already owns everything, so there is no point buying him things. He owns us too, so we cannot really give ourselves. There is really only one thing we can do: we can give to those who are the least among us.

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'  He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. (Matt 25:31-46 NIV)

If you cannot find enough people to give to in your neighborhood, there are many reputable organizations that help those in need.

Children International
www.children.org

World Vision
www.worldvision.org

Food For the Poor
www.foodforthepoor.org

Habitat for Humanity
www.habitat.org

Outreach International
http://outreach-international.org/shop/

Giving to those who have so little is like becoming a savior to them, many times in very literal ways. A chicken can give more than just eggs - it can give life. A goat can give milk - and an education.

Now that Jesus has received the presents he really wanted, lets all get together and enjoy Christmas with a real feast, for food is something that Jesus always enjoyed sharing with everyone!

From all of us to all of you a very merry Christmas!


Susanna Krizo
Editor
Board of Directors, CCI
Secretary