In a sermon in the year 395, St. Augustine of Hippo said of Saints Peter and Paul:
“Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.”
And while we’re learning, did you know that as early as the year 258AD, there was already a tradition in place to liturgically celebrate them on the same day? They were both founders of the See of Rome and both men tirelessly sought, in their own ways, to bring people to the faith. Sts. Peter and Paul carried on their ministry in Rome until they were eventually martyred there.
These men, especially St. Peter since he was a fisherman, were given the title and command, "Fishers of Men." This phrase tells us that Jesus was called them to follow Him, and in turn build up the Kingdom of God on earth. We can better understand this through Scripture, Matthew 4:19, which expresses that they were to go out and cast their nets with the Good News, to teach, minister, and convert souls. But this phrase doesn't just apply to the Apostles, it is meant for us too. That we are to live our lives with Jesus, and in turn share the truths of our faith with others.
In honor of these "Fishers of Men," we are going to make a fish dinner, and one that I've been wanting to try for some time now. Sheet pan shrimp quesadillas with chips and dip. 😍
Pick your favorite fish dinner for this feast day, it’s an easy way to call to mind the mission of both of these great saints, and our mission too.
shrimp quesadillas, sts peter & paul, meatless meal
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
1. 1/2 cup olive oil
2. 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, halved
3. 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
4. 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
5. 1 red bell pepper, diced
6. 2 garlic cloves, chopped
7. 1 tsp chili powder
8. 1 tsp garlic powder
9. 1 tsp cumin
10. 1/2 tsp kosher salt
11. 1/2 tsp pepper
12. 3 cups mixed Mexican cheese
13. 1 tbsp butter for browning the tortillas
Garnish Options
Queso
Salsa
Guacamole
Jalapeños
Pico de Gallo
Sour Cream
Bean Dip
Lime Juice
Ready to get started?
Dice 1/2 yellow onion and 1 red bell pepper, then chop 2 garlic cloves and 1/4 cup cilantro and set that aside.
Over medium heat pour 2 tbsps olive oil then cook your shrimp in batches, only a minute each side until they are pink. You don’t need to worry too much about cooking them fully, they will go in the oven later. Replenish the olive oil in the skillet regularly so the shrimp don’t stick.
Take the shrimp out and set it aside.
Drizzle more oil into the skillet, 2 tbsps, and cook the onion, cilantro, bell pepper, and garlic for 5 minutes stirring regularly. While the veggies are cooking, cut the shrimp in half.
After 5 minutes sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add in the shrimp and stir everything to combine!
Preheat the oven to 425 and grease a baking sheet with oil or butter. Lay 7 burrito size tortillas on the sheet pan.
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups cheese, then evenly distribute the shrimp mixture, and sprinkle the other 1 1/2 cups cheese across the top.
Fold the edges of the tortilla inward and lay a final burrito size tortilla on the top.
Take a stick of butter and coat the top of the tortillas then place another baking sheet on the top.
Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes with the baking sheet laying on top of the quesadillas. Take it out of the oven and let it cool a bit before cutting. Serve with your favorite toppings.
I arranged this on a wooden serving tray with chips, queso, pico de gallo, and salsa. Feel free to add sour cream, guacamole, or jalapenos! Whatever your little heart desires!
Life is good!
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