Encounter the Saints: Baking with Brother Andrew
Br. Andrew Corriente, O.F.M. Cap. is a Franciscan friar in formation for the priesthood at Capuchin College in Washington, D.C. He was the winner of Season 5 of the “The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition” in January 2020. We encourage you to check out writeups about Br. Andrew in the Catholic Standard and the Washingtonian to learn more about this exciting victory and his vocation story.
He is generous with his talent, constantly whipping up treats for his fellow friars and preparing and distributing meals for local day laborers. You can keep up with Br. Andrew’s latest culinary creations on Instagram at @thisfriarbakes.
Br. Andrew has provided us three of his recipes, complete with photos, which are linked below. They can be baked in correlation with specific feast days but are tasty year-round! These are great for an afternoon of baking as a family or you can set up your own “Great Parish Bake-off” for a grouping of teens that enjoy the culinary arts. Make sure to post photos on Instagram, tagging @thisfriarbakes and @arlingtonyouth!
Chocolate and Rose Eclairs
On St. Thérèse’s death bed, she longed for a chocolate eclair. This recipe uses a creamy pastry cream that would be easy for the dying soon-to-be saint to eat. It will be a topped with a thick chocolate glaze to satiate her sweet tooth. The eclair will be decorated with edible rose petals because of her love of roses.
Almond & Spice Cookies
On St. Francis’ death bed, he wanted almond cookies from his good friend Lady Jacoba. This recipe uses spices as spices were a luxury item, and Lady Jacoba would’ve gladly used any for her dear friend Francis.
Chocolate and Raspberry Bubble Eclairs
Ten cream puffs are pipped in a circular pattern to symbolize the rosary. The pastry is filled with a bittersweet chocolate whipped cream studded with raspberries to symbolize the darkness and blood of the Passion.
Coffee Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is light and ethereal. The bitterness of coffee provides hearty, earthy notes making the dessert light but very, very real, just like the angels themselves. Top this with other earthy ingredients; cinnamon, nuts, and chocolate.
