Does God Want Us to Leave a Tip?

November 16, 2023 By Chef John Politte

Before delving into the question of whether or not God approves of tipping, it is essential to first examine the importance of tipping. Tipping is a crucial component of the service industry, and it is how many workers in the sector earn their livelihood. By leaving a tip, patrons demonstrate appreciation for the hard work and effort of their server in making their dining experience pleasant. Tipping is often considered a way to demonstrate generosity and kindness, values that are inherent in many religious beliefs. It is also a way for patrons to express their gratitude and respect for the work that service industry workers perform. Therefore, it is imperative to contemplate tipping when analyzing whether it is aligned with religious faith. Read more

Ezekiel Breads History

November 11, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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The history of Ezekiel bread is rooted in the Bible, where it is mentioned in the book of Ezekiel. The prophet was instructed by God to make bread using a combination of wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt. The bread was to be made into cakes and eaten for 390 days to symbolize the siege of Jerusalem and the hardships that the Israelites had to endure. Read more

Does God Care If We Eat Healthy?

November 5, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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While the Bible does not provide us with specific dietary guidelines, it does emphasize the importance of self-control and moderation. In Proverbs 25:16, it says, "If you find honey, eat just enough--too much of it, and you will vomit." This verse highlights the importance of not overindulging in food or drink. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul says that he disciplines his body and keeps it under control so that he will not be disqualified from the race. This verse encourages us to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives, including what we eat. Read more

Mental Health in the Kitchen

October 29, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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Cooking is an art that demands an enormous amount of creativity, discipline, and skill. Culinary professionals are often lauded for their ability to craft incredible dishes that satisfy even the most discerning palates. However, the kitchen environment can also be incredibly challenging and stressful, exacting a heavy toll on the mental health of chefs, cooks, and other kitchen staff. In this post, I will share my personal story and delve into the importance of mental health in the kitchen and how this vital aspect of culinary arts is often overlooked. Read more

Manna: A Fascinating and Enigmatic Food

October 22, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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Manna is a Hebrew word, which means "what is it?" This name befits a food that has remained shrouded in mystery and intrigue for thousands of years. According to the Book of Exodus, manna was a divine gift that sustained the Israelites during their 40-year journey through the desert. It was a small, round, white substance that appeared on the ground each morning like dew. The Israelites were instructed to collect only enough manna for each day, as any excess would spoil overnight. Read more

Hospitality in the Bible: A Guide to Sharing Food and Fellowship

October 15, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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Hospitality is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. From the Old Testament to the New, we see examples of people opening their homes and sharing meals with others. These acts of hospitality provided physical nourishment and helped create strong bonds of community and friendship. Read more

Tips for Writing a Food Column for Faith Based Publications

October 8, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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One of the most significant challenges of being a food writer in a religious publication is adhering to religious dietary requirements. Different religions have different dietary laws and restrictions that are fundamental to their beliefs and practices. As a food writer in a religious publication, you need to be well-versed in these dietary requirements and ensure that your recipes adhere to them. I have started a collection of books on religions, as well as the trusty internet to use as reference for this specific topic. Read more

Can Religion Make Us Better Stewards for the Planet?

October 1, 2023 By Chef John Politte

Can the world's religions save the planet? Can religion make us better stewards for the planet? What are some lessons on food production and the environment that religions have taught us? As we all know, food production significantly impacts the environment. Cultivating, harvesting, and processing crops and animal products affects land use, water resources, soil quality, and biodiversity. But how can religions contribute to mitigating these impacts? Many religions emphasize the value of nature and the importance of preserving it. Religious teachings can inspire individuals and communities to take action to reduce the negative impact of food production on the environment. In this article, I will hopefully answer some of these questions as I explore how religions can make us better stewards for the planet while teaching us how to reduce the impact of food production on the environment. Read more

7 Ways Food Can Highlight National Good Neighbor Day

September 24, 2023 By Chef John Politte

National Good Neighbor Day is a day that is celebrated every year on September 28th. This day was created to encourage people to be better neighbors and to build stronger communities. One great way to celebrate this day is by sharing food and fun with your neighbors. Some National Good Neighbor Day food ideas will help you unite your community. Read more

The Debate Over GMOs

September 17, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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The ethical debate surrounding the use of GMOs is centered on the question of whether it is morally justifiable to alter the genetic composition of living organisms. Critics argue that the use of GMOs is unethical because it involves tampering with the fundamental building blocks of life, and that such activities amount to assuming the role of a higher power by taking control over nature. Furthermore, they contend that the long-term effects of GMOs on the environment and human health are not yet fully understood, and that we should not be willing to risk causing irreversible harm. On the other hand, proponents of GMOs argue that they are crucial to addressing the global food crisis. With a burgeoning population, the demand for food is increasing, and traditional farming methods are no longer sufficient. GMOs can help to increase crop yields and make food production more efficient. Additionally, they argue that the use of GMOs can reduce the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides, which can be detrimental to both the environment and human health. Read more