Lent 2010: Pizza de Résistance

Now dig it, folks…Six weeks from today Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 17th.

As some of you longtime Bagwine Heads know, for the past three Lenten seasons I have given up meat during the 46 day run between Ash Wednesday and the resurrection of Jeebus on Easter morning.

For those six weeks during the last three years, I have not allowed the greasy goodness of meat touch my lips. No bacon, no sausage, no burgers, no pizza with pepperoni. No meat…period.

Well…This Lent, I will not being doing that (sorry Michele). For me, giving up meat during Lent is no longer a challenge…no longer a significant sacrifice.

Hell, in some ways I look forward to the meatless, pre-cross nailing weeks so I can see what types of wacky recipes I can come up with sans meat. I must demand more from myself this Lenten season.

So…

I have decided that this year, beginning on Ash Wednesday and until Easter Morning, I will not allow bread nor pasta to pass my incredibly sexy lips.

There will be no macaroni and cheese for me. There will be no Hamburger Helper aiding my craving. There will be no rolls, toast, chips, spaghetti, or pizza. Pizza, Folks!!

Praise Jeebus, and may he give me the strength to accomplish such a sacrificial and gastronomic feat!!

Bread, noodles, and other pasta type things show up in so many things I enjoy. Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Cheese, stuffing, and of course, burgers…and Pizza!!

But you say…

“Well Hell, Matt-Man, at least you’ll continue to eat meat this Lent. Could it really be that bad, ya big pussy?”

Oh sure I can eat meat, but is a hot dog the same when not in the form of these delicious Pigs in a Blanket that I made?

Nothing like a brat or Italian Sausage with mustard and kraut, but without a juice soaked New England Split Top bun does it taste as sweet?

My Loosemeat Sandwiches are famous, but without a greasy bun holding it all together they are but a jiggly mess of meat going unmentioned in the annals of Culinarydom.

This breadless trek will be sure to test my character, my faith, and my ability to go six weeks without eating Pizza. Pizza, Folks!!

But…There you have it. My Lenten sacrifice for 2010. We will of course address this again when the day draws nigh, but in the meantime…

Would you say a prayer for me in order to soften the fertile sacramental soil prior to my feet setting upon it and into the cold, barren wilderness of a life without bread and pasta…and Pizza!!

I thank you, and may the light of Jeebus shine down upon you.

Cheers!!