Catholic Recipe: Midsummer Fruit Salad Bowl

On August 15 the Church celebrates the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the kingdom of her Son, where she received a crown of immortal glory.

In Germany and other parts of Central Europe the blessing of wild herbs and flowers takes place on this day, in memory of The Lily of the Valley, as the Bride of God is called in the Canticle of Canticles. Children search the hills and fields to find a variety of fragrant greens to bind into a bouquet. Before High Mass, these herbs are lifted to receive a drop of holy water. Then, before dark, the herbs are scattered over the family property so that everything may receive the blessing of the Queen of Heaven.

In other countries, there are great processions and celebrations, and the bishop is called upon to bless the fruits of the harvest, including grains and herbs. Often the path the procession takes is strewed with mint.

Because it is midsummer, it would seem that a cool and beautiful fruit salad, accompanied by hot rolls and iced mint tea, would symbolize this day most perfectly.

DIRECTIONS

Line large shallow salad bowl with lettuce. Arrange fruits on top in separate piles; spoon cottage cheese in center or arrange individual salad plates. Serve with Cardamom Dressing (see recipe). Makes 6 servings.