Mangiamo! Let's eat!

On New Year's Day we gathered at the mission home for a cooking demonstration by Elder Sapio (who is a chef). Elder Sapio is the only member of the church in his family and is now an Assistant to President Kelly. Here he is with Elder Burt. He taught us how to make Ragù by sautèing finely diced carrots, onions (and usually celery) in olive oil. This is added to the blended canned tomatoes, cooked ground beef, salt and pepper and then simmered. It is interesting to me that Italians usually do not add garlic to sauces with onion.

The ragù was served over the white maccheroni noodles. He also taught us how to make pasta al forno (baked in the oven).

Adding to very al dente pasta - white sauce, cubed mozzarella, smoked cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Before and after baking.
Mangiamo!
The following day we were invited to Ben and Teresa's home along with the other missionaries to enjoy authentic Filipino food made by Teresa. Ben first met the missionaries on a city bus - he and his wife (far left) have 3 grown sons but Ben (far right) is the only member of the Church in his family. Marvelous missionaries before the big feast.

The bottle that looks like catsup is actually banana sauce.
It is always a total delight and honor to be invited into the homes of our humble and faithful members.