Merry Christmas! To enhance your table during this season of cheer, here are nine divine treats from Religious Orders across the county to keep the celebration going until the Epiphany.
1. Rhubarb jam from the Sisters of Mary Morning Star
First on the list is an amazing rhubarb jam from our own Sisters of Mary Morning Star in Monona.
Juicy, sweet, and spicy, this rhubarb jam is like apple pie in a jar — a total delight!
The Sisters also make coffee cream that has a caramel-like consistency, wonderful on bread, toast, or pancakes.
The same goes for their honey and bright, sweet lemon curd.
For a special breakfast, set out several pots for a toast or biscuit bar.
Have fun trading notes about the favorites. For us, it was the rhubarb jam, but they were all wonderful.
The Sisters also make soaps, painted candles, leather-bound journals, Bibles, Rosaries, and CDs of their Gregorian chant.
Additionally, they create beautiful calligraphy work, available as greeting cards or framed prints. They take custom calligraphy orders for favorite scripture verses, too.
All gifts are at the entrance of their Adoration chapel, located at 4905 Schofield St. in Monona — a peaceful respite from the holiday busyness.
2. Rosé, burgundy, and chablis wine jellies from Jampot
Next up is a trio of wine jellies from the Byzantine monks at Poorrock Abbey in Eagle Harbor, Mich.
Known for their incredible jams, the monks offer a wide array of preserves from Blueberry Brandied Peach Conserve to Sugarless Cherry Jam.
Their wine trio of rosé, burgundy, and chablis wine jellies would make any charcuterie board special enough for Christmas company.
3. Pumpkin bread from Monastery of the Angels
Just blocks away from the Hollywood sign stands the Monastery of the Angels.
The Dominican Nuns there are famous — ha! — for their old-fashioned pumpkin bread that’s topped with walnuts.
Along with chocolates, they also make copper kettle peanut brittle, the perfect vintage Christmas treat.
Although the Dominicans will soon repurpose the monastery due to declining vocations, there’s still time to purchase the famed pumpkin bread and candy until the inventory runs out.
4. Kentucky bourbon fruitcake from Gethsemani Farms
In no danger of being regifted, this two-and-a-half pounder from Gethsemani Farms was rated “best overall” fruitcake by The Wall Street Journal for quality and value.
The cake is aged in Kentucky bourbon by the Trappist monks at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Ky.
The monks also make fudge in several flavors, including Kentucky Bourbon and Chocolate Mint Julep.
5. Chocolate-covered caramels from Monastery Candy
Rated a Reader’s Digest “America’s 100 Best” and acclaimed by The Washington Post, Monastery Candy is known for incredible confections, especially its signature caramels.
Handmade by the Trappistine Nuns in Dubuque, Iowa, they come in beautiful boxes that are perfect to give as gifts . . . or just to keep for yourself.
While the caramels are their best sellers, don’t miss out on the hazelnut meltaways with a delicate crunch or the hot fudge sauce that would be the star of a Christmas sundae.
6. Creamed honey from Monastery Fruitcake
Locally sourced creamed honey made by the Cistercian monks at Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Va., will add a special touch to any meal.
Similar in consistency to whipped butter, creamed honey can be used on biscuits or crackers.
Or for an elegant Christmas crostini, whip the honey with cream cheese, spread it on thin pieces of toast, and top with strawberries.
7. Candy Cane fudge royale from the Priory of Our Lady of Consolation
The Brigittine Monks in Amity, Ore., have been crafting crowd-pleasing fudge for decades.
Earning praise from The New York Times, Town and Country Magazine, Bon Appétit, and more, the fudge comes in a variety of flavors from Peanut Butter to Extra Dark Chocolate with Orange, with Candy Cane available during the holidays.
Order two: One to give and one to keep in your nightstand.
8. Cranberry Orange biscotti from Monks’ Bread
With flavors like Cranberry Orange, Dark Chocolate Chip, Sea Salt Caramel with Almonds, Lemon Ginger with Walnuts, and Maple Pecan, this biscotti pairs perfectly with an afternoon coffee and a visit with an old friend.
It’s baked with care by the Trappist monks at The Abbey of Genesee in western New York.
9. Midnight Vigils Monk Shots from Mystic Monk Coffee
After the wrapping, baking, gifting, and visiting, we all need a little boost.
Enter the Monk Shot: A coffee capsule, like a K-Cup, filled with the divine roasted coffee beans from the Carmelite monks of Wyoming Monastery.
If you’re a dark roast fan, Midnight Vigils is for you, but they also offer flavors like Snickering Monk, Jingle Bell Java, and Christmas Blend.
The coffee is available in bags as well. Or, give a loved one a year’s subscription with a new coffee sent each month.
Well, that’s a (Christmas) wrap! Enjoy the peace, love, and cheer that this season brings, and hopefully some treats too!
Meg Matenaer is a wife, mom, social media writer, and author residing in the Diocese of Madison.