As you look toward Lent, consider a movie menu for a family Friday night activity, a Sunday afternoon with a church group, or snuggle up with your favorite companion on a chilly Saturday evening.

I’ve discussed these films that depict women hosting extravagantly with church groups several times, and I love to experience the films anew in different contexts, with new conversation partners. They are profoundly theological, and food is foundational to their messages.

1. Chocolat

The plot thickens as a community of river-traveling Romani tie up at the village, and hospitality becomes another tension (along with chocolate, Vianne having a child but no husband, an abusive spouse in the congregation, etc.).

Watch with truffles.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. chocolate, finely chopped (we would use 80%, but we like intense chocolate and minimally sweet dessert – choose chocolate according to your own taste) 
• 3/4 cup heavy cream 
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Simmer cream, then pour over chocolate. Stir to moisten chocolate. Let stand 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is melted. 
2. Refrigerate about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to spoon. 
3. Line pan or baking sheet with waxed paper. Spoon 24 mounds of chocolate, about 2 teaspoons per truffle.  
4. Roll chocolate mounds between palms to form truffles. If the chocolates sticks to hands, coat palms with cornstarch. Roll balls in cocoa. 
5. Refrigerate up to one week. Serve at room temperature.
6. There are endless variations, including rolling in cinnamon sugar, espresso powder or nuts rather than cocoa; adding orange or almond flavor; including a pinch of chili powder, etc.

2. Spitfire Grill

The film begins with mystery: How can Percy wax so poetic about the landscape of Maine in a southern drawl from prison? Out on parole, she’ll burn the toast and undercook the eggs at the Spitfire Grill, but she and the town work begrudgingly into each other’s hearts. The Spitfire’s owner, Hannah, nourishes the town and a secret with stern compassion.

This is a good movie for Holy Week, with ultimate sacrifice, staggering confessions and the promise of new life. Watch with baked “fries.”

Ingredients

Fries 

• 7-8 medium russet potatoes 
• 2 egg whites, whisked, and combine with: 
• 1 tablespoons chili powder 
• 2 teaspoons paprika 
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 

Dip 

• 2 oz. cream cheese 
• splash of milk 
• 1 clove minced fresh garlic 
• 1 teaspoon olive oil 
• 1 oz. shredded cheese (whatever you have around should work) 

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees or make in an air fryer. 

Wash and dry the potatoes. Cut them into french-fry sized strips – about 3/4 inches wide. Pour egg whites and seasonings over fries, stir to combine. Sprinkle with salt. 

Place a large sheet of parchment paper over 1-2 baking sheets. Scoop the potatoes onto the parchment paper, leaving extra liquid in the bowl (for crispier fries).

Bake for 10 minutes, remove parchment paper and bake for another 5-8 minutes directly on the sheet(s).

Stir gently. Continue to bake and stir until the fries are golden brown and dry to the touch, crispy but soft on the inside. This will about 30 minutes total. 

Melt the cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the milk, garlic, and oil until smooth. When smooth, add the cheese. Melt for another 20-30 seconds and whisk again until totally smooth, adding more milk to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency. Taste and add salt and other seasoning if desired. 

3. Babette’s Feast

Once again, a stiff and suffering small town finds transformation through a generous woman who shows up without much welcome. Babette saves the souls of the faithful churchgoing townspeople through their stomachs. Like the woman who poured a year’s wages onto Jesus’ feet, Babette spends her entire lottery winnings to cook one extravagant feast — but they decide not to comment on the food at all, lest they sin through sensual pleasure. What will happen?!

Watch with a charcuterie board that suits your dietary preferences.

The kingdom of God is like a wedding banquet….

Jesus practices and preaches with feasts. He is the host of our sacred table; he is the honored guest. He is even the menu when we share communion. How do these women serve like Jesus? How do these stories invite you into a richer and more meaningful Lenten season?