By Jan Biles
All of the food -- including mashed potatoes and gravy, Mexicali corn, rolls, salads and pies -- and the gifts for the event were donated, he said."We look at this as a charitable thing," he said of the meal. "For the Jewish community, it's not their holiday, so we're available to do something for people in need on the Christmas holiday."Shinkle said the meal also provides a "sense of belonging and family" to those staying at the rescue mission.at (785) 295-1292"For our guests, it's their daily meal. For many of them, it's eat or not eat," he said. "For the community, there are people who come and eat almost every meal here, and that allows them to stay in their homes.""We moved here in 2008, and since we have no family here we have been doing this," Harper said. "It's a way to keep the truer meaning of Christmas and a way of keeping Christ in Christmas."James Mosbacher, clubhouse director, said the temple began serving the holiday meal about 20 years ago.The temple's other efforts have included collecting food for Doorstep Inc., which provides food, clothing and household items for those in need; gathering gloves, hats and other clothing items for Sheldon Elementary School; and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels."It means a lot to the (clubhouse) members," Mosbacher said. "We couldn't afford the food or decorations. I'm impressed with the commitment the temple has had over all of these years."Jan Biles can be reached"For our guests, it's their daily meal. For many of them, it's eat or not eat," he said. "For the community, there are people who come and eat almost every meal here, and that allows them to stay in their homes."Mike Shinkle, director of food services at the rescue mission, said the holiday meal is a necessity for the rescue mission's guests and others in the community.Optional: Preheat oven to 400°F and place casserole in oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until casserole is golden brown before serving.Topeka resident Bob Harms stirred the yams and pineapple simmering on the stove at Breakthrough House Inc.'s Clubhouse on Saturday morning as other members of Temple Beth Sholom watched over the broccoli-corn casserole and gravy being prepared for the annual holiday lunch for clubhouse participants.Danette Harper, of Topeka, and her four children -- Samara, 13, Joshua, 18, Jonah, 16 and Simon, 14 -- were handing out gifts to those attending the holiday meal. Her husband, David, typically volunteers but was home Saturday because of a back problem.Spray an 8-inch microwave-safe baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place 1/3 of the potatoes and 1/2 of the onions on bottom of dish and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese and 1/2 of the herbs. Repeat layers, then top with the last 1/3 of the potatoes, layering potatoes so that there is a solid layer of potatoes with no gaps; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Stir together stock, Dijon and garlic salt and pour over potatoes. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on HIGH for 20 minutes. Use oven mitts to remove dish from microwave; carefully remove cover from dish (due to steam build-up) and serve.Jan Biles can be reachedDanette Harper, of Topeka, and her four children -- Samara, 13, Joshua, 18, Jonah, 16 and Simon, 14 -- were handing out gifts to those attending the holiday meal. Her husband, David, typically volunteers but was home Saturday because of a back problem.Onions and Wisconsin potatoes add a savory quality to these three recipes. Best of all, onions and potatoes are good sources of potassium, fiber and vitamin C, and cost only pennies a serving.THE CAPITAL-JOURNALThe temple's other efforts have included collecting food for Doorstep Inc., which provides food, clothing and household items for those in need; gathering gloves, hats and other clothing items for Sheldon Elementary School; and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels."I knew we were having a dinner, but I never realized this," she said with a smile. "It's outstanding."The theme of the festivities was Christmas Overland Express, with volunteers wearing railroad conductor caps, blowing wooden railroad whistles and yelling "All Aboard!" as they led people through a red- and-white decorated aisle toward the gift area. After the meal, children could have their photographs taken with Santa.James Mosbacher, clubhouse director, said the temple began serving the holiday meal about 20 years ago.Feaker said the rescue mission served meals and distributed gift bags to 522 people on Saturday. On Christmas Day, 112 single men and 110 single women and children were staying in the mission's living quarters. Feaker said an additional 50 individuals were away on passes.The Harpers arrived at 11:30 a.m. and expected to leave around 3:30 p.m.Topekan Martha Rolfe, a clubhouse member, said she appreciates the annual dinner.Breakthrough House's Clubhouse provides a supportive environment for those with mental illness so they can regain the self-esteem and skills they need to function more independently in their social, living and work settings.
or jan.biles@cjonline.com.
Author: Jan Biles
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