b'TastyMarianist TableEASTER BRUNCHA yummy and simple recipe saved for posterityBy Kathleen Nelson For someone who claims to Bro. Jack first threw together this casserole dislike cooking, Marianist Brotherin 1999 while on sabbatical at Sangre de Cristo Jack Somerville sure has someCenter in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was asked tasty recipes. to assist Sister Marion Renkens, CSJ, with the His reasons for avoiding thecasserole preparation for dozens of his fellow kitchen seem valid. He grew up withreligious in residence there at the time. His job eight sisters and four brothers andwas to cut the bread and grate the cheese, then never was expected to cook as aput it in the oven, and voila. Wow. Is it good. youngster, nor as a novice after join- He noted that the casserole is a bit on the ing the Marianists. His backgroundheavy side, so it doesnt need much adornment: is in mechanical maintenance andCoffee or juice works fine. If I got ambitious, Brother Jack Somerville, SM construction, and his lack of culinaryId cut up fruit for a salad, he said. Yogurt experience became a problem whenwould be good, too.he moved to Mount Saint John in Dayton, Ohio.Bro. Jack pulled out this recipe whenever he The novices expected you to cook. Im ahad to cook breakfast and experimented by plumber, electrician, and carpenter by trade,adding herbs and veggies. His favorites: onion, he said. At that point, I did it when I had to.green pepper, and broccoli. He hasnt beenLuckily for him, he lived in community withrequired to test his culinary skills for about a brothers who were great cooks, intuitive cooks,decade, however, and the staff at his current never even looked at a recipe, he said. It wasresidence, the St. Leonard Community intheir gift.Centerville, Ohio, handles the cooking duties.Bro. Jacks gift is sharing recipes that otherwiseBut when recalling the simple preparation would be forgotten. He gave us a scrumptiousand taste, he said, Youre making me hungry cornbread recipe for the Summer 2024 issue ofjust thinking about it. I might make it again.ALIVE, and with impeccable timing, he offers this breakfast casserole, ideal for an Easter brunch.Kathleen Nelson is a writer/photographer fromWhen I found good, easy recipes that youSt. Louis.could throw together, he said, I saved them for posterity. 20Call 1.800.348.4732'