More and more of us in America often forget that the first Monday of October has been designated as Columbus Day. This federal holiday celebrates the voyage and discoveries of Christopher Columbus, which eventually led to the forming of a new nation where new laws and freedoms would begin. For Christians, this new country would allow for new opportunities to share sweet freedoms endowed by God and fellowship with family and friends and to uphold the ultimate Law.

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Galatians 5:14 

One way to spread the love of God is to make great recipes for Columbus Day and use these creations to wow and love your neighbors with holiday delectables. Choose from three great recipe themes to share with your neighbors:

Italian or Old World Spanish Dishes

Columbus was Italian, so include Italian dishes as well as Old World Spanish food to represent his journey that was commissioned by the Queen of Spain.

Since Columbus was Italian, the holiday is especially widely enjoyed by Americans who have an Italian heritage, though everyone is welcome to partake in the festivities. Italian food is very fitting for the day, and the first dishes and foods that come to mind when you think of Italian cuisine are probably spaghetti and meatballs, pizza or olive oil. Add a taste of Old World flavor of Spain by putting chicken into a crock pot mixed with olive oil, parsley, chopped onions, garlic, a bay leaf and paprika. Cook it all day until the meat is tender.

Spices

Because Christopher Columbus was in pursuit of spices, foods accented with spices of the Orient, or as Columbus would have called it, the Indies, are appropriate to share in celebration.

The voyages of Christopher Columbus did not begin with the intention to take over a continent and form a new country. It began as a pursuit for spices and other items of trade with the Indies. Use some of the spices that Columbus was seeking to trade, and create some tasty treats. Some of the spices that Columbus was seeking to trade may have consisted of:

– Cinnamon
– Cardamom
– Ginger
– Turmeric

Cardamom, ginger and turmeric are related spices that are widely used in Indian cuisine. Create a glazed carrot dish with these spices or add some color to your favorite chutney, deviled eggs or rice recipes by using turmeric.

Core an apple, sprinkle cinnamon inside and bake until soft for a delicious spiced apple taste that will make your house smell good, too.

Turn this basic scone recipe into a Columbus Day favorite by adding your choice of Old World spices. Add cardamom and ginger to add a distinct taste by using crushed cardamom seeds and candied ginger pieces. Or, use cinnamon instead for a welcomed flavor.

4 ½ cups flour
¾ cup white sugar
2 Tablespoons and 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ Teaspoon salt
1 cup plus one tablespoon butter
1 ½ beaten egg
1 ½ cups milk

Grease baking sheet, and preheat oven to 400 F. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter.

In a separate bowl, mix eggs and milk and then slowly pour and stir into the flour mixture.

Knead dough on floured surface, and roll out into one-half inch thickness. Cut into 8 wedges, and place on baking sheet.

Bake 15 minutes, or until golden brown. The recipe yields 12 scones, so there should be plenty to share.

Kid-friendly, Boat-themed Picks 

Throw in some fun kid-friendly picks that are easy and fun to make for families with young children, using boats as the central focal point. Columbus came over on the Santa Maria ship with the Nina and the Pinta playing their own parts in the journey. 

Fill clear plastic cups with blueberries or blue Jell-O to resemble the ocean water. Place an orange wedge on top with the peel side down to look like a boat. Add a sail by using a toothpick and triangular cut construction paper, or a slice of cheese.