Grace Before Meals is a 13 x 30 weekly cooking show hosted by Fr. Leo Patalinghug, a former competitive break dancer, four-time Tae Kwon Do champion, musician, teacher, world traveler, priest and one heck of a cook.
And Fr. Leo¹s got a recipe for getting to the heart of things ­ but Grace Before Meals is more than a cooking show. Fr. Leo draws on his colorful background, humor and faith to strengthen families and individuals.

Fr. Leo may wear a collar, but he¹s not just for Catholics or the religiously inclined. Fr. Leo speaks to the universal truths of kindness, respect, responsibility and ethical behavior. Fr. Leo will visit homes where the inhabitants are at a crossroads or have cause for celebration. Those families in crisis want help ­ they just don¹t know how to get it. There are no ambushes. No ugly surprises. Through his counseling and cooking skills, Fr. Leo helps the family bring the good times or the problems to the table ­ literally.

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THE COOKBOOK

With an easy-to-use twenty-four chapter format that can be adapted to any family¹s calendar, Grace Before Meals: Recipes for Family Life delivers a unique and effective approach to strengthening family relationships by enjoying time together in the kitchen. Using a simple combination of healthy recipes, a wide variety of topics related to personal milestones, family holidays and faith observances; practical ideas so parents can create a comfortable environment for honest communication; and a ³real life² approach to discussing important spiritual themes that impact teen life, this first-of-its-kind book provides is a welcome resource for parents who want their childre to know that no matter what happens in their lives they can talk to their parents.

Grace before Meals: Recipes for Family Life provides innovative ways to communicate in a way that affirms children and encourages their growth in character and personal confidence. Using the most ordinary of tools (food) and the most familiar of places (the kitchen), this book helps create meals that are as satisfying and memorable in their preparation as when they are served.

"People go all over the world trying to find meaning in their life. And I know what they¹re looking for: a sense of purpose, of being fed, spiritually and physicallyŠ I want to touch people¹s hearts and minds, but I want to go by way of their stomachs." ­ Fr. Leo