Hospitality Highlight: Frank and Caryl Sousa

Sousas provide bed and board for friends, strangers

Caryl and Frank Sousa both came from big families where food was meant to go far. Married 56 years, this couple has seen the food from their kitchen go far as well.

From exchange students and Spokane Indians baseball players to touring bands and homeless people, the Sousas have found joy and blessing in providing a warm and welcoming place to stay. They have had countless opportunities to use the resources God has given them to meet the needs of others.

Caryl’s simplified Chicken Kiev recipe uses ingredients many people already have on hand, and it can and should be added to a weekly rotation. Beginners and beyond will love this recipe that goes well with whatever they have on hand as a side dish.

The simple and delightful “Depression Cake” will make you want to always have cocoa powder in your pantry in order to whip up this quick treat for whoever may be joining you at the table.

Listen to their interview on the Faith Matters podcast! Caryl gives tips on how to stock your pantry to be able to serve meals on short notice, and Frank recounts story after story of how God changed their plans and displayed His power as they exercised their gift of hospitality.

Caryl’s Chicken Kiev served with green beans.

Chicken Kiev

From the kitchen of Caryl and Frank Sousa
Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fine bread crumbs, made from 3-4 slices of white bread or challah
• ½ cup butter or margarine
• 8 boneless/skinless chicken breast halves
• ¼ cup dry white wine, vermouth, or chicken broth
• ¼ cup sliced green onions

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix garlic, basil, oregano and salt with bread crumbs and place on a large plate. Melt ¼ cup butter. Dip each chicken breast in the melted butter, roll in bread crumbs and place in a shallow baking pan.
3. Bake near center of oven until fully cooked (165 degrees internal temperature), about 30 minutes.
4. Make sauce: Melt the remaining butter. Mix in wine and green onions.
5. Pour sauce over chicken and return it to the oven for 3-5 minutes or until sauce is hot. Serve over rice or with other sides.

Caryl’s cake, flavored with cocoa powder, is inspired by resourceful Depression-era baking.

Depression Cake

Mix in cake pan (8” or 9” square):

• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Add to dry ingredients all at once:

• 5 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup warm water

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Jessica Horning

Former Living Faith hospitality editor Jessica Horning is a wife and mother of two boys. She loves baking—specifically sourdough.

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