One of my goals for 2011 is to make sure my meal time is not only nourishing for the body but also (and more importantly) for the soul.
I want my family, my most important responsibility, to feel loved and cherished as I gather them around the table each evening for dinner. A time I hope they can look forward to all day. You never know what kind of day they have had "out in the world". I may have no control over how they are treated outside of this house, but I do have great influence in my own home, especially in my little kitchen:)
So more than ever I am gong to put an emphasis on mealtimes that are happy and nurturing. I want my family to know that they are important and a priority to me. I will do this by PLANNING ahead, setting a simple but inviting table, simplifying my meals when my days are busy, and above all, making a conscience effort to bring a good mood to the table and foster a feeling of love.
Wish me luck:)
We don't go back to school until Wednesday--so I thought Tuesday would be a good night to have our pasta party. I have been dying to try my new pasta maker I got for Christmas (yah!) Our last day of having nothing on the schedule:) That will end-- with two boys on basketball teams and two on the wrestling team. January will be BUSY!!
Monday-Baked potato Bar (leftover ham, cheese, fresh steamed broccoli, sour cream, chili), bran muffins, green salad with buttermilk dressing Family Home Evening Treat: Blue Bell Ice cream cones--the best!
Tuesday--Make your own Fresh Pasta Night, 5 minute marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, grilled sliced chicken, sauteed shrimp, sauteed mushrooms and zucchini, Caesar salad
Wednesday--Hobo Soup, 5 minute artisan bread, sliced tangerines
Thursday--Tilapia, Roasted Root Vegetables, pumpkin muffins, fresh pineapple
Friday--Leftovers--yum yum!
Saturday--Date night for Mom and Dad--Nachos, apples and carrots sticks for boys
Sunday--Crock pot Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup, Paninis, green salad, Cowboy Cookies
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10 comments:
Sounds like a good plan, for the week AND the year! I've been enjoying all of the recipes at Sisters' Cafe, and feel like I have my own set of sisters to learn from and aspire to be. Thanks for all of your contributions to my own family's nourishment!
How much time do you spend making dinner? Every night it sounds like you make several things from scratch ie homemade pasta, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, sauteed shrimp and sauteed mushrooms and zucchini. I would never have enough time to do all that. Any tips?
Hi Kristen,
I usually would not have time to make the pasta and all the toppings on a regular night with sports, homework, scouts etc--but since it is our last day of Christmas break I thought it would be fun to all work together and make a little party out of it. I do serve at least on or two items most nights that are made "from scratch" though. I would definetly not have time or want to do that if I did it all at dinner time. I love to prepare ahead in the morning when I first get my boys out the door for school. So much of a meal can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge.I love to find little do aheads and short cuts too. Like I freeze peppers and onions already chopped in little bags. I also love to make rolls, breads, muffins etc and freeze them. I think I will write a post soon with all the little shortcuts and tips that save time for me. If you plan ahead, cooking from scratch is so much easier, nutritious and cheaper. It is only overwhelming if you do it all at once when everyone is waiting on dinner! Augh--trust me I know from experience, that is horribly stressful and NOT worth it!!
I would love to know what's in your hobo soup. I make hobos when we go camping, and we love them. If it's anything like what we make, I'm already drooling...
Question for you.....where did you get your counter top message/chalk board and stand? Love it! Thanks.
Melanie
Thanks for your response and tips. I would love to hear all of your tips. I am pretty good about getting a main dish on the table but the sides usually consist of a plain salad or frozen veggies. I also don't always include a side. Like soup. You inspire me.
Kristin
Anonymous,
I got that chalk board on Etsy. It is handmade from some 100 year old wood--I thought that was fun! I bought the stand at Tai Pan is Salt Lake City. I think it was like $6. Hope that helps!
Sara T
The Hobo soup is a new recipe I am trying. I don't have it in front of me, but I remember it has chicken, garlic, orange juice, and was very interesting. You serve it with cheese and tortilla strips. I will post it on Sisters Cafe if it is really good:) What are your hobos like??
always love reading your menus! SO yummy!!!
Once again, so inspiring. You are such an example to me and remind me of the warmth and healing that comes when sharing your homemaking skills. They truly make your house feel like a Home. Thank you!
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