Family Dinner

In a world where families are divorced, scattered across 5000 miles or consist of a single individual, it is important to redefine the word family.  My definition of family is more inclusive than Mr. Webster’s, I believe that family is a grouping of all those you hold dear, the ones you can call on in a time of need, the ones that make you laugh, the ones you cry for.  In the century of me, it is easy to get lost in our individualism and forget the essence of family and the essential dynamic of the family meal.

Americans are criticized for convenience dining at record speeds, and it is hard to argue, we love our drive-thrus and multitasking.  When was the last time you sat down to a homemade meal without a time constraint, with a group of cherished friends and family?  I want to be like the French, I want to take 4 long hours over a simple meal on Sunday afternoons laughing with those of you I love.  It would be easy to say, "Oh, I don’t have that kind of time", but come on, really?  How long were you on myspace last night?  How is that twitter addiction going?  Spend any time at the mall or downtown this weekend?  How was Friday night at the bars? 

The point is, we all waste precious time accomplishing pretty inane tasks and entertaining ourselves.  So, lets have a dinner party this Sunday.  Here’s what you do: 1. Put together a list of friends to invite, 2. Pick a theme, lets have a potluck (takes the pressure off of the host), 3. Select a bottle or three of your favorite adult beverages, and 4. Hide the laundry in your bedroom before your company arrives.

This past weekend, I spent the evening with a group of old and new friends.  I was late, but that is nothing new.  We had taco night, everyone contributed a few ingredients and a few stories.  Moments of belly laughter turned into hours of fun and an evening that ended with deep yawns.  For approximately $7 I had a great meal, wonderful entertainment and actual interaction with friends.  You can’t beat that.

 

Spanish Quinoa

Changing up the Spanish Rice a little.  Go on, experiment with whole grains, there fun!

½ onion

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

4-6 cloves of garlic

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth

½ tablespoon seasalt

2 tomatoes, diced

1 carrot, diced

 

Warm a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and onion.  Sauté for 4 minutes, add the garlic, cumin and pepper flakes, cook for 2 minutes.  Add the quinoa, and gently toast for 5 minutes.  Add the vegetable broth and remaining ingredients, cover and simmer over low-medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and do not disturb for 5 minutes.  Before serving, remove lid and fluff with a fork.