I was the "set the table" child.
As my older and much more culinarily talented siblings worked alongside my food-loving parents, I spent a lot of time watching them work. Not that I minded. Seriously, having four other siblings plus a parent whip up magazine cover-worthy dishes was pretty divine.
I think back to all those meals of my childhood and there seemed to be a sort of "magic" about them. Possibly because it was sort of like a cooking show that I got to watch. But more from the experience of the memory in the making.
This week I was thinking about how to inspire that "magic" on a plate with my own family. Don't get me wrong, I understand some nights it's simply about getting food on the table. When I'm whipped at the end of the day, I love a good grilled cheese or leftovers as much as anyone. But if you are going for a little extra, here are a few ideas for making a meal memorable.
Start With What You Are Longing For.
When I cook based on food memories or seasonal cravings, it adds an extra layer of meaning. When I miss my mom, I make lasagna or her fall favorite, Apple Brown Betty. When I'm ruminating or stressed, anything involving making dough or pasta is a comfort. If my husband has a tough week, I like to make his childhood favorite tuna noodle casserole or burger night with all the toppings. Meals have a certain magic about them when you ask, "what do I need? what would nourish my family well?" When you cook based on longings, it takes on a heartfelt depth.
Get Everyone Involved. (However You Can)
When my family cooked together, it became a cooking party. What made it such a blast was everyone contributed --- some of us chopped, some of us washed dishes, some cooked and some set the table. This wasn't one parent doing the entire meal and then the rest of the family showing up to eat it. We collaborated, tasted, critiqued, and came together as a family to make the meal the best we could. We all felt part of the meal experience because we all contributed. The fellowship of family makes an ordinary meal feel extraordinary.
The Power of the Pause.
When I take a few moments just to breathe, give thanks in prayer, and pause, it takes on a different feel. Often I'm swirling around minutes before the meal, putting things out, grabbing hot pads, filling glasses, and overall a hot mess. When I can stop, light a candle, put on some pretty music, breathe, slow down and give thanks, the meal becomes a welcome respite to bookend a long busy day.
Take Your Time to Notice the Flavors.
At a retreat a few months ago, we were lucky enough to have our meals prepared for us. Before each meal, our host would describe all the different flavors in great detail. Typically, I tend to eat quickly so I can get on to the next task. But truly noticing all the details of the food made every meal next level. While obvious, I challenge you to try this. Stop and notice how the food looks, tastes, sounds, and feels in your mouth. The simple act of paying attention to your food is a game changer.
Celebrate the Meal as a Gift.
A friend of mine has a grandmother who often sweetly shared the expression, "Life is one great ceremony." I loved that idea. What if we treated our daily meals as one great ceremony? If we approached meals as a grand affair of stopping, noticing, resting, and nourishing ourselves slowly and gratefully. Every meal we have a chance to slow down, be present, and celebrate the blessing. Even if it's just a humble sandwich. I want to be the kind of person who breaks bread as if it is one great ceremony every chance I get.
What about you?
How do you create meaningful moments around your family table? I understand not every meal has to take on magical qualities. But by bringing an intention of goodness, it serves up an extra level of care for nourishing ourselves and those we love.
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