It is Tuesday and time to write a 'Slice of Life."
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In the quiet of my kitchen, I prepared a meal for the ten of us. My brother and sister-in-law were arriving later in the day, and I invited our family to join us for dinner. I wanted our family to have a chance to connect with their uncle and aunt before we ‘old folks’ disappear on our road trip to the beach.
Three adult sons, one daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, and a few dietary allergies and restrictions thrown in the mix.
What’s your go-to ‘flexible’ meal, that allows you to meet everyone’s needs?
I went with enchiladas, and, honestly, I had so much fun preparing these. I set out a variety of bowls of ingredients: Peruvian chicken from our favorite vendor, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed spinach and garlic, shredded cheese, rice, salsa, avocado. Then, I assembled four separate pans for the different dietary requirements, using the appropriate ingredients for each – and I was sure to use distinct pans, as well –
the square pan for the dairy allergy,
the salmon-colored clay casserole for the vegetarian,
the glass dish for the meat eaters, and
the last one was a large round dish for the “anything goes,” mixed-bag, combination, all in, everything but the kitchen sink, chef’s surprise and delight, lol.
I was amazed at my concentration, as I created these yummy foods – and thankful for the quiet kitchen. By the time everyone arrived, I didn’t need to have my thinking cap on anymore. I simply set out the buffet, and enjoyed myself, in the company of everyone I love so much.
I’ve had friends say – wow, your family is a pain to cook for! It’s true, it would be so much easier if we all ate from the large round ‘anything goes,’ but life isn’t like this, is it?
“If you can’t change something, change the way you look at it.” – Maya Angelou
It is so nice to hear of people considering dietary needs of others. I remember one instance of my then husband saying he “forgot” I couldn’t eat cheese. He thought it was just milk. (It was DAIRY, and a change that I had been doing for a year. A year.)
It sounds like a wonderful meal before your week at the beach!
Isn’t it odd that people DON’T consider dietary needs? I mean, come on, we’re entertaining/hosting – we want others to feel comfortable, I should think. Sounds like it’s a good thing that ex is an ex, lol!
Preparing meals for different dietary needs takes a bit of effort but you prove that with thought and planning it is not as difficult as it might seem. The nice thing about a buffet is that everyone can serve themselves and the host/ess can sit back and enjoy the company.
It’s not only NOT difficult, it is downright fun to prepare – I relaxed and focused, and enjoyed. Thanks for commenting!
My mouth is watering and each meal sounds divine! I often think of cooking as a way people show love. My Mom and my husband both enjoy cooking and I think they look at is as doing something special for the people they love. It’s not a problem when you’re creating something wonderful for the special people in your life. I love your outlook on preparing meals for your family!
I love that – cooking as a way to show love. Yes, it is!! Thank you for commenting!
After preparing Thanksgiving dinner in 2015 for 10 people with a variety of dietary needs, I’ve since declared, “Everyone can eat something, but not everyone can eat everything.” I find that making as many dishes as I have the energy for is the only way to get by.
That is an excellent motto!! There is food for everyone. This is the best way to make everyone feel welcome. Thanks for commenting!
Maureen, choosing an adaptable dish is genius, and this one really didn’t take much more prep than a single dish. Learning dietary restrictions is common courtesy, right? When my dad was living no one tried to meet his dietary needs, which limited his ability to eat out or w/ friends and family. He was diabetic. I love this show of honor and respect and have a vision of you working in your beautiful new kitchen.
Exactly – it was a single dish, that I modified in simple ways to meet individual needs. What a sad twist for your father, that people didn’t honor his dietary needs. I cannot imagine doing that – the goal is to help others feel welcome. Great to hear from you!
Enchiladas are my go-to dish as well for a big group! Delicious, and great as leftovers too. Your looks soooo yummy.
Thank you so much! They were a fun and delicious meal – I think everyone felt ‘spoiled’ with so many choices.
Maureen, I love your closing quote from Maya Angelou. Your meal sounds wonderful too!
Woohoo! Barb has commented on my blog!! I am SO SORRY that my blog has been so ornery…thank you for persisting; great to hear from you!!
Maureen, yummy! What an awesome idea. I loved reading about it, especially you description of the chef’s choice pan of anything goes into the enchiladas! I would definitely go for that one. One of my favorite meals for my vegan and meat-eating family members is similar to yours–but a burrito bar with all the toppings. Homemade flour tortillas, and everyone builds their own burrito. Enjoy the beach with the ‘old folks’! It sounds wonderful.
I, too, was a fan of the chef’s choice, lol. I love burrito bars! We also do “make your own pizzas” some get-togethers. So fun to have the flexibility and the choices. Thank you for commenting!