Food and Family



Not a great photo but it captures the moment

My sister describes my home as "The Hub".  My house is where we often gather for celebrations, visits and meals.  I love being The Hub, it's a  lot of work but it is very rewarding.  Our little family had a very busy weekend with outings, activities and birthday parties.  It ended with us hosting a birthday party for my brother-in-law on Sunday evening.  At the end of a busy weekend most people would probably balk at the idea of cooking a big meal for 10 people but for Lovely husband and I, it is the perfect way to relax and enjoy ourselves.  Cooking in my small kitchen with many members of my family crammed in, chatting, munching, laughing, is what it's all about.  I derive joy and peace from hosting and feeding my people, it's how I show my love for this group and their presence makes my heart happy.

The weather this March in Ottawa is beautifual and warm.  Originally I said to brother-in-law:

"Request your birthday meal, I will make anything you choose."

He chose chicken pot pie.

 But then the weather turned warm and Lovely Husband had a yearning for his BBQ and with the melting snow and sun comes a natural step away from heavy comfort foods like a pot pie, which we so crave in the Fall and Winter months.  And so brother-in-law's request was ignored in favour of BBQ steak with mushrooms and green peppers, sausages, baked potatos, corn with butter, and ceasar salad.  Sister made a chocolate cake which she iced and decorated at my house with the "help" of my bigger boy.  There were sprinkles and candles and colourful plastic balloon adornments, made and decorated with love, perfection.

Happy cooking!

J.