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Memories of
Food
Do you have a favorite memory? All of us do. I would
venture a guess that most have to do with a holiday,
and holidays usually involve food. A big family meal
full of laughter and good food creates the perfect
mix of good food and good company. Too often in
daily life, we lose the family meal. We eat, we
exist, but we don’t always enjoy. Then on those
times when we do have a big family meal, not
everyone enjoy s the same foods. I’ve found a
secret. It’s something from my youth that I learned
from my Danish grandparents. It’s called a
Smorgasbord. Smorgasbord is an anglification of the
Swedish word Smörgåsbord. It is a buffet style table
in a restaurant, or a holiday feast at home,
prepared with many small dishes. It’s a little
something for everyone. I have had my grandson
Shawn, age 6, walk up to me at dinner time and say
“Grandma, I am ready for my smorgasbord”. It is
typically not gourmet, but it is a wonderful trick
to get 3 different vegetables on a childs plate
without too much commotion.
You could have a weekly Smorgasbord. Inviting each
member of the family to pick one or two dishes that
are their favorites. Then invite all to participate
in the planning, shopping and preparation of the
meal. It does not have to be fancy; it just has to
be fun with most importantly good food. You could do
a menu something like this
• Roasted or grilled chicken
• Beef tips in gravy
• Buttered egg noodles with parsley
• Roasted potatoes
• Peas and carrots with herb butter
• Green bean almond rice (recipe shown)
• Sauteed fresh spinach with a dash of cream and a
sprinkle of parmesan cheese
• Whatever fresh vegetables and fruits are perfectly
ripe and in season
• Rolls and butter
Everything here can be made in advance or bought
already prepared. Adjust quantities for your family
size. Adjust the menu items to your individual
tastes and dietary requirements. Then package up any
leftovers in single serve portions, and you have a
quick dinners ready for later in the week. It takes
a little extra time, but we all know it’s worth
every second.
Green Bean Almond Rice
Serves about 8
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------
--------------------------------
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
3 cups brown rice, cooked in chicken broth
3/4 pound whole, small green beans fresh or frozen
1/4 teaspoon tarragon
Salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high
heat. Add almonds; stir until lightly browned.
Reduce heat to medium, add beans, and cook about 6
minutes or until tender. Add onion and red pepper;
cook 3 minutes or until tender. Add rice, white
pepper and tarragon. Stir until thoroughly heated.
Lynn McKee is a personal chef, preparing meals for
busy people who still want to eat healthy. Lynn's
Meal's has been in business since August 2001. You
may contact her at (240) 476-1699 or
lynn@lynnsmealsinminutes.com. You can also
visit her website at
www.lynnsmealsinminutes.com
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