A Pot Full of Family!

"When you eat, the meal is yourself."  

- Zen Proverb

The simple pleasure of sitting around the meal table, eating good food and feasting on time together is one of life’s most perfect recipes!

Our family is known to spend hours just sitting around chatting, laughing and telling stories that only can be spiced up by a full belly!

Coffee, tea anyone? More cake? These are our meal table mantras!

I’ve often wondered if this same scene is played out  at mealtime tables throughout the world. Different languages, different foods, yet probably the same conversation ... work ... school ... politics and even leaky roofs!

Whether its sausage or a simple soup … its all the same. When you really think about this … its actually not the food at all … it the “real meal” … the nourishing of family and friends spending time together. Food just makes our special moments together a bit yummier… richer … and isn’t that what family, life and living is all about?

Whatever part of this blue green ball we live on -- do your mealtimes have the same bonding ingredients? 

If so, what are your mealtime traditions or favorite recipe you would like to share here with those of us in the far flung reaches of this culinary community? Remember … families like to share recipes … and we are all “family!”

Simple Sacred Step: 

• Think about a mealtime tradition or favorite recipe you would like to share here with those of us in the far flung reaches.

• Remember … families like to share recipes … and we are all “family!”

One of our family’s favorite desserts is a simple warm rice pudding. Here is my sharing.

Rice Pudding aka Creamy Comfort 

1. Heat to scalding 2 cups of milk

2. Gradually stir in 1/3 cup UNCOOKED rice. 

3. Cover. Low heat until rice is soft and milk is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally

COMBINE:

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons butter

1 egg

Stir all above into rice and let simmer until pudding-like

FOOTNOTE:

• My mother would "accidentally, on purpose" let the rice caramelize/brown a bit on the bottom of the pan. This makes the rice pudding even tastier!  (Need to watch to make sure not to burn)
• You can serve warm or chilled.
• Enjoy!

Simply Put, Jeanne