Dinner Tightens Family Bonds

Gathering around the table for family dinner is something that, for too many homes, has gone the way of the past. I find this very sad. Looking back over the years I grew up I recall many a conversation, many a problem being solved, much family history being learned, all around the dinner table.

No matter what our schedules were, we had to be home and up to the dinner table by 6:00 p.m. Oh, concerts or games were the exception, then dinner was at 5:00 p.m. My mother was firm on that.

There's a lot of cementing of family bonds around the dinner table. Whomever cooked, whether it be mother, father or teenager, there is care and love which goes into the preparation of that meal. Much thought is poured into the nutrition, taste and edible nature of the meal. And from the one who benefited from all that great food, I can say it taste good! For my family, I even go as far as to make certain there are a plethora of colors on the dinner plate when it is filled.

For example, let's say spaghetti is on the menu. I would add corn, green salad and garlic toast -- red, yellow, green and yellow/white. A beautiful picture as well as a delicious one. I carefully plate the food (yes, I love Food Network and it has changed the way I speak about food) and arrange things in the most attractive fashion.

I care that much. My husband always says to me, "Wow, that looks amazing, sweetheart," and then he digs in. I'm not sure my nephew notices the artistic arrangement of the food, he simply digs in and is grateful for the food. I get just as much satisfaction from the quick disappearance of the food as I do from the making of it.

Here is the recipe for one of our favorite treats:

Chocolate Chip/Butterscotch Chip Cookies

2 Cubes of Butter (1 Cup)
3/4 C. Brown Sugar
3/4 C. White Sugar

Beat until creamy. Add:

2 Eggs
1 t. Salt
1 t. Baking Soda
1 t. Vanilla

Beat until thoroughly mixed.

Then Add:

2 3/4 cups White Flour

Mix until thoroughly blended then add 1/2 package Chocolate Chips and 1/2 package Butterscotch Chips, and walnuts (if desired) and mix again.

Using a Melon scoop or a teaspoon, place cookie dough in balls at 1 1/2" to 2" apart.

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Cook for 8 to 10 minutes (depending on desired consistency.)

Enjoy!

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