Breaking Bread

The Cuban in London does it again--He is always amazing with his blog  and commentaries...and here, again today, I find a delightful quote about sharing a  meal with others...or breaking bread with friends and family as we like  to call it at home.

'There is something quietly civilizing about sharing a meal with  other people. The simple act of making someone something to eat, even a  bowl of soup or a loaf of bread, has a many-layered meaning. It suggests  an act of protection and caring, of generosity and intimacy. It is in  itself a sign of respect.'  Nigel Slater, Editor of The Observer's Food Monthly Magazine

How true this is.  From the time that we are little children and loved one's are caring for us, to the time as an adult where perhaps we are caring for others, and on occasion (if we are the main cook) we enjoy meals prepared for us by those who love us.

I love cooking for my family, for friends and am of the mindeset that anytime is a good time for a party or an impromptu gathering of friends and loved ones. My Beloved often states something to the effect of "You snuck in another party!" or "Well, you are always looking for a chance to celebrate. Why not a good dinner to celebrate new shoes..." O.K. Maybe I exagerrate a little, but he is right in concept and in spirit--the more the merrier, toss in some music, good conversations and laughter and I'm purring like a happy kitty.

Our family is a family of cooks. Why none of us has become a chef, I don't know. Boys, girls, it doesn't matter. Pete is the sandwich connoseur.  He eats them and he makes them---they are always stellar. If we are lucky, sometimes on a Saturday morning he will whip up some fabulous breakfast sandwich stacked with sausage patties, cheese, eggs and hash browns. He gets peckish when he gets a crappy sandwich. Dave is the BBQ king. If it can be grilled, or if he even thinks it can be grilled watch out. He's a mean marinade makin' man. And his fish tacos--wow--to die for. Along with his homemade salsas, it's making my mouth water. Grace is the fresh and organic foods girl. If there are beautiful fruits or veggies around she's all over that. She use to work in an edible flower garden ... With veggies too... and she's always coming up with delicious Mediterranean or Asian type fare. Her soups are amazing, but its her homemade brownies and truffles that will send you to the moon!

Andy has gone mostly vegetarian, except for seafood, and organic. I guess the meat is on the shady shifty side. He lives in Alaska. Need I say more? He's been putting his hand to the seafood group. Fresb Halibut fish and chips, broiled salmon, garlic buttered delight, king crab and shrimp. If they weren't so far away I'd be at his house every night for dinner. Now my brother Dan is in Texas, I have heard it rumored that he's good with the BBQ as well. Being a Texan now, I'd expect no less. However, I have no personal proof of this...so Dan...I'm throwing it down. When you come out for Pete's wedding, perhaps you will regale us with your culinary prowess. We know your wife can cook...but can you? ;) 

As for me, I'm the South American cook in the family. If there is a Feijoada dinner party to be made--I'm your girl. If you've got rice, you've got the makings of a great meal--both complex or simple as it may please you and there is no bean that is not my friend. If you want spaghetti, slow simmered and flavorful with garlic bread and an Italian salad...dinner is on! My beloved is no slacker when it comes to the cooking--you never tasted steaks so fine that they melt in your mouth and cut like butter without having to deal with a snotty waiter, or corned beef and cabbage so authentic you would think you were back at the hearth in the highlands.  

And our mother--she does it all. No one beats her pork roast with mashed potatoes and gravy, with steamed veggies and a fresh salad, and some French bread with butter...or maybe her meatloaf with baked potatoes and buttered peas and a green salad with vinaigrette...or her chicken fillets, breaded and fried, served with mashed potatoes, buttered corn and a salad...or homemade creamy cheesey macaroni and cheese from scratchy-scratch...or her tamale casserole hot from the oven served with chips and salsa and if you're lucky some guacamole...or her patty melts with sauteed carmelized onions on grilled dark rye with melty Swiss cheese.

There is never a shortage of good foods when we get together. And we looove to get together! Breaking bread, sharing what we have, talking, laughing at the dinner table together has been a wonderful bonding experience for all of us. Of course we all love to include friends and extended family in the dini g experience with us. Throw on some tunes and put something over the fire and we are ready to go!

I'm starving! Time for dinner!