I think the generation of Cleavers and Bradys had a secret they chose not to pass on to the more modern, double-income families: making dinner can be rewarding, fulfilling, and… gasp… FUN!
Lots of good reasons went into my decision to attempt some regular, home-cooked family meals around the table. Not the least of which is that no one expected me to do it, as I tend to be a bit rebellious. (I know, right? Doesn’t seem like me.)
So, here’s a list of making-dinner ideas that I kicked to the curb:
- It’s the mother’s job
- All food must be cooked to perfection
- At least 2 adults at the table
- Martha-approved recipes only
- The food pyramid is god
- The kids won’t try anything new
- Desserts are bad
- Dinner preparation requires yelling and cursing and stress-complex vitamins
Instead my new mantra goes something like this:
- Planning meals is a creative process
- I love sharp knives and yellow kitchen appliances
- Food is fun
- The more buttah the bettah
- Sometimes you just need some chocolate cake
- There’s more to life than Italian – Hoosiers have ethnic food, too (see number 7)
- Casseroles are magic, especially if they contain Fritos
- Cook and they will come (and try new things)
- Dinner promotes bonding
- Praise is not required to appreciate the joy of cooking
And so you have it. I, Miss Fast-Food America, am cooking dinner for my family.