M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Face-to-Face Time at the Kitchen Table
By C.S. Bezas

I have mentioned it before and it bears mentioning again: face-to-face time at the kitchen table can do much to help bond a family together.

Few modern families spend time eating with each other. Depending on your family's schedule, this might describe your situation.

No wonder, then, we have been advised to include refreshment time as part of our Family Home Evenings. Whether it is from the sharing of food, from the conversation, or simply from looking eye to eye at each other (an activity that seems rarer and rarer these days), studies have shown that families who eat together for some reason seem to weather the storms of life better.

"Refreshments" after FHE may seem like a small thing, but they aren't. "Refreshments," after all, are a time of "refresh"-ing. They are the final "fun" glue of the spiritual strengthening factor of FHE.

In fact, in my mind F.H.E. might as well stand for a "Fun Home for Everyone!" If our children don't feel welcomed and/or comfortable with us, they'll eventually find others who will make them feel that they belong.

Why not bring delight and love to each precious one in the family — a great way to do this is with light-hearted, healthy snacking together at the end of FHE No pressure, no lecturing, instead just great snacks and "getting to know you" time!

With that in mind, in lieu of a FHE lesson or activity this week, I am including some fun and easy refreshments to make together as a family for after your lesson of your choosing.

Most of these recipes can be made in advance and then enjoyed as a follow-up to the end of your Family Home Evening. A few can be made together once FHE is done. Whatever your approach, make sure you include refreshment time as part of this delightful "family oasis" time in the week.

And rather than make sugary desserts, why not try some new finger foods together? Not only are they healthier, but they potentially can expose your family to a whole new way of eating!

Delicious Dip

Ingredients.

1/2 cup of shredded cucumber
1 clove of garlic, finely minced (read invisible small pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil
2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
2 cups of plain yogurt
herbs to taste

Directions.

1. Wash, peel and shred cucumber.
2. Finely mince the garlic into very small pieces
3. Combine garlic, salt and cucumber in a small bowl.
4. Combine olive oil, lemon juice and yogurt in a medium bowl, stirring to mix well.
5. Add in cucumber/garlic to the yogurt mix.
6. Gently stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
7. (Optional) Garnish with finely diced dill, mint or parsley.

Use as a dip with veggies, crackers, or torn homemade bread. Delicious and healthy!

Quick Quesadillas
Quick Quesadillas are great finger foods, they are relatively healthy, and can hide protein and other nutritional foods.

Ingredients.

tortillas (whole wheat tortillas are healthier, but watch for any food allergies)
shredded cheeses

Optional Ingredients.

finely cut chives
sauteed onions
cooked chicken, chopped
whatever tickles your fancy

Directions - Microwave

1. Place one tortilla on a microwavable plate.
2. Sprinkle with a thin layer of cheese (mild cheddar, mozzarella, panela, etc.).
3. Smooth out the cheese so that it is evenly distributed.
   4. Add any optional ingredients.
4. Place a second tortilla on top.
5. Microwave for approximately 30-50 seconds.
6. Remove and let cool a few minutes.
7. Using a pizza wheel, slice the quesadilla into 6 or 8 even wedges.

If you don't have a microwave, follow these directions:

Directions - Stovetop

1. Warm a skillet over moderate or medium heat.
2. Add one tortilla and wait about 20 seconds.
3. Turn it over and add a small dusting of grated cheese to the tortilla
4. Quickly distribute the cheese evenly.
5. Top off with the second tortilla and wait an additional minute or so.
6. Flip and then remove after cheese is mostly melted.
7. Allow to cool for a few minutes.

These are great with the Delicious Dip recipe above!

Perky Pita Pizzas
These little snacks are a snap to make and are eaten even more quickly!

Ingredients.

6 pitas
purchased pesto sauce
bag of young leaf spinach
2 tomatoes
finely minced onions (optional)
olive oil
herbs of your choice

Directions.

1. Thinly spread pesto onto each pita.
2. Evenly add spinach leaves on top of pesto (don't make too thick).
3. Thinly slice tomatoes and create a layer on top of spinach.
4. Lightly drizzle with oil
5. Season to taste with minced herbs of your choice.
6. Broil until cheese melts and is bubbly (but not blackened).

Remove and let cool. Using a pizza wheel, slice into triangles and serve!

EZ Fruit Salsa
Here is a great way to get your kids to eat fruits!

Ingredients.

1 lb. strawberries, diced
1 cup pineapple, diced
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
1 peach, peeled and diced
8 oz. raspberries, sliced in halves
1/8 onion, diced
1 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
dash salt and pepper

Directions.

1. In a large bowl, combine fruit.
2. Add remaining ingredients and toss.
3. Cover bowl and marinate in fridge for 30 minutes or more (the longer it marinates, the better.
4. Remove and serve with Sweet Chips below.

(Optional: Rather than dicing or chopping by hand, use your food processor to "chunk" your fruit.)

Sweet Chips

Ingredients.

6 flour tortillas
softened butter
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Coat top side of tortilla with very thin layer of butter.
3. Using a pizza wheel, slice tortillas into triangles.
4. Distribute evenly on a cookie sheet. Do not allow overlap.
5. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
6. Bake (just a few minutes according to desired crispiness).
7. Remove from oven and let cool.
8. Serve with fruit salsa dip.

Summary

We have been advised to include refreshment time as part of our Family Home Evenings. Whether it is from the sharing of food, from the conversation, or simply from looking eye to eye at each other, families who eat together for some reason seem to weather the storms of life better.

So if you've not yet actually incorporated refreshments with your FHEs, why not give it a go? Whether you try these recipes or a few of your own, it's all good, nutritional and fun. And what's FHE without the fun?

Because, on top of everything else F.H.E. stands for, shouldn't it also stand for a Fun Home for Everyone!

(P.S. Perhaps obvious, but please do not use any foods your family members might be allergic to.)

C.S. Bezas' new book is now in LDS bookstores and has been called perfect for youth leaders and parents of teens. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings also is available by clicking here.