We developed a new lunch tradition over the summer. Like all of our best family traditions, it was one that just evolved without any foresight or planning on our part.
Somehow, we just started having these terrific, fresh, delicious lunches together on Saturdays. We usually start our Saturday with a trip to the farmers' market. We pick up a baguette there, some fruit, and fresh peppers or other veggies. Then we add to that any leftovers from the fridge, maybe a ricotta from the farmers' market or one we made, or some other cheese. Then we just munch our way through the bounty.
Even in Montreal on vacation this summer, one of my favorite meals was the one we foraged at the Atwater Farmers' Market.
Last week, it was figs, peppers, a bit of leftover basil hummus, bread, cheese, and an applesauce that I made quickly from the apples that got banged up on the bike trip home from the market.
I love the freshness of the food and the spontaneous way these lunches come together. It's fun to eat a bit of this and a smidge of that. But most of all, I like the way these meals bring our family together for an hour in the middle of the weekend, when we are often pulled in different directions. It is already becoming more difficult to maintain this tradition as we get deeper into the activities and obligations that compete for our attention during the school year. But I see an open spot on tomorrow's calendar, and I'm going to keep looking for those opportunities. I hope you have a delicious weekend.
Family meals were always a tradition for me growing up and I am trying to maintain family dinners in our home despite the kids being tired and my husband's new job with a long commute. So far so good but I can see us going in the direction of Saturday lunch sometime too!
Posted by: Leticia | October 02, 2009 at 09:12 PM