I love family dinnertime. It is so important to the rhythm of our family.
It is my time to sit back and really watch the dynamics of our family. It is my moment when I want to jump up and clear the dishes, but I tell myself just to sit and enjoy and listen. There is a framed chalk print in my kitchen from Lesley Zellers that says “Linger Longer.” It is my constant reminder to stop rushing through mealtime and enjoy the people around my table.
As school starts each year, I step on the struggle bus. Some nights I struggle to get through the after school pick up, homework, and the entire after school routine.
Last week, Chef Dean from Chef Noon Culinary Services stopped by and handed over a life jacket – in the form of three meals completely ready for our family. Beef Fajitas, Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Polenta, and Chicken Piccata and Mashed Potatoes sat beautifully in my refrigerator, complete with perfect, easy to understand, reheating instructions – ready for my family to enjoy. A few days before, Chef Noon Culinary Services sent over a menu for me to review. I had the option to completely change any meal or simply change a few ingredients of any of the proposed meals. We don’t have any food allergies in our family, but I love knowing that is an option for my friends that do have food allergies.
As the mother of a teenage son (and an 8 year old son that eats like a teenager!), I was concerned about the portion size. With a large family, I’m used to making extra sides to add to every meal to fill in those bottomless pits. (Seriously. Where does it go?) My husband always jokes that we should make them eat a piece of bread and drink a glass of milk before we even begin dinner.
I am thrilled to report – there were no extra sides needed. We had leftovers every meal! It was amazing!
If you know me in real life, you know I’m a Texas girl, so I’m sure it comes as a complete shock that my favorite was the fajitas! You guys – he brought shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro rice, charro beans, cilantro, and homemade ridiculously delicious guacamole. Each side was in its very own separate, happy container. I secretly wanted to hide in the pantry with a bag of chips and the guacamole every night. It was that good!
As I was admiring a refrigerator full of prepared meals, I was also thinking this would be an amazing gift for new moms or anyone in need of meals after being in the hospital!
Be sure and check our their website to learn more about their services. Let them know Scottsdale Moms Blog sent you!
