In my last post I shared a favorite book Table Experiment: Loving Your Neighbor One Meal at a Time by Ryan J. Pelton. A partial quote from the author really caught my attention.
This is why I named my blog A Plate at My Table. I hope to convey that hospitality can be as simple as setting an extra place at the family dinner table. Inviting people to sit down to share your meal.
Share your table - Share your life
"implement the art of hospitality back into the daily rhythms of life"This makes me think about how we can complicate the act of hospitality. The house has to be perfectly decorated and clean. The table must be beautifully set with a special centerpiece, matching napkins and of course a cute little name place card for each guest. The food must be right off the pages of the latest magazine or blog...you get the idea.
This is why I named my blog A Plate at My Table. I hope to convey that hospitality can be as simple as setting an extra place at the family dinner table. Inviting people to sit down to share your meal.
Share your table - Share your life
Almost every night I make dinner for six so adding one or two more people around the table isn't really that difficult. The other night we included a young couple and their baby at our impromptu cookout.
We ate outside on the porch so it didn't matter that the house was a little messy.
The menu was simple.
A plate of sliced tomatoes, onions and lettuce to top our grilled burgers, baked beans (yep, right out of the can) and coleslaw.
Now that's a burger!
Holidays Make it Easy to Invite Someone Over
If you aren't comfortable inviting someone over on short notice or when nothing special is going on take advantage of the upcoming 4th of July holiday. Holidays are the perfect time to entertain guest.
Remember that even for a holiday the menu can be simple.
Remember that even for a holiday the menu can be simple.
Throw some burgers on the grill, open a can or two of baked beans and make a big bowl of coleslaw. You're good to go!
The Coleslaw
I'm not sure about other parts of the country but in the South everyone has their own version of coleslaw. Some people swear by coleslaw made with sweet relish other's use only dill relish. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, add carrots, don't add carrots. A few radicals even add an apple or grapes! I've had icebox coleslaw and hot coleslaw. After years of trying I finally perfected what my family says is their favorite version.
A combination of crunchy cabbage and carrots that's sweet and a little tangy with just a hint of dill.
Sweet and Slightly Tangy Coleslaw
Recipe will serve 6 and can easily be doubled to meet your needs.
Ingredients:
About 7 cups of shredded cabbage
1 or 2 carrots - shredded
OR
14-ounce bag of shredded cabbage with carrots
Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons finely minced red onion
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth.
Place cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Pour on the dressing and stir.
For best results refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Will you be serving a special coleslaw at your 4th of July get together?
