Tina from Mommy's Kitchen asked for some examples of kid friendly holiday dishes that she could use to please her pickiest little one. Gina Neely listed off her favorites: pigs in a blanket, mini corn dogs, and anything wrapped in bacon. She explained, "You have to find the ingredients that your kids love, and then be creative." Pat chimed in that, "Kids will eat whatever they get to help make," and shared stories of how they get their two daughters in the kitchen. By giving them each a night to cook, the girls have a chance to get creative and share their tastes with the family. They're also guaranteed to eat and enjoy it!
Mandy from Gourmet Mom on the Go asked about what's quick on hand in the Neely's fridge when guests come over. Gina listed off her basic go to's: Cold cuts, crackers, and dips. She added that Sam’s club is a great place for freezer and ready made items that just need to be fried or tossed in the oven for a few minutes. At their home people start arriving on Thanksgiving at noon, so it’s great to have lots of appetizers to keep the grazers at bay. Pat suggested his meatballs with bbq sauce, which sounded divine, adding that, "If they're dipping it, they're eating it." So the lesson learned here is the old boy scout truism, "Always be prepared," and "hummus is awesome."
I asked about the dynamic of having two personalities in the kitchen, and Pat described how they each bring something to the table. Gina's "the spice fairy! " while Pat likes to rub the meat. Collaboration is their game and two halves are better than one. Gina explains, "If I think is something is too hot, I can pull him back a bit." I brought up that my boyfriend's nickname is the "sous" because he does all the chopping, mise en place, and the dishes, God love him. The Neely's jumped in that for young couples, it’s a great way to socialize and entertain. Pat suggested, "Open a bottle of wine, and relax! Talk about the day and what’s going on in your life. What else does a young couple do together? Don’t answer that!"
I think most of us snorted our coffee all over our laps at that comment. Gina brought us back to the point: "The kitchen is not intimidating, it’s a place to hang out. If you’re working side by side, no one’s intimidated by the conversation, it’s a common ground. Cooking, talking, getting it all out. It’s a great place to get to know somebody." So true! My entire relationship was founded on the fact that I like cooking and he likes eating. We both inevitably flocked to the kitchen and focused on the food rather than the awkward crushing taking place. Two years and change later it's still one of our favorite places to hang out and connect. The kitchen also works it's magic on family and friends who might be apathetic to food or conversation. Give them a task and awkwardness is gone! Maybe don't give knives to the real misanthropes (they can shuck peas or something), but otherwise it's a great idea for getting the mood to lighten and good times rolling. Pop open a bottle of wine and play some music and you have yourself a cooking party!
Thank you to the Neely's for their wonderful tips and stories. They were beyond charming! And thank you to Sam's Club for linking us all up. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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