The main reason many of us don’t have more dinner parties, or even one or two friends over for dinner, is that we put too much pressure on ourselves alone to shop, cook, entertain and clean. Let’s rethink the dinner party and make it a communal experience, not just a potluck but a time to come together to cook and share food.
This past weekend, we had a little dinner party, four adults and four kids. My husband and I cooked the whole thing together (I marinated the lamb, he grilled it, I assembled the artichoke dip, he browned it, he test-tasted the hummus, I made suggestions on the drinks he was planning, you get the idea). I’d meant to save parts of the dinner for our friends to help with, but the two of us were so efficient (while having fun!) that it was all ready, even the raspberry mousse for dessert, when they arrived.
When these same friends had us over for dinner recently, Renee called and said “our potato peeler broke, can you bring yours” just as we were getting ready to leave. So I got to help with their fabulous potato cheese casserole, and their kitchen was a happy, busy place as the four adults put the finishing touches on a great meal.
Especially in these times as people are going to restaurants less, let’s invite our friends for simple dinners in our homes, sharing the work and the time together.
Abigayle says
Hello, I recently went to a Spanish restaurant and tasted some amazing iberico ham, I still do not understand how is iberico ham different from paleta.
Thank you.