by Mary O. Moss
One of my earliest memories of “cooking” is when I was very young and my mom allowed me to stir the party mix at holiday time. Now keep in mind, her party mix is legendary! So, it was an honor to have even a small part in the creation of her famous party mix.
My parents also entertained often and I have wonderful memories of helping my mom prepare some of her “specialties” (and sampling them as a reward for helping). The kitchen was the heart of the home throughout my childhood and that didn’t change when I had my own children. Food has always equaled family, fun, hospitality throughout my life.
Moses provides us a model for hospitality. “My lord,” he said, “if it pleases you, stop here for a while. Rest in the shade of this tree while water is brought to wash your feet. And since you’ve honored your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food to refresh you before you continue on your journey.” “All right,” they said. “Do as you have said” (Genesis 18:3-5 NLT).
Hospitality is important in the lives of Christians. Feeding family and friends is one of the most tangible demonstrations of hospitality. Having meals ready to cook and serve offers us a chance to chat with family and friends and not spend all our time cooking in the kitchen! No preparation or last-minute planning means less stress and more time to enjoy each other’s company.
When I think of ways to cut my budget, though, my grocery list is almost always the first place I look. Years ago I found a wonderful cookbook, Once-A-Month Cooking by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lageborg. This cookbook offers an easy plan to prepare meals for two weeks or an entire month at one time. Really – it’s great and even tells you what size pans and storage containers you’ll need and (my personal favorite) provides you a grocery list!
No gimmicks, here; just practical, step-by-step instructions. Pick one day a month to cook, gather around the family, give everyone an assignment and make it a family celebration! Even young children can divide up shredded cheese and chopped vegetables into one-cup servings.
Older children can help chop vegetables and slice fruits. They probably have mastered an electric can opener and hand mixer by this age and can help out with much of the meal prep.
Cooking once a month allows us to always have nutritious meals prepared to feed our family. No need to run through the drive-thru or stop by the grocery store every day. It also affords us the luxury of entertaining guests – even unexpected ones who stop by at dinner time – without throwing things into a panic.
Using a plan helps us save money at the grocery store as well—money we can put away for a “rainy day” or use to help others by donating or buying food to donate.
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9).
