We often get pizza from a place where the pizza has LOTS of crust. And when supper is over, I have a pile of pizza crusts that looks like a pile of bones. I decided to turn it into something.
The kids? Where were they in the picture? I made up my mind as soon as my ridiculous offer was accepted with a laugh and an “I-can’t-believe-I’m-agreeing-to-this” that if I am inviting a cooking party onto myself, it has to be enjoyable. My kids love their cousins, so they had the same motivation I did, and I forced myself to look the other way when someone’s Duncan Hines powder erupted onto my freshly cleaned floor.
We made it through that stretch of time till Shabbos, but it still begs the question, was it necessary? Was Erev Shabbos the time and place for that? It was fun, invigorating even. In that moment, what I think I needed to hear was that good is good enough. The Shabbos foods my family enjoys are sufficient for guests, especially if the alternative is Friday-afternoon kitchen activities.
This week, we feature a piece I’ve been excited about for a long time. We reached out to a mother and her married daughters who host lots of guests every Shabbos. They share their down-to-earth approach to hosting, and what motivates them to get through it. It’s so different for everyone, but I think plenty of us can use the reminder that good is good enough.
CHANIE NAYMAN
Food Editor, Family Table
Editor in Chief, Kosher.com
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