The table has always played a role in families. It has been a place for us to gather and solve food issues, learn about new cultures, and enjoy new cuisines from around the world. But when we think about the importance of coming together for meals with family or friends, to share traditions and good times, there is something more to it, an even deeper meaning. There is a psychological significance of the kitchen table.
Over the years, the kitchen table has been a place for gathering over meals and sharing conversations. Secrets were shared between sisters, and parents can counsel their children, removed from the activities in the rest of the house. For many children, the perfect opportunity to talk with their mother was while she prepared meals. She could keep an eye on dinner and catch up on what was going on in her child’s life at the same time. Mealtimes were spent eating and talking, sharing information, and connecting with each other. For many people, the kitchen table is synonymous with family time and real conversations. It’s hard to find time to do things in today’s busy world. But everyone has to eat. Making mealtime regular family time provides the regularity that is needed for maintaining strong connections. When families spend time together regularly and consistently, it doesn’t feel forced. It feels natural and welcome, making the family members more willing to open up and stay connected.
Far more than a flat surface upon which to dine, the kitchen table can be the heartbeat of a family. It’s a place to gather, talk, and reconnect. Parents look back on the times spent around the kitchen table when they were growing up and long to recreate those memories with their children. But what, exactly, is it that makes the kitchen table so important to the family? Though the legacy has grown over the years, even in today’s contemporary world, the modest kitchen table continues to be a center of activity. It doesn’t take a psychology degree to see why — meals are prepared at it, homework is done under a mother’s watchful eye at it, and games are played around it. Mine alone has scars from children learning their ABCs, and frustrated teenagers solving algebraic equations. Glue stains from the week I spent making wizard hats for Henry’s 5th Harry Potter birthday party. It was the place where cereal boxes were strategically placed so siblings didn’t have to see each other in the morning, and where uneaten food was secretly stored in a napkin as to not hurt my feelings. It’s where college acceptance letters were read, as well as, obituaries of friends far too young to have died. We’ve discussed politics rationally and heatedly, and where we have all prayed to God to let him know our thanks.
Dining room tables might be huge, but kitchen tables tend to be small. They’re cozy. They’re comfortable. They beckon the family to gather around and sit a little closer to each other. In this day of busy lives, extra-curricular activities for the children, and electronics, families don’t spend a great deal of time in close proximity to each other. The table works to bring families back into a comfortable distance for actually sharing a conversation. The meal that’s served doesn’t matter, whether it’s on paper plates or Grandmother’s fine china. The only thing that matters is that the family is taking time to gather and talk to each other. Gathering around the kitchen table gives parents a chance to get their children to unplug from the electronic world and plug into the family.
The fact is that without taking the time to talk, relationships wither and die. The act of eating helps people to relax, and when they are relaxed they are more open. The TV is forgotten in another room, phones can be turned off and other distractions can fade away when the family gathers around and turns the focus to each other. It's where every meal begins with thanks to God and ends with thanks to the chef. If your love your family as much as I do, take the time to fill your hearts and their bellies, because quality time is more than just the minutes you spend together.
Potato Bacon & Cabbage Stew in a Spicy Tomato Sauce
Greenfield Natural Meat Co. was founded in 2015 with the goal to make sustainable meat attainable. A meat brand with a purpose, and just like me, they are focused on making the world a better place. They exist to make a better world by making meat right - better food, better care for our animals, better communities, and a better planet. They are my go-to bacon of choice because, like you, I want my kitchen table to be around for generations.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 slices of bacon (I use Greenfield Natural Bacon Co.)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tsp Herbes de Provence (Italian seasoning can also be substituted)
- 1 tsp each salt and pepper
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce with chili peppers (I use Pomi's brand)
- 3 large russet potatoes, cubed
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more)
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded
- Several sprigs of thyme bound together
INSTRUCTIONS
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Add bacon to a large dutch oven. Fry until crispy, then transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate leaving 2-3 tbsp of the bacon grease in the pot.
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Add the onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes over medium-high heat. Add garlic, Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper, Cook for one minute or until herbs are fragrant.
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Add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, and potatoes to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil.
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Once it's boiling, reduce the heat and simmer with the lid slightly ajar for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cabbage and bacon and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the cabbage is just wilted.
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Season with salt & pepper as needed. Serve and top the bowls with the rest of the bacon.
