in our kitchen

rice pudding on the breakfast menu

chicken stock from leftover roast chicken

sage polenta with tomato sugo

fennel and orange salad : recipe from my Italian mother-in-law

couscous with butter, lemon, chives and parsley

spiced chicken in the slow cooker from this book

chocolate sauce pudding : one of my childhood favourites

curried rice with peas and egg for lunch

semolina gnocchi with sage from Winter on the Farm : this book is becoming a favourite in our house

and a little finger food for Violet

I've been thinking about the act of cooking for the family. It really is so much more than just about the food. Memories made and remembered, tastes, scents and togetherness. From the act of preparing, sometimes growing and the eating of it.

These school holidays have made our days much more centered around our meals. As we take the day a little slower, and with more helping hands, there is both learning and enjoyment in the kitchen. Simple changes like frying up a little rice, flavouring it and serving it instead of a quick sandwich make lunch just that bit more special. Sitting together and eating. Talking about the food. Remembering to enjoy each moment.

Wishing you all a lovely Thursday.