Enough is a feast

I don't have the type of memory that can draw up adages, phrases, or memories at short notice.  It takes a lot of work for my brain to recall things I've learned...unless I get a chance to use them frequently.  One of the phrases that has stuck with me for years, and to which I've grown very fond, is an old Indian proverb that says, "Enough is a feast".  I have had this phrase posted in my kitchen in most of our homes to remind me that my Mennonite habit of over-preparing food is unnecessary, and to remind me that sometimes simpler is better, and less is more.

I consider one of my gifts to be hosting.  I love having people over, feeding them, giving them clean towels and letting them use my conditioner and toothpaste.  But mostly I love feeding people.  Especially hungry people.  It's just so rewarding to see hungry people eat.  I realized the other day that I consider certain foods to be "company food" and others to be more casual, fly by the seat of your pants, make-it-up-as-you-go kind of meals.

One of my favorite meals to serve company is pulled pork.  Then of course there's chicken enchiladas, chicken divan, BBQ hamburgers, and my favorite potato soup with fresh rolls.  We always end up with LOTS of leftovers, and all kinds of tasty side-dishes.  But the quick and easy meals that we make often, which I often enjoy more, are not as pretty and don't usually have side dishes.  They are: sausage and beans, fried burritos, grilled cheese and tomato soup, macaroni and cheese with hot dogs, chicken alfredo pizza, fried eggs and hash browns, and BLT's.

Every now and then I wonder if my company wouldn't prefer one of my more standard, casual, weeknight meals.  And every now and then (like last night) I am reminded that Enough Is A Feast, when we wipe the pot of sausage and beans clean with our zwiebach and then sit back and rub our bellies, sighing with content.  Perhaps it means giving more thought to foods that compliment one another, and simple additions (like a glass of wine, or bread dipped in oil and vinegar) instead of tossing salads and vegetables into the mix willy nilly.  Perhaps I will spend more time shopping for more nutritious main courses that need/beg very few "sides".  Perhaps I will totally overhaul my idea of what an abundant dinner table looks like.  But here I go...  Forth into hosting with a fresh resolve to cook as though I believe, "Enough is a feast".