#SoulFood Morning

 Soul Food. Yes, it truly is good for the soul. Comfort. Family.

I've been on a Southern Dish kick lately and my poor family is enjoying the new recipes they are tasting. Today was a simple but hearty breakfast Grandma would have been proud of.

Grits slow cooked on the stove. I added half & half for a creamy texture then tossed in a bit of shredded cheddar. (Here's a simple grits recipe.)

While the grits simmered, I used up some leftover roasted veggies to make an omelet. Gram's logic of bacon fat makes everything better, I placed a dollop of bacon fat in small cast iron pan before adding the veggies & eggs. The fat browned nicely, adding a smoky flavor.

For serving, I scooped some of the cheesy grits into a bowl. Chopped up the omelet and placed it on top of the grits. 

Oh, yeah!

I left for work with a happy feeling deep in my soul. Thanks, Gram!

Romantic Dinner for Two

 What better way to wind-down from the week than a nice meal on Friday night. Preparing a meal together is good for a couple. It's a chance to talk, tease, laugh and kiss. According to some studies, cooking is one of the top activities couples can do together to strengthen their relationship. Cooking together is a soothing experience. It's great to relieve stress; think chatting and chopping. Using your hands to create the meal, maybe even sipping wine or sharing a beer, can easily turn into a sensual experience. Take a moment to hand feed a sample to your honey and follow it with a kiss.

A man who cooks is hot.

When you set a timer for pasta or veggies, use the opportunity to discuss something important or have a make out session. When the timer dings, the moment is paused.

Preparing a meal at our house is a family affair. We've always included our sons and each one enjoys cooking as much as he enjoys eating. Over the years we've included friends and girlfriends to take part of the fun. 

With eldest son now married, he and his new wife join us once a week for a meal. They often talk about meals they've prepared together.

Son #2 lives 3 hours away. He and his girl will go to market together then prepare the meal.

Son #3 is still underfoot, and tolerates our PDA during meal prep. However, occasionally hubby and I enjoy an evening alone.

The key to enjoy meal prep is keeping it fun, busy and communication is important. If you and your honey don't see eye-to-eye in meal prep you need to  communicate, compromise,or simply take turns in the kitchen.

Check out the article Couples Who Cook Together Stay Together, Says Science.

Check out this article on cooking together by Jillian Kramer