In a perfect world, my website would be called Peace, Love and Fitness. That .com was already taken, but the sentiment is still here. Peace, love and fitness combine to make the perfect recipe for my lifestyle. I mention this today as I introduce you to VEGAN FEAST THURSDAY (which this week fell on Wednesday to include my family members visiting from New York .
Close to a decade ago, our older son, Derek became a vegan. He and his best buddy, Pete, (aka my adopted, adult son) follow a strict vegan diet and lifestyle and manage to adhere to it even while traveling the world with Pete’s band. Finding pure vegan food out of the home is not easy so a couple of years ago I decided to designate one night a week for Derek and any (or all) of his friends to come for a VEGAN FEAST. This gives them an opportunity to get a home-cooked, free meal and gives Mitch and I a chance to see our son and keep up with his life. Clearly this is a win/win situation.
Last night there were 12 of us for pasta night. Out of town special guests included not only my sister Arlene and niece Julie, but also Derek’s friend Marlee, visiting all the way from Australia. along with pasta and marinara sauce, the menu also included buffalo tofu tidbits, Gardein chicken tenders, garden salad (a staple) and breadsticks with tornado dust. Vegan treats such as Chachi’s cupcake cones and Pete’s brownies provided a decadent addition to assorted non-dairy ice cream and for the non-vegans we threw in a some ridiculously delicious fudge from Kilwins.
Hearing the “kids” laughing, telling crazy stories and enjoying the food and one another gives me a high like no other. Even more special, this season, is having Kyle home and at the table with us. When the boys were young I worked 4 nights a week, teaching classes Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then training a client Thursday nights. Dinner as a family was challenging, especially as the boys started there own after school jobs in high school. Thanks to Mitch, at least everyone ate!
Vegan Feast Thursday began as a gift to the kids, but has been a far greater gift to me. I offer thanks to my wonderful friend, Lesley, for inspiring me, by example to create this weekly family ritual. The satisfaction, energy and love I draw from it is enough to sustain me at least until the next one. Wishing you all wonderful family rituals and much PEACE, LOVE and of course FITNESS!