Prose: Family Bonding and It's Importance

In the busy schedules of today's life where people are running short of time for everything, there are hardly any 'family bonding' sessions which involve all the family members. I am very strong supporter of such bonding sessions and feel that one day in a month, if not in a week, the entire family should get together and do something constructive and fun filled.

At my home weekends are not holidays for everyone so like many other families we do not get to meet each other and spend a day together on these days. My husband works for hospitality industry and he has his weekly off only on a week day. That makes it difficult for us to organize something as kids usually have their school.

For this simple reason we have decided to keep at least one day in the month free so that all of us can be together.

Usually we plan an outing to some park or monument but the best bonding sessions are the 'let us all cook together 'sessions. They not only bring out the creativity in all of us but also serve as a learning time for the children. The menu is planned a day in advance and all the needed material is brought. Each person plans a favorite dish and as all of us love to cook it isn't all that difficult to workout.

The rules are set by me normally as it is my domain.

1. Each person is allotted a task

2 The others do not interfere unless their advice or help is needed.

3 It is entirely up to teach member to cook what they want but it should not be very complicated as it then leaves little time to enjoy together .

4. The material needed should be listed in advance and brought from the market. No last minute running to gather stuff.

5. The ingredients should be used judicially and no wastage should take place.

6. The work station should be absolutely spic and span after the work is finished.

Some days back we got such an opportunity. It was Sunday and fortunately all of us were at home. We decided to indulge ourselves. The rules were forgotten and everyone worked to create scrumptious delicacies. The calorie count gave way to joy and togetherness.

Breakfast included veggie cheese omelets and toasts with garlic butter spread and cornflakes (optional).plus some fruit.

Coffee, milk or tea was made for all as per desire.

I make garlic spread by chopping the garlic very fine and mixing it with hot melted butter, pepper powder and a bit of salt.

The omelet has any seasonal veggie that can go well in it and some good cheese on top.

Lunch was extravagant with boneless pepper chicken, spicy marinade fish and fresh salad.

We had chocolate sponge cake slices as dessert.

Pepper chicken has curd, salt, crushed black pepper corns and pepper powder, ginger and good amount of garlic as marinade.

The fish fillet also has the same marinade.

Kept overnight the result is awesome. Both are grilled or sauteed in butter.

The pepper sauce remaining from the marinade is coked and poured on top the main dish.

Dinner was an Italian love affair. Penne Pasta in Arrabiata sauce, topped with cheese.

After dinner we went out to eat paan (beetle nut leaf preparation which is very good for digestive system). That ensured a long drive for us.

It was a day full of laughter, music, fun and good food. The kids had a blast and I felt happy to see the satisfaction of a great day spent together written with smiles n love on their faces.