The Family Meal

Peggy Drexler, assistant professor of psychology at Cornell Middle School, asserts that "Few events are simple and powerful as the family meal". Indeed, companionship (literally, "sharing bread together") is one of the six paramount functions of family, according to sociologist William F. Ogburn.

Food metaphors that relate to society, relationships, and conferred status have been in use for many years. "Upper crust" refers to the elite, or the aristocracy (those "born with a silver spoon in their mouths"). The sentiment that may eventually lead to procreation is often directed toward "the apple of my eye". "Bringing home the bacon" refers to earning an income. And young people who spend dinner time with their families have fewer opportunities to "sow their wild oats".

An entire website has been devoted to the subject of the family meal. It is called The Power of Family Meals and is sponsored by the J.M. Smucker Company. Miriam Weinstein, author of The Surprising Power of the Family Meal, is a spokesperson for Smucker's. The site is centered around tips, recipes, and ideas for creating a family mealtime routine.

This week's recipe is for Beet-Pickled Eggs, because my grandmother used to always make them for every important occasion. Sadly, I don't have her recipe, but this one is just as good. (I like to throw in some sliced onions and a couple teaspoons of pickling spice, after the syrup has cooled but before adding to the eggs.)