Weekend Traditions- The Feast

Last year during a snowstorm, I assembled the items that I had on hand and made a hodgepodge brunch. It turned out to be a combination of my favorite breakfast items. My kids savored their favorite cheeses and fruits and the adults indulged in avocado, eggs and tomato. Best of all, because we were cooped up in the house, we had a lovely meal complete with laughter and smiles. We ended up having a similar brunch the following weekend during which time my son coined the brunch we were eating as "The Feast".  And what an appropriate name that was!

The idea for this spread originated from my time backpacking through Europe after graduating from college. We had stopped at a friend's place in Germany and woke up to the most glorious spread I could remember at the time. Our German friend's mother placed fresh cheeses, jams, veggies (and meat but I don't remember that part as much!) on a board and served it with fresh bread procured from the local market that morning. I was in heaven. Years later, I suppose what I was trying to do during that snowstorm was to bring some of that warmth from that memory to my house in Cambridge.

During the week, Kishore and I scramble and rush to get my son to the bus stop and my daughter to preschool so we do not have the time or luxury to sit and enjoy breakfast as a family. The Feast has come to symbolize leisure, family, grazing and reflection. We talk about our weeks, share funny stories and take the time to appreciate good quality food.

Now that The Feast has become our weekend tradition, I can prepare and shop for The Feast in advance. I try to group the items by food groups and color. I usually have at least two fruits, two vegetables, 2 proteins (cheese and eggs), whatever spreads I have on hand (a fig spread and honey are default) and the anchor of the board, a sliced French baguette. I purchase fresh, local products when possible and try to include an item that is different so the kids can experiment with tastes and textures.

I love that The Feast developed organically.  We indulge in The Feast every few weeks and each time that we do, I am beyond grateful for my family and the food on my table. How do you celebrate the weekend?  What weekend traditions do you have?  Have a great weekend!