Garlic Butter Rice

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By Marilyn Hunter
For The Family Table, a blog for busy families

I’ve always believed the first bite of every dish is the best bite. That’s why Andrew and I often skip the entrée at a restaurant and order appetizers and small plates only.

In fact, even when sharing an entrée, it’s a challenge for us to finish. It’s no wonder I’ve been enjoying the premiere season of Tony Bourdain’s show, The Taste ... a show about hooking people in a bite.

During our 12 days in Japan, we ate lots of delicious food, much of which, like nigiri zushi (hand-formed sushi), is designed to be a bite or two. But I came across a dish that was so good that the first bite took my breath away, and it got better as I finished the very last grain in my bowl. It made me wonder how I would survive without knowing how to make it at home.

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Quiche, Baskets and Bunnies

By Marilyn Hunter
For The Family Table, a blog for busy families

There’s an old adage about men and quiche, which I don’t subscribe to because the men in my house love this custardy concoction. In fact, custard is one of the culinary basics Andrew considers essential to competency in the kitchen. He says, if you understand the milk to egg ratio, then you can make any flavor quiche you want – from savory to sweet.

The boys are in the stage of uncertainty about whether they believe in life’s guardians…Santa, the Tooth Fairy, Cupid and the Easter Bunny. Of course they’re smart enough to know that regardless of their suspicions, believing brings presents, treats and even cold hard cash.

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Trick-or-Treating Pasta Party

By Marilyn Hunter

On a night like Halloween, the last thing you’re thinking about is dinner. Luckily, my boys love pasta … all shapes and sizes. It’s one of their favorite dinners as long as there’s plenty of Parmesan cheese. Andrew calls them “Parm junkies!”

I figure things could be worse. I care more that they’ll eat lots of goodies that are good for them, especially on this night of goblins.

Before setting out for a marathon night of trick or treating, fuel your little ones with a pasta party fit for an athlete (Ben is James Harden on the Thunder) or a hungry gangster (Nick is Al Capone). Setting up a carb-loading pasta bar pleases everyone, gives them the energy they need and cuts your workload in half.

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Back to School Sushi Lunchbox

By Marilyn Hunter

As back-to-school time approached, I found myself feeling contradicted. It’s a wonderful time for the boys, but frankly packing lunches and snacks every day can be an overwhelming task.

I’m always on the lookout for lunchbox inspiration to expand the repertoire. As a mom, I’m interested in healthy choices that are also quick and easy; but as the wife of a chef, I can feel a little self-conscious about the contents of my boys’ lunchboxes. Truth is, Ben and Nick are as finicky as the next kid but I still feel the need to go the extra mile to make their lunches special.

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Zorba’s Dinner

Traditional moussaka at the Greek Fest.

By Marilyn Hunter

Last week, we celebrated another year at the annual LA Greek Fest, a three-day festival of culture, music, dancing and great food.

We splurged on gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita and moussaka. The boys got their fill of games and rides and Nick took home the grand prize for the Zorba Night Dance Contest which was quite a feat as he competed against dancers of all ages and skills. We think it was his enthusiasm and two missing teeth that hooked the judges. It didn’t hurt that his name is Nicholas. I had to accept the grand prize of “very old Metaxa Greek brandy” since he’s only six.

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