Raising a Toast To My Family!

One of my favourite family traditions is Friday night meals. While it originated as a religious symbol to welcome the Sabbath, it really has become so much more. It’s a great way to reconnect with my family and loved ones while sitting down for a three (yes, THREE) course meal, converse (mostly tech free) and catch up on the week. There’s something so special about taking the time to sit down and chat face-to-face with my parents, brothers, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. While I may receive daily updates from them via phone, texts or social media, the face to face interactions can’t be replaced.

While I do love these weekly meals, I’ll be the first to admit that I rarely ever host them. And when I do, I usually order take-out. While my take-out meal may be a nice change of pace, it doesn’t compare to a home-cooked meal made from scratch and with love.

Our Friday dinner meals tend to be held at either my parents’ or my older brother’s house. While my dad and sister-in-law (SIL) love to cook, it’s still not easy to host every week. Not to mention, my brother and SIL have FIVE kids and a busy schedule. My parents are also busy taking care of a foster child and two international students, running around to various doctor appointments and my mom is still recovering from her stroke from five years ago. Clearly, they are busy… but they still take the time to host, week after week.

I’m so grateful and thankful my family takes time to host. That’s why I want to take the time to personally thank them and raise a toast for their efforts and hard work. This video perfectly sums up all of the moments, big and small, that deserve a toast. Make sure you watch till the end… it’s a ‘toast’ to a moment that every parent can relate to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLyoKwrFKFQ

While I can’t cook or bake like my parents or SIL, I’m always ready to entertain. My ‘go-to’ entertaining dish is based around Tostitos. I whip up some guacamole, serve with salsa and Tostitos and my lack of cooking skills is a non issue.  The great part about this is my kids prefer Tostitos plain, so even they’re pleased with my food choice. I love this easy and quick Brie and Cranberry Bites recipe. Perfect for last minute entertaining, especially over the holidays!

I’d like to raise a toast with Tostitos to my parents and my sister-in-law / brother, who always take the time to host us with open arms and LOTS of food! So Dig-in, Bon Appetit and Beteavon (as we would say in Hebrew).

Disclosure: I received compensation as part of my participation in the Tostitos #RaiseATostitos campaign. The stories and opinions are my own.