Family Food Main Course

Table Talk

September 18, 2015

Capellini Sicilian Pesto

It seems only natural to talk to together as a family at dinnertime, right? Terrible but true, sometimes dinner can be more about filling our bellies and moving onto “what’s next”; rather than connecting together with meaningful conversation. Lately, we’ve been trying hard to make the hours before and after dinner something that’s special for us — toys are shelved, the TV is off, and devices are far away. Since the boys are becoming more independent, we all take part in preparing dinner together. Being mindful of the purpose, it’s easier to plan ahead in finding “little” ways in which little ones can help: washing produce, setting the table, turning on classical music, feeding Lulu, beautifying the table, etc. Having everyone involved well before “it’s time to eat” helps set the tone that this time of day is meant to be savored and enjoyed; and that each member of the family adds value.

Last night, we put some extra love into our dinner routine. Translation: we didn’t eat at the bar.  We actually sat down at the kitchen table, lit candles and all! Part of that included teaching our children the components of having a good conversation — such as how to wait their turn to speak, asking thoughtful questions, how to listen to others using eye contact and not thinking about what they have to say while others are talking. And you know what? We connected. Learned more about each others thoughts and feelings. And warm fuzzies were flying around our home.

If that weren’t enough, delicious food can make the experience all the more enjoyable. This new pasta recipe I’ve been playing with does not have your “average” Italian ingredients list… uh, the anchovies or dare I say, raisins?! I know. But friends, it’s worth giving it a fork twirl! The combination of fresh seasonal tomatoes with tried and true Mezzetta pasta sauce make this dish oh so delizioso! Psst! Want a chance to have a pasta night with your loved ones + $500 grocery gift card?! Enter at the end of this post!
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For a chance to win a Perfect Pasta Night Kit + $500 in FREE GROCERIES from Mezzetta, enter HERE.

  • Stacey September 20, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    This recipe looks delicious!! I’m always looking for a way to spice up your average spaghetti sauce. I’d love to find out where your dishes are from!

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:43 pm

      Thank you, Stacey! The white plates are from IKEA. The bowls are from Anthropologie as well as the drinking glasses! Pot is Le Cruset!

  • sara McCallum September 20, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    Hi!! Beautiful pictures. Please tell me what camera you use. I want to ask my husband for a new for Christmas and would really like to know which one you use. Help a mama out 🙂 thanks!!

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:43 pm

      I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark iii 🙂

  • Carrie September 20, 2015 at 6:53 pm

    Looks delicious!!

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:44 pm

      It is! Let me know if you end up trying it!

  • Sasha September 21, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    What a great reminder. You’re so inspirational and my most favorite blogger. Thank you for sharing your sweet family with us.

    P.S. I tried out the kid table on cinder blocks idea for my boys birthday party and it worked perfectly. Thank you for that!!

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:44 pm

      Oh yay! So happy your birthday party was a success! Thank you for your kind words – truly warms my heart! xo

  • Debbie Sowards September 21, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    All the pictures are beautiful! Involving the children in meal prep is always a fun and interesting experience. Any efforts we make with our children are so worth it. The dish you made looks delish and that baby’s cheeks! The boys are getting so big too. Love your posts!

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:45 pm

      Debbie, so true! Trying to cherish all of these moments with my little cherubs. Thank you for the comment!

  • ASH September 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    no doubt the pasta looks fab! But, I am all about that sheep print. Fantastic! Any info on the gingham shirt from the beach post?

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:46 pm

      You’ve got a good eye, friend! Wink wink. Sheep print is a shot I took of the ones behind our home, last winter. Gingham shirt is from Abercrombie & Fitch.

  • ari September 23, 2015 at 3:52 am

    Such beautiful pics!!! I hope your doing ok-praying for you!

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:47 pm

      Needed some time to really focus on our family intently as we tried to sort through some things. Thank you for the prayers – they are felt and much appreciated.

  • Bayleigh September 23, 2015 at 11:19 pm

    OMGG I absolutely love you and bbgirls outfits!! Your kimono and those little leggings on her are to die for? Love love love everything about this post and my man just made spaghetti last night and this looks like a delicious version to try, thank you!

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:47 pm

      Filling my heart with lots of giggles! Thank you!

  • Alice Wright September 24, 2015 at 1:44 am

    Just found your blog and I love it! Those are such beautiful pictures! The recipe looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it. 🙂

    -Alice Wright
    http://www.whatsoever-lovely.blogspot.com
    http://www.thewrightfamilyfarm.blogspot.com

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:47 pm

      Happy to “meet” you, Alice!

  • mary beth September 24, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    Definitely good idea to always sit at dinner table together. Before you know it, those boys (and your daughter) will be running out to baseball and other sports, that’s when it will become absolutely impossible so good to do it now. Lovely photos as usual.

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:48 pm

      Trying to savor it all! Thank you, Mary Beth!

  • Grace September 26, 2015 at 2:54 am

    looks amazing! wondering what lens you use? love your photos!

    • missy September 28, 2015 at 11:48 pm

      These pics were used with a 50 mm lens. 🙂

  • eli fri fer September 29, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    loveeeeee ur tips on how to make each day count! thank you for inspiring so many of us!!! keep giving us tips on how to raise healthy, great kids! thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!