After flying the nest, my friends and I began an almost weekly tradition of, what we like to call, Family Dinner.  So what does this consist of? A crowd (of at least 5), good food (home-cooked of course), my antique dining room table, laughs, and wine.

Debates over the menu, day, time and availability all ensue over group text.  After the dust settles, I proudly announce the menu with bated breath.

Drumroll please … today’s evening consists of a freshly prepared caprese (with blanched asparagus) salad to start. We’ll follow up with the main course of marinated flank steak, “eggplant parmesan” (recipe to follow in a separate post), and broccolini.

Caprese Salad With Asparagus

Grilled Flank Steak

How does a young professional pull it all off?

/A/MY Rules of Entertaining:

• Plan the menu!
• Shop the day before
• Prep as much as you can
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew
• Not every part of the meal has to start from scratch
• Take some help where you can; accept a hand
• Clean up as you go
• Don’t skimp on tools and equipment
• Relax
• Have a glass of wine while cooking

What’s the verdict? Full tummies, memories shared & created, and a tradition that’s only to grow for many years to come.