Fishes & Loaves
FISHES & LOAVES
I shall clarify first that however compelling it may be, this is not a retelling of a well-known Bible story about feeding the five thousand but rather a personal note on hosting.
It should come as no surprise that running out of food at an event is a caterer's worst nightmare. This underlying fear, commitment to 10% overage, and human tendency to stay home if it rains, gets too cold, or hot allows us always to have ample food at caterings. No, this is not about weddings or corporate lunches at all, but instead, the Sunday afternoon meals we share in our own homes.
It is the way of the women in our family to throw open the doors and feed whoever walks through them. I, without regrets, have turned out just like my mother. I can hardly type the following sentiments without mocking myself, but my heart is whole when my table is filled up with my family. I have arrived at official mom status.
When word goes out that we are gathering, there is scarcely an RSVP. Maybe it’s the way the vegetables cook down, or perhaps it’s the appetite of my three brothers, but my mom, Elizabeth, and I have adopted a phrase we whisper to each other when in doubt of our bounty. As the door swings open, more guests flow in, and the buffet looks smaller and smaller; we buzz around the kitchen and whisper, “Fishes and loaves, fishes and loaves!” rapidly like a prayer over the steaks and twice-baked potatoes. Once in the last five years, we ran completely out of food at a birthday party. When it was time for the next party, one of my brothers called to ask if he could bring his friend. At first, it seemed strange, but then Mom and I remembered his previous return for more sliders that proved fruitless. We must’ve neglected to fishes and loaves that particular meal!
While I do say all of these things in jest, you should know that I’m not above a threatened “don’t you dare take a potato until everyone has been through” to my mother or husband- faithful saints they are indeed. These are unspoken secrets I must get out in the open so no entertainer feels alone!
I wish you the best of luck with all your future cooking endeavors- whether for your own starving bunch of munchkins or a party with the family- fishes and loaves, my friends!