We already know that we don't need a National Day to remind us how important our families are to us, but someone knew how special this day could actually be!  This little saying came to my mind as I was thinking of what I'd like to write about to celebrate this special day: 

"A family who plays together, stays together"

National Family Day, celebrated on September 28, is a wonderful reminder to slow down, put away the distractions, and spend meaningful time with the people who matter most... our loves ones :) While life can get busy with work, school, activities, and everyday responsibilities, setting aside time for family gives us an opportunity to reconnect, laugh, share stories, create memories that can last a lifetime, and just be...

And one of the many wonderful ways to bring everyone together is to gather around the dinner table!

Food has a special way of bringing people closer, in any form. A favorite family recipe can remind us of childhood, a freshly baked dessert can become part of a treasured tradition, and a simple homemade meal can turn an ordinary evening into something special.

Make Time for What Matters Most:

It's not about planning an elaborate celebration. It's about making time for one another.

Consider turning off the television, putting phones aside, and inviting everyone to participate in the meal. Younger children can help set the table, older kids can help prepare ingredients, and adults can all work around the kitchen cooking favorite family dishes.

Even better, make the day a family tradition every year! Choose one meal everyone enjoys, prepare it together, and sit down to eat without distractions. Over time, these simple moments can become some of your family's most cherished memories.

Bring Everyone Into the Kitchen:

When you cook together, there's something for everyone to do.

Children can help stir ingredients, measure butter and flour, decorate cookies, or assemble sandwiches. Older children can learn valuable kitchen skills, while parents and grandparents can pass down favorite recipes and cooking traditions.

Don't worry about making everything perfect. The goal isn't a picture-perfect meal—the goal is spending time together.  A little flour on the counter, a few extra dishes in the sink, and plenty of laughter are all part of the fun!

Family-Friendly Recipe Ideas:

Looking for something delicious to serve on National Family Day? Try creating a meal with a combination of comforting favorites and easy-to-prepare dishes.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings:

Few meals say "comfort food" quite like chicken and dumplings. A slow cooker version is especially convenient for busy families because the meal can simmer while everyone goes about their day.  Serve it with a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables for a cozy family dinner.

2. Creamy Potato Soup:

A hearty bowl of potato soup is perfect for a relaxed family meal. Add shredded cheese, bacon, green onions, or homemade croutons and let everyone customize their bowl with their favorite toppings.  Pair it with crusty bread for an easy dinner everyone can enjoy. 

My best friend Jen gave me her parent's recipe for Potato soup many years ago and it has been my go to every single time we are hankering for it.  My apologies in advance for not having a "proper" recipe to publish but as I have stated before in previous blogs, I am not exactly a recipe follower so please forgive me :)  The picture below is what I've been following for years to make it!  I know, a bit ridiculous but it works for me.

Chop up 3 cups potatoes, 1/4 cup onion, 1/2 cup celery and 1/2 cup carrots.  Add to pan.  Boil in 1 cup of water with 1 or 2 chicken bouillon cubes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, dash of pepper and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.  When the veggies are soft, add 1 1/2 cups milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of flour.  Then add 1/2 lb. Velveeta cheese. Simmer on low until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.  And serve!  Very simple yet very yummy.  

3. Pasta Dinner with Homemade Sauce:

Turn dinner into a family activity by making a big pot of pasta. Kids can help stir the sauce, grate cheese, or set out toppings.  For an extra-special family night, create a pasta bar with different sauces, vegetables, meats, and cheeses so everyone can build their own creation.  My son Brandon always loved all you can eat pasta bar when he was younger.  You can be as simple or creative as you want to!

4. Chili:

A warm pot of chili is another great choice for a family gathering. It's hearty, comforting, and easy to make in a large batch.  Serve it with homemade cornbread and toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or jalapeños.  

5. Build-Your-Own Sandwich Bar:

If you're looking for something casual, set up a sandwich station. Provide different breads or sub rolls, sliced deli meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and condiments.  Everyone can create their own favorite combination, making this an especially fun option for families with children.

Don't Forget Dessert!  No family celebration is complete without something sweet.

1. Caramel Apple Dessert:

Celebrate the flavors of fall with a delicious caramel apple-inspired dessert. Apples, warm spices, and sweet caramel make a wonderful combination for a September family gathering.  Try baked caramel apples, caramel apple crisp, or a simple caramel apple dip served with fresh apple slices.

2. Homemade Peach Pie:

If you still have summer peaches on hand, turn them into a homemade peach pie. Baking together can become a wonderful family tradition, especially when everyone gets involved in preparing the crust, mixing the filling, or adding the finishing touches.

3. Family Cookie Night:

Sometimes the simplest idea is the most memorable. Bake a batch of sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, or oatmeal scotchies (my favorite!) and let everyone decorate their own.  Don't worry about making them look perfect. The smiles and laughter are what matter!

Start a Family Recipe Tradition:

National Family Day can also be the perfect time to start a family recipe collection.

Ask grandparents, parents, and other family members to share their favorite recipes. Write them down, take photos, and create a family cookbook that can be passed down through generations.  I have always wished that my family had done this, I would have cherished something so special.  My "Mur" (my great grandma) was the most wonderful cook and baker, but she never wrote down her recipes, she just cooked from her heart.  So my mom and I never had any "real" recipes to carry on her wonderful legacy.  

Designate one day each year to prepare recipes from your family cookbook. Over time, these meals can become a wonderful way to remember loved ones and celebrate your family's history.

Make Memories Around the Table:

At the end of the day, National Family Day isn't really about the food. It's 100% about the people sitting around the table.  It's about hearing your child's latest story, laughing at an old family memory, asking a grandparent about their childhood, or simply enjoying a quiet meal together.

Life moves quickly, and it's easy to assume there will always be another opportunity to gather. National Family Day gives us a reason to make that opportunity today.

So today, gather your family, prepare something delicious, put away the distractions, and enjoy the people who make life special.

Because the best family traditions don't have to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a homemade meal, a kitchen full of laughter, and a table surrounded by the people you love.

Happy National Family Day!  I hope you enjoyed reading and we are wishing you a wonderful Fall.  I hope you can enjoy the many wonderful family activities that Fall has to offer, like corn mazes and pumpkin patches and hay rides :) JK