We are currently searching for a new place to live. We’re used to moving; in our fifteen years living abroad, this will be our seventh home. As we hunt for the best option, one major consideration is the dining room space. Is there room for a table big enough to comfortably fit our now family of six? Does the space allow for tables to be added to invite friends over without being completely squished?
The locals here don’t often host friends in their home. They know their apartments are small, which makes it hard to accommodate more than a few. They prefer taking people out to a restaurant, often renting a private room (common and not costly here), and letting the cooks do the hard work of preparing dozens of dishes while they play host, ensuring everyone has enough to eat and drink.
But I can’t let go of hosting in my home. There’s something special and sacred about laboring over a meal I’ve carefully planned, hoping my guests will actually eat it and not be confused or reserved.
Yes, our apartment is small, too. But we’ve worked the space as well as we can to make guests feel welcome and relaxed while chatting over a meal or snacks. Most of the time, when a guest comes over for the first time, they “ooh” and “ahh” at how we’ve arranged and decorated the space, and almost all of them use the same words to describe the atmosphere: cozy and comfortable. Now, I’m very far from an interior decorator. But simply adding a rug, comfortable seating, a few conversation-starter art pieces, and maybe most importantly: switching out the fluorescent “hospital lights,” as I call them, to warm yellow bulbs is all enough for the locals to notice a difference.
When locals want to get out of their office or small apartment to work or meet a friend, they’ll often choose the coziest, quietest spots. Those spots are most often at places like Starbucks, KFC, or McDonald’s. Why? Because these foreign-owned places have a standard for their environment. It is always clean, tables are cleared, AC or heat is on at appropriate times and levels, and no smoking is allowed. Even though small cafes are popping up everywhere, they haven’t figured out that people truly want that quiet, clean, smoke-free space.
When one grows up in a city swarming with millions of people, it’s second-nature to adapt to the loud chaos; there’s little other choice. However, everyone needs respite from the noise and busyness. Since many locals live in cramped quarters with far too many roommates or in an apartment crammed with multiple generations, they seek outside spaces. I’m thrilled to provide that peaceful, welcoming space to those looking for it. Here’s to hoping we can find a new home with even more space to gather around the table with the aim of “breaking bread in their homes, receiving food with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46, paraphrase) and sharing about the true Giver of peace and joy.
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Hamburger Helper was a popular American boxed-pasta dinner choice in the ’90s. Cook the pasta, brown some ground beef, toss it with the provided seasonings, and you’ve got a meal! I’ve eaten it once or twice and it was . . . not great. But the concept of pasta mingling with ground beef and cheese is great! This recipe takes the comfort food of my childhood years and makes it delicious! My kids get second and third helpings each time I make it. None have noticed I sneak in zucchini for an extra veggie. Try it out and let me know what you think!
Helthier Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 tsp chili powder
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 1 lb pasta
- 1 zucchini, grated
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1½ cup milk (use what you drink)
- 1½–2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 Tbsp ketchup, tomato sauce, or tomato paste (optional; for color and slight tang)
Instructions
1. In a large pot set over medium hight heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes. Stir in the chili powder and paprika, cook another minute.
2. Add the pasta and zucchini, toss to coat, then pour in the broth and milk. Add the ketchup (or tomato paste or sauce) and stir to combine. Season with a little more salt. You can add more at the end if needed.
3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Simmer 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring often to prevent sticking.
4. Stir in the cheese. Season with additional salt if needed.
5. Enjoy!
2 Responses
My mom taught me years ago…that to have friends…you must be a friend…BUT that is SO hard when you move abroad often like me to different countries every several years. AND. In the midst of “my” moves there are always other people around “me” moving too – moving in their daily lives seeking connection. I’ve been amazed over the years at the community built at my home around inviting folks into our families traditions. This year, we are having a Thanksgiving potluck around our table…I have no idea how it will go, or who will come, but this is the Lord’s house and the Lord’s table. May our time and conversation be blessed and bless Him.
I hope your Thanksgiving potluck goes better than expected!! Regardless, it sounds like you’re doing your part by opening your home and table to welcome connection and conversation. <3