Title: “Building Unity Through Family Dinners”
Exhibitor: Judith Jackson
Description: Brigham Young counseled missionaries not to
try to teach a
man the gospel on an empty stomach.
President Hinckley recommended that members invite young people and
their friends into their homes and feed them while they are there. It is a
woman’s natural instinct to nourish those around her so even though part of
every Saturday is spent preparing for Sunday dinner, we have weighed the effort
against the rewards and have determined that it is well worth it. We have concluded that regular "Sunday
dinners" are one of the best excuses we can find to get everyone together,
and building family unity is a natural outgrowth. Included are some of the benefits and also ways we've found to
enrich the experience.
How To’s: Benefits
Sunday
Crescent Rolls (Recipe)
1.
Everyone plans on it and looks forward to it in one way or another (not
having to cook, or eating the food--each makes one or another happy).
2.
What makes for a more convivial atmosphere than sitting around a lovely
table eating good food?
3.
There is a weekly coming together and being with each other--updating
on what everyone is doing--family bonding.
4.
We've enjoyed getting acquainted with lots of interesting people. A young couple and their children friends
from across the street, a daughter of some out of state friends who is going to
BYU, a young man who comes to our ward
while his family lives in the East.
5.
The children see their grandparents more often than they would
otherwise.
1.
Have traditional food that everyone likes, but sometimes try something
new to add variety and keep things interesting (recipes, centerpieces,
tablecloths, etc.)
2.
To enliven conversation, have a "question of the day" such
as: What is one of the best things your
parents taught you and how did they do it?
Do you think that husband/wife duties should be separated and why? Which quality do you consider most important
in a parent--being: consistent, approachable, truthful, or loving and why? Should children have to buy some of their
own clothing? If parents are trying to
help a child loose weight, should the parents eat dessert when the child is not
allowed too? (Some of the quieter
members are often overpowered by the more vocal members of the group. When we have a "question" and go
around the table for comments, everyone gets to be heard).
3.
Be more bold and daring in inviting new people. They almost always enrich the conversation
and the entire experience.
4.
Have interesting things for people to read or peruse while they are
waiting for dinner.
Altogether
"Sunday Dinners" have become a valued and cherished family tradition.
Sunday
Crescent Rolls (Recipe):
(Made on Saturday)
3/4 C. mild,
scalded
1 cube butter or
margarine
1/2 C. sugar
3 eggs
dash salt
4 C flour
1 T. yeast
dissolved in 1/4 c. water
Drop butter in milk
while scalding. Add sugar and salt
when you take off stove--let cool. Beat
eggs until light and fluffy. Add to
milk mixture. Add raised yeast and
flour and mix well. Let stand in refrigerator overnight. Take out of fridge
2-3 hours before baking so rolls will rise.
Roll half dough at a time on floured board. Spread with soft butter. Cut
in triangles (like pizza). Roll up,
lay on greased cookie sheet, and bake 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until
golden brown. Spread with milk and
sugar mixture when out of oven. Makes
32 rolls. Enjoy!