Bringing back the tradition of Sunday lunch for family connection
Food is an essential element for creating feelings of well-being, joy and ease with one another.
26/07/2024
There is an old saying that goes ‘The way to
a man’s heart is through the stomach.’ The truth
is that through time, connections with family,
friends and new acquaintances have long been
formed through sharing a hearty meal.
Add to this the fact that the happy hormones,
serotonin and dopamine are created in the
stomach, and their production is often
stimulated by good food, then it is safe to say
that the way to everyone’s heart and happiness
is through the stomach.
This means that
when looking to connect with the special people
in our lives, food is an essential element for
creating feelings of well-being, joy and ease
with one another.
We all spend more and
more time on our phones, working or busy with
our day to day lives. Therefore purposefully
cultivating moments of togetherness and shared
enjoyment is so important.
Keeping things traditional
Many families have a Sunday ritual where
kids, grandkids, parents and grandparents and
even extended family meet at one person’s house
and enjoy a meal together. Often there is a
grownups table and a kids table. Each year the
same dishes are prepared by certain family
members.
In South Africa, many families'
tradition is to either have a braai, or enjoy a
Sunday roast dinner with all of the trimmings.
In 2024, because of the popularity of a diverse
range of eating regimes like veganism be sure to
select some dishes that do not contain animal
products.
This is great for our
individual health and gives everyone a chance to
enjoy a delightful array of new and interesting
dishes. For vegan dishes, consider preparing
oven roasted brown mushrooms with lashings of
coconut oil, garlic and fresh herbs and once
cooked, sprinkling with pine-nuts and vegan
cheese. Many retailers now sell vegan milks and
cheeses. These can be used to prepare wintery
oven-baked dishes like cauliflower cheese and
desserts like milk tart, flan or cakes.
Additional Sunday lunch dishes could include a
roast leg of lamb, duck or full roast chicken.
For sides add pap, a tomato smoortjie, roast
vegetables, steamed butternut, sweetcorn or
carrots.
An outing and atmospheric change
Across the country, various restaurants offer
multiple course meals at diverse rates. The
benefits of going out for a meal instead of
cooking at home mean that one has no dishes or
pots to clean and food is prepared by a trained
chef. Best of all are the options for multiple
courses including starters, a main meal and
dessert.
Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
is doing things a bit differently this year by
having a three course buffet Sunday lunch with a
twist. Mains include espetadas, roast lamb,
creamy mussels and an oxtail among other dishes.
Desserts include cake, creme brulee, tarts and a
selection of cheeses among other dishes.
To save yourself the trouble of preparing a
meal and doing the dishes, look out for local
specials or a three course meal deal and make
sure to make a booking beforehand.
Don’t forget the beverages
Concocting delicious cocktails is a fun,
creative process and a showstopper item at
dinner parties. Start with a capsule collection
of a few key spirits to make the most popular
drinks, like tequila for margaritas, white rum
for daiquiris and mojitos, bourbon for old
fashioneds, gin for martinis and vodka for
cosmopolitans.
“Add a few more versatile
ingredients like vermouth, an orange liqueur and
bitters, and you’ll be able to make a wide range
of cocktails,” says Melrick Harrison at the
Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront. If you already
have these items at home, consider exotic
liqueurs and craft gins, or add panache to your
home bar with a stylish glass decanter. Add
fynbos, fruit, or spices like cinnamon and clove
to spirits to give them a lovely flavour.
Happy hormone foods to add a special touch
To make Sunday Lunch extra special and add to the effects of happy hormones being created through the stomach, add serotonin and dopamine inducing foods to your menu. These could include eggs, spinach, milk, pineapple, nuts and seeds. For an added dopamine boost foods like chocolate, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and poultry on your menu.