Menu Monday--The Music Addition

I mentioned at Christmas time that I had specific playlists for every mealtime in Christmas carols (side note: I have been able to avoid my Christmas music (all 340 songs and counting ☺) since January 1!). During the year, I have actual non-Christmas playlists for different meals and three different playlists specifically for dinner: instrumental, vocal and 'modern'. My kids will be quick to point out that the vocal playlist includes 'Greensleeves' (aka 'What Child is This'), the instrumental includes the 'Jesu' Joy of man's Desiring' and the modern includes Nutcracker Suite (via The Brian Setzer Orchestra). I personally do not see these as specific 'Christmas' songs because they have such a timeless appeal, but my family disagrees and will many a time skip the song. 

I think music with meals make the time at the table that much more exciting, memorable and dare I say 'enchanting'. Music at breakfast is quicker and alert ('Running Just To Catch Myself' by Mark Schultz), lunch is dedicated to more playful tunes ('Crazy ABCs' by Bare Naked Ladies) and dinner is calm and soft to allow for lingering conversations (even if it is just me and the two year old!). Because I have a soft spot for classical and vocal, my dinner playlists are very long. We almost never complete a playlist at a meal but I always try to get to hear 'Nessun Dorma' by Pavarotti each evening, especially if we eat Italian. That song makes my heart just melt!

So this week, try playing music during dinner and then maybe other times of the day. I honestly think it makes food taste better. And if you love the music, take the next step with fresh flowers (Gerber daisys are beautiful right now!) and maybe even a few candles. It may seem a little 'too much' especially if it's just you and the kids but there's something magical about making dinner time special. I am not promising your kids will turn into angels if you turn on some Mozart but they just might throw the food a little less ;)

Monday: Minestrone Soup (unusual icky weather here so we are enjoying a winter dish)

Tuesday: Spanish Roast Chicken with a nice spinach salad

Wednesday: King River Salmon in parchment with sauteed bok choy (salmon is slowly coming back in season!) *link includes pesto--I am omitting pesto and pasta here

Thursday: Jailhouse Spaghetti (Miley's favorite) with broccollini

Friday: Lamb Chops with Mint and Garlic; served with roasted asparagus

Saturday: Date Night (woo-hoo!) kids getting spinach and feta chicken sausage with pasta bianco

Sunday: Mother's day--a complete unknown for me as this day is completely planned by my husband and children. I'd love to go here but would be just as happy with a picnic in the park (like last year!)

For more fantastic meal plans, check out Jen at Chive Talkin' ! 

I am going to close with 'Nessun Dorma'. How can you not have an incredible meal with this in the background?