Saturdinner

When my kids were little, I wanted to create a tradition that felt uniquely ours. That may sound like a strange thing to simply decide one day, but since childhood I’ve delighted in making little pockets of magic out of the ordinary. Whether it’s sitting close to a window with a book, a blanket, and a coffee on a rainy day or apple cider donuts in the crisp autumn air at sunrise, few things bring me as much giddy joy as planning a special moment.

I mentioned my tradition idea to the family and, after throwing around a few options, we eventually landed on having a big weekend dinner—with candles, our fancy dishes, and a themed menu. Thrilled, the kids piled on ideas: we could dress up, play music, decorate. 

Then came the question: “What should we call it?” 

I said, “How about…Saturdinner?” 

They were all in, but to eliminate any pressure we decided the only real requirement was the feast; the rest was optional. It didn't even have to take place on a Saturday. Still, once in a while we’d go all out—a very special Saturdinner. Young Jackson declared those dinners would need a grander name, and he dubbed them Saturdinner: Ze Banquet.

Fast-forward a decade. Work schedules and social lives crowded in, and Saturdinner quietly disappeared as life got busy. Which has bummed me out. So this fall, I decided it was time to bring it back—Ze Banquet and all.

For our first Saturdinner revival in September, I made Natasha’s Beef Stroganoff over buttered egg noodles, with bread to soak up every drop of sauce. Not the prettiest dish, but unbelievably delicious. Jeff said this was the best stroganoff he'd ever had, and I agree. Definitely give this recipe a try!

For dessert, I chose a Lemon-Blueberry Tart from Sally's Baking Addiction. It has a shortbread cookie crust that takes it over the top!

It turned out that the only evening we all had off (that wasn’t a Sunday rest day) happened to fall during the same week we all came down sick. Thankfully the kids were on the mend by then, but I woke up on Saturdinner day feeling pretty miserable myself. I thought about canceling, but the steak was already thawed and the kids had kept their schedules clear. It was now or… (checking the family calendar)…two weeks from now.

I'm so glad I followed through! As with most things in life, if we wait for things to be perfect they will never happen. We enjoyed a wonderful time and are looking forward to next Saturdinner.