Let's Begin

I was in my car when I first received a phone call from Jean Blackmer at MOPS International. (My car really is my second home and office, complete with snacks, toilet paper, and internet service.) It was a dream come true to be asked to help create this cookbook for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). Well, to be honest, I had not even known to dream for an opportunity this extraordinary. I am grateful to my loving Father who knows how to care for me and bless me in ways I don't even know how to imagine.

MOPS is an amazing organization, as many of you have experienced. There's nothing better than having a community of other mothers to lean on and learn from when the days feel long and tempers feel short. And although my boys are older now, one of my very best friends came from the time in our lives when we both had young children and just needed to check in with each other (several times a day) to make sure we were not going crazy or making huge parenting mistakes.

MOPS gives you a wonderful place to create friendships with women who are doing their best—just like you—to be great moms, wives, and friends.

And as basic as it sounds, part of our biggest responsibilities in taking care of our families is simply feeding them! It doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but you might be startled to realize your child will eat an average of 19,710 times by the time he or she turns eighteen. Yikes! That's a lot of meals to get on the table … which is where this cookbook comes into the picture.

I hope this cookbook will help inspire you to make mealtime a priority in your home. I worked with other MOPS moms across the country to find tried-and-true recipes kids and families love, and I have also included many of my friends' and family's favorites to help make your time in the kitchen fun, easy, and delicious!

Throughout each section, you will find helpful, easy-to-read icons to help you plan and prepare meals. Look for these symbols at the end of each recipe to help you choose what's best for your family.

= Doubles Easily

These recipes can be easily doubled to feed a crowd—or a few hungry teenagers.

= Freezes Well

These recipes freeze well, making it easier to plan ahead.

= Gluten Free

These recipes do not have wheat as an ingredient. Some foods have hidden sources of gluten or were processed in a plant where wheat is used, so please always read the labels on the ingredients you choose.

= Healthful

These recipes are more health-conscious choices, cutting fat or calories, and were created with attention to healthier ingredient options.

= MOPS Favorite

These recipes are MOPS favorites—and some are from MOPS moms.

= Slow Cooker

These recipes are suitable for preparing in a slow cooker, and slow cooker instructions are included in the recipe directions.

= Vegetarian

These recipes are vegetarian.

Food Family Style also has tips for stocking a perfect pantry, getting your kids involved in the kitchen, and talking around the table, as well as a few complete menu ideas for special occasions. Each recipe should feed a family of four, unless it says otherwise.

My hope is that Food Family Style will become your go-to cookbook for family mealtimes. Yes, cooking does take planning and a bit of effort, but in a short time, I am confident you will feel God's blessings upon your family as you enjoy the pleasure of good food and family conversations.

There are few things in life as sacred as sitting together around the table and inviting our Creator to join us as we give thanks for what he has given us. May you feel his love and his pleasure as you go about your kitchen, changing what seems ordinary into something extraordinary for your family: a place full of love called home.

Hope to see you around the table!

Leigh