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Jeremiah 31:12 says, "I will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord." Celebrate and serve the simple things God has created for us to eat. For a yummy, healthy meal, stir-fry some chicken and fresh vegetables and serve with brown rice.

Uncooked or minimally cooked fruits and vegetables retain the most vitamins and nutrients. I often put out fresh veggies and dip as an appetizer to nibble on while preparing dinner. Dessert in our home, almost always, is just fresh fruit. Simple, inexpensive, and best of all, good for you.

There's no more powerful enticement to draw spouses homeward than walking into a yummy-smelling kitchen. Why? The smell makes them feel expected. They sense you are anticipating their arrival. What good smells are coming from your kitchen?

A tragedy in many homes today is the lost art of cooking and therefore, the lost aroma of cooking. Filling your home with good food fragrances can be as easy as a chicken roasting in garlic butter or scrubbed potatoes baking in the oven. Sometimes, I just throw some garlic in a frying pan with a touch of oil before Bill arrives home. I may only be making croutons for a salad, but the house smells irresistible and he feels welcomed.

Food tastes better when there's beauty to behold. Think of your plate as the canvas and your food as the artwork. Keep color in the forefront of your mind when shopping. God has given us an endless range of foods in a rainbow of colors. Enjoy his colorful blessings.

Imagine some ruby red sliced tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, bright green broccoli steamed, then buttered and peppered alongside roasted chicken. This is simple yet beautiful enough to tantalize anyone's tastebuds.

Whenever I want to put a guest at ease in our home, I invite them to help me in the kitchen. In the same way, if things in your marriage are tense or you just want to have fun as a team, whip up something together. One can chop. One can stir. Often, Bill will grill our meat and I will prepare the salad and side dish. Many hands make the load light and build a stronger marriage.

Think of the five senses as you set the stage for your meal. Set a pretty table or sit in front of a roaring fire. A well-set table heightens the anticipation of the meal. Dim the lights and light a candle. Turn off the television and turn on some peaceful music. Take a minute to pause, hold hands, and praise God for his provision. Creating a pleasant atmosphere encourages us to slow down and linger over a meal, which helps build relationships.

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