As a parent of teens I've found it increasingly difficult to get everyone together in the same place at the same time. When the kids were younger I hungered for a single day when I didn't have the responsibility of putting together a meal, doing the laundry, cleaning the house, and hounding them to get their homework done. As those days have slipped away, I find myself longing for at least one of the kids to ask me for help. 

With my own son currently 3 hours away, I find myself looking at the wide array of groceries I've purchased and realize I couldn't eat a roast fast enough to keep it from going to waste.I've gotten desperate, folks. So desperate in fact, that I've started bribing my daughter's boyfriend to hang around the house with offers of food. Where he is, she too will be. Cooking for myself is boring, and come hell or high water someone is going to get fed. 

This weekend I have a plan of attack. The daughter and her boyfriend have been "cordially invited" (I told them no other plans would be tolerated) to Sunday dinner. Preparations will begin at 2 PM sharp. I plan to incorporate all of the amazing foodie comforts of the event. The table will be laid with savory, salty, creamy, crunchy, and sweet. If anyone is able to stay awake after this meal is done it will be a miracle. 

Here's what I'm planning: 

Appetizer: Truth time. I'm getting the Archer Farms frozen appetizers from Target. I'll pop them in the oven and be done. I am not one bit ashamed by this. Have you had them?! 

Salad: Mixed baby spinach and romaine with feta crumbles.

Main Course: Roast leg of lamb, parsnips and carrots, whipped garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh baked dinner rolls.

Dessert: Lemon Meringue Phyllo Plates The other day on the old Twitter, I saw that Tate's Kitchen had posted a recipe for these little pieces of heaven. My mouth watered immediately and I knew they would play a role in my plot to take back Sunday family dinner. 

There will be no snacking ahead of time, and I fully anticipate lots of ooohs and ahhhs. The hope is that the smell of an honest to goodness family meal will remind them that if nothing else, coming around more often will get them fed! Following the meal they can sit on the sofa and kill zombies or watch the game... well, as long as they do the dishes first. I'm not ACTUALLY Wonder Woman. I have limits. 

What is in store for your family this weekend?