07 Jul Kindness First

As we read, hear, and watch hate crimes plaguing the media, we wonder how mankind can inflict these heinous crimes on itself. As I have written in an earlier post, human beings are the highest of God’s creation not because of what we do but because of what we are capable of becoming. That each and everyone of us has within us the ability to be the most loving, kindest, patient person. This conviction gives me hopeful assurance in the myriad of desperate moments when failing in these charitable virtues.

That said, current times truly urge the age-old saying, “Charity begins at home.”  I often tell the children that when they argue it is no different from the anger, animosity and selfishness expressed by warring countries. How can children grow to be peace-makers in the world if they cannot amicably solve a small dispute at home.

But how do we teach or better yet do we need to teach virtues like kindness? Will the future citizens imbibe it  by merely existing in a kind, loving, patient family? While that does help, I presume, expecting that to hold true completely is like imbibing rocket science by surrounding oneself with rocket scientists.

Children are most likely to respond in kind. But an eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind. What children (and we!) need to have are game rules on how to react when they (and we) are not treated kindly. A set of rules that will be their go-to long after they are outside our radar. I am sharing something one of our kids wrote up as a consequence for some unkind behavior. (I find myself needing to use it too!)

This exercise proved so useful that we have each child make up a list and hold them accountable to it…after all they wrote it up! When they do follow their lists, their acts of kindness are pointed out and applauded so as to re-enforce  the behavior. Behavior repeated becomes character.

Putting “Do a kind act.” and  “Forgive someone.” on their daily schedule is another way of reminding them and us that “Practice makes perfect!”.

Filtering thoughts before conversing is definitely a learned skill for most and it is best to start young. One approach we use is to consider three questions before speaking:

1. Is it kind?

2. Is it true?

3. Is it necessary?

Two out of three positive answers have to be present before verbalizing. (As much as I try, a reminder last week would have helped me be a little kinder!)

While older children have many opportunities to serve in the community at large, the little ones need to see service, and practice it at home. Setting the table for the family, taking a meal or treats over to a family who is unwell, and helping host and serve meals for family and friends, are all ways that even the little ones can practice kindness.

Our little mantra for these occasions is, “We always serve the guests first (even if it’s your birthday!).”

To this end I am including a recipe that can feed a crowd, not falling short on taste, for an exercise in hospitality and kindness!

Most of the cooking for this dish happens in the oven, leaving you time to attend to your guests and make sure the kids are being good hosts/hostesses.

Marinate the chicken in garlic powder, cayenne powder, black pepper, Tony Chachere’s Cajun seasoning (use salt if you don’t have this and add a little extra of the other spices), tomato paste, oil and vinegar.

Rub it in well, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to 24 hours.

 

In order to sear the meat in the oven I use a really heavy rimmed baking pan and leave it in the oven while preheating.

Place the foil lined heavy baking pan in the oven and preheat the oven to 500 degrees.

Once preheated, pull the rack with the pan half-out, quickly arrange the chicken as far apart from each other as possible, push the rack and pan back in and close the oven. The intent is not to lose much of the heat when putting the chicken in.  Be careful since the pan will be very hot. Bake for 15 mts.

While chicken is baking, make a salad to go in the pockets with chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lemon juice and salt.

What kicks this pita pocket up a notch is the Tahini-yogurt sauce. Tahini or sesame paste used in middle eastern cooking is now widely available and has a dense, wonderfully nutty flavor.

Mixed with yogurt, lemon, salt, garlic and cayenne powder gives it a very deep multi-faceted flavor.

Once the chicken has baked for 15 minutes, flip and bake for another 10 minutes.

Turn the oven off, but leave the chicken in the oven for 10 more minutes without opening the door.

Take the chicken out and after it has rested for 5 minutes, cut into strips.

I used white Pita, but wheat is also available for a healthier version.

Cut these in half and pan toast them with or without butter. You can also toast them in a toaster if it fits.

Assemble the pockets with the chicken, salad and Tahini-yogurt sauce.

For a low carb version, leave out the Pita and add more greens for a zesty salad.

Oven Roasted Chicken Pita Pockets with Tahini-Yogurt sauce

Prep Time: 15 mts          Marination  Time: 2hrs-24hrs         Cook Time: 30 mts

16 Servings 

Ingredients:

Chicken:

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 tsp Cayenne powder

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Tony Chachere’s cajun seasoning (If not available, use 1 tsp salt instead and increase other spices by 1/4 tsp)

1tsp black pepper powder

1 heaped teaspoon tomato paste

2 Tbsp vinegar

2 Tbsp oil

Tahini Sauce: (Double the recipe if you like extra sauce)

2 Tbsp Tahini

3 Tbsp yogurt (preferably greek yogurt)

2Tbsp Lemon juice

3 Tbsp water (2 Tbsp if using Plain yogurt)

1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

To assemble:

Pita bread–8, cut in two to make 16 pockets

2 cups chopped tomatoes

1 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp lemon juice

Method:

Chicken:

1.  Marinate the chicken with all the ingredients under “Chicken” for at least 2 hrs or up to 24 hrs in the refrigerator.

2. When ready to make the chicken, preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C) with a foil lined rimmed-heavy baking pan in the middle of the oven.

3. Pull the baking pan out and quickly arrange the chicken thighs as far apart as possible on it.

4. Close the oven, bake for 15mts and flip them and bake for another 10 mts.

5. Turn of the oven and let it rest in there for 5 mts.

6. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 mts.

7. Slice and reserve.

Tahini Sauce:

1. Mix all the ingredients to make a smooth thick sauce.

To assemble:

1. Prepare the Pita by pan toasting with or without butter or toasting in the toaster.

2. Toss the tomato, cilantro, lemon and salt to make a salad.

3. Stuff the Pita pockets with chicken, salad and a generous amount of the sauce.