Celebrating big days, like "adoption" day, the day we went to court and finalized each of our kids adoptions, creates joy and symbolized redemption for what could be a hard situation.
February 14th is not only Valentines Day in our family, it also happens to be our oldest son's "adoption day"! This makes it extra special around our house. So I bring out the fondue pot!
All dietary restrictions and food rules are tossed aside on adoption day. Celebrations are meant to be celebratory! So bring on the fat, the sugar and the generally "not so good for you" food!
We make a big deal about adoption day because it highlights the importance we feel for the day that our kids were ruled officially Martins. In many ways these three dates are more important than birthdays for me, they are the days that I became their "mom". Even though I became their mom the day God whispered their name to me, adoption day is a way for us to celebrate and recognize the beauty and redemption of adoption.
Adoption has been a part of my life since I was young. After my parents divorced my mother started dating a man that would end up raising me and becoming my "dad". He had two adopted children from his first marriage and they became a part of my family. My husbands father was adopted by the man who married his mom. So adoption was not foreign to us. And now, after almost 20 years of marriage, adoption has become our word, our love, our life!
Adoption Day/ Valentines Day Cheese Fondue
For the fondue:
1 onion- finely chopped
3-4 cups of Gruyere cheese- shredded
1-2 cups sharp cheddar- shredded
Minced garlic (I use lots)
3/4 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons flour
Splash of lemon juice
First saute the onion in olive oil until slightly browned
In a saucepan, on low, add the garlic, wine, mustard, lemon juice until mixed well
Slowly add the cheese and flour.
When completely melted transfer to the fondue pot to keep warm while eating
For the sides:
Chicken apple sausage (preferably from Trader Joes)
Cubed baguette
Carrots
Cauliflower and broccoli (I roast these in the oven with olive oil, 375 degrees for 25 min)
Apples
Kettle brand potato chips (corn chips are good too)