Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Michelle Gordon poured rice into a pot in preparation for dinner in her Dorchester kitchen.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Gordon measured water she then used to cook rice.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Gordon chopped vegetables to steam as part of dinner.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Gordon said she often serves steamed broccoli and carrots.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

Gordon added fresh onions to a base of store-bought salsa.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

From left: John Kolodij and daughters Hollis, 4, and Charlotte, 6, helped prepare Vietnamese Pho soup.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

The pantry in the kitchen of the Kolodij family's Newton home.

Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe

From left: Ruby, 3, Catherine, Hollis, 4, John, and Charlotte Kolodij, 6, ate the dinner they prepared together.