|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
  Feeding Busy Families“I’m not a chef, and I’m not into complicated meals,” says Sandra K. Nissenberg, MS, RD. A surprising statement from the coauthor of a cookbook. “That doesn’t matter because I think busy people need very practical, simple, solutions.” Those strategies abound in her book Quick Meal Solutions: More Than 150 New, Easy, Tasty, and Nutritious Recipes For Families on the Go, which offers time-saving insights to help busy families avoid the drive-through window. Her advice is timely, since the National Restaurant Association reports that dual-income Americans eat out with their children at least four meals during an average week. Nissenberg is in favor of fast food—the healthy kind prepared in a snap at home. Many kids say that they would actually prefer eating at home at the dinner table rather than from a bag in the backseat. “Parents can often avoid the drive-through if they have a few snacks in the car to tide kids over for another hour or so. Choices may include juice boxes, water, some granola, and dried fruit in a zip lock bag,” says Nissenberg. She adds that if you do find yourself hitting a fast food place, remember you are still the role model, so try to make healthy choices. As for putting dinner on the table, “Having something to work with in your pantry is key,” says Nissenberg. “From these, you can make ‘one dish dinners’ that are ready in a just a few minutes.” Nissenberg favors bags of pre-packaged stir-fry vegetables, which can be combined with chicken breasts and rice for a meal in minutes. Other one-dish dinners include skillet meals (think super fast frittatas, made of egg, cheese, and vegetables) and pasta (top uncooked pasta with a little water and sauce, bake it, sprinkle on cheese and you’ve got a meal the kids will love). She also advises using the crock-pot to make fabulous smelling stews that will be ready the moment you walk in the house. Your family will love these sample recipes from Quick Meal Solutions. And for more of Nissenberg’s family-friendly suggestions, visit www.kidsliketoeat.com. Dinner-in-a-Dish One-dish meals speak for themselves. They’re easy for Mom and favorites of families. 1 tablespoon oil Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the green pepper and onion. Sauté them for 3 minutes. Add the beef, salt, and black pepper. Remove the mixture from the heat. Stir in the eggs and mix well. Layer half of the corn in the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish, then half of the beef mixture, then a layer of tomatoes. Repeat with another layer of corn, beef mixture, and tomatoes. Cover this with bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes until it’s cooked throughout. Makes 6 servings To balance your meal, add: lettuce wedge salad, Oatmeal Cookie Sandwich Mexican Bean Dip Full of beans, this dip is high in fiber and in taste. Serve with tortilla chips or pita bread. 1 ½ cups kidney, pinto, or black beans, cooked or canned, drained Puree the beans in a blender or a food processor until they’re smooth. Transfer them to a medium bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix everything well. Makes 8 servings. Calories per serving: 67 Beef Casserole This al-in-one meat, vegetable, and starch dish is hearty, delicious, and well received. 1 pound lean ground beef Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and the onions until the onions are tender. Add the green beans and tomato soup. Makes 6 servings. Calories per serving: 258 To balance your meal, add: Orange Glazed Carrots, sliced strawberries with whipped topping. Recipes used with permission from Quick Meal Solutions: More Than 150 New, Easy, Tasty, and Nutritious Recipes For Families on the Go published by John Wiley & Sons. |
 |
 |
