Make A Date For Dinner Tonight
Michelle Arasim Diekmann, RD, LD, Hy-Vee Dietitian
It might be the most important dinner date you will have, the one with your family. That’s right; gather the kids around the table for a family meal. That’s because the more often you have dinner with your kids, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. This year’s Eat Dinner Together Day was celebrated on September 22, 2008.
What’s important about family mealtime is more about the conversation and time spent talking and listening as a family, rather than the actual meal itself. Dinner provides an opportunity for communication that helps parents learn about their children’s lives and help understand difficulties they may have. With hectic schedules, that may mean an extra effort and some creativity to schedule regular family meals.
Why are regular family dinners so important? Research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University consistently has found that kids who have regular family dinners are:
- · At lower risk for substance abuse compared to teens who eat less often with their families.
- · Less likely to have friends who use drugs.
- · Are more likely to get better grades in school.
- · Less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs.
Here are suggestions to help busy families eat dinner together more often:
- Pick up convenient, ready-to-eat foods such as rotisserie chicken or Chinese take-out. Add fruit, veggies and beverage to complete the meal.
- Order pizza or a take-and-bake pizza. Add baby carrots, fresh fruit and milk.
- Use the crock pot – prepare a one-dish dinner in the morning for a hot meal that’s ready to eat when you are.
- Keep frozen meal kits on hand in the freezer.
- Whenever possible, include family members in meal prep. Try the recipe below for a quick, easy family meal.
Italian Turkey Panini
ALL YOU NEED
4 Take and Bake ciabatta rolls, split, or 8 slices whole-grain bread
8 oz. thin-sliced DiLusso deli turkey
4 (1-oz.each) slices provolone cheese
½ cup jarred roasted red pepper, drained and patted dry with paper towels
2 tbsp. light balsamic vinaigrette
Freshly ground black peppercorns
1 cup loosely packed green leaf lettuce leaves
ALL YOU DO
1. Arrange split ciabatta rolls on cutting board. Divide turkey evenly among bottom halves of rolls.
2. Layer provolone evenly over turkey. Place roasted red peppers evenly over cheese.
3. Drizzle vinaigrette over the cut side of the top part of the rolls. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.
4. Place lettuce on top of red peppers and close sandwich with top part of rolls. Press entire sandwich lightly to flatten slightly.
5. Heat grill pan or large sauté pan over medium-low heat and coat with nonstick vegetable or olive oil
spray. Place whole sandwich in pan, cutting if necessary. Place large heavy plate over sandwich to
press. Top plate with a heavy can or other weight and continue to cook sandwich approximately 3 to
4 minutes or until golden brown. Turn sandwich over and repeat process. Cut and serve.
Serves 4.
Per Serving: 321 calories, 32g carbohydrate, 24g protein, 11g fat, 4g saturated fat, 8g fiber, 33mg cholesterol, 1080mg sodium



