The Benefits of Family Dinners

Kids who eat 5 or more family meals a week are:

• More likely to get A's and B's in school
• Less likely to feel depressed or suicidal
• More likely to think their parents are proud of them

These are just some of the facts listed on Stouffer's Let's Fix Dinner Web site. The information cited on the site is from The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), from their September 2009 report: The Importance of Family Dinners V. 

Substantial research concerning family meals has been conducted, and the results are pervasive: Family meals matter! 

Eating dinner with my husband is something I look forward to every day. When we sit down and set aside all the work and distractions of the day, we are free to talk, catch up, and just enjoy each others' company. 

Frequent family meals also provide nutritional and health benefits. According to mealsmatter.org, "Frequent family meals are related to better nutritional intake, and a decreased risk for unhealthy weight control practices and substance abuse."

Life gets busy . . . but isn't family worth the time?


 FEATURED RECIPE:
Pasta Pomodoro

• 1 lb. package angel hair pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups Roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/3 cups chicken broth
• Crushed red pepper, to taste (optional)
• Black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook per package directions until al dente; drain. Pour olive oil in a large, deep skillet over high-heat. Saute onions and garlic until lightly browned. Reduce heat to medium-high and add tomatoes, vinegar, and chicken broth; simmer for about 8 minutes. Stir in red pepper, black pepper, salt, basil, and cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly with sauce. Simmer for about 5 more minutes and serve topped with grated cheese.

You may add more tomatoes if you desire. This is also good topped with grilled chicken.

My husband and I LOVE this dinner. It's simple and delicious!