What is the most important meal of the day?

BREAKFAST. RIGHT?! Well, of course, but did you know that when a family shares a meal, it becomes much more than eggs and oatmeal being consumed, it becomes an increase in self esteem and grades and a decrease in childhood depression and teen pregnancies?!?

Crazy right?

Well, family meals are important and research supports this! The Family Dinner Project states, “Dinner is a time to relax, recharge, laugh, tell stories and catch up on the day’s ups and downs, while developing a sense of who we are as a family.” http://thefamilydinnerproject.org/resources/faq/

Aside from the importance of a home cooked meal, feeding the starving attention of your family is the greatest thing you can do for your relationship with your children. Families re usually together during mealtime anyway, why not make it family time as well.

Here are my top five suggestions in making a Table Treaty with your family:

5. When possible prepare meals together. Whether it’s a homemade pizza with all the fixings or a simple salad, make it a moment to bond.

4. Try to eat dinner the same time, everyday. Repetition is key. Dinner should be the moment of the day that everyone would look forward to.

3. Make conversation. Communication is healthy for the entire family…break bread and converse!

2. Turn off all forms of entertainment (phone, portal games, TV, etc.). I believe technology is one of the big influences, both positively and negatively in society. No one knows how to function without it. At dinner time and for the remaining of the evening, no devices should be allowed. Nighttime is the time to unwind and prepare mentally for the next day. So, unwind with the company and conversation of family.

1. Always begin with prayer. Thank God for grace and a good meal. Establishing a relationship not only with your family, but with God as well, will strengthen your family but remind your children that God is at the center of your family.

So with all the new fads and promises we make for the New Year, make this one count!! Let’s make healthy habits and change the way we communicate… it all can begin at the table!

You guys just do not understand! Thanksgiving’s past has been a roller coaster ride. It seems as if the past 3 years my family has been dealing with life’s surprises or too sick to eat. I am praying for complete health and that lethargy and fevers will not consume my family…because I want them health and simply… I want them to eat!!

This year, I will prepare a turkey breast stuffed with dressing, greens, macaroni and cheese and maybe some homemade cranberry sauce. Dessert of course will be the classic sweet potato pie! Yummm!!!

We ill also start a new family tradition!! YAY!! Now that the kids are a little older, we will decorate the next day for Christmas. I think I am more excited than the kids! Holidays are such a joy and families should use this opportunity to make memories and traditions!

What are your holiday plans and traditions?

I love watching YouTube in my share time, looking for recipes, hair care and tutorials, and comedy of course! I stumbled across a KFC channel which gave you access through their Facebook fan page to download The Colonels Recipe Book! Hot biscuits, cobblers, and more all available to you for free!!!

I downloaded mine!! Get yours!!

Early Saturday morning (more like 2 o’ clock A.M.) I was up with Ray watching movies and suddenly got the urge to use my brand new Jack Lalanne juicer he bought for me as an early birthday present. Here’s what I used: 

Fresh strawberries, an apple, pear and some spinach

On yesterday, I made some banana nut muffins from scratch. They turned out awesome…moist and delish with a hint of vanilla!! Here’s the recipe. It makes 6 muffins!

1 cup all purpose flour. (You may try unbleached, whole flour should taste great, too. I will try unbleached flour next time and will tell you the results!)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 stick of soften butter
1 egg
splash of vanilla extract about a teaspoon
1/4 tablespoon baking powder
dash of baking soda
1 1/2 banana mashed
walnuts (quantity is up to you)

First cream the butter and sugar Add egg, banana and vanilla. After incorporated, in a separated bowl mix the dry ingredients then slowly add into wet mixture. Fold in walnuts. Grease muffin pan and scope your batter into pan half way. Bake for 25 minutes or until fork comes out clean. Let cool for about 5 minutes and serve. Or if you’re like Ray, eat it right from the oven! LOL

I enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal and by me having a young family, a large turkey and all of the heavy duty spreads will be entirely too much for us and leftovers are a pet peeve of mine so I like to make enough fill us for the day.

On the menu for /thanksgiving, there will be the following:

Stuffed Turkey breast with cornbread stuffing
Honey glazed ham slices
Homemade cranberry sauce
Macaroni and cheese baked
Collared greens
and for dessert, Sweet Potato Pie, 2!

If you are interested in the recipe for the stuffed turkey breast, then keep reading! Now this is a basic recipe so you can add whatever you like to your stuffed turkey…Happy Thanksgiving!!

1 (4-5 lb.) pkg. turkey breast half
2 c stuffing prepared
Salt and pepper for taste
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Rinse turkey; pat dry. With knife, loosen lining under skin leaving all but one edge attached. Toss stuffing with remaining ingredients in large bowl. Spoon into pocket under loosened skin. Secure opening with poultry skewers or toothpicks. Place, skin side up, in shallow roasting pan. Roast 1 1/2 hours. Baste with pan drippings; cover loosely with foil. Roast an additional 45-60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Brownie Pinwheel

I am going to try out the recipe as a quick dessert. I will give out the reviews once I make it!
Click the link to get recipe!
Puff Pastry – Recipe Detail – Brownie Pinwheels

Kitchen appliances I can’t live without

I am a novice on fine cuisine but I know that basics of creating an awesome, mouthwatering dish. I enjoy cooking and recreating dishes I see on the Food Network channel. I’ve learned the importance of presentation and creativity to ensure my family gets the best of their meals, I use my key appliances to make that happen…

1. My handy dandy Crock Pot. I love the fact that I can prepare dinner hours ahead and allow it to cook low and slow. I use the crock pot for hearty dishes such as pot roasts and meatloaves. This appliance allows the meat to soak up its juices creating a savory palette that it please to all five senses.

2. My rotisserie oven. For that rotisserie styled Cornish hens and young chickens. I infuse my bird with herbs and complimented spices for an awesome splash of flavor and juiciness.

3. George Foreman Grill. For those awesome Panini’s, turkey burgers, and Monte cristo sandwiches for a quick snack.

These three appliances allow me to feed my family healthy and wholesome meals and snacks without the need of processed fast foods.

Photo courtesy of everydayweekender.com