Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary
We have all heard the benefits of preparing meals at home and sitting around the table to enjoy those meals together as a family.
Studies show that when we do these things on a regular basis, not only are we healthier for it, but we’re also offered precious time to talk and reconnect with the people we share life with.
Knowing these benefits and having the best of intentions to stick with this healthy family habit doesn’t necessarily mean that gathering together for that home-cooked meal each day is a simple feat to accomplish.
But I have a little secret for you … it’s okay to cheat a bit!
Not everything you set onto your table needs to be made from scratch. Life tends to be complicated enough on its own, so there is no reason that mealtimes should be stressful ordeals.
STOCKED FRIDGE
Keeping your fridge and pantry stocked with items that you know your family enjoys, and that can be tossed together to create a filling dinner when schedules are tight, or meal plans go awry, allows flexibility and helps you avoid the desire to call out for delivery or make a rushed trip passed the drive-through window.
With a bag of mixed baby greens, a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli, canned potatoes, some veggies and a few pantry staples, I had a meal on our kitchen table in less than 15 minutes.
This allowed me just enough time to sit down and eat with Mike and the kiddos before we all jaunted off in different directions for our busy Wednesday evening routines.
Salads like this one are a blessing on those busy days. They fuel my family with good-for-them foods and give us a reason to take a moment to sit together at the kitchen table.
Served with some crusty French bread and butter, you have a light and fresh salad perfect for summer and hearty enough to be called a meal.
