UACES Facebook Commit to Eating Meals at Home During the Holidays
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Commit to Eating Meals at Home During the Holidays

Save money and make family memories by eating together this holiday season.

Nashville, Ark. – Do you want to save money this holiday season? Most of us would answer yes! One easy way to do that is to commit to eating more meals at home. Not only can you save money by preparing meals for your family at home, but there are many positive benefits to eating together as a family.

Conversation, togetherness, relationship building, and healthy eating are just a few. Let’s face it, the holidays are hectic. It can be a challenge to sit down together as a family and share a meal; however, the benefits may be worth the effort.

One in three children are overweight or obese in the United States. Being overweight increases the risk for a multitude of short and long-term health consequences. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the encouragement of regular family mealtimes in the prevention of childhood obesity and treatment recommendations. Not only is it good for physical development, the benefits extend to social and mental development as well.

Here are some ways to improve family mealtime at your home.

  • Set a goal to have regular family meals at least three times per week, if possible. This may not be possible for all families. However, try to find some time during the week to sit down together and enjoy a meal. It may be breakfast or an evening snack. The goal is to spend some quality time together as a family.
  • Remember the benefits of consistent family mealtimes. The routine of family meals can generate feelings of closeness and comfort. Even during the holidays, when things are so hectic and disorganized, take comfort in the fact that the simple act of regular mealtimes may be providing your child with stability.
  • The quality of family meals is just as important as quantity. Mealtimes give family members, including children, the opportunity to communicate, so, if possible, turn off the TV and ban cell phones. Ask questions during mealtime. How was your day? What did you learn? What made the day great or not so great?

The holidays are hectic! Eating out with the family can be “special treat.” However, there are some very valid reasons for eating at home.

If you want to improve cooking skills, meal planning, or would like information related to healthy eating following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517. You can also check out the website www.myplate.gov

Recipe of the Week - Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Do you have any turkey leftover at your house? Hopefully, you put it in the freezer to use for future meals. Cooked turkey can be used in place of cooked chicken in most recipes. Just find your favorite casserole, soup or main dish recipe that calls for chicken and substitute cooked turkey instead. This recipe is great, easy to prepare and is nutritious!

  • 1 pkg. Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

  • 1 pkg. sliced turkey (or leftover turkey)

  • 1 c. cranberry sauce or relish

  • 6 slices Swiss cheese

  • 6 T. butter

  • 1 T. yellow mustard

  • 1 T. Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ T. dried minced onion

  • Salt and Pepper to taste

  • Parmesan cheese, optional

  • Dried parsley, optional

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil. Spray with cooking spray.
  2. Remove rolls from package in one piece.
  3. Cut entire slab of rolls in half lengthwise. Place bottom slab in foil covered pan.
  4. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese on the bottom half of rolls. (Warm the cranberry sauce for a few seconds in the microwave to make it a spreadable consistency.)
  5. Add top slab of rolls.
  6. Melt butter in microwave and whisk in remaining ingredients (except for the Parmesan cheese and parsley). Pour evenly over rolls.
  7. Cover with foil and let sit for 5 – 10 minutes. Bake covered for 20 minutes.
  8. Uncover and cook for 5 additional minutes.
  9. (Optional) Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
  10. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.

     

By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu

 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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