Make It A Theme Night!!

Can’t get your children to enjoy family meals? Try making meal time exciting by incorporating a “Theme Night” every Friday…….or whatever night works best for your family!!

Develop a schedule of the different themes you and your family will enjoy, don’t forget to get input from the kiddies…..they will love this!!

Some themes that you could include are:

Italian, Mexican, American, Indian, Chinese, Newfoundland, Hawaiian and Canadian. 

Below is a sample Mexican recipe that the whole family will love:

Ingredients:

• 16 oz skinless chicken breast, fat trimmed
• cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt and fresh pepper
• cooking spray
• 1 onion, cut into strips
• 1 bell pepper (red or green) cut into strips
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1-1/3 cup of low-fat (less than %20 MF) shredded cheese
• 1 cup salsa (low-sodium)
• 8 whole wheat flour tortillas

Directions:

• Cut chicken breast into strips and season with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano and garlic powder.
• Lightly spray a skillet on medium heat with oil and cook chicken.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• To the skillet, add 1 tbsp oil and cook onions and peppers, season with salt and pepper.
• Cook about 2 minutes, add garlic and continue cooking until vegetables are soft being careful not to burn the garlic. When cooked, set aside.
• Heat skillet on medium heat and lightly spray with oil. Add tortilla, top with cheese, chicken, onions, peppers, and  salsa. Top with the other tortilla.
• Cheese should be melted and the bottom of the tortilla should be golden brown.
• Put a plate on top of the quesadilla to flip it over onto the plate. Then slide the other side onto the skillet. Cook another minute and remove with a spatula.
• Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream if you wish, and add a salad or Mexican rice (whole wheat).

Janel Genge is a registered dietitian with Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador