|
 Whether they're chauffeuring kids from
one activity to the next, remembering car pool schedules or assisting
with practice, parents play a big role in after-school pursuits.
Juggling schedules can be difficult, causing many parents to
feel rushed when it comes time to get dinner on the table. In
fact, while the majority of men and women say they like to “cook
whenever they can,” nearly 75 percent acknowledge that they
don't have the time.
A family dinner that's manageable
and fun can be as easy as heating up the grill. With a variety
of foods and a selection of recipes that can be grill-ready in
no time, grilling can fit into any busy schedule and please picky
eaters.
"It's a common misconception
that grilling takes a lot of time," said Steven Raichlen,
grilling expert and host of Barbecue University on PBS. "In
reality, grilling can save time with easy prep, quick cooking
time and faster clean up. In addition, you're keeping the mess
and heat out of the kitchen."
By making use of time-saving
tricks, simple recipes and getting the whole family involved,
sitting down for a family meal may not only be possible, but
fun!
- Recipe: Bratwurst
Kabobs
- Recipe:
Maraschino
Cherry Milk Shake
- Recipe:
Baked
Beans Queso-Dillas
Winning the
Race Against Time
- Make the Cut - Cut veggies in advance. They're great
for snacking and can be thrown on the grill for a healthy side
or meat topping. Refrigerate extras in baggies for lunch the
next day.
- Calling all Hands - Encourage everyone to play a role
to save time. Have kids mix the fruit salad, open the can of
baked beans, slice cheese into fun shapes with cookie cutters
or add maraschino cherries to lemonade.
- Ditch the Dishes - Without the extra pots, pans and baking
dishes required for most kitchen-made meals, grilling makes clean-up
a snap.
- Put a Lid on It - Enjoy leftovers and cut down on clean-up
time by using storage containers as serving dishes. After dishing
out during dinner, simply put a lid on the leftovers and refrigerate.
Something
for Everyone
- DIY Dinners - Make everyone happy with a “do-it-yourself”
table including veggies, cheeses and different sauces like salsa,
ranch dressing, BBQ or honey mustard. Kids will enjoy dinner
more when they can choose what they like.
- Simple Sides - Serve easy sides like baked beans
that are ready in minutes. Simply pour beans into an aluminum
tray, place on the grill and enjoy.
- Traditional Twist - Do away with buns and serve bratwurst
sliced on a kabob or wrapped in a tortilla.
- Rich Rewards - Finish the meal with a “sundae
station.” Let everyone get creative with caramel, sprinkles,
bananas, cherries and other fun toppings for a sweet treat.
Recipes and photographs
provided courtesy of Johnsonville Sausage, LLC; National Cherry
Growers & Industries Foundation; Bush
Brothers & Company; through ECES, Inc., Electronic Color Editorial
Services.
Return to Read the Articles
|
