b'Bring Back the Traditionof Cooking at HomeBy Phyllis Allen, M.S., R.D., L.D.All families have holiday traditions that are passed on to the next generation. During Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, it is such a small sacrifice to find time to make from scratch Grandmas cornbread dressing or Uncle Jimmys sweet potato casserole, a family favorite for over 20 years. How wonderful to have the children join you in the kitchen and teach them to make all those favorite recipes. Families have a little more time to spend time in the kitchen during holiday season. Wouldnt it be great to bring back to our tables the tradition of a few more home-cooked meals?According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a 2021 study found that Americans spend about 60 percent of their food budget on food prepared away from home. And, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that foods prepared outside the home are higher in calories and saturated fat, but lower in calcium, iron and fiber, than homemade meals. Foods prepared away from home tend to also have lots of salt.Families are very busy these days with working parents and little time to cook homemade meals. Grocery stores make it possible for you to put a meal on the table in just minutes with time-saving foods. Supermarkets are packed with foods that are instant, quick cooking, precooked, pre-boiled, pre-washed, already chopped, steam and eat, ready-to-eat meals, frozen dinners, and just add meat and heat items.But with just a little extra work, you can create a complete home prepared meal!Some supermarkets now have displays with the recipe and all the ingredients you will need to make that meal at home in one area of the store.When the holidays are over and you reflect on your resolutions for the New Year, put time with your family highonthelist.Starttheyearoffbybringingbackmorehome-mademealsforyourfamilyandeating healthier meals a few more times a week. Here are a few hints to get you started.Keep it realIf with managing work and other activities, there are only two nights a week that you can make it happen, start there. Cooking stress-free and making a dish you enjoy will help you stick with it.Involve the familyThere is a task for everyone in the family regardless of age or skill level. More hands could mean less time in the kitchen for everyone. Use the time to connect and talk about the day.Make a planSet aside a few minutes to plan your meals for the week. If you plan ahead, you will set yourself up for success.Use the resources at your fingertipsAn internet search for quick healthy recipes will give you more recipes than you can ever use.Look for ones that include the nutritional analysis, so youll know it is a healthier recipe. Keep it simplerecipes with long ingredient lists and difficult instruction will make cooking a chore instead of enjoyable. Besides, who has time for complicated?Desserts are always challenging because most people enjoy rich desserts and are reluctant to try a healthier version. Try this version with a little less fat and calories during the holiday season.Cut smaller slices and serve without saying that you used a healthier recipe to make cake.Have a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to you and your family.20IMARA20IMARA'