The Family Dinner

I love this new book by environmentalist and writer Laurie David (funnyman Larry David of Curb Your Enthusiasm's ex).  She shares some great recipes and tons of ideas on how to engage your kids around the dinner table!

" Kid's today spend an average of 7 1/2 hours a day using some form of electronic media!"  Holy Cow!!!  That's almost a full time job on top of school and extracurricular activities.  Laurie points out the importance family meals and engaging your kids in some face to face communication. You can use this time to teach your kids about table manners, family history and share funny stories.  Kids who share family meals have more self confidence, fewer eating disorders and are less likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol or to succumb to peer pressure. 

I know not everyone can commit to 7 nights around the dinner table so shoot for 4 (breakfast and lunch count too).  If you're concerned about the environment, that is also addressed in this book.  I loved the "Meatless Monday" chapter and how it benefits the environment, your health and pocketbook.

Recipe from the book: "Gary's T-Night Tacos"
canola oil (I like olive oil)
2 medium onions coarsely grated
2 15-ounce cans of black beans lightly drained or
4 1/2 cups of homemade beans
2 tablespoons of chili powder
2 tablespoons of cumin
1 tablespoon of tamari soy sauce
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
12 corn tortilla

toppings
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
1 cup sour cream
chopped avocado
chopped tomatoes
chopped lettuce
salsa

To Make 12 Tacos
Heat a large nonstick pan over medium high heat and drizzle the bottom with canola oil.  Saute the onions until they start to soften, then add the beans, spices, tamari and maple syrup.  Reduce the heat to medium low and let everything gently cook for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in foil and warm for 10 minutes in a 250 degree oven.  Serve the tortillas with bowls or beans and toppings on the side.