Let's get back to the dinner table

(NC)—A Statistics Canada 2007 trends report found workers are spending 45 minutes less with their families than 20 years ago. With people spending more time at work, finding time to prepare and eat a healthy meal with your family can often be challenging. But despite the demands of a busy on-the-go lifestyle, there are many reasons to get back to the dinner table.

The entire family can benefit from eating together. Not only is it a great opportunity to spend quality time with your family, eating together also sets an example for proper nutrition in children.

Healthy food choices and proper portions are just two things that will rub off. Children who eat with their families also end up eating fewer snack foods. "I am always looking for helpful ways to get families back to the dinner table," said Sandi Richard, international best-selling author and host of Fixing Dinner on Food Network. To save time without sacrificing taste, Sandi suggests using microwave safe steam cooking bags such as Ziploc Zip `n Steam. "These bags can be used to steam cook your family's favourite ingredients including produce, poultry and seafood, allowing you to create healthier meals that are both flavourful and quick and easy to prepare." For quick and easy recipe ideas, check out www.ziploc.ca.

Steak Tacos

Ingredients: Makes 4 Servings

500 g (1 lb) sirloin tip steak, boneless, trimmed and sliced crosswise into 6 mm (1/4 in) pieces.

30 mL (2 tbsp) flour

15 mL (1 tbsp) Worcestershire sauce

7.5 mL (1 1/2 tsp) chili powder

2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) garlic powder

2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) dried oregano

1.25 mL (1/4 tsp) salt

30 mL (2 tbsp) lime juice

Directions:

1. Combine in a large Ziploc Zip `n Steam microwave steam cooking bag the steak, flour, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano and salt.

2. Seal bag and shake gently to combine ingredients. Pat steak into single layer. Place bag in microwave.

3. Microwave on full power for 3 1/2 minutes (large bag). If needed, microwave for additional 30 second intervals until steak is well done.

4. Allow bag to stand for 1 minute before handling. Gently shake bag to distribute seasonings and carefully open.

5. Add 30 mL (2 tbsp) lime juice and hot sauce to steak, if desired. Serve with tortillas and your favourite taco fixings. - News Canada