Special Meal Times: Themed Dinners for the Family

A Mexican-themed dinner is something the whole family can enjoy making. (Sandra Shields/The Epoch Times)

Family meals are a thing of the past for some families as busy lives take over the dinner hour—work, activities, and driving kids to appointments and events can mean everyone is on different schedules.

One solution is to get the family involved in mealtimes. Make cooking fun and something to look forward to. Plan one night a week when everyone can come together for dinner.

For a casual easy family dinner, this Mexican-themed menu can be the start of a weekly tradition of meals from countries around the world.

Family members can each choose a recipe, buy the ingredients, and make the dish. This provides kids with an opportunity to help in the kitchen—participating in a creative way—as well as learning life skills for the future.

Create a budget for each child according to their age, making sure the dish they choose is age appropriate in skill level. Have them make a list of ingredients they will need for the recipe and help them shop for the items if they are inexperienced.

Younger kids can contribute by setting the table, making name tags, or making paper party decorations.

Take turns choosing the country each themed dinner will feature. Find interesting trivia to provide lively table conversation. Make this a special day for everyone to look forward to.

For a Mexican-themed dinner, set the mood with a colourful tablecloth and fresh flowers. Inexpensive glazed clay flower pots and saucers can serve as food dishes. A few votive candles will brighten the table and create a party atmosphere.

Fire up your party with a colourful drink such as watermelon sun, and quick and tasty appy’s like corn chips and salsa or guacamole dip. Accompany the meal with a pitcher of water with slices of lemon or lime and frozen berries.

Three-pepper chicken enchiladas

Makes 4 to 6 servings

3 boneless chicken breast halves
40 ml (3 tbsp) taco seasoning
125 ml (1/2 cup) onion, chopped
75 ml (1/3 cup) green pepper, chopped
1/2 jalapeno pepper, minced
15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
175 g (6 oz) can diced green Chile peppers
500 ml (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
150 ml (2/3 cup) salsa or tomatillo sauce
8 21-cm (8-inch) flour tortillas
250 ml (1 cup) light sour cream
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 180º C (350º F). Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Place chicken breast halves in a skillet with approximately 1-cm (1/2-inch) of water to poach the chicken; add taco seasoning and cook chicken until done. Drain water. Cool chicken and shred into bite sized pieces.

Sauté onion, green pepper, and jalapeno pepper in olive oil. Cook and stir for a few minutes, then add green Chile peppers, 250 ml (1 cup) cheddar cheese, salsa sauce, and chicken. Divide mixture onto each tortilla and roll up. Place tortillas in casserole dish and pour sour cream over; add the rest of the cheddar cheese. Bake tortillas for 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve with salad or rice.

Corn and black bean salad

Makes 6 servings

341 ml (12 oz) can yellow corn, drained
398 ml (14 oz) black beans, drained
250 ml (1 cup) grape tomatoes, cut in half
75 ml (1/3 cup) cilantro
50 ml (1/4 cup) red onion
45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil
45 ml (3 tbsp) lime juice
4 ml (3/4 tsp) cumin
Pinch of salt
1 L (4 cups) leaf lettuce, shredded

In a large bowl combine corn, black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, and red onion. In a separate small bowl combine olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and salt and mix well. Pour over corn salad. Chill while marinating. Just before serving place lettuce on serving platter and top with salad.

Creamy lime pie

Makes 6 to 8 servings

75 ml (3 oz) lime gelatine
250 ml (1 cup) plain yogurt
500 ml (2 cups) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 23-cm (9-inch) short bread or graham cracker pie crust

Mix together gelatine and yogurt. Fold in whipped topping and spread over prepared pie crust. Chill 2 hours.

Optional: Decorate with whipped cream and limes slices dipped in sugar.

Watermelon sun

Makes 4 to 6 drinks

Chill out with this super refreshing drink.

250 ml (1 cup) fresh orange juice
1 L (4-5 cups) watermelon
750 ml (3 cups) cold sparkling water
Fresh fruit for garnish

Pour orange juice into ice cube tray and freeze for approximately 3 hours or until frozen. Puree watermelon in a blender. Place frozen orange cubes into glasses and fill each glass half full of watermelon juice. Top up with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh fruit.