‘What’s for dinner?’ is the recurring question heard in homes every night across this country. Go beyond your usual meals by incorporating theme nights into your menu planning. I like to take my family on a trip around the world – in just 5 days! How do I it? Each night’s meal focuses on the foods of a different country.
I try to make the meals nutritional yet tasty. It’s also important to get my whole family involved in the cooking. This gives us time to interact and chat – instead of starring at our mobile phones!
Here’s how to travel the world without leaving your kitchen:
Monday: Thailand
- Get this: A good set of knives (for all the chopping!)
- Make this: My favourite dish of Thai Lettuce Chicken Wraps
- How the family can help: Younger kids can zest the lime and older kids can finely chop the vegetables.
Thai Lettuce Chicken Wraps
Lettuce – Use bib lettuce or head lettuce. Clean dry and set aside
Sauce –
1 tbsp thai red curry paste
2 tbsp natural peanut butter
½ tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp red chili paste
Juice and zest of 1 lime
Mix all ingredients together well and set aside
Filling –
Olive oil to coat pan
1 lb ground chicken breast
4 cloves minced garlic
1 medium onion finely chopped
½ head red cabbage finely chopped
1 bell pepper finely chopped
2 carrots shredded
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Heat olive oil in the pan on medium. Cook the onions and garlic until soft. Add the chicken and cook thoroughly. Add the sauce and remaining ingredients except the cilantro. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, add the cilantro and toss gently. Serve in your lettuce cups and enjoy!
Tuesday: China
- Get this: Wok
- Make this: A healthy stir fry with peppers, onions, pea pods and mushrooms.
- How the family can help: Little kids can cut up the softer vegetables with a non-sharp knife.
Wednesday: Mexican
- Get this: Tortilla press
- Make this: Add spinach or cauliflower to your tortillas for a nutritious twist.
- How the family can help: Set up an assembly line for the tortilla press and give each family member a job.
Thursday: Italy
- Get this: Pizza pan
- Make this: Top your pizza with mushrooms, onions, and peppers and of course, lots of cheese.
- How the family can help: Put the family on ‘timer watch’ to make sure the pizza cooks just long enough.
Friday: Spain
- Get this: Little plates
- Make this: Tapas are a great way to practice portion control while enjoying a flavourful meal.
How the family can help: Have each family member make their own tapas and then vote on your favourite.
Looking for more meal ideas that will fit with your lifestyle? Give me a call. I’ll be right here in BC when I’m not travelling the world from my kitchen.
