Family feasts to dine for

IN an age where we are constantly bombarded by “fast food” advertisements it is heartening - both figuratively and literally - to see a revival of people taking time to cook homemade meals.

Of Italian heritage, I grew up in a home where food was lovingly prepared each day.

I remember when my parents farmed tobacco, my mother would prepare breakfast in the morning for all the workers; most often a capsicum or sausage frittata placed inside a triangle of homemade bread.

Dinners were as simple chickpeas and pasta in a tomato broth, through to lasagne.

To this day, a visit to my parents’ place is always highlighted by homemade foods, often traditional southern Italian cuisine.

As I’ve aged I have grown to truly appreciate these meals; I’ll take a home cooked dinner over Maccas any day.

And I can appreciate the real importance of teaching our children at least basic cooking.

Getting your children involved in the preparation of meals can have many benefits. As well as educating them on basic cooking, it also encourages them try new cuisines.

There is little doubt that a meal children help to prepare, is one they are more likely to partake in.

So next time you’re getting dinner ready, instead of letting the kids mindlessly watch their screens, get them involved in the kitchen.