Dinner Time Means More Than Just Eating

Sitting down to eat as a family is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child.

It’s a time for adults to role-model manners such as saying “Please,” “Thank you,” “May I have the…” “This is delicious!” “You worked hard to make a great meal for our family!” and any other nice words we can think to say.

For children it’s a time where they learn to sit, take turns talking, learn to share, learn to wait and many other skills.

Keep this in mind the next time you sit down to dinner with your kids. And here’s a quick, nutritious meal you may want to try:

 

Baked Ravioli

1 jar (26 to 28 ounces) tomato pasta sauce (any variety — try organic for less added sodium and sugar)
1 package (25–27½ ounces) frozen cheese-filled ravioli
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
Grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Spread 3/4 cup of the pasta sauce in baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in single layer over sauce; top with half of the remaining pasta sauce and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers once, starting with ravioli. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil; bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes longer or until bubbly and hot in center. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Serve with a fresh salad.