Theme of the Week: #FamilyMeals

This week’s theme, in the Social Fabric community, is Family Meals. We’ll host a live chat Friday at 12:00 pm EST on Twitter, using the hashtags #FamilyMeals and #CBias. Be sure to join us, especially if you are in need of a bit of inspiration when it comes to the family dinner table!

We asked Social Fabric members to fill out a survey related to their own family meal habits. According to that survey, half our members eat dinner at the dinner table several nights per week. So, what do they do while at the dinner table? 90% of members strike up family conversations, while 35% watch television or spend the time wrangling the kids. When asked what types of foods are prepared (whether homecooked, frozen, partially prepared, or take-out), an overwhelming majority, almost 93%, said meals are homecooked while 0% claimed take-out as their meal of choice. When it comes to planning meals, how far in advance do you plan? 45% of members said they plan weekly while only 21% plan the same day. When asked what tools they use to plan those meals, members named a variety of things, including cookbooks, blogs, calendars, iPhone apps, lists of past meals enjoyed by the family, sale ads, an online recipe search, e-mealz.com, magazines, supper swaps with neighbors, etc.  Finally, where is the #1 place our members go to find recipes? 51% said recipe websites, while 25% use recipes they’ve memorized from making over and over again.Since family meals and spending time at the dinner table is such an important topic for today’s families, we wanted to share a bit of inspiration with you, through posts written by Social Fabric members. After all, what better way to bring a family together than with good food?

Recipes

Denise, from Shopper Strategy, shares 4 Things You Can Make with Pizza Dough, including delicious looking Ham, Broccoli, & Cheese Calzones.

Want Italian in an ingenuitive way? Try Lasagna Rolls from Sarah’s Deals.

Becky, from Untrained Housewife, shares her recipe for Gluten Free Chicken Taco Bowls.

You’ll find a recipe for Coconut Flour Breadmaker Loaf on Contest Corner.

The perfect recipe for fall can be found on Mom Endeavors, Pumpkin Chili & Cornbread.

Lala, from The Deal Fanatic, shares a refreshing recipe for Frugal Tomatoes and Mozzarella with Tapanade.

Julie, from Eggs & Herbs, shares the ins and outs of Cooking with Pumpkin, as well as her recipe for The Best BBQ Rips You Will Ever Eat.

Want a meal that will simmer all afternoon, filling the house with a cozy, delicious smell? Try Delicious Slow Cooker Lasagna from Katie at OC Mom’s Activity Guide.

Finally, try making a Chicken Club Pizza with Lynsey from Moscato Mom.

Kitchen/Cooking Tips

Julie, from Eggs & Herbs, gives 10 Reasons You Are Buying Take-out Instead of Cooking (Plus an Easy Recipe You Can Cook Tonight!).

Ever tried swapping meals with a neighbor? Fawn, from Instead of the Dishes, shares her experience in Sick of Making Supper? Swap it. You’ll also find tips for making Healthy Happy Meals for your kids, such cute ideas.

For time-saving tips and more time at the table, read Sara’s advice on Quick Ground Beef Freezer Cooking, as well as Chicken Bulk Cooking.

Entertaining & Hospitality

Last but not least, Jennifer, from Rebel Chick’s Journey, shares her adventures in Saturday Night is Girl’s Night In! #CBias #CouchCritics #FamilyMeals.

Hopefully, these recipes and ideas will help you to save time, so you can enjoy more family meals! Off to the kitchen I go….

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