Today’s families are incredibly busy, leaving little time to sit down to regular family meals. Research shows that families who eat together regularly are more likely to eat nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables and are less likely to develop unhealthy eating habits. Plan and enjoy a healthful meal this weekend to reconnect after a long, busy week.

In Italy, family meals are typically served in 5 courses - plenty of good food, lively conversation, laughter and fun! Here are some tips for bringing a touch of Italy to your family meal:

• Serve courses one at a time in small portions, taking time to savor the flavor of each course and avoid overeating.
• Include a variety of food with different colors and textures to please all the senses
• Keep the conversation moving. Talk about each other’s interests, tell stories from your childhood, encourage your family to speak their minds and voice their opinions about issues concerning today’s society. Who knows, you may just learn something about each other that you never knew before!

When you’re cooking the Italian way, bringing home the best produce is just the beginning. Preparing vegetables the right way is just as important. Let Chef Lorenzo show you his techniques for easily peeling a tomato, chopping garlic, cutting eggplant, soaking mushrooms, and getting the best flavor from artichokes.

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