The Midwest Dairy Council wants to help me and you get ready for this winter season. I don’t know about you, but here in Chicago, it’s been unseasonably warm. Instead of bonding over making snowmen (we’d need snow for that!), a lot of families are bonding over mealtime. Food unites generations, nourishes the body, and allows us to give thanks. It also opens the door to conversations you may not otherwise have. Some tips you can find on their site for mealtime include:
- We use holiday mealtime to have real conversations as a family. No cell phones are allowed! Sit down at the table (not in front of the tv), share a tasty meal and talk about your day or the things you are most thankful for. — Susan Anglin, Anglin Dairy
- To squeeze in extra family bonding during busy days, I encourage my kids to get in the kitchen and help out. Don’t worry about making a mess; it’s creating traditions and memories that are most important. — Shannon Squibb, Topwinds Dairy
Entertaining during the holidays is often a major component also. To help keep your guests happy (and full!), Midwest dairy farm moms share these tips and favorite recipes:
- Cheese trays make a tasty and nutritious appetizer. To add seasonal flair, buy cheese in block form and use holiday cookie cutters to create festive shapes; save the scraps for casseroles. — Barb Liebenstein, Wolf Creek Dairy
- My holiday guests always seem to be craving something pumpkin flavored. I have a few go-to recipes that are fresh and unexpected: Pumpkin Cheesecake Shake, Pumpkin Pancakes, and my personal favorite, Pumpkin Pie Squares. — Susan Anglin, Anglin Dairy
Since this is such a great resource, I have arranged for one lucky reader to receive a festive baking dish (from Crate & Barrel, $30 value); hot pad; and Pumpkin Pie Squares recipe card (which should work perfectly in the baking dish)! Here’s what you need to do:
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