Together in the Kitchen

T

ime in the kitchen together is top priority for this busy Georgia family. Dunwoody resident Sue Spann recalls happy memories of cooking with her mother and grandmother when she was growing up. “Almost every family picture we have is of us in the kitchen,” says Sue, as she reminisces with her mother, Marion. “That’s how much we love to cook,” Sue adds.

Now her 16-year-old daughter, Sophie, is learning the important life lesson of cooking and eating well. “Mom and I go to the grocery store together on weekends,” explains Sophie. “We cook during the week, and I usually bring leftovers to school for lunch.” One of Sue’s parenting philosophies is to cook together and always taste new things. “Kids are more willing to try any type of food if they’ve helped prepare it,” she says.

• Recipes: Skillet-Grilled Burritos
• Creamy Cilantro-Jalapeño Sauce

Chances are, even your picky eaters will love this collection of family favorites, from hot and hearty Skillet-Grilled Burritos to Thai Pesto Shrimp over zesty Coconut-Lime Rice. Give them a try, and see what your family thinks.

• Recipe: Thai Pesto Shrimp
• Coconut-Lime Rice

Simply spread the chicken mixture just below the center of each tortilla, and fold the left and right sides of the tortillas while rolling up. Then place the burritos, seam-side down, onto a hot griddle or skillet, and brown on each side for a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth main dish.

Cooking together can help open up the lines of communication between parents and kids. It also inspires an appreciation for new tastes.

Eating fish daily, such as omega-3-rich halibut, can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by more than 50%. Just two servings a week can help lower triglycerides, improving cardiovascular health.

• Recipe: Seared Halibut With Herbed Tomato Sauce