Time-Savers for Preparing Healthy Family Meals

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jul 18, 2011) - (Family Features) The simple ritual of sitting down for nightly dinners with the family is no longer a thing of the past. More and more families are reaping the multiple benefits it offers, including the enjoyment of a home-cooked meal and meaningful discussions about the day.

While family dinners encourage us to stay connected to loved ones, keeping up with busy schedules and making nutrition a priority is a challenge that many families face year after year. According to the Rice-a-licious Global Omnibus Survey 2010, 53 percent of consumers "would make a healthier meal" if they had time.

Experts say that simple changes and the right items in your grocery cart can lead to an easier and healthier way to prepare great-tasting meals for your family.

"Beginning your meal with rice opens your family's dinner plate to healthy eating because rice acts as a powerful tool that attracts colorful vegetables, savory spices and leaner cuts of meat," says registered dietitian and chef Michele Powers. "Remember to look for recipes that include rice to create delicious and nutritious meals for your family."

And for those families that are time-crunched, Uncle Ben's Ready Rice products are a simple solution. Ready to eat in just 90 seconds, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal plan with zero grams trans fat and zero saturated fat. With virtually no clean-up needed, it's easy for dinner to go from the microwave to dinner plate.

For more convenient and healthy mealtime solutions that can bring the family together, visit www.UncleBens.com or www.Facebook.com/UncleBens.

Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes

1	boneless skinless chicken breast thinly sliced (approximately 1 cup cooked; 8 ounces raw)
2	tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or lite soy sauce
1	spray of cooking spray
1	tablespoon whole sesame seeds
1 - 2	teaspoons ginger powder
1/2	cup carrots cut into matchsticks
1/2	cup snow peas
1	8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, with fluid
1/2	teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1	package Uncle Ben's Ready Rice Jasmine

Marinate sliced chicken breast in lite soy sauce. Heat large pan or wok over high heat. When pan is hot, lightly coat with cooking spray and add the chicken and soy sauce.

Cook chicken for 1 to 2 minutes; add sesame seeds and ginger powder, stir to coat. Add carrots, snow peas, water chestnuts, including liquid, and toasted sesame oil.

Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside.

Cook until vegetables are crisp tender. Add rice; toss to combine.

Serve hot.

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