Baycrest

Festivities with family and friends T he holiday season is a time for family and friends to gather together and enjoy good company and good food. We all look excitedly towards that big family meal. But did you know that sharing a meal together is healthy for both mind and body? Having meals together regularly as a family is linked to better nutrient intake and lifestyle habits in children and teenagers. In fact, studies indicate that youth who frequently enjoy family meals develop healthier eating habits, perform better in school and have better mental health and well- being. A family gathering is the perfect opportunity to experience a variety of foods together – take the time to savour every moment. Try this recipe and enjoy the flavours with family and friends! Bite Me's Easy Turkey & Cranberry Sauce We asked Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat, the saucy sisters from BiteMeMore.com, and co-authors of three best- selling cookbooks, to share their favourite turkey recipe. "Our turkey, roasted in an oven bag, not only cooks in half the time of traditional recipes, but also has twice the moistness and flavour," says Albert. "The gravy is smooth and rich, and the cranberry sauce is perfection – a feast we can be thankful for year-round." INGREDIENTS TURKEY MARINADE • 1 (1.38oz/39g) envelope onion soup mix • 2 cups apricot jam • 1 cup French salad dressing • 1 tbsp honey mustard • 1 tbsp paprika • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp celery salt • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper • 16-18 lb whole turkey • 1 turkey-size (19"x23") oven bag • 1 tbsp flour SWEET CRANBERRY SAUCE • 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries • 1 cup orange juice or cranberry juice • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar • 1/2 cup dried cherries DIRECTIONS FOR THE TURKEY • Keep only bottom rack in oven. Preheat oven to 350°F. • In a medium bowl, combine envelope of onion soup mix, jam, French dressing, honey mustard, paprika, garlic powder, celery salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside. • Make sure the turkey cavity is empty. Rinse and pat the turkey dry. Sprinkle the bottom of the oven bag with flour and shake around the bag to prevent the bag from bursting during cooking. 10 BrainMatters FALL/WINTER 2017 Sisters, Lisa Gnat and Julie Albert Five Fun Family Food Tips • Try new foods and recipes. Enjoy a potluck or cook with family or friends. It's a great way to learn about traditional or cultural foods. • Make food fun and involve children or grandchildren. Plan the meals for the week – with input from everyone. • Keep family favourite recipes in your phone to make shopping trips quick and easy. • Prepare meals on the weekend with the whole family, then cook, freeze and reheat during the week. • Experiment with theme nights - Ex: Monday is fish, Tuesday is pasta, Wednesday is tacos – it may be especially helpful when preparing meals with young children in mind.

• Cover