(ARA) - Remember the time when Sunday dinner with the whole family included great conversation while enjoying a warm, home-cooked meal? Today, more and more families are inundated with activities on the weekends -- and some are missing the most important event: dinner, together as a family. According to a study conducted by Tufts University, nearly 80 percent of parents consider eating dinner with their family very important, but less than 50 percent actually sit down together regularly to eat.

You can change that. Start your family’s week off right by serving a classic favorite that you may not have thought about making year-round due to time constraints – a turkey dinner. With Jennie-O Turkey Store Oven Ready Turkey, which goes right from freezer to oven with absolutely no defrosting or cleaning, you can enjoy the great homemade taste of a whole or half turkey – without any fuss or mess.

“People traditionally have thought of serving a whole turkey on special occasions, such as holidays,” said Steve Lykken, senior vice president, retail division, Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, LLC. “With our Oven Ready Turkey, you can easily serve a delicious turkey anytime – so you don’t need a ‘special’ occasion to have a reason to enjoy a wonderful turkey dinner on Sunday night or any night.”

Family Fun in the Kitchen

For families who want to spend even more time together, prepare Sunday dinner and use the turkey leftovers for meals the rest of the week. This will help save time during the week for fun activities, such as going for a walk or playing a game of basketball after dinner together as a family.

Consider child-friendly recipes that are easy to prepare and delightfully tasty, such as Cashew Turkey Croissants. Parents can chop and season the turkey, slice the celery and chop the cashews, then the children can mix together the ingredients and fill the croissants. For a dinner with a little kick, try Turkey Stir Fry. Using leftovers, cut the turkey into cubes and toss with vegetables into a pan and serve over hot rice.

Tasty Leftover Choices

A good meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming or fancy. Recipes focused on simple, tasty and healthy meals are all you need to treat your family. This season, try refreshing turkey recipes, such as a Springtime Turkey, Asparagus and Brie Omelet. For a light yet filling dish, whip up a Layered Gazpacho Salad. Whatever you’re craving, turkey is a great complement and healthy choice for every meal.

Getting back to traditional family dinners isn’t difficult, but it does require commitment and a promise from you and your family. Recent studies indicate families who eat meals together are twice as likely to have better diets as those who do not. In addition, children who eat dinner with their parents are more likely to have good manners and fewer behavioral problems.

Slow down this Sunday and enjoy some time around the dinner table. Bring back the family tradition of connecting over a great meal. You’ll be happy you did it and your family will thank you.

For additional recipes visit www.jennieoturkeystore.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR'S NOTE: Jennie-O Turkey Store is a registered trademark.

SIDEBAR

Recipes

Springtime Turkey, Asparagus and Brie Omelets

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Makes 4 omelets

1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch lengths

1 cup green onions, sliced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Carapelli mild olive oil

2 cups cooked Jennie-O Turkey Store Oven Ready Turkey, cut into slivers

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chives, chopped

4 tablespoons butter, divided

12 large eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) Brie cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick

In small sauté pan over medium heat, sauté vegetables in olive oil 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add turkey and chives. In 9-inch omelet pan or skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Pour ¼ of beaten eggs into skillet. Cook, without stirring, 4 to 5 minutes or until eggs begin to set. As eggs set, run a spatula around edge of skillet, lifting eggs so uncooked portion flows underneath. When eggs are set but still shiny, sprinkle with ¼ of turkey mixture and ¼ of cheese. Fold one side of omelet partially over filling. Transfer omelet to plate. Repeat with remaining butter, egg mixture, cheese, and filling.

Cashew Turkey Croissants

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves 4

2 cups cooked Jennie-O Turkey Store Oven Ready Turkey, chopped

1/2 cup celery, sliced

1/3 cup cashews, chopped

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing

2 tablespoons Patak’s mango chutney

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

4 croissants, split

In bowl, combine turkey, celery, and cashews. In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, mayonnaise, chutney, and curry powder. Stir mayonnaise mixture into turkey mixture. Spoon 1/4 of filling on bottom of each croissant. Cover with croissant tops.