Cilantro Honey Chicken and Building Your Kitchen

The Importance of a Dining Table

At a recent gathering, I had an enlightening conversation with a woman who works with the homeless. She shared that one of the first pieces of advice given to families moving into new homes is to purchase a dining table. This advice is not just practical but also motivational. A dining table serves as a central hub for family activities, from sharing meals to doing homework. According to a study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, teens who have frequent family dinners are more likely to perform better academically and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors (source: CASAColumbia).

Building Your Kitchen Over Time

This weekend, I also spoke with my niece Bailie, who lives in Colorado. She expressed her desire to cook more often but felt limited by her lack of ingredients and cookware. She experienced the joy of baking a birthday cake for her uncle, my husband, because our kitchen was well-stocked. Building a functional kitchen is a gradual process that requires time, effort, and resources.

Tips for Gradually Stocking Your Kitchen

1. Set Short-Term Goals: Instead of trying to buy everything at once, aim to purchase one ingredient or cooking tool each week.
2. Prioritize Essentials: Start with basic items like salt, pepper, and olive oil, and gradually add more specialized ingredients.
3. Invest in Quality Cookware: Good-quality pots and pans can make a significant difference in your cooking experience.

Cilantro Honey Grilled Chicken Recipe

This easy and delicious Asian-inspired chicken recipe requires very few ingredients and tools, making it perfect for those who are still building their kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1" x 3" strips

Marinade

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Asian oyster sauce (available at most supermarkets)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped, washed cilantro

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili oil (if using), and cilantro.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the bowl and stir to coat. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a more intense flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Grill: Grill the chicken until it is opaque, flipping once.
   • Bake: Alternatively, bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is opaque.

Enjoy the chicken chopped in a salad or on its own.

Conclusion

Creating a nurturing environment for family meals starts with simple steps like purchasing a dining table and gradually building a functional kitchen. These small changes can have a significant impact on family dynamics and overall well-being. Enjoy the journey of building your kitchen and savor the delicious meals you create along the way.

For more information, please visit Take Back the Kitchen.

Interesting Stats

• Family Dinners: Teens who have frequent family dinners (5-7 times per week) are 40% more likely to get A's and B's in school compared to those who have family dinners less than three times a week (source: CASAColumbia).
• Home Cooking: According to a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, people who frequently cook meals at home consume fewer calories, less sugar, and less fat than those who cook less frequently (source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).

By focusing on these aspects, you can create a nurturing environment that promotes both physical and emotional well-being.