Rancho Santa Margarita Homes & Lifestyles

I confess. I am not Susie Homemaker and I hate all things “kitchen.” But let’s face it - eating is a necessity and dining with family is an important part of our lives.

A friend recently told me that she had seen a show that addressed childhood memories. Most of the guest’s earliest childhood memories were associated in some way with food. Additionally, many of the guests could specifically remember what they had eaten at a special restaurant, on vacation a number of years ago, but could not remember other significant things, like whether they road a bus or a taxi, or whether they purchased shoes or a handbag.

There are certain foods – our comfort foods that we both consciously and subconsciously associate with happy childhood memories. There is a significant amount of evidence to suggest that eating plays a much broader role in our lives than simply meeting our physiological needs.

The importance of having regular family meals has been documented repeatedly for years. Eating family meals together is important! While there may be a study out there that contradicts the many findings from these studies, I have yet to read it. Children raised in families that dine together regularly are happier, healthier, and are less likely to develop problems with smoking, drinking, or drug use, and eating disorders. I’m inclined to believe these studies and I want the best for my children, so how can I make this happen?

When my children were younger dinnertime was much easier. I went to work, came home and made an easy but well-balanced dinner and we sat down to eat. As they’ve grown, however, so has the number of their outside activities: sports, music, drama, youth group, etc. Keeping everyone on schedule is a daunting task, but trying to squeeze in a family dinner seems nigh to impossible at times. But it can be done. Maybe not everyday, maybe only a few times per week, but it can be done, and it should be done as often as possible.

One of the biggest challenges for me has been trying to figure out how to get food on the table at the precise time that everyone is available to eat. If dinner time is 6:45 and my son’s football practice ends at 6:30, there is no way that I’m going to have a meal ready on time. But this is my reality, and the reality of many other busy working parents. So I have to schedule dinner for a little bit later on practice nights and if I don’t have time to cook it myself (which I can’t stand doing anyway!) I can pick it up on the way home or pull it out of the freezer and nuke it.

In Rancho Santa Margarita we have options! There are two local businesses that recognize our challenges and are there to help us out. Both Ranch House Meats and Super Suppers offer easy solutions to help you get a well-balanced, great-tasting dinner on the table.

When I first heard of Super Suppers I immediately recognized the sheer brilliance and vision of founder Judy Byrd. Super Suppers provides a place for you to come and prepare your food in advance for quick and easy heating on those busy nights. At Super Suppers you eliminate shopping, prep work, and clean up – the time-consuming, not-much-fun part of the cooking experience. Recipes are provided and portion sizes can be adjusted to suit your family’s particular needs.

One of the greatest things about Super Suppers is that you can invite your friends. Now, I don’t like cooking, but if I’ve got to do it, I would much rather do it with friends. Turning cooking into a regular social event is a great way to take care of business and at the same time touch bases with friends. Chances are your friends are just as busy as you are and would welcome the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with you at Super Suppers. And the price! Servings are between $3.00 and $3.50 per entrée so this is a very economical option. Click here for a map of Super Suppers.

Another great solution is Ranch House Meats. First, let me throw this out there: it’s not just meat! Ranch House Meats is much more than your run-of-the-mill butcher shop – it’s the gourmet’s delight! Owners John and Dana Mischler serve only the highest quality meats, cheeses, produce and fresh-baked goods and they are hands down the best in town. This store has everything for everyone, from the epicurean to the queen of the microwave. Click here for a map to Ranch House Meats.

For the time-challenged, Ranch House Meats has an amazing selection of mouth-watering entrees that come with mixed vegetables, potato salad, and a dinner roll. You can pre-order your meal with the option to pick it up hot, or pick it up cold to heat later – whatever works best for your schedule. If you love to cook, you’ll find that Ranch House Meats has everything you need to make a top-shelf dinner on the fly.

My family loves Ranch House Meats and even my youngest child, my picky eater, can’t get enough of it. I’ve also used Ranch House Meats on numerous occasions for large family events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. It keeps me from becoming overwhelmed in the kitchen and my guests enjoy a delicious meal that far exceeds my cooking abilities. If you’re looking to impress – Ranch House Meats is it! Be sure to check out Ranch House Meats website for basic cooking instructions and out-of-this-world recipes.

These two local Rancho Santa Margarita businesses are lifesavers to moms and dads on the go. The next time you can’t figure out how to make the family dinner happen, give them a try. Your family will love you for it!

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