Since the President’s Choice #EatTogether campaign was first introduced in 2017, it has been gaining momentum each year. For those who are not familiar, Eat Together is meant to inspire Canadians to get back to the table and experience the social power of food to bring people together. Eat Together Day, held June 14, was the focal point of the movement.
Not only is eating together great for combating loneliness, it also encourages Canadians to eat more nutritious meals, supports early childhood development, builds strong relationships and creates lasting memories. Our new Canada’s Food Guide, released in January 2019, even highlights the importance of eating together – because we shouldn’t just be considering what we eat, but also how we eat!
The 2019 Eat Together movement asks Canadians to take action by making a pledge to eat together not only on Eat Together Day, but throughout the entire year. You take can the pledge today by visiting pc.ca/eattogether. Join the more than 450,000 Canadians who have already joined the movement!
We know that food is an integral part of social interactions and celebrations, and that eating together can help reinforce positive eating habits. I think it’s important to remind Canadians that eating with others doesn’t have to be saved only for special events, and that the food doesn’t have to be fancy. Try planning to have breakfast with friends or a family member, have lunch with a co-worker or even plan a weekly dinner party with extended family or friends! Most importantly, when you do sit to eat together use it as a chance to connect with those around you and put away distractions – so turn off the television and put away your phone. The point of eating together is to talk to those around you, enjoy the food and simply just be together.
The third annual Eat Together Day takes place on Friday, June 14, with activations happening nationwide to encourage Canadians to take time out of their busy days and eat together with friends, family and members of the community.
For your own Eat Together gathering anytime, try this fantastic summer-inspired appetizer. This is an easy to make recipe that’s great for sharing! Serve with crackers or warmed pita wedges for dipping, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh lemon, olive oil or a delicious balsamic glaze.
Charred Axiany Tomatoes with Lemony Skyr Dip
Ingredients
Charred Axiany Tomatoes:
1 pkg (225 g) PC Axiany Cherry Tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 strips lemon zest
2 tbsp (25 mL) PC New World EVOO Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp (25 mL) packed brown sugar
½ tsp (2 mL) hot pepper flakes
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
Pinch (0.5 mL) black pepper
Lemony Skyr:
1 cup (250 mL) PC Plain Skyr Icelandic Style 0% M.F. Yogurt
¼ tsp (1 mL) grated Lemon zest
Pinch (0.5 mL) salt
Arrange oven rack in top third of oven. Preheat oven to 425F (220C).
Prepare tomatoes: Toss together tomatoes, garlic, thyme, lemon zest, oil, brown sugar, hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a large bowl until coated. Spread onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in top third of oven until tomatoes are blistered and charred and juice is syrupy, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare skyr: stir together skyr, lemon zest and salt in small bowl. Spread onto serving platter.
Scatter tomatoes over top skyr. Drizzle with juices. Garnish with or discard thyme and lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Serves 4.
Per serving: 140 calories, fat 7 g (1 g of which is saturated), sodium 270 mg, carbohydrate 13 g, fibre 1 g, protein 8 g
Jillian Reid is a Registered Dietitian with Atlantic Superstore in Amherst, Nova Scotia.
Have a nutrition question? Want to book an appointment or shop with the dietitian? Book online at www.atlanticsuperstore/dietitians or contact me by phone at (506) 866-2115 or by email at [email protected].
