No one has time to prepare multiple meals, but you can prepare one meal that provides a built-in choice. Think of it as more than just dinner — it's a family event that can be interactive as well as entertaining. Your kids will learn something about cooking, and all of you will have something you like to eat (hopefully). Here are four ideas:

Create a burrito or fajita bar. Provide bowls of cooked, shredded chicken, steamed vegetables, refried beans, low-fat shredded cheese, and tortilla shells. Each person can custom-make his or her own meal, and the leftovers won't make you feel as if you're eating the same meal over again. You can use the chicken in a salad, or make brown rice to combine with any remaining vegetables.

Potato Heads. Baked potatoes lend themselves to a variety of toppings, including low-fat shredded cheeses, corn, chopped mushrooms, broccoli, and cooked spinach, as well as salsa, chili, and low-fat sour cream. Add a soup to the spread and you've got a very satisfying yet flexible meal for everyone.

Personalized pizzas. Buy individual pizza crusts, pre-shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pasta sauce and have each family member put together his or her own pizza. It's easy and fun. Offer a choice of different toppings, such as chopped ham, canned corn, diced pineapple, fresh garlic, tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, or any other diced vegetables or meats.

Stir-fry. Make a big bowl of brown rice and provide a range of vegetables and/or diced chicken, beef, or tofu. If your kids are old enough, you can all stir-fry your own choices with your preferred sauce and add it to the rice.

Published 06/03/09