TIP OF THE WEEK

Meal prep

Feeling anxious about upcoming meal prep for a large gathering? Try these tips from Leanne Ely, who runs SavingDinner.com, to get dinner on the table without a hitch.

• Staples like cans of pumpkin and fresh cranberries often go on sale. Stock up on the essentials, and you can avoid the stress of last-minute shopping.

• If you don’t have enough stovetop, Ely suggests making sides like mashed potatoes earlier in the day and keeping them in a crockpot on low until it’s time to serve.

HIGH-FIBER FOODS

Options for kids

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids should eat an amount of fiber equivalent to their age, plus 5 extra grams per day. Give your child these snacks, and you’ll give them the fiber they need and the tastes they love.

• Pears

• Apples

• Green peas

• Raspberries

RECIPE HELP

Spice up pasta

Pasta makes for an easy, delicious dinner, but if you’re frequently reaching for the same can of store-bought sauce, it can also quickly become boring. Try this simple option from the Seattle Times to spice up this mealtime staple:

Mix 6 to 7 seeded and diced ripe tomatoes with 1 clove crushed garlic, 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and salt and pepper.

— Brandpoint

EASY RECIPE

Easy Fruitcake Cookies

• ½ cup chopped dates (not the sugared kind)

• ½ cup chopped candied cherries

• ½ cup chopped candied pineapple

• ½ cup raisins

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• 1 box (about 11 oz.) pie crust mix

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 cup sugar

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon ground cloves

• ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 eggs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. In medium bowl, combine dates, cherries, pineapple, raisins and pecans. Mix well. In large bowl, combine pie crust mix, baking soda, sugar and spices. Stir to mix. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in fruit and nut mixture. Mix well. Drop from a teaspoon onto lined cookie sheet spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes until light brown. Carefully remove from cookie sheet onto rack to cool.