MEALTIME MAGIC From Houts & Home Publications LLC is Released

Award-winning cookbook author Amy Houts has written a new cookbook for busy families, "Mealtime Magic: Delicious Dinners in Half the Time." In her unique cookbook from Houts & Home Publications LLC, Houts shares her tried-and-true method to save families money, time, and frustration. The goal of "Mealtime Magic" is to save as much as $500 per year, spend less time in the kitchen, and please picky eaters.

Houts, author of over 40 books including four cookbooks, thought of the concept long before her intention to write a cookbook. She developed her cooking strategy over a number of years. Combining her educational background (a year at the Culinary Institute of America) and practical knowledge from 43 years of cooking, Houts created time-saving main dishes that have been requested by her family again and again. Her strategy, which employs intentional planning of leftovers to create completely new meals, worked. One dinner became the basis of two additional meals. And with little food waste, she saved money, too. Now Houts shares her method with other busy families through "Mealtime Magic."

Three main issues motivated Houts to develop this cookbook. She was concerned about food waste. She wanted to spend less money on food and less time in the kitchen while enjoying family meals at home. Research showed she wasn't alone.

• American households throw away an average of 20 pounds of food each month, which costs a

family of four over $500 each year.

• Americans spend 175 hours in the kitchen per month.
• Picky eaters are the biggest challenge at mealtime.

"Mealtime Magic" helps to solve these three big issues by featuring "Three-Day Plans" packed with satisfying meals for parents and children. For example, Herb-Roasted Chicken on Day 1 becomes Chicken Salad with Sugar-Glazed Pecans on Day 2, followed by Jambalaya on Day 3. Over 200 pages of multicultural recipes represent the melting pot of the USA. Find typical American fare such as, Chicken 'n Dumplings, Beef Pot Pie, and Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches. Italian dishes include Easy Lasagna, Betty's Spaghetti, and Meatball Heroes. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas, Nine-Mile High Tostadas, and Stacked Enchiladas con Huevos will please Mexican food fans. "Mealtime Magic" wouldn't be complete without the delicious flavors of Asian Pepper Steak, Pork Fried Rice, and Hot & Sour Soup, plus many more. Recipes use common ingredients from the grocery store. Clear directions help cooks succeed. A semi-concealed spiral binding allows for easy recognition on the bookshelf and easy reading while cooking.

Lee Jackson, Certified Family and Consumer Science professional and author of "From the Apple Orchard-Recipes for Apple Lovers" believes "Mealtime Magic" is a must for every busy family:

"Armed with the recipes and techniques used in 'Mealtime Magic,' you will always know 'what's for dinner.' This cookbook should be front and center in any busy family's household."

"Mealtime Magic: Delicious Dinners in Half the Time" retails for $12.95 and is available online at http://www.houtsandhome.com and at http://www.amazon.com.

For more information or to request a review copy of "Mealtime Magic: Delicious Dinners in Half the Time," please contact Amy Houts at houtsandhome(at)gmail(dot)com.

Amy Houts is president of Houts & Home Publications LLC, an independent publisher specializing in helpful, practical, how-to books and ebooks related to the home.

About the Author
Amy Houts is the author of over 40 books for children and adults. Her cookbook, "Cooking Around the Calendar with Kids: Holiday and Seasonal Food and Fun," won first place in the Walter Williams Major Work Award from the Missouri Writers' Guild. She has written numerous articles on cooking for a variety of publications including "American Profile Magazine," "Parent & Preschooler," and "Ladybug Magazine." Houts's love for cooking began as a teenager, which led her to attend the Culinary Institute of America. After working in a restaurant, she began a freelance writing career while raising her family. Creating Houts & Home Publications LLC fulfills her lifelong dream of helping to create comfortable, efficient, and happy homes.

Contact Information:
Amy Houts, President
Houts & Home Publications LLC
Maryville, MO 64468
Tel: +1-660-562-3122
http://www.houtsandhome.com
houtsandhome(at)gmail(dot)com

Bibliography
http://www.nrdc.org/living/eatingwell/files/foodwaste_2pgr.pdf
http://kitchenlab-chicago.com/blog/?p=1499
http://www.abbott.com/news-media/press-releases/2011-august11.htm