Not Your Mama's Dinner Table

COLUMBUS, Ga., May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Research findings released today show that U.S. families use dinner for more than just eating. They are using this time as a fun and creative way to spend time together. The survey, conducted by Masterbuilt, asked U.S. consumers to share their experiences around family cooking traditions and showed among other startling results that 60 percent (60%) of U.S. consumers are more inspired by their own family cooks rather than a reality TV star.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120509/CL03357 )

"Cooking is all about the experience for me," said John McLemore, author of "Dadgum That's Good!," entrepreneur and self-taught cook. "It's all about good food, good friends and good times. I try to get my family—especially my kids—involved in the cooking process whenever possible."

The survey also found that 42 percent (42%) of Americans say they have some form of a formal "date night" with their family. With the economic crunch, Americans are looking for ways to save money while maintaining fun and active lifestyles with family and friends.

Today, cooking is not just for moms and is evolving from something you do to an experience you share. The survey found that 33 percent (33%) of consumers said their mother prepared the best tasting meal they've ever had. But long gone are the days of mom spending all day alone cooking in the kitchen.  Masterbuilt's research also found that at least once a month, more than 50 percent (50%) of Americans get their family and friends involved in the meal preparation process at some point.

"I love coming home for dinner after a long day. I get to spend time with my wife and kids and catch up on all the things that are going on in their lives," said McLemore, who is also the CEO of Masterbuilt. "It's an important part of my day and it's experiences like this that make a simple family dinner something worthwhile."

An overwhelming, nearly 90 percent (90%) of consumers believe that anyone can learn how to cook a great meal and that more than any other meal of the day, 65 percent (65%) of Americans say dinner is their favorite.

With so many trends emerging in the dinner preparation space, other findings include:

• Nearly 60 percent of Americans say they have one meal which they traditionally eat at least once a week;
• of those meals, pasta, chicken and pizza were some of the most popular;
• on average, consumers say they spend nearly two (2) days planning out dinner;
• 40 percent (40%) of them are at least very satisfied with their cooking skills and;
• as May is National Barbeque Month, 40 percent (40%) of consumers also stated that the smell of barbeque, meat on the grill and charcoal reminded them of a family summer gatherings.

From John McLemore's kitchen to yours, here's a fun summer recipe that can get your entire family involved in the cooking process:

Deep-Fried Ice Cream

What you'll need:

• 1/2 gallon ice cream (preferably Blue Bell)
• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) water
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups corn flakes or frosted corn flakes cereal
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 gallon cooking oil

Suggested toppings:

• Honey
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup 
• Confectioners' sugar

1. Use ice cream scoop and dip out several level scoops. Place on large tray, covered with waxed paper and place in freezer for at least 2 hours.

2. Combine water and eggs in a large bowl to make an egg wash. Place corn flakes, cinnamon, and sugar in a plastic re-sealable bag and have the kids crush corn flakes until no large pieces remain. Place corn flake mixture in a medium-size bowl. Working quickly, remove ice cream balls from freezer. All hands on deck, drop the ice cream balls in to the corn flake mixture. Coat completely, pressing corn flakes into ice cream ball. Roll ice cream ball in egg wash and coat completely. Finally, return the ice cream ball to the corn flake mixture and coat completely, pressing corn flakes into ball lightly. Place on large tray, cover, and return to freezer for 2 hours.

3. Fill Butterball® or Masterbuilt Fryer with oil. Heat to 375 degrees F; this will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. When oil has reached 375 degrees F, remove ice cream balls from freezer. Working quickly, drop ice cream balls one at a time into oil and cook for approximately 15 seconds, until golden brown. Remove and drain thoroughly on paper towels. Return fried ice cream ball to the freezer as you continue to fry additional balls.  

4. Remove from freezer and serve with your favorite toppings or freeze for later.

5. Enjoy!

About the Masterbuilt Cooking Survey

The Masterbuilt Cooking Survey was conducted online among 1,004 adults 18+ and is representative of the U.S. based on census indicators (age, gender, region, ethnicity, etc.) The research was conducted by StrategyOne, an applied research consulting firm. Interviews averaged five minutes and were conducted between March 28 – April 2, 2012 using the online field services of Research Now.

About Masterbuilt

For more than 30 years, Masterbuilt's passion has been to design quality outdoor cooking equipment that is simple to use. From the first propane fish cooker, to the user-friendly Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer, seafood boiler and steamer, we offer a complete line of outdoor and indoor cooking products designed with the consumer in mind. Masterbuilt's standard of excellence is to design the most innovative products in the industry and markets we serve. Masterbuilt will strive to create a work environment that is conducive to building long-term employees who are motivated and dedicated to developing quality merchandise at a fair market value. The customer is our greatest asset and our commitment is to always provide friendly, caring service. Visit us at www.masterbuilt.com.

SOURCE Masterbuilt