Autumn is on the horizon, and the kids are back in school. But that’s no reason to sacrifice family time, especially when it comes to sharing healthy, delicious meals.

No one knows that better than Ricardo, one of Canada’s most recognized celebrity chefs. “My passion is bringing fresh, gourmet, convenient meals to family tables, so you can spend less time on meal prep and more time creating memories with family and friends,” he says.

He brings that passion from his kitchen table to yours with an exclusive new line of marinated proteins, frozen meals and prepared cakes and dressings, focused on bringing delicious, high-quality yet simple meals that help you save time and savour every moment with family.

Check out these top tips for placing full flavour—and less prep time—at the center of your table this fall.

TIP 1: Save prep time by using pre-marinated meats

Stay on top of the dinner time rush with pre-marinated meats, which save time and are versatile enough to make them the center of any masterpiece. Marinades can take 5 to 20 minutes to prepare, and newly marinated meat needs 30 minutes to two hours or longer to allow the flavours to settle in. RICARDO pre-marinated meats are prepared with gourmet herbs and spices for decadent, rich flavours that are sure to please. RICARDO Flap Steaks, ready to be cooked to perfection in Montreal Steak spice, are the perfect companion to roasted vegetables (see the next tip for saving time there) or you can fill the kitchen with the warm comfort of aromatic Mediterranean chicken and be the star of the dinner time show.

TIP 2: Cut/chop veggies/produce ahead of time to reduce prep/cook time

Carving a few minutes out early in the day to pre-chop vegetables and produce can be a game-changer when it comes to packing in evening activities. Cut vegetables can rest in the fridge in water or between moistened paper towels or squeeze a bit of lemon juice over veggies that may brown throughout the day. Some fruits and veggies can also be frozen, depending on their ultimate use. For instance, roasted carrots, potatoes and turnip are the perfect companions to RICARDO Chicken stuffed with Asparagus & Risotto. For a side, perfect a crisp garden salad with RICARDO Maple Balsamic or eat your veggies fresh with his signature Ranch Dip.

TIP 3: Double the recipe to ensure you have meals for the following day

Taking the time to double your recipe when you are less pressed for time is the ultimate solution for those extra busy nights when cooking seems impossible. Leftovers can be portioned and frozen or stored overnight or for a couple of days in the fridge. Tender chicken breasts are simple to prepare in volume, using the oven or grill—especially when they are stuffed with creamy risotto and fresh asparagus and tangy feta, or warm and earthy mushroom. And for your busiest days, prepare extra portions of delicious family style ready-to-eat meals like RICARDO BBQ Meatballs & Bell Peppers or RICARDO Peanut Chicken, coated in a sauce with the flavours of yesteryear.

TIP 4: Reach for pre-made desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings

Don’t forget the grand finale! When it is time to truly wow the family and friends, reach for decadent, mouth-watering desserts that soothe your sweet tooth, without the hassle and mess. Bring the family together over a smooth Red Velvet sheet cake (we dare you to resist eating it right out of the pan), or please any crowd with creamy Lemon or Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake.

Keep tasty food at the heart of your family moments. Discover Ricardo, exclusively at Safeway, this fall.  Visit safeway.ca/ricardo

Connect at @ricardocuisine @safewaycanada