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We are having pasta
We are having pasta bolognese. Here's the recipe:
Chop 2 carrots, 1 medium onion, 2 celery stalks and 2 cloves of garlic. Put a 1/4 c of olive oil in heavy deep skillet and saute veggies for about 5-7 min. Add one 1lb(sometimes I use half if I don't want to use so much meat) lean ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1/4 c of shopped italian parsley and about 8 sliced basil leaves. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add I-28oz can of crushed tomatoes and stir. Allow sauce to come to slight bubble for about 30 min until it reduces stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add 1/3 cup of parmeggiano reggiano cheese just before serving and stir. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over spaghetti or other pasta!
Serve with a green salad! Lots of veggies!
oooh I will have to try this
oooh I will have to try this sometime! it sounds delicious!
We're having baked salmon,
We're having baked salmon, jasmine rice, and broccoli. I season the salmon with olive oil, garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and basil. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Then I warm some Teriyaki sauce and pour a little over it :)
KiKaMom
Beef Stew! You just throw a
Beef Stew! You just throw a few jars of pre-made beef gravy, some chopped stew meat, a few carrots, celery chunks and a cut up potato in the crock pot and voila!!! Dinner! Add some bread and you've got a meal!
New to AZ --- still working out the kinks!
We are having stroganoff.
We are having stroganoff. It is an easy receipe and the kids especially love it.
Boil extra wide egg noodles
Brown 1 lb ground meat. use garlic powder, salt pepper
Add as many chopped mushrooms as you like. Saute
Drain off any remaining fat. I use top sirloin ground meat so there usually isn't any.
Drain pasta and mix in the pan 1 can cream of chicken.
1 can water.
Add meat mixture and simmer together.
Add noodles mix together add additional seasoning if needed.
Add sour cream to your taste - about 1/3 cup to start.
Serve wqith bread and side dish.
YUMMY STUFF
bookworm_mom ~ mommy of twins
FYI (no criticism in any
FYI (no criticism in any way, just FYI :) ):
Originally strogonoff is derived from the beef strogonoff (the second part is a last name). There are lots of ways to prepare it, but here is an easy one. I never use any measuring devises in my kitchen, all by eye.
Take some flower, add salt and your favorite spices to it, mix well. Cut beef into lean pieces and add it to the flower. Mix until all covered. Fry in a pen till golden brown. Add water till desired consistency (the flower will make it nice and thick).
This is a very basic recipe. You can add onion, garlic etc. to it. Serve over pasta.
easiest dinner
easiest dinner ever!!
crockpot ckn
4 boneless ckn breast
two cans of cream of mushroom
one package of low fat cream cheese
one package of ranch dressing mix (dry)
couple spoon full dollops of sour cream
throw it all in the crockpot over a bed of onion
cook on low while at work and serve over egg noodles.
super yummy! add a side of veggies and a glass of milk!
I love my crockpot because it is sooo easy to do. for some crockpot ideas check out this blog!!
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/
We have Brownie ceremony
We have Brownie ceremony tonight, so I'm probably just going to go to Subway for a couple $5 footlongs and throw together a side salad. All the other recipes sound so good, though. Just too busy to cook tonight.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
I am glad to see at least
I am glad to see at least one post from someone who admits they are too busy to cook a full meal.......I rarely cook during the week, and when I do it is something very, very simple......most of the time when I am not working from home I don't even get in until about six, and then my husband doesn't get home until seven.....so when I cook an actual meal then by the time all is said and done and I have cleaned up it's almost nine! And honestly - after a long commute, a full day of work, helping my son with his homework, and fitting in some time for my son and I at the gym, etc, I am not motivated to cook.
I'll probably just make some sandwiches tonight - we are going to see the Indiana Jones movie at eight so we'll just have a quick bite before heading to the theater.
lol...I will gladly admit
lol...I will gladly admit this also!!! I forgot to take out something and it's raining. I think I'm going to treat a dinner out or pick up on my way home.
Tomorrow I think we are going to have something simple like pasta since we have to get the hubby's girls for the weekend.
"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."
My days are long too. And
My days are long too. And after a tiring one today, I order some good ol' fashion pizza! I will make up for it tomorrow by cooking a nice meal. But really - I do not have the time nor energy some nights. :)
Some great simple meals are
Some great simple meals are published each Thurs in the Republic's Living section and online at http://www.azcentral.com/style/
Stacy Sullivan is an editor for arizonamoms.com, pets.azcentral.com and The Republic whose single mom sister is constantly asking for advice as she raises two great kids.
NEW MEXICO Tacos, 1 lb
NEW MEXICO Tacos, 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or leaner if you like. 4 jalapenos, 4 yellow chilis, 1/4 of white onion (minced) brown all of this together, then drain the oil from the pan or not if you use a leaner gb.
Towards the end when the meat is no longer pink add a tomato chopped up into small peices.
Then the corn tortillas I spread some Brummell and Brown butter and skillet cook the tortilla to soften. Top the taco with lettuce, and cheese and complete it with a squeeze of lemon.
You can subtract some of the chilis if 4 of each sounds to hot and add salt and pepper. Also the more tomato you add the weaker the heat... It's delish!
Maricky M Abril
marickyabril@hotmail.com
OMG!? For real? Do you guys
OMG!? For real? Do you guys cook like this every night?
The night before last, was taco salad with turkey meat for hubby and one son, while my other son and I (both vegetarians) had regular salad with soup.
Last night I made baked frozen fish fillets, sliced up red pepper and cantalope.
Tonight, it'll be cheese tortilini (boiled from frozen), baby carrots and sliced apples.
EVERYTHING that we eat is prepared within 15 mins. Most of the meal is something that just has to be sliced up!
I always wondered what you SAHM's were cooking! I wish that I could just pay weekly for a SAHM to prepare dinner for us and I'll pick it up on my way home!
"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein
LOL!! I was thinking the
LOL!! I was thinking the same way, I felt bad for my family. Last night we had tacos which usually take less than half hour but I thought that I would make some rice and fruit salad. My poor babies kept coming in and out of the kitchen asking if things were done so I fixed them nachos and by the time dinner was complete they were full. I try to do the crock pot meals and they are a real time saver.
my secret, because i do work
my secret, because i do work full time and so does my husband is probably three meals a week are from the crockpot, by the time I get home the food is ready and all i have to do is make a simple salad of cut up some veggies.
I'm availbale!
I'm availbale!
bookworm_mom ~ mommy of twins
I cook like this every night
I cook like this every night yes, always have :).. This dish takes less than 1/2 hour. i have only been a "SAHM" since October... I was in Sales 8-6pm and was sick of fast food and resturant food, so I guess that is why I opted to cook an actual meal.. I would be happy to prep dinner for you if you are serious and close to my home!
Maricky M Abril
marickyabril@hotmail.com
We had beef stroganoff last
We had beef stroganoff last night - london broil is on sale as safeway! .. . and we're having bean & cheese burritos tonight...
Easy Beef Stroganoff:
1 london broil, or round steak cut into thin strips against the grain. If it's really thick piece of meat, cut slices in half.
1 packet instant mushroom gravy mix
Sour Cream
Egg noodles
****
Brown meat in large skillet, add garlic, and black pepper to taste. If meat starts to get dry, add a little water, red wine or beef broth. Simmer for a few minutes - if you're using london broil it shouldn't take too long to get it tender...
mix gravy with 1 cup cold water, add to simmering meat, cook a few minutes more til thickened. Add sour cream to taste - a half cup or so (I've used light - but not fat free)
Turn off heat, and pour over cooked noodles. Yummy! and my kids lvoe it.
hmmm Well I've been a SAHM
hmmm Well I've been a SAHM and working mom and I guess I am really fortunate that when I worked outside the home I was close and still able to come home at a decent hour and get dinner on the table by 5:30 - 6:30.
Cooking is really important to me and I love doing it for my family. For me it is an expression of love, so even when I won't have a lot of time I use my crock-pot or make simple home cooked meals. Most things leave leftovers that can be turned into something else. IE... taco meat can be made into burritos. My spaghetti sauce can be used for pizza night. We also bbq on the weekend and then I just have to heat up meat, cook a side dish and with a salad we're ready to go.
My kids and husband love my food and it's worth it to me to make those memories! So once again I guess I am really lucky to have these opportunities.
Plus homemade has fewer preservatives.
Also.... just don't look at my piled up laundry!! : )
bookworm_mom ~ mommy of twins
Well......I work 35 miles
Well......I work 35 miles away from my home....and I don't think the fact that there are times we don't get home by a "decent" hour or I don't cook a full meal from scratch means I love my family any less than you love yours. Hopefully that isn't what you were trying to imply.
I don't think she was trying
I don't think she was trying to imply anything negative. I work from home and regardless my meals usually involve a mircowave or taco bell. My daughter eats simple things like chicken nuggets or pasta so I've gotten in the habit of getting "Lean Cusine" frozen meals from Safeway. They're pretty good actually - no preservatives.
I'll admit though - I do miss cooking for people! Cooking for one stinks. When I do cook a bonafide meal (salmon is my fav) my daugter scoffs and I just sit there and visualise (fine - I pretend!) that someone is actually appreciating it! Hey, In can have hope at least! ; )
My son actually loves
My son actually loves salmon.....we buy this kind that they have in the frozen section that is pre-seasoned with a spicy sauce, and throw it on the grill. He gobbles it up.
I do make breakfast most mornings, even when I am planning on going in to the office.....eggs, pancakes, oatmeal....I think a good breakfast is important. So, it's not like I completely avoid it!
I think that when planning meals, one of the biggest problems I have is my picky husband......if I plan one thing, then he'll come home and decide he wants something else....or I'l suggest a million things I am thinking of making and they will all get shot down.....so sometimes I just give up!
I actually didn't say that
I actually didn't say that and I did say I was very lucky. Next time I won't say anything about that ok? So there are no hurt feelings. :(
bookworm_mom ~ mommy of twins
I knew what you meant
I knew what you meant because for me cooking is also about love(my love of family and my love of cooking!)
You ladies are good! It
You ladies are good! It seems like beef stroganoff and crockpots are pretty popular! I really have to get a crockpot, especially b/c I DO NOT want to put the oven on during the summer!!
The reason why I posted this was to see what kind of quick, easy meals you moms make. I'm not really a recipe person, and I love to create things on my own (culinary grad). Sometimes it's hard because my husband doesn't get home till 10pm 3 nights a week, I just love new ideas.
And I am loving the fact that some of you ladies are picking something up for dinner...$5 footlongs....Taco Bell...whatever it may be. My personal favs are Pei Wei and El Pollo Loco!!!
Enjoy your dinners and thanks again for the ideas!
We are having lasagna. I
We are having lasagna. I have a 'bake only' recipe where you dont have to boil the noodles first...it just bakes in the casserole in 1.5 hours. It's the easiest and yummy lasagna ever!
LisaMommy is a 38 year old discussion leader for arizonamoms.com from the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area. Her two boys are ages 8 months and 3 years old.
When I am drawing a blank on
When I am drawing a blank on what;s for dinner, I usually try to simplify the menu and I also like to get creative with ingredients. One of the things the kids love is when I take Boboli pre-made pizza crusts (we like thin crust) and then I take all different ingredients and whip up some pizzas. The kids always seem to love this. Last night I took a can of fire roasted tomatoes with garlic and thinly spread that on the crust, and then I placed a layer of fresh spinach and layered it with pepperoni for my meat love and roasted peppers for another and then I just put four different cheeses on top. It was quick and easy and the best part was no one complained when they saw what was on the dinner the table.
Definitely a no brainer after a long work day.
JuneSlager is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com, raising three children (ages 15, 14, & 11) in Northeast Phoenix.
I am so proud of all the
I am so proud of all the moms that take time to cook for their families. It sure makes me miss my mothers great cooking! I rather spend all day in the yard cleaning, then spend one second cooking.
What lucky husbands you have!!
One Happy Mom in Arizona.
I'm impressed too! Cooking
I'm impressed too! Cooking is not one of my gifts. Plus, my husband is a worse eater than my kids! I admire those of you that love to cook, but I am getting better at it. :)
Hobbymommy, 38, is a discussion leader from Mesa. She is a happy stay-at-home mommy to a 3-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.
I am trying to cook if not
I am trying to cook if not every day, then at least every other. BUT I am a stay at home mom, and second of all, from out of country and no offense, but we eat different and the safeway etc is just not our taste.
I made a chicken soup and a jelly dessert today. The second one will take you 30 min max to prepare.
Peel oranges and each of their segments (or you can take canned ones and lose all the nutritional value but safe yourself a headache). Cover the bottom of a cooking form with the oranges.
Mix 3 little packs of gelatin (sold sometimes as unflavored jelly) with one cup of warm milk, stir till dissolved. Add the mixture to 3 cups of yogurt or sour cream. Stir. Pour the mixture over the oranges. Cover it with your favorite cookies. Put in the fridge for 2 hours and enjoy!
We were lame; McDonald's is
We were lame; McDonald's is across the street, so we had McCholesteral tonight. Just the burgers, though; no fries.
On this topic ... I think we
On this topic ... I think we should have a potluck or BBQ or something in a park, and meet one another, and have Yvette sing karoeke. I'd love to get a pic with Diva; talk about opposites being friends ...
That is a brilliant idea.
That is a brilliant idea. Can we bring our husbands and children since they do play a huge role in our discussions.
One Happy Mom in Arizona.
That would be fun! We could
That would be fun! We could each bring a dish to share and plenty of copies of the recipe. Maybe we should wait til fall so we don't broil!
I was excited to get a crock
I was excited to get a crock pot a couple of years ago, because I'd built it up as the answer to all of my problems....
I bought the "crock pot" meal bag by stoffers and hubby thought it was bland. So, next I tried the crock pot seasoning pack, chicken and cut up carrots and potatos...hubby thought it was bland too. Then, I gave up.
How do I make a TASTY crock pot meal?
"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein
My answer to cooking with
My answer to cooking with seasons: salt, pepper & garlic powder. Also I can't eat onions but I'm ok with onion powder. Better Homes and Garden has an awsome cook book (Ihave 3). That has quite a few receipts. Don't be afraid of the seasons, you would have to use quite a bit to go overboard. A good tip is how much do you use when seasoning a pound of ground meat? Use that amount as your starting point for your crock pot meals.
bookworm_mom ~ mommy of twins
I love my crock pot.
I love my crock pot. Chicken tonight,
2.5 - 3 lbs. skinless chicken (whatever piece you like, but drumsticks work nicely)
1/2 cup Catsup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup water and 1 pkg. onion soup mix
Put in chicken, cover with mixed ingrediants - bake 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 on high.
Chicken falls off the bone when ready...
There is a great cook book called "Fix it and Forget it - Slow Cooker Favorites for all the Year." That I got from Costco that has this and a bunch of other slow cooker recipes. I'd recommend it.
Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.
UGH, I don't mind cooking,
UGH, I don't mind cooking, it is the "thinking" of what to make that drives me crazy!!!
Single mom in Mesa to two great kids (8 & 10) and two great adults (18 & 20)
I totally agree! It's the
I totally agree! It's the planning that drives me nuts! I get lots of ideas from Trader Joe's - sometimes I'll buy something premade in the frozen section and whip together a salad or side to have with it. Especially these days with my kids in swim team - I need something easy & ready to go by the time we get home. Some meals we'll be having this summer: pasta (cold salad with store bought roasted chicken, or Trader Joe's marinara sauce), corn dogs (cut up fresh veggies and dip on the side), pancakes (with lots of fruit & yogurt on the side), and tacos (with canned black beans and lots of fixings). I also keep some Trader Joe's pizzas & frozen fish sticks in the freezer.
Lattemom is the mother of three energetic kids ages 6, 8 & 11 and a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com.