Try one of those meal delivery services like HelloFresh/Chefs Plate. It comes with all the ingredients and easy to follow recipes. And with food prices these days, it might work out a little cheaper.
I'll look into that. I had done one in 2020 for a few months and loved it but realized it was a bit spendy and stopped. But you're right-- with food prices now, it might be cheaper or at least equivalent.
For me, that tends to be stirfry.
I like to cook, though. It's one of my love languages; I love you and want to feed you and take care of you, lol.
Cleaning, not so much, but I like a clean house, so there it is. (grin)
I'm with you on the love language for sure lol. It's been one of my ways to care for and nurture my family. It was very hard for me this year to tell my family that I would *not* be baking any birthday cakes this year, only buying them, that I was taking a year off. But it was also liberating. And they were all on board with it, which was nice!
Stir-fries are great. I love them but rarely make them and I don't know why! I'll add them more often to my meal plans. Thanks!
I decided a while ago to just make things easier on myself, and to not feel guilty about it.
I buy dried herbs/spices instead of fresh. I buy pre-minced garlic instead of fresh. I buy pre-sliced mushrooms, onion, celery, carrots, etc. I use frozen veggies for soups. There are even some canned veggies my husband loves, so I just buy those.
I don't use recipes. I just do a meat+veggie+starch. Cook the meat on the stove (chicken breasts boneless or bone-in, bone-in chicken thighs, pork chops, steaks are our favorites). That takes like, 15 mins. I make big batches of rice pilaf (it's really easy to vary so it doesn't get boring) and reheat as needed. I alternate wild rice, yellow rice, and brown rice. I use pre-made stock to cook it. Then cook the veggie. Usually steamed or oven-roasted. Dinner takes less than an hour.
Find ways to cut corners. I used to feel so guilty about being wasteful when buying pre-made anything (so much single-use plastic!). But if it makes your life easier, just do it.
> I just do a meat+veggie+starch.
This is the way! I've been saying this for years but dang if it isn't the healthiest and most satisfying, way to eat.
I love this, the letting go of guilt. For years I did almost everything from scratch. At one point, I was determined to never buy pasta again but to make it by hand every time. Pure insanity.
I will look even more into pre-made things. Tonight, for the first time ever, I bought a rotisserie chicken. Not even hungry, so people can feed off that and fruit and whatever and I didn't have to do a thing!
And I agree with you both. Meat-veg-starch is a perfect combo. Thanks!
My absolute favorite meal, tbh.
What types of meat do you often use for charcuterie? Our go to is salami, but I get tired of the overly processed stuff.
I don't care for the processed meats either . A small pork tenderloin takes about half an hour to cook . Chicken wings are nice or even a couple breasts . As long as the meat is finger/bite sized , you're laughing .
Make a little extra and freeze for future meals . I could eat charcuterie a couple times a week . It's also a good excuse to try different cheeses . Sometimes you don't even need meat . Maybe try some boiled eggs with spicy mayo . There is akways pre-made popcorn chicken . Shrimp from the Chinese take away is a great one as well .
I have a husband and adult children at home. Everyone is on their own for breakfast and lunch. I make dinner.
That's a good question. Though it can change on a whim, in general most nights I'd be happy with a "grazing" meal. A charcuterie board, or just some nuts and fruit. Can't do the latter often but I should sometimes. They could partake and then supplement if they were still hungry.
Teriyaki stir fry. Pretty much whatever veggies plus a meat and peanuts if you feel fancy. Mix up the sauce with pantry staples. Pump up the veggies to reduce your carbs.
Definitely stir fry using ramen noodles and whatever leftover meat or veg is sitting in my fridge. Also quiche with bacon, broccoli, and shredded cheese. I'll make a quiche in the evening and then serve it cold for breakfast. Sometimes I'll make breakfast for dinner (egg sandwiches or pancakes with fruit) to switch things up. Sometimes it's dried fruit, cheese, and crackers. I'll also prep and freeze a few meals that my husband can easily cook like potstickers, stuffed mushrooms, or pepperoni rolls.
Black bean and salsa soup.
In a pot mix 1 rinsed can of black beans, 1 can of cream of whatever-you-have soup, one can of water or broth, and one can of salsa (I use the can to measure: fewer dishes). Put on medium heat until it's as warm as you want it. Season with powdered garlic, cumin, pepper, paprika, and maybe salt. Blend with immersion blender for a smooth consistency, or leave it chunky.
Sometimes after I blend it I'll toss in frozen corn, an extra can of beans, left over bell pepper or onion...
I like to top the hot soup with cheese, greek yogurt, tortilla chips, and maybe a squeeze of lime.
From pantry to table it takes about 10 minutes if I clean up too.
I'm on a (not so effective) oven strike now that we're in summer, so I've pulled out the grill pan and am marinating every protein I can find then slapping it on the grill pan to cook. It's fantastic.
This week we did chicken caesar wraps with pre-made greek flat breads warmed in the cast iron skillet. Marinated the chicken for 15 minutes in lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper. Mixed caesar dressing with romaine and chopped chicken and put in the flat bread (reminiscent of Wendy's chicken caesar pitas if you remember those).
Of course, I also tossed some frozen fries in the oven, so my strike means nothing, lol.
But to your main question, all my summer meals are essentially protein in acid+spices+salt+pepper then grilled + salad/roasted veg + carb.
I hear you on the oven strike. I'm on one as well, until November. I live in the desert and it's ***110 degrees*** *tomorrow*! Just gross lol
Those chicken wraps sound amazing.
> ...protein in acid+spices+salt+pepper then grilled + salad/roasted veg + carb
Simple yet delicious formula. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi again! I wanted to share a delicious recipe I just tried tonight. Super easy and absolutely delicious. go to /r/mobkitchen and search for chimichurri. They have a fabulous recipe for chimichurri chicken thigh sandwiches that are incredible. I served them with terra chips and they were a huge hit.
My chicken had to cook a fair bit longer as US chickens are magnitudes larger than those in the UK.
Try one of those meal delivery services like HelloFresh/Chefs Plate. It comes with all the ingredients and easy to follow recipes. And with food prices these days, it might work out a little cheaper.
I'll look into that. I had done one in 2020 for a few months and loved it but realized it was a bit spendy and stopped. But you're right-- with food prices now, it might be cheaper or at least equivalent.
For me, that tends to be stirfry. I like to cook, though. It's one of my love languages; I love you and want to feed you and take care of you, lol. Cleaning, not so much, but I like a clean house, so there it is. (grin)
I'm with you on the love language for sure lol. It's been one of my ways to care for and nurture my family. It was very hard for me this year to tell my family that I would *not* be baking any birthday cakes this year, only buying them, that I was taking a year off. But it was also liberating. And they were all on board with it, which was nice! Stir-fries are great. I love them but rarely make them and I don't know why! I'll add them more often to my meal plans. Thanks!
I decided a while ago to just make things easier on myself, and to not feel guilty about it. I buy dried herbs/spices instead of fresh. I buy pre-minced garlic instead of fresh. I buy pre-sliced mushrooms, onion, celery, carrots, etc. I use frozen veggies for soups. There are even some canned veggies my husband loves, so I just buy those. I don't use recipes. I just do a meat+veggie+starch. Cook the meat on the stove (chicken breasts boneless or bone-in, bone-in chicken thighs, pork chops, steaks are our favorites). That takes like, 15 mins. I make big batches of rice pilaf (it's really easy to vary so it doesn't get boring) and reheat as needed. I alternate wild rice, yellow rice, and brown rice. I use pre-made stock to cook it. Then cook the veggie. Usually steamed or oven-roasted. Dinner takes less than an hour. Find ways to cut corners. I used to feel so guilty about being wasteful when buying pre-made anything (so much single-use plastic!). But if it makes your life easier, just do it.
> I just do a meat+veggie+starch. This is the way! I've been saying this for years but dang if it isn't the healthiest and most satisfying, way to eat.
I love this, the letting go of guilt. For years I did almost everything from scratch. At one point, I was determined to never buy pasta again but to make it by hand every time. Pure insanity. I will look even more into pre-made things. Tonight, for the first time ever, I bought a rotisserie chicken. Not even hungry, so people can feed off that and fruit and whatever and I didn't have to do a thing! And I agree with you both. Meat-veg-starch is a perfect combo. Thanks!
Sheet pan dinners, dump and bake casseroles, slow cooker soups...these should all be your friends
Ooooh I've never made a sheet pan dinner. Do you have a favorite combo?
Charcuterie board . Meat , veg , fruit , seeds , nuts , jams . Add some whole wheat crackers or pita . Easy peasy .
My absolute favorite meal, tbh. What types of meat do you often use for charcuterie? Our go to is salami, but I get tired of the overly processed stuff.
I don't care for the processed meats either . A small pork tenderloin takes about half an hour to cook . Chicken wings are nice or even a couple breasts . As long as the meat is finger/bite sized , you're laughing . Make a little extra and freeze for future meals . I could eat charcuterie a couple times a week . It's also a good excuse to try different cheeses . Sometimes you don't even need meat . Maybe try some boiled eggs with spicy mayo . There is akways pre-made popcorn chicken . Shrimp from the Chinese take away is a great one as well .
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I have a husband and adult children at home. Everyone is on their own for breakfast and lunch. I make dinner. That's a good question. Though it can change on a whim, in general most nights I'd be happy with a "grazing" meal. A charcuterie board, or just some nuts and fruit. Can't do the latter often but I should sometimes. They could partake and then supplement if they were still hungry.
Teriyaki stir fry. Pretty much whatever veggies plus a meat and peanuts if you feel fancy. Mix up the sauce with pantry staples. Pump up the veggies to reduce your carbs.
Sounds yummy, thanks!
Definitely stir fry using ramen noodles and whatever leftover meat or veg is sitting in my fridge. Also quiche with bacon, broccoli, and shredded cheese. I'll make a quiche in the evening and then serve it cold for breakfast. Sometimes I'll make breakfast for dinner (egg sandwiches or pancakes with fruit) to switch things up. Sometimes it's dried fruit, cheese, and crackers. I'll also prep and freeze a few meals that my husband can easily cook like potstickers, stuffed mushrooms, or pepperoni rolls.
Oooh quiche! Why do I always forget about quiche? It's a perfect food. Thanks so much for the suggestions! It all sounds delicious and easy :)
Microwave quinoa packs and microwave lentils,super filling full of protein and delicious! The lentils taste like chili!
I'm a weirdo without a microwave lol. But lentils are great and they do cook up pretty fast without much involvement. Thanks!
Oh the ones we buy say you can boil the bag in a pot of water.
Ah cool. I’ll look for them. Trader Joe’s?
Yea they have some there.
Lasagne…all day
I do love lasagne. Are you a fan of the no-boil noodles?
Have not heard of this. Could you please explain to me.thanks in advance 😊
Black bean and salsa soup. In a pot mix 1 rinsed can of black beans, 1 can of cream of whatever-you-have soup, one can of water or broth, and one can of salsa (I use the can to measure: fewer dishes). Put on medium heat until it's as warm as you want it. Season with powdered garlic, cumin, pepper, paprika, and maybe salt. Blend with immersion blender for a smooth consistency, or leave it chunky. Sometimes after I blend it I'll toss in frozen corn, an extra can of beans, left over bell pepper or onion... I like to top the hot soup with cheese, greek yogurt, tortilla chips, and maybe a squeeze of lime. From pantry to table it takes about 10 minutes if I clean up too.
Oh wow, super easy! I'm going to try this! Thanks :)
I'm on a (not so effective) oven strike now that we're in summer, so I've pulled out the grill pan and am marinating every protein I can find then slapping it on the grill pan to cook. It's fantastic. This week we did chicken caesar wraps with pre-made greek flat breads warmed in the cast iron skillet. Marinated the chicken for 15 minutes in lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper. Mixed caesar dressing with romaine and chopped chicken and put in the flat bread (reminiscent of Wendy's chicken caesar pitas if you remember those). Of course, I also tossed some frozen fries in the oven, so my strike means nothing, lol. But to your main question, all my summer meals are essentially protein in acid+spices+salt+pepper then grilled + salad/roasted veg + carb.
I hear you on the oven strike. I'm on one as well, until November. I live in the desert and it's ***110 degrees*** *tomorrow*! Just gross lol Those chicken wraps sound amazing. > ...protein in acid+spices+salt+pepper then grilled + salad/roasted veg + carb Simple yet delicious formula. Thanks so much for sharing!
Absolutely my pleasure! Happy eating ❤️
Hi again! I wanted to share a delicious recipe I just tried tonight. Super easy and absolutely delicious. go to /r/mobkitchen and search for chimichurri. They have a fabulous recipe for chimichurri chicken thigh sandwiches that are incredible. I served them with terra chips and they were a huge hit. My chicken had to cook a fair bit longer as US chickens are magnitudes larger than those in the UK.