Almost every woman has the same experience: at the end of the day, you’re out of energy but need to put something on the table. Preferably, something wholesome, that the whole family will enjoy. A secret stash of easy ideas are the solution. If only a fairy godmother would design that collection for you!
You may not have a fairy godmother, but here are four new delicious and nutritious meal ideas for your busy night.
Italian Sausage and Potatoes
Italian sausage and scratch mashed potatoes may not seem like an easy dinner, but it can be if you simply cut your potatoes small. Simmer in a small amount of water, not letting the water boil off. Meanwhile, saute sliced onions and peppers (red and green if you have them!) until soft, then add sausages and cook until done. Mash the potatoes with sour cream and butter, and top with sliced sausages, onions and peppers.
If you want to avoid the mashed part of the potatoes, you can also bake them to save yourself a bit of time. Consider adding a layer of aluminum foil to the bottom of the baking sheet to simplify cleanup.
Italian Chicken Sandwiches
As always, coming home to a completed meal is the easiest way to get dinner on the table. Something that will deter the stop on the way home. Something in the crockpot will solve the problem for me! Zesty Italian chicken sandwiches make the evening easy. In the bottom of the crockpot place thinly sliced onions, then layer diced carrots and celery. Next add one chicken breast per two family members.
Last, pour a jar of spaghetti sauce on top, and simmer all day on low. When you return home, pull the chicken breasts out and chop into bite size pieces, and return to sauce. Top chicken with sliced cheese and serve on buns or French rolls from places like Klosterman Baking Company. It helps to prepare everything the night before, and start it before you’re out the door in the morning.
Hot Wings
Buffalo chicken wings may be take out, but you can make a healthful alternative. Marinade chicken breasts in hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is an original) and pop it on the grill when you get home (not grilling season yet? Bake in the oven instead.). Serve with salad, carrot sticks, celery and blue cheese dressing for the authentic hot wings experience.
Mushroom Soft Tacos
Many people have started observing Meatless Mondays to increase vegetable consumption, conserve water or improve health. But Monday is the hardest night to make a last minute meal! Mushroom soft tacos to the rescue! Saute mushrooms, onion and crushed garlic with a sprinkle of oregano. Serve in warmed corn or flour tortillas, with sour cream, salsa, sliced olives and shredded lettuce. Serve with black or refried beans for a complete meal.
With dinner cooked on the table in record time, you’ll have time to do some tidying up. If only the fairy godmother brought woodland creatures to help with that.
