One of my best memories of growing up was always the family meals. I can barey recall a night where we all weren't around the dinner table, TV off, in our respective chairs (did you have a specific chair at the table?) and talking about family stuff and sharing stories of our days.
Dinner has turned into one of my most favorite times of day. I love cooking a meal for loved ones (the Hubs may argue I am trying to fatten him up...But hey I am living up to my wifely duties! and preparing his meals!). Whether it is a big production for a feast on a Sunday, for a dinner party with friends or just easy weeknight meals. To me there is something satisfying about eating at home. Home cooked food.
So I thought I would share some of my favorite easy weeknight meals. My go to week night meals are nothing fancy, and dare I use the term semi-home made - I really despise that word! Hey I use a little help where I can! **Key word above EASY!!!! These are my quick, simple go to meals. After a long day at work, and then the gym (if I made it!LOL) I still want to eat something tasty and healthy!
- Homemade Pizza:
[What you need: Ready-made Dough -I get mine from Trader Joe's or Whole foods. Sauce - Marinara from a jar works great! Toppings - Whatever you like, we are extra cheesy with pepperoni folks - as in the photo. And I like to pile fresh spinach on top when it comes out of the oven - its adds a freshness and crunch!! And don't forget shaved parmesan on top too!]
Three main ingredients and voila deliciousness! I cook mine on a pizza stone at 375 for about 20-25 mins.
- Grilled Chicken and fixings:
This is probably one of the most common meals we...ahem I make during the week - the sides change each time, also I switch up the seasonings on the chicken. Below is Grilled Chicken served over pesto pasta, with a simple side salad.
[What you need for this meal: 1 Pack of chicken tenders - rinse and then season with italian herds, Lawry's, S&P, Oregano, and olive oil then grill. 1/2 box of pasta (any kind, cook as directed), Pre-made Pesto - when pasta is done return to pot and cover with sauce. Salad - last night I had romaine and spinach on hand, chopped up and drizzled EVOO, Balsamic and a few cracks of black pepper]
Pretty Basic Right? Very quick, start to table around 30mins tops! We also do chicken with brown rice (Frozen from Trader Joes is my fav!) and steamed broccoli or chicken/brown rice and grilled zucchini. catching my drift right??? Meals don't have to be hard to be good!!! Promise.
What are your go-to week night meals??? Do you have favorite quick meals? Share, I love adding more to the mix!
I enjoy cooking so I love to share - Do you want more step by step? Or more 'inspiration' quick posts? Let me know - this bloggity thing is part collaboration you know?!