I just spent 25 minutes trying to solve a common weeknight issue......
Typically, I get home from work around 6:30-6:45 in the evening. I have a hungry, tired preschooler who wants her mommy time, but is also in need of dinner, a bath, and some down time before getting to bed by 8:00 pm.
I own a crockpot that would work out perfectly....if I ever remembered to actually turn it on in the morning.
This never happens. Ever. So many Frozen meals go to waste in that crock pot, its ridiculous.
I stress nightly over rushing home to start dinner, while my daughter clings to me like a lemur.
My husband...bless him, his few attempts at cooking have ended in absolute disaster. I dont know if he just doesnt read the directions, or if he just isn't invested in a finished product because he'll eat anything, but the last time he made pasta, he overcooked it by a good 5 minutes, resulting in a pile of mush.
Truth be told, after working all day, all I want is to sit and cuddle with her too. I dont want to stand over a hot stove, I want to sit and relax!!!!!!!
So I fired up google and started searching for quick, easy meals that take under 15 minutes to cook.
The internet is full of dinner ideas.....and they all suck.
My first issue: Meals labeled "Family Friendly or Kid Approved".
Ok, so maybe my kid is a picky eater, but I dont know many 4 year olds who will request a Brocolli Tortillini with a Quinoa Crust and a side of Asparagus. I did not even make that title up, it was under kid friendly 15 minute meals. Moving on.........
Recipes labeled "15 Minutes from Stove to Table"....leaving out the 30 minutes of prep time. 30+15=45....it takes 45 minutes.
Finally, anything that contains the words "Hummus, Cous-Cous, Edamame, or Kobe Beef" is not going to be hanging out in my refridgerator. Nice try.
So, as a real working mother of a preschooler, here is my list of ACTUAL 15 minute meals your kid might eat.
1. Scrambled Eggs with cheese
2. PB&J sandwich and apple slices
3. Spaghetti and Meatballs. They actually make frozen meatballs that dont suck. Check your labels for sodium content, but they do exist.
4. Whole Grain Toaster Waffles: Endless possibilites. Top with Peanut Butter, Honey, Syrup, Fruit.
5. Cheerios and Bananas
6. English Muffin or Bagel Pizza
7. Oatmeal with Cinnamon Sugar
8. Cheese Quesadillas
9. Roast Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups
10. Every kids favorite....Mac and Cheese. Our favorite brand is Annies, I buy it in bulk from Costco to knock the price down to roughly 1.00 a box.
There you go. Maybe not the most original list. The point is, they will have full, happy tummys. And each meal can be made a little more healthy by making sure the bread is whole grain, using low fat dairy products and by adding a side of fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries. Or raw veggies like carrot sticks. Check your labels for the most healthy brand you can find, the least amount of sodium, and least ingrediants is always best. Try not to stress. Kids dont worry about fancy. Kids care that it tastes good, and most important, they want your time.
Speaking of time, I'm putting this list on my fridge to remind myself that my time is better spent reading a book with my daughter, and not agonizing over the menu.
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