Food For Thought

     

       I was cooking today (pasta fagioli soup for lunch and grilled steak with veggies for diner), and I got to thinking about all the time I spend in the kitchen. I'm usually up early in the morning and with the exception of Sunday, I make breakfast every morning. This usually takes 20-45 minutes to prepare depending on what I want to make, or special requests made.

 

Gabe and Joe love pasta fagioli soup.

         My work day begins at 11AM, and lunch usually consists of whatever was leftover from the day before, or soup of some kind. During my lunch break I start preparing dinner, putting together the salad, and putting the main course in the oven of if required. All of this is made a little easier by the fact that on Sundays I dice up all the veggies I'll need during the week and put them in little zip lock bags ready to be used at a moments notice. I also prepare all my marinades for the week, so all I really have to do is throw everything together. However this still adds up to a lot of time in the kitchen.

       I do have some cop out meals I turn to for a quick fix if I'm too tired, sick, or working late. Chicken salad, black bean quesadillas, avocado salad, pancakes, (who doesn't love breakfast for dinner), but for the most part I find myself spending a lot of time to ensure my family is eating healthy meals. I am always on the lookout for a healthy and quick recipe that is sure to please, but this is a lot easier said than done. I have some of Rachel Ray's 20 minute meal recipes which I turn to for fast efficient dinners, but I'd love to have some more options.

      It isn't easy working from home, taking care of Gabe, and putting three meals together every day. I find myself exhausted some days wishing I could just feed everyone ham and cheese sandwiches for dinner. I love to cook, it's very relaxing to me and I love to see the smile of approval on Gabe's face as he rubs his tummy and says, "So delicious mommy", but sometimes mommy is just plain tired.

       I've decided to scour the internet and recipe books looking for fast meals that can go from conception to table in under 20 minutes. I'll post some of my favorites in case anyone out there is facing the same problem. Less time in the kitchen equals more time with our loved ones!

If anyone out there has any recipes they count on for fast healthy meals please post them in the comments section, I'd love to try them out.