Thanksgiving week was a crazy week! A wonderful week, but crazy just the same. We had so much fun celebrating birthdays and Thanksgiving, seeing friends and family and decking the halls! So this past week we decided to keep it simple. Brought out the crockpot, did 30 minute meals and even used paper plates one night. But, we still enjoyed each other and that is the point.
Just because dinner is simple doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice freshness or taste. Don’t grab a mix or pre-packaged dinner; Fresh, real meals are within reach. Enjoy!
The Process: For a full explanation visit this page
1. Sit down, relax and plan (or pick some meals from here)
2. Make a grocery list and stick to it!!!! This saves time and money
3. Do the shopping-aim for one trip
4. Bring Back Dinner and enjoy
The Meals:
Pasta buffet
Time: 30 minutes, allow extra time if you heat each person’s individually
Ease: Simple
Review: Sometimes simple can be pretty fun, even fancy! We like to make pasta and cook squash, zucchini, peppers and onions, sausage (try different types) and mushrooms individually and then place each in their own bowl – buffet style. Then have a dish of alfredo sauce and one of marinara sauce and you are set. You have two choices at this point 1. have everything warm and ready to serve at the same time or 2. let people choose the items they would like and have one pan for red sauce and one for white ready on the stove or grill, then toss in their ingredients and heat together each plate separately. Similar to what you see served at a catered meal. It is fun and takes very little time. So the next time you have that last minute dinner party just throw together this simple buffet, add in a salad and sit down and enjoy your guests.
Leftover Turkey Potpie: The Pioneer Woman Chef: Ree Drummand
Time: 1 hour
Ease: Simple to moderate (depends on whether you use a store bought crust or make it yourself)
Review: Wow, The Pioneer Woman is awesome! My husband liked this so much he said we should do it every year. This recipe was easy to follow and simple to make (and yes I used a store bought, roll out crust. But hey, she said she wouldn’t judge). Our turkey this year had sweet Italian sausage under the skin and this was a nice added flavor to our potpie.
Apricot Chiptle-Glazed Pork Tenderloin: PBS Food Chef: Jenna Weber
Time: 30 minutes
Ease: Simple
Review: This dish could not have been any more simple: make the glaze, brush it on, and broil. Voila! Do not be afraid of the broiler, I know I have been in the past. This recipe worked exactly like it said it would. Just don’t put the meat too close, I used the second groove in my oven and it came out perfectly.
Tip: Often pork loins come with 2 pieces. Depending on the size of your group, try cooking one and saving the other one for the next night’s dish: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
Simple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos Justatatste.com Chef: Kelly Senyei
Time: 6-8 hours in the slow cooker and 15 minutes when you get home.
Ease: Simple
Review: My family loves tacos, tacos of any kind and this taco did not disappoint. It was juicy and full of flavor and was ready within minutes of walking in the door. Can’t beat that!
Tip: I used a pork loin because I had one left from the day before.
Hotdogs, I know-but I love them so.
Ok, I know hotdogs are not exactly fresh or wholesome, but I love them. I mean I really love them, especially with slaw. You know coleslaw-white, mayo based coleslaw. I even like hotdogs from convenience stores. I like them broiled, grilled, boiled, and on the rotator at the store. They are quick and yummy and I won’t judge you for them if you don’t judge me.
I hope you enjoy this week’s meals. Remember that you can have meals in minutes without sacrificing freshness, wholesomeness and taste. OK-minus hotdog night, but come on…It’s a hotdog, everybody loves a good hotdog from time to time.
Photos may be used, but please link back to this blog and credit Lisa Burbach, recipes are links to existing recipes and I have no ownership of recipes other than the ones I Have created. Thank you.