I hope you had a great Valentine’s Day! Here in Greensboro we had a crazy snow of , wait for it…around 7 or 8 inches! I know, all you mid westerners are laughing at us, but the whole city screeched to a stop and it was beautiful. You would think this would mean I cooked more, but no. I planned my meals as usual (5 of them) and then it snowed! By Valentine’s Day we were all ready to get out a little and as a result I made three of the meals I had planned and then we ate out and had frozen pizza. Even though things didn’t go as I planned it was still a successful week. Remember the point isn’t just getting everyone fed, it is to enjoy each other’ company, to talk, to listen and just be!
1. Sit down, relax and plan 4-5 meals (or pick some meals from here, that’s what this is here for. I’ll pick so you don’t have to)
2. Make a grocery list and stick to it!!!! This saves time and money
3. Do the shopping-aim for one trip (My British friends will need to make several trips)
4. Bring Back Dinner and enjoy. Remember that there is such an opportunity to build friendships and family when gathered around a meal. Even if you mess it all up. So, just relax, experiment, and have fun. Don’t forget to include your friends.
The Meals:
Meatless Monday
Time: About 45 minutes
Ease: Simple
Review: Try this, try this, try this. Maybe you are not so sure about this quinoa stuff, maybe it seems to exotic-not to worry. It easy to cook with and wonderful. We loved this dish, it was full of flavor, easy to make, and felt fresh and clean! I think it will become one of your family favorites. It would be a great dish to make for a covered dish or for company.
Time: 4 hours in crockpot or 45 minutes on the stovetop
Ease: Simple
Review: Sometimes I look at a recipe and think “really? There isn’t much to this, is it going to work?” and sometimes I’m right, but I’m glad to say that this recipe proved me wrong. It is very basic and really very good. The next day everyone wanted the leftovers to take to work, I thought we’d have a brawl in the kitchen. Worse, there weren’t any leftovers! Everyone just thought there were. (I am not a member of Nature Box, but found the recipe online)
This isn’t spaghetti like or even tomato soup like, it has it’s own flavors. It is filling and simple. You could make this on the stove top if you don’t have a slow cooker.
Time: 30 Minutes
Ease: Simple
Review: I am a firm believer in making things from scratch! It is a great way to cut down on the sodium and preservatives that are in pre-packeged meals and once you start you will realize that it really doesn’t take much more, if any more time and you get the added bonus of knowing that you have made a meal that is better for your family or friends and maybe they will even think you are amazing in the kitchen. Plus, you can’t beat the taste.
I have review this recipe by Ellie Krieger before, it is a staple in our home. That said it is worth bringing back around. Don’t be afraid, it is almost as easy as opening a can, but the flavor is so much better. Note: our family prefers it without the beans. You can try it both ways and see what everyone thinks.
Valentine’s Day my wonderful man took me to Table 16 in Greensboro, NC. It is wonderful. I am most impressed by the complexity of the dishes, yet nothing seems to get lost or is over worked. You can taste each spice and they complement each other well. We’ve been twice and are still impressed. The service was great and they have a nice wine list. If in Greensboro I suggest you give it a try. Table 16 is located downtown, so allow extra time to walk around and take in the sites!
Photos by lwburbach. Feel free to use photos, but please link back to this blog.- Thank you.