Easy & Quick Dinner Ideas

One of the toughest things about home-made cooking is the time it takes! I desperately wanted to get back to something quick & easy.  Through trial & error; we developed a list of dinner items that everyone in the family enjoys.  My kids like it and it is quick & easy for me!!!  Here is what we have on our list so far:

Foil Baked Fish
Organic Veggies (microwaveable bag)
Sliced Fruit

I use Tilapia or Salmon.  I throw some frozen cutlets into warm water to thaw (about 5 min) and place them on some foil.  I preheat the oven to 415.  I take some thin slices of lemon and squeeze about 1/2 a slice on each piece of fish.  I then shake on some seafood seasoning and wrap each piece in a foil pocket. It bakes for 20 min.  While the fish is cooking; I prepare the veggies & fruit.  From start to finish; it takes about 30 min. and the family loves it!

Tacos
Organic Corn Chips & Salsa
Sliced Fruit

I use a Taco Kit called Garden of Eatin.  I brown a 1 1/2 of All Natural Beef from EarthFare (its about $10 for 3lbs.) and use the kit.  We use Organic Lettuce, Daiya Cheese for Caleb, organic sliced tomatoes, and organic salsa (about 2.50 from EarthFare).  The organic corn chips (about $3 from EarthFare) and the salsa are actually huge favorites at our house.  The entire meal is on the table in 30 min. or less!

Other menu items are:

Maple Glazed Pork Chops                           Sunday Roast & potatoes
Mexican Meatloaf                                        Organic Rotisseri Chicken
Breakfast                                                       Home-made Pizza
Spaghetti & Meatballs

I will get you our favorite recipies as we go.  My older kiddos did alot of screaming & nashing of teeth when they first heard about our diet efforts.  Just the IDEA of eating healthy was horrible to them!  So, I put them to work in the kitchen and each Sunday they help me plan what that week's meals will be.  This has been an unexpected blessing!  We get more family time together and they are excited to eat what they have cooked.  Now I hear them telling their friends how yummy healthy foods are....its such a shock:)  I do promise the older kids that they can eat "trash" once a week; they get to pick.  I find that their request for this meal is becoming less and less as we go!

Please feel free to add your comments & suggestions too!  I am still on the hunt for a good Mac & Cheese and sugar cookie recipie.  Have a great day and I will continue to keep you updated!