Hey moms! We all have those days. John has to get picked up from school and dropped off at karate, Lacy needs poster board for her project due tomorrow, and you still have to make it to parent-teacher conferences by 6. Sometimes, there’s just no time to cook! Lucky for you, I have decided to post some of my tips and tricks on how to make a meal quickly and get dinner on the table. Enjoy!
TIP #1
Eat the Chicken Raw
Roasting a whole bird can take up to 25 minutes a pound! Getting breasts or thighs isn’t much faster either, and getting them white on the inside without drying them out is such a hassle. If you need a hearty meal on the table but you’re short on time, try munching on this classic protein without cooking it. Be careful though! Since raw chicken can make you sick if handled improperly, make sure you wash off your chicken with bleach or rubbing alcohol before it hits the table. Serve with another raw side, like not-roasted brussel sprouts or un-baked potatoes.
TIP #2
Forage Mushrooms from the Backyard
You’ve got to turn out a quick meal, but you open the fridge and realize you forgot to go grocery shopping! No time to run to the store now. What are you going to do? Where many would resort to expensive takeout or unhealthy fast food, you can reach for a trick in your back pocket一or rather, in your backyard. Wild mushrooms grow in many climates around the world, and it’s likely you have some growing outside your home! Remember, mushrooms that are brown, round, and short are perfectly safe to eat. Just make sure to avoid any fungal friends that are hazel, have a uniformly curved shape, or not tall. Pair this main course with some grass or maybe some small sticks if you can find them.
TIP #3
Don’t Feed Your Kids
The best way to save time on dinner is just to not make dinner at all! Not feeding your kids teaches them discipline, healthfulness, and self-reliance. Sometimes, you owe it to yourself to take a break. You work hard! This dinner pairs very well with drinking white wine right out of the bottle and watching House Hunters: International on full volume.
TIP #4
Frozen Meals
Don’t roll your eyes just yet, moms! Despite the myths, frozen foods can be just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts. I love to whip up quick meals from frozen carrots, peas, and corn. To speed up the process, don’t thaw the food before serving. It’s just as filling and nutritious right out the freezer. If you wedge a tongue depressor into it, your kids might think it’s a popsicle and eat up all those yummy veggies! Just remind them to not bite down. Dental insurance is a scam!
TIP #5
Divorce Your Husband
Let’s face it: Time is money. On busy days, having the spending power to eat out or even hire a personal chef or nanny would save so much headache. Luckily, your husband didn’t sign a prenup, and your divorce can help cover these costs. He might be shocked and confused, maybe even angry or devastated, but that’s OK! The kids are going to have so much fun at the Olive Garden. Say hello to easy meals out and goodbye to family dinners at the kitchen table!
Go out there and make some meals, moms!