Working late, kids soccer game ran long, caught in traffic, we’ve all been there. This just means that the family is hungry and we feel rushed to get something on the table. Just because you may be in a hurry, doesn’t mean you must settle for feeding them a box of sodium and preservatives. Yum!
I for one, do not have the luxury of a personal cook waiting with a hot tasty meal on the table when my crew comes bounding through the door. Like most Americans, it’s up to me: Mom. I don’t always have time to prepare a wonderful three course, nutritious dinner, so off to the cupboard I go.
Pre-packaged meals are not the best choice to serve every day, but they can be very handy when you are looking for something in a rush. They’re quick, easy to make, and I’ve seen some of you out there with your baskets full when the grocery store puts them on sale for a $1.00.
Make those meals more nutritious and appealing in the same time it takes to prepare them, well….maybe add a minute or two, what would it hurt? You can add flavor, color and nutrition simply by tossing in a few favorite vegetables during the simmering stage. While the ground beef, pork or chicken is browning, you can dice up a carrot, a small onion, a zucchini, tomato, the list is endless. Use one or several, just pick your favorites. I love mushrooms and broccoli. Even frozen peas and carrots are great. After browning the meat, drop in the veggies to simmer with the pasta or rice, they will cook perfectly.
Voila! Dinner is served, everybody is satisfied, and you can feel good about it.
