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Thursday, May 10, 2012

Bored with Cooking

I usually love to cook.  However, the 3 meals a day and 2 snacks that I have to produce on a daily basis are wearing me down.  I feel like we keep eating the same meals over and over and over...

It might be time to watch some Food Network, which I haven't tuned into in awhile.  Though yesterday I was watching Diners, Drive Thrus, and Heart Attacks and need healthier inspiration than that.  (Though it all looked scrumptious!!)

Any ideas?  In order to give back for any recipe ideas that you give me, here are a few of our staples (that we are completely bored of.)

Crock Pot:
Chicken w/ Bones in, 1 cup BBQ.  Remove bones and skin, Shred and use for quesadillas.
Pulled Pork: Cook over night with cider vinegar.  Pour off all liquid.  SHred and remove any fat or weird bits and cover in BBQ.
Pot Roast: Chuck Roast, Veg, 2 packets of Onion Soup Mix and a little water.  (This works quicker in the table top roaster.)
Roast Chicken: (I put it in the Tabletop roaster or in oven) Veg, salt and pepper, garlic, lemon in cavity

Chili: (kids won't eat it)-2 cans Ranch Style Beans, Ground Beef, 2 Cans diced tomatoes --we grind them up, cumin, chili powder, garlic, or even the Mcormick Chili Seasoning if you prefer.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup:  Yes, we have this for dinner
Breakfast for Dinner: Ditto on above.
Homemade Pizza: dough is ridiculously easy, or buy it premade at Trader Joes for like a buck.
Chicken, Pan Cooked:  We have some version of this weekly.  Usually with pasta and broccoli. I'm sure if you have little kids this is on your menu SOMEWHERE.  We try to jazz up the adult version by making a sauce or putting in a tortilla.
Tacos:  With ground chicken. YUM.
Pork Tenderloin: preseasoned, throw in oven and follow directions on package (350F for about 30 min).  No one really loves this, so I have to make really good side dishes.  Corn on the cob is a favorite.
Pasta Night: Pasta+Sauce+Trader Joes Meatballs.  I get hugs for this.

Not a great list, but that is all I can think of at the moment. :)


7 comments:

Lisa M said...

The words I most dread: "What's for dinner?" Here are a few quick ideas: Crock Pot Chicken noodle soup (chicken cooks with veggies and then when you remove the bones, add egg noodles for 20 min...recipes online). It's hearty and definitely dinner. Also, use leftover chicken to make a pot pie. Use ready made crusts for ease (although, we sometimes do a homemade crust). Add veggies and a can of creamed soup for the filling. Tonight we're having a turkey (I buy extras when they're on sale at Thanksgiving and then freeze them!). That meal is usually followed by a pot pie.

cupcakesandcoffee schwartz said...

Thanks, Lisa!! I will definitely try the soup. Tonight, however, it is Trader Joe's Pizza. TGIF!

Mona said...

I want to try Lisa's soup too. Maybe tonight! I think we all get tired of the dreaded "What's for dinner?"

1. Shepherd's Pie (all kids, but YOU love it)
2. Meatloaf (same comment as above)
3. Sweet & Sour Pot Roast
4. Oven BBQ chicken
5. Pork Chops, Au Gratin Potatoes,
6. Shish ka bob
7. Keilbasa, mashed pot, sauerkraut
8. Steak, baked pot, veg
9. Beef-a-roni (homemade)
10. Spaghetti
Those are the top 10 repeats around here.

Shannon F. said...

Hi Cat,

Here is another chicken recipe for you, although I'm not sure if the childern will like it.

Marinade boneless/skinless chicken breast in buttermilk, garlic, salt, and pepper over night.

Butterfly the chicken breast and pound out so that they are equally flat and some what thin.

Sautee fresh mushrooms (any kind, I use all sorts of different ones), fresh garlic (to taste), onion, salt and pepper.

In a bowl combine one package (defrosted) frozen spinached drained, mushrooms, one large egg, and feta cheese.

Spread spinach/mushroom/cheese mixture over each chicken breast and roll (similar to a pinwheel sandwich). Place each chicken breast in a peice of tinfoil and roll up and seal (mine look like candy with tassles on the end lol).
Place in the oven @ 350 for approx one half hour depending on the size of the chicken breast.

Remove from oven, let stand still wrapped for a few minutes. Open and serve. I personally like some kind of rice with it but that is just my prefered way.

Hope you like it.

cupcakesandcoffee schwartz said...

YUM!!! Thanks, Shannon!!

Unknown said...

I had been having a similar feeling. Like I used to cook, but now I just heat stuff up.
That night I made Parmesan crusted tilapia with a roasted garlic couscous. It felt really good to hear the oohs and ahhs of my kids! I feel fish tacos in our near future.

Anonymous said...

One of our big staples is Risotto (leek / bacon, asparagus, plain onion, chicken - you choose what type):
Fry onions and garlic in butter (and then leek / bacon if using, or chicken), add risotto rice and fry a little more. Pour on a cup of red wine, then add good chicken stock and bring to the boil. Simmer 20mins, then add a good handful freshly grated parmesan, season with salt / pepper / Italian herbs. Add asparagus now if using. Yum! From Sarah W