Quick and easy dinner ideas

[Nickarolaberry]

Hi everyone!

I'm going back to work full time for the school year (at the school my kids go to) and need some dinner ideas that are quick and fairly simple. Crockpot ideas also are good.

My kids have a fairly simple palate (i.e. they're all finicky but with different things) so I generally try to cook very simply and then add things for each one. Sigh.

In my repertoire already are a variety of Mexican bean type dishes (black bean tacos, veg chili, etc.); pasta with whatever; etc.

I need some new ideas since we're all sick of my go-to menu.

I am not actually a very good cook. Meaning, if it has too many ingredients or steps, chances are it won't turn out right. I try, but somehow it just doesn't go well for me frequently. (I am a good baker, I don't know why I can do one and not the other).

[andielk72]

We make these easy sandwiches regularly(makes 4 sandwiches):

1. Blend together 1/4c margarine, 1/4th c parm or soy parm (I often skip this, but then need a little extra margarine), salt and pepper. Spread on one side each of 8 slices of bread.
2. Slice and sautee a small red onion along with some spinach. Also slice 2 avocados and set aside.
3. While veggies are sauteeing mix together 1-2 TBSP mayo/nayo and 1-2 TBSP dijon.
4. Either grill the bread in a frying pan, topping 4 of the slices of bread with cheese if desired, and then build a sandwich adding mayo mix, sauteed veggies, and avocado slices OR place all ingredients between 2 bread slices and stick in a panini press for a minute or two.

We do breakfast for dinner sometime and these are nutritious and easy pancakes (serves 2 adults and a toddler):

1. In lg. bowl sift 1c flour and 2 tsp baking powder.
2. In sm. bowl mash one ripe banana and 1/4th c non-dairy milk until lump free.
3. Add banana mix, 1 tbsp agave or other sweetner and one cup non-dairy milk and mix until just mixed - dont over-mix.
4. Heat pan to medium and lightly oil it, add approx 3/4th c batter, and cover. After center starts to bubble flip and cook until golden brown.
5. Top with nuts. Serve with fruit salad.


Also - have you tried veggie strifry's with a premade sauce or noodles with peanut sauce?

[EviesMom]

Fried rice, which lends itself to different vegetables in different people's bowl according to preference.

Quiche or omelets. We do breakfast for dinner reasonably often with eggs, omelets, or pancakes for dinner. Can't wait til fall to start making pumpkin pancakes again! Pancakes are great for freezing too, and reheat in the microwave, or for better texture, in the toaster!

Carrot soup, minestrone soup in the crockpot works well with bread and butter or bread and cheese.

Pizzas can be done in a wide variety of ways, either premade and frozen to pop in the oven, or mini ones on English muffins where everyone can do their own toppings. We do veggie sausage, red pepper, two kinds of cheese, and pineapple and those have been yummy and popular.

[andielk72]

Another quickie meal I just thought of - hummus quesadillas

Spread hummus inside a tortilla, top with green onions and a little bit of salsa. You can add cheddar if desired, or some sauteed spinach or other veggies. Top with another tortilla and heat until warmed through in a lightly oiled frying pan.