Quickie Meals

With a little forethought and a fully stocked pantry or freezer you can get some wholesome meals on the table in a short amount of time. Studies indicate that families who dine together are healthier, perform better in school and are generally happier than their counterparts who are unable to share a meal together at least 4 nights per week. Isn't your family worth it?

Here is a handy list of some quick meals that you might be able to get on the table with fuss, planning and preparation:

hot dogs or brats
frozen pizza's
tacos
breakfast for dinner such as fried eggs or scrambles using left over veggies or french toast
frozen prepared meals such as lasagna, stir fry or Italian dishes-$$EXPENSE ALERT$$
Pasta with store-bought sauce
Salads-jazzed up with last nights leftover steak, chicken or seafood
Fried rice
Sloppy Joes
Quesidilla's-make with whatever you have in the pantry as filling
Previously frozen soups, chili's or casseroles
Sandwich's-BLTs, fried egg sandwich's, turkey clubs, hot ham and cheese, gourmet grilled cheese (great way to use up misc. slices of cheese varieties)
Mac and Cheese-dress it up with leftovers
Loaded baked potatoes (top with left over chili, broccoli and cheese, Ham and cheese, etc). Also a great way to use your left overs
Boxed bean and rice dishes to which I add smoked sausage
Anything rolled in a soft taco-peanut butter, lunch meat or more elaborate fillings. Also a great way to use up last nights rice by pairing it with other complimentary ingredients

My children's favorite is the muffin tray snack dinner
Fill each hole of muffin tin with cubed cheese, meat, veggies, snack crackers, raisins/peanuts, etc for a fun but nutritious meal.

And lastly-(GASP) the dreaded leftovers. Yes, folks, last nights dinner can be eaten!