Simple, Delicious Dinner Ideas

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Simple, Delicious Dinner Ideas

If you follow me on Instagram stories, you’ll remember I asked if you’d rather see a post about sourdough bread or simple meals. It was a close race, but sourdough won. That post has been written and shared - I hope you’ve been inspired to make some bread!

But, now we really must talk about simple dinner ideas because dinner happens every. single. day. And with more cooking happening during COVID-19 stay at home, the more desperate we all are for ideas. AMIRIGHT? I’m always down for a good dinner idea anytime, during COVID or not. Simple, good, nutritious ideas. I appreciate meals that are quick and tasty but also provide a good balance of protein, veggies, and a grain or starch. Recently I’ve found some nice vegetarian meals as well. My grocery bill started to get high and I was looking for ways to cut down, so I cut out meat a few nights a week.

Okay, less talking and more sharing…

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My Friend the Instant Pot

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My Friend the Instant Pot

I held out buying an instant pot for a long time. I hesitated to buy yet another appliance to fill my kitchen shelves or take up counter space. Counter space is truly special; I must really love the appliance for it to earn countertop space. My Cuisinart mixer, toaster, and coffee pot have all earned counter top space. And now, my instant pot has earned it’s special place on the counter. I just made space for it last week after I decided enough was enough of brining it out of the cabinet so often. I use it at least once a week if not more.

Now, I know some of you have also not purchased an instant pot, yet. Maybe for the same reason. I get the hesitancy especially if you have a small kitchen. Luckily, I have a fair amount of cabinet space, which is one of the main highlights of our kitchen. You must wonder if you’ll use it enough. Is it worth the price? Well, my opinion is yes…but to each his own opinion.

One thing you should know: it’s not instant. Sure, it’s fast, but it ain’t instant. One of the first things I learned was that it needs time to build up pressure before the cooking time begins. Oh, and it also sometimes needs time to release the pressure. So if something takes 4 minutes, it will be more like a 10 minute process. But it is faster than a crockpot. And it builds lots of great flavor.

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Uber-Fast Weeknight Meals

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Uber-Fast Weeknight Meals

As my due date approaches, I get more and more nervous about how my meal planning will change. Right now, I usually cook dinner during Caleb’s nap. But will that still be possible once the baby arrives? Perhaps for a little while. However, I also know I’ll be exhausted and not wanting to cook much. I tent to push myself too far and cook meals that take too long and/or are more complex when I know I should be relaxing more…or at least that’s what my hubby tells me. But, I love cooking and coming up with delicious new meals - and I tend to frown upon pre-made things since I feel they aren’t as good for you (ugh, I hate that I wrote that, but it’s true - it just sounds so hoity toity. Goodness, I hope I’m not really hoity toity!).

On top of that, I’m terrible at taking it easy. I go-go-go until I drop. Oh sure, it’s productive, but by the end of the day I’m just plain pooped. Sooo, I’ve been trying to think up ideas of healthy, yet tasty meals. I thought you might be interested in what I’ve come up with so far.

For starters, I created a new Pinterest board titled, “Dinner: Uber Quick & Easy” (<— click the link to get to the Pinterest board). I’ve been saving some tasty looking meals to it. The Trader Joe’s hacks intrigue me. The one that grabs my attention the most is the Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Spicy Chicken Sausage and Mushrooms. I will definitely be making a trip to Trader Joe’s and stocking up on some items for when baby arrives.

Anyway, you should peruse my board. if you have any suggestions, please share! Now, for the ideas I’ve come up with so far on my own:

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Toddler Halloween Snacks: Pumpkin Oranges and Mummy Muffins

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Toddler Halloween Snacks: Pumpkin Oranges and Mummy Muffins

This is super last minute since tomorrow is Halloween, but these two snack ideas are so cute. I whipped them both up yesterday, so I think you can still manage to make one or both of them yourself in time for Halloween.

I made these especially for Caleb’s preschool class. It just so happened that I was assigned to bring snacks (we bring a snack about once a month) the day before Halloween. Since they don’t have school on Wednesdays, I knew today was the day to do something fun for Halloween. And that’s how we ended up with these snacks. Yay!

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