I found out the other night that one of my husband's most favorite things about marriage is indeed one of my least favorites. I know. Great realization to stumble upon now going strong in our third year. Don't worry - nothing to get our britches in a wad or cause a mini war over - I just found it ironic since this very thing has for some reason, been the topic amongst conversation at weekly "mother" gatherings and the previous morning Bible study.
What is it, you ask?
Jason told me the other night that he is thankful he never has to worry or decide about dinner anymore and labeled it as one of his favorite things of marriage.
Fantastic. This is - most likely - the number one thing that stresses me out and that I have found to definitely NOT BE a strength. Thankfully, I have discovered strengths in other areas of home-making (my new full-time job - and loving it!), such as keeping the house clean (and YES, this includes keeping up with the laundry!), but deciding menus, gathering ingredients, cooking them all into a concoction that then my taste good (the key, of course) - STRESSES ME OUT. You see, I am an oddity that can eat the same thing for each meal for a year before I get sick of it and trade them out for the following year. For example, I can eat oatmeal for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, and a lean cuisine for dinner EVERY DAY for about 360 consecutively. Obviously, this requires little planning and a darn easy shopping list, all the while eliminating all stresses. That's why when Jason wanted to do the Special-K diet last summer I gave an enthusiastic "YES!!!". Super easy. No stress.
I know cooking can be fun and I do find it enjoyable, but Jason and I have some differences in food-choices that leave me flabbergasted to come up with new, interesting ideas that don't cost a fortune (why spend more money on a crazy list of ingredients when I can hit up La Hacienda for cheaper??).
In fact, it's usually 4-ish in the afternoon before I realize "Oh my gosh! I have no ideas for dinner!" and have to make a grocery store run. And if I happen to accidentally eject my son from the shopping cart at 4:00 in the afternoon while trying to gather dinner (see previous post) - well, dinner is shot and there are no back-up plans because there was never a plan to begin with.
I tried planning out meals for two weeks (our budget is set for two weeks at a time) and this lasted for, well - two weeks. :)
I think what I need is some good easy recipes to add to my boring, bland list (you know - tacos, burgers, spaghetti, grilled chicken...you get the idea). I have some really good things I make, but they are either in the crock-pot or take too much time to make, and if I don't think about dinner until 4:00, well, the crockpot is obviously not an option anymore!
So I ask dear blogging friends - what are some easy, fast dinners (that don't have vegetables as their base since my husband doesn't seem to like this food group) that you rotate through your meals??? I would love suggestions and I would love to improve this area of my life!
And for those of you that want me to come do your laundry in exchange for a meal or de-clutter/organize your life/house - I'm in. :)
2 comments:
This is one of my favorites- http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/showrecipe.aspx?rid=12362
Ok I have a favorite fall back that when I want something quick and yummy...it is my go to.
Easy Beef Strogonoff
1 lb ground beef (can substitute ground turkey)
1 can cream of mushroom (not sure if he is a mushroom fan or not)
1/2 onion chopped
Whole Wheat Egg noodles
Sour cream
Brown the ground beef in a skillet and then drain if needed. About half way through browning add the chopped onion to the beef. Along side the meat bring a pot of water to boil and then place the noodles in to cook. Once the meat is browned, add the soup and just allow to heat. Once the noodles are ready, drain and return to the pot. Add the meat mixture and then some sour cream. As much as you would like. Salt and Pepper if needed. You have just made an easy pot of beef strogonoff. I typically have most of these ingredients on hand so if I need something that I'm not willing to really cook, well here it is. Aubrey eats it up too!
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