Weekday dinners can sometimes be a challenge, especially when juggling busy schedules and kids. Here are 7 tips for simple, yet sensational meals.
Plan a weekly menu
The key to success is planning! This reduces stress, pressure, and saves money while avoiding waste. Consider the family schedule by planning simple meals for busy evenings and more elaborate dishes when you have more time in the kitchen.
Reinvent leftovers
To avoid monotony, get creative! Yesterday's restaurant pasta can become a delicious pasta salad today, and breaded chicken tenders can be repurposed into wraps for a quick and delicious meal.
Stock up on basic foods
A well-stocked pantry with basic foods allows you to quickly whip up successful meals. Stock canned tomatoes, legumes, and ready-to-eat soups like those from Bâton Rouge, basic sides (rice, couscous, quinoa, etc.), pastas, pesto, and sauces like those from Toujours Mikes for meals in less than 20 minutes.
Equip yourself like a pro!
Simplify your life by using various time-saving devices:
- Use a slow cooker to cook while you’re at work.
- Opt for an air fryer to make baking or roasting a breeze.
- Use a hand blender to whip up soups quickly.
- Take advantage of a food processor or mini chopper to quickly chop garlic, onions, vegetables, etc.
Think about ready-to-eat
Keep frozen meals in the freezer for those nights when you lack the energy to cook. Foods like lasagna or pizza from Toujours Mikes, Asian meals from Thai Express and Thaizone, and ribs or flank steak from Bâton Rouge are great options for tasty meals in minutes.
Mix and match
Combine several prepared dishes to create a varied dining experience. For example, pair a ready-made soup with pizza or side dishes.
Some winning combinations:
- Crispy chicken burgers with fries from Bâton Rouge
- The Toujours Mikes pizza with smoked sausages on a Valentine stick
- Wonton soup with chicken pad thai from Thaizone
Bet on the plate!
Sheet pan meals are all the rage! Arrange vegetables, starches, proteins, and a marinade or vinaigrette on a plate, put in the oven, and that’s it! Fast, nutritious, tasty, and with almost no washing up.
Some winning combinations:
- Bavette Bâton Rouge with roasted peppers and onions, red wine sauce
- Braised Beef Roast Bâton Rouge with Potatoes and Herb Sauce
- Casa Grecque steak with salad and homemade Casa Grecque vinaigrette
You'll get hooked!
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