7  tips  for  easy  weeknight  dinners!

Weekday dinners can sometimes be a challenge, especially when juggling busy schedules and kids. Here are 7 tips for simple, yet sensational meals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.