Make it Fast, Save a Dollar!

Part of how we save money is by planning.  Dinner comes around every evening.  Yet, sometimes we are surprised by this.  When you regularly find yourself saying, "Oh Crap!" around 5 o clock, and everyone in your family is hovering around you like hungry baby birds, it is sometimes easier to go out and grab something.  You think, at this point, that it will be faster. 

If your family is anything like mine, it won't be that much faster.  By the time you load the kids up, and drive to the local hamburger joint, you will have taken 30 minutes.  Then you have to get out or go through the drive through.  If you go through the drive through, is everyone eating in the car?  If they are desparate, and you let them, they will! But then there will be french fries all over the back seat, and really, haven't we all found those pickles in the most interesting of spaces!

When I have to pull something out of thin air and need to get it together quick, I run to the kitchen, turn the oven on to 350, and set a pot of water on to boil.  This does two things:  It lets my family know supper is on the way, and it is there just in case I need it.  :-D 

Here is a list of ideas of quickie meals:
Taco Salad - Ground beef or canned chicken, taco seasoning, lettuce, salsa, cheese, and a can of corn, black beans, or pinto beans.  Use tortillas, taco shells, or chips if you have them.

Macaroni and Cheese - Macaroni or some other type of pasta (yay for having the water boiling already).  Put half a stick of butter or margarine in a sauce pan, once it is melted add 1/4 cup of flour.  Stir to combine.  Add a couple cups of cream or milk, stir until combined.  Add 2 cups of whatever cheese you have and some salt and pepper.  Stir until melted and thickened.  Pour over the cooked noodles in a baking dish.  Turn the oven up to 400.  Cook for 10 minutes or so and then turn on the broiler.  Let it it start to brown and it is done!  Woo Hoo!  Serve with a can of green beans, peas, or a salad.

Sandwiches, chips, and a can of fruit. 

Chili - Ground beef, couple 15 ounce cans of tomato something (sauce, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes).  Add chili mix if you have it, cumin and chili powder if you don't, and salt and pepper.  Throw in some chili beans, brown beans, kidney beans, or black beans.  Serve with hot dogs and cheese or just serve with crackers. 

There are a few ideas of things I can put together fast.  Make up your list and then make sure you keep those pantry ingredients on hand at all times.  :)

Happy Cooking!
Jessica





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