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01-14-2013 at 11:24 AM
irishsmile...
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irishsmiles428 is not online. Last active: 05-14-2013, 9:21 PMNewbie

cant seem to get it together - re: dinners

Okay, I know this is not exactly a baby question- but I feel like I am so busy during the day with my LO, that I cant seem to get it together to have dinner made!

I use a grocery store delivery service, so you would think I would have everything I need, but I guess Im either a terrible planner or Im just not a good/creative cook!

How do you all do it?  Any quick and easy dinners that are your " go to " dishes?  I do not like crock pot recipes. 

thanks! 
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01-14-2013 at 11:29 AM
mabenner1
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We grill a lot. Food on the grill is fast and healthy. We do chicken breast, steaks, pork chops, fish...you name it. I'll just whip up some rice, pierogies, and some steamable veggies to go with. We do tacos, hamburger helper, spaghetti, shrimp alfredo, sloppy joes, and stuff like that a lot. Breakfast for dinner is another easy, quick dish.
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01-14-2013 at 11:51 AM
irishsmile...
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irishsmiles428 is not online. Last active: 05-14-2013, 9:21 PMNewbie

thanks! 

I live in an apartment- no grill :( 
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01-14-2013 at 11:52 AM
Kristen050
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I struggle this too. I'm also dairy free for this LO so that makes planning even harder.  When LO was born I set 3 daily goals for myself to keep sane. Take a shower, brush my teeth and make dinner. Everything else was just gravy! I find I have to start thinking of dinner and preparing first thing in the morning. DS takes his best naps then so it's easier to get stuff done. I google recipes online and plan from there. I also have a couple go to websites like 365crockpot (I know you said you don't like crockpot but you may find a couple recipes you like) and skinnytaste.
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01-14-2013 at 12:21 PM
mabenner1
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irishsmiles428:

thanks! 

I live in an apartment- no grill :( 

Get an electric grill or a grill pan for the stovetop. It is worth the money.
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01-14-2013 at 12:22 PM
cerratocc
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I always use the crockpot, it's easy cause LO is so well behaved in the morning.  What about it do you not like? There are soo many recipes that are very different from each other.

Besides that, the best way that I make things is to have everything together from the night before or the morning when LO is sleeping.  Like cut up the veggies, get all the dry ingredients and dishes together.   
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01-14-2013 at 1:18 PM
kateraid
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i get my husband to cook when he gets home.  He does the shopping too.
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01-14-2013 at 1:45 PM
irishsmile...
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re: crock pot- everything tastes soupy and stewy. 

I do have a grill pan- Ill dust it off! 
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01-14-2013 at 1:47 PM
Hopeful201...
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I was the same way, then DH and I decided to start planning dinners out for 2 weeks. It actually saved us money at the grocery store and now when I am busy with DD and DS during the day I don't have to worry about what to come up with for dinner. Once DH is home from work, he takes over the LO's and I cook. It works pretty well for us!
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01-14-2013 at 2:18 PM
saturdayni...
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We grill a lot year round. On Sundays I make a big meal so we can have leftovers. Also, once or twice a month I make pasta sauce and meatballs, then split it up and freeze -- easy dinner once a week. Recently I hosted a pampered chef party and got a deep covered baker... It has saved me so much in the last month when I haven't felt like cooking -- there are a ton of microwave recipes which save time and electricity, but also allow me to multi-task while "cooking" -- recipes include a 30-min roasted whole chicken, stew, pot pie, chicken pesto, cakes, etc etc 
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01-14-2013 at 5:18 PM
Jimsgirl58...
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Another good idea are those bags and seasonings in the spice aisle. Just toss some meat and veggies and potatoes in the bag and it cooks itself in the oven. You could even bag everything in the fridge in the morning to pop in oven later. We also keep a pizza crust around usually as a quick dinner to add whatever toppings we like. 
 
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01-14-2013 at 5:42 PM
kerbear135
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If DH is off on the weekends or a week day, have him watch LO and either cook several meals that can be frozen and reheated, or cook a big meal with lots of leftovers. We didn't cook the first 2 weeks of LO's life because people from my church brought us dinner, and since there's only 2 of us (besides LO), we had lots of leftovers and every meal brought turned into 2 or 3 meals eaten.
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01-14-2013 at 5:46 PM
Betty&Co
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The crockpot. What do you have against it? Tonight I'm making crockpot fajitas. Took me <10 of prep, and dinner will be done in about 4 hours. Healthy and delicious.

I prayed for this child, and the lord has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27


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01-14-2013 at 7:12 PM
JCouram
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My husband and I plan out our dinners on Saturday for the whole week.  Then we make our grocery list based off of our choices for the week.  This makes it easier for me because I don't have to think about what we are going to eat.  Plus, it keeps me on track with eating better choices.  We keep a few "easy" dinners in mind during the week just in case I get to a point where I just DO NOT want to cook.  We also allow ourselves to order in one day.


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01-15-2013 at 7:28 AM
northhills...
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Everyone has given you great advice. Personally, I have found that it's easier to cook now, when home with the baby, then when I go back to work! that's when we turn to grilling and quick, easy meals (frozen pizza, etc.).

Casseroles are perfect right now - especially if you live in the frigid North! I just took boneless pork chops last night, coated them with panko crumbs / parm mix, and threw them in the oven to bake. For the sides, stove top apple stuffing was done in 10 minutes on the stove and a bag of frozen veggies in the mocrowave was done in 5 minutes.

Look into getting a carrier or sling if you think your baby is very needy and wants to be held - that will free up your hands!

My three sons.

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01-15-2013 at 8:23 AM
mejane123
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irishsmiles428:
re: crock pot everything tastes soupy and stewy.nbsp;I do have a grill pan Ill dust it off!nbsp;


Not true, you just have to find recipes that are soups or stews. Pulled pork or chicken, pork tacos, pork loin, pot roast, pork chops or chicken breast, chili, meatballs, fajitas, etc. I've found a million recipes on Pinterest that are not at all your typical crock pot meals, you just have I look. Trust me, I felt the same way as you about slow cooker meals! But trust me, once you find a couple good nonsoup or stew recipes, you'll be hooked!
 
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01-15-2013 at 9:30 AM
mejane123
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irishsmiles428:
re: crock pot everything tastes soupy and stewy.nbsp;I do have a grill pan Ill dust it off!nbsp;


Not true, you just have to find recipes that are soups or stews. Pulled pork or chicken, pork tacos, pork loin, pot roast, pork chops or chicken breast, chili, meatballs, fajitas, etc. I've found a million recipes on Pinterest that are not at all your typical crock pot meals, you just have I look. Trust me, I felt the same way as you about slow cooker meals! But trust me, once you find a couple good nonsoup or stew recipes, you'll be hooked!
 
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