Hey Mom! What's for Supper?

Pan Seared Tilapia with Caramelized Onions plus Chickpea Artichoke Salad

2011-07-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is....

Pan Seared Tilapia with Caramelized Onions plus Chickpea Artichoke Salad
(Trust me - it's a crowd pleaser!)

Pan Seared Tilapia with Caramelized Onions
2 large Vilalia Onions, diced or cut into strips
5 Tilapia Fillets (1 per child, 2 per adult)
Olive Oil
Salt

Place Onions in a large skillet, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat.
Cook over medium-high heat until onions are browned and soft. (leave them alone at first to allow them to brown, toss once and let them alone again to brown the other side. Then, add a little water to coat and stir - this quickens the softening process. After water evaporates, you are done).
Remove Onions from the pan and set aside.
Add more olive oil to the skillet, sprinkle tilapia with salt and place in the skillet.
Cook on both sides for 2-3 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
Cover with onions to serve!

Chickpea Artichoke Salad
(Apron's Simple Meals - 2010 Publix Supermarkets, Inc.)
1/2 cup canned artichokes, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 bag baby arugula leaves
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/3 cup oilve oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Combine arugula, chickpeas, onions and artichokes.
Whisk oil, vinegar, salt and pepper until blended; add to salad. Toss and serve.
Use Romaine for a milder lettuce.

Pizza on the Grill - what??

2011-07-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is....

Grilled Pizza

This is a great summer meal! It's fun for everyone to top their own!

Crust Know-how!

Go to your Publix Deli and Purchase enough pre-made pizza dough for your family or make your own

(I find that their dough makes two regular pizzas or 4 individual pizzas)

Mix together: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning, 3 gloves minced garlic

Lightly flour the back of a metal baking sheet or large cutting board - this is going to be your work surface and pizza paddle. You may need to use two or three. If you have everyone shaping their own - use a thick, folded piece of foil per person.

Stretch out the dough to the size of the baking sheet and place on the sheet.

Brush oil seasoning onto the dough and flip dough out onto the grill. Remove baking sheet and brush oil onto the side facing up.

Grill over direct medium heat until the underside of the dough is marked, 1 to 3 minutes.

Slide the dough onto the baking sheet (or The Pampered Chef Mega Lifter) and flip the ungrilled side onto the grill. Brush the top with more oil and continue to grill for 3 to 4 minutes. (Do not overcook at this step - even if the dough does not look done)

Remove from grill and cool slightly on a cooling rack. Add toppings, return to grill, close lid and grill to desired doneness (cheese melts etc.)

Topping Ideas:

Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Mix together shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, buffalo rub (or hot sauce) and ranch dressing.

Greek Pizza: Shredded Chicken, Kalamata Olives, Fresh Spinach, Feta Cheese

Alfredo Pizza: Spread Crust with pre-made Alfredo Sauce. Top with Spinach, Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese

Taco Pizza: Top with leftover taco meat, salsa, chopped onions and cheddar cheese

Bruschetta Pizza: Layer over the crust - Sliced Tomato, Sliced Fresh Mozzarella and Fresh Basil. Sprinkle with salt. Drizzle with olive oil!

Quick Asian Stir-Fry

2011-07-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is....

Quick Asian Stir-Fry
This recipe is easily doubled or tripled..
1 pound lean pork or chicken, thinly sliced
1/2 box mini penne pasta, cooked and drained
1 package Bird’s Eye Steam Fresh Vegetables – Asian Medley
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper

In a large skillet, place olive oil and garlic in medium high. Salt and pepper the meat and cook thoroughly in the skillet.
Meanwhile, place veggie bag in microwave for 8 minutes. Cook pasta!
When meat is cooked, add in pasta and veggies.
Stir to combine.
Serve!

Cool Summer Salad

2011-07-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is....

This Cool Summer Salad is just perfect for our HOT summer day! It's light but filling! Switch out ingredients to your liking!

Cool Summer Salad
Arugula (This is your lettuce, if you want a milder flavor use Romaine)
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup pecans
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (use feta, bleu or mozzarella (if you don't like soft cheeses))
2 cups grilled chicken breasts, sliced thin

Dressing: (Mix together the following)
2 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white)
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup olive oil
salt

Taco Tuesday

2011-07-12T05:03:00.000-07:00

The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is....

Taco Tuesday ... Everybody loves it! There's lots of great stuff to choose from and you make your own!

Taco Tuesday
Lay out in order - starting with plates!
Flour tortillas (soft taco size)
hard taco shells
Ground beef, cooked, drained and seasoned with taco seasoning packets
Shredded Cheeses
Chopped Tomatoes
Shredded Lettuce
Chopped Onion
Seasoned Rice (you can buy mexican rice - we use yellow rice)
Black Beans
Salsa
Sour Cream
Cheese Sauce (We use the Frito Lay Queso in the jar)

Ideas:
Everyone gets pretty creative but here are some ideas
Double Decker Taco: Start with your favorite fillings in a hard taco. Spread a soft tortilla with Queso Sauce and wrap around the hard taco

Cheese Roll-Up: Put shredded cheese on a soft tortilla. Microwave 1 minute and roll!

"Beefy Melt Burrito": Flour tortilla spread with Queso Sauce. Fill with meat, rice, sour cream

Taco Salad: Your favorite fillings on top of lots of lettuce - no shell!

Roasted Chicken, Real Good Mac n' Cheese, Lima Beans, Broccoli

2011-07-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is....

Roasted Chicken, Real Good Mac n' Cheese, Lima Beans, Broccoli

Roasted Chicken
1 whole Chicken or 4 Breast Halves with Skin On (You can also use boneless skinless breast)
Salt
4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
1 tablespoon Rosemary (I use the Pampered Chef's Rosemary Blend*)
Olive Oil

Combine Salt, Garlic and Rosemary. Cover with enough olive oil to make a paste.
Lift the skin on the chicken and rub the garlic mixture under the skin. Rub top of skin with leftovers.

Cooking Options:
Pampered Chef's Deep Covered Baker*: Place chicken in baker. Microwave uncovered 30 minutes
Crock Pot: Place Chicken in Crock Pot and cook on low all day (at least 3 hours)
Oven: Place in a pan and cook at 425 degrees. Covered for 1 hour and then uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.

Real Good Mac n' Cheese
feel free to use your grandma's recipe or the "Blue Box" but my kids are fans of my creamy version
1 box elbow noodles - cooked and drained
1 stick butter or margarine
1/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

In a medium sauce pan, melt butter. Add salt and flour to make a pasty substance. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes - stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in milk (the slower you add, the less likely you will get lumps)
Bring to a boil
Slowly whisk in cheese. Stir constantly until melted.
Pour cheese sauce over noodles and enjoy!

Lima Beans
Pick your favorite peas or beans here
1 package frozen peas or beans
1/2 teaspoon ham base (you can use chicken, beef or ham bouillon here)

Place beans and seasoning in a sauce pot. Cook on medium high heat for about 1 hour (for soft lima beans)

Broccoli
1 bag frozen broccoli
Kosher Salt
Olive Oil

Cook broccoli by steaming or boiling, drain.
Drizzle with olive oil and kosher salt.
You could skip the olive oil and salt and pour some of the mac n' cheese sauce over the broccoli!

** The Magic Pot and Rosemary Blend are products of The Pampered Chef, ltd. To purchase these products, please contact your personal Pampered Chef Consultant. If you do not have one, I will be glad to help.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread

2011-07-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is....

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread

I'm headed to Publix in a few to pick up my groceries! I love making the sauce in the morning and letting it cook all day. I also cut up the lettuce ahead of time, too! This way if we have a busy day, supper is only 10 - 15 minutes away from ready!

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (The easy way)
Brown Ground Beef and Drain (you can easily substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken)
Mix in one envelope of dry spaghetti sauce seasoning mix
Mix in two jars of your favorite pre-made sauce

Cook on low for at least 30 minutes or place in a crock-pot on low all day
adding the dry sauce packet allows you to give the pre-made sauce a real burst of flavor

Serve with your favorite pasta cooked according to package directions

Caesar Salad
2-3 Romaine Hearts, cut into small pieces
Croutons
Marie's Creamy Caesar Dressing
Fresh Shaved Parmesan Cheese

Mix first 3 ingredients and top with shaved Parmesan

Buy a block of fresh Parmesan and shave it with your vegetable peeler. Much cheaper than buying it already shaved

Garlic Bread
My family is a huge fan of Cole's Garlic Bread so that's what we do!!

I always reserve a little sauce without meat for my picky eaters and also some salad with no dressing!

Grilled Tilapia with Nectarine Salsa, Rice and Garlic Broccoli

2011-07-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is....

Grilled Tilapia with Nectarine Salsa, Rice and Garlic Broccoli

Grilled Tilapia (or any mild white fish)
Purchase two fillets per person
Season with Salt and your favorite seasoning, then drizzle with olive oil
Grill on an indoor grill pan for 2 minutes on each side

TIPS:
For seasoning, I often use Old Bay but my favorite is a Citrus & Basil Rub that I get from The Pampered Chef

For fish, always season first then add the oil or all of your seasoning slides off

If you don't have an indoor grill pan, use a large skillet or bake on a stone bar pan* in the oven (350 degrees for 10 minutes)

Nectarine Salsa
2 nectarines, cut into bite-sized pieces (peaches or pineapple are a great substitute)
3 slices of roasted red peppers, drained and diced (found in a jar near the pickles and olives)
1/4 small red onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, diced
Juice of 1 lime
sprinkle of salt

Combine all ingredients and place in fridge while the fish cooks

Garlic Broccoli
Steam as much fresh broccoli to feed your family, drain
Mix together:
2 cloves minced garlic, juice of 1 lemon, olive oil equal to amount of lemon juice, salt
Pour garlic mixture over broccoli and serve
When lemons are really large, you may only need to use 1/2

Rice
My family loves yellow rice but sometimes I use a pilaf mix. Just pick the boxed or bagged blend that your family will eat.

For picky eaters or non-fish fans..
I usually have extra rice and a vegetable or two that my non-fish fans love.

This is a great way to serve fish if you are new to fish and really want to add it into your diet

Chopped Salad plus HELP for Picky Eaters

2011-07-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is....

Chopped Salad and Bread-sticks ...
plus something the picky ones will eat (without making a separate meal)

Chopped Salad is a meal in a bowl. Just chop up your favorite salad ingredients into pieces that you could scoop up with a spoon. This one has chicken and pasta to keep you full.

Chopped Salad
2 Romaine Lettuce Hearts
1 pint grape tomatoes
2 small cucumbers
1 cup baby carrots
1 bunch green onions (both green and white parts)
1 (8 oz) block Monterrey Jack Cheese (experiment with Feta or Bleu Cheese)
3 chicken breasts (grilled or baked)
1 package center-cut bacon cooked crisp, drained and crumbled
1 box small pasta (ditalini, small shells), cooked, drained and cooled
1 small bottle of your favorite Italian Dressing

Chop, Cut or Dice all ingredients into similar size pieces and mix together in a large bowl. Cover with dressing. Stir and Serve.

Cook's Tips:
You will want to chop or cut up each ingredient with a knife, food chopper* or salad chopper*. I don't recommend anything electrical because the pieces that result are often unpredictable.

Cook pasta and drain. Place in a bowl and stir in 1/2 of the dressing. This keeps the pasta from sticking while it cools.

Before cooking, cut the bacon into small pieces with scissors. Then, stir fry in the pan til crisp. No need to stand and flip bacon forever. This method is quick and easy.

For a quick cook, I cook my chicken in the Magic Pot* and it's done in 15 minutes.

This recipe makes a lot so I usually add lettuce into half of the mixture and then we often have the other half for the next day and add more lettuce then.

For the picky ones...
Even the pickiest eaters like this salad. Things are chopped up so small it's hard to tell what you are eating (well, almost!).

What I do for my picky children, the ones who can't let anything touch, is this...
1) For any new meal they must have a "No, Thank You" spoonful. They have to try it and then say "No, Thank You" to get other food. If they whine, complain, act rude... They go to bed!

2) For this meal, I save out some chicken, pasta and lettuce. My daughter loves to put her chicken in a lettuce boat and eat it that way. She also loves her pasta with olive oil and salt but my son loves just plain Ragu sauce. Raw carrots are always a hit with them both.

It's easy to hold off on putting some of the items in the salad that I know they will eat if separated. I don't make totally different food (unless they are under the age of 3 - that's the rule in our house).

* The Magic Pot, Food Chopper and Salad Chopper are all workhorses in my kitchen. All are products of The Pampered Chef, ltd. To purchase these products, please contact your personal Pampered Chef Consultant. If you do not have one, I will be glad to help.

Easy Ribs, Smashed Potatoes, Zuchini

2011-07-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

The "I Don't Know How to Cook" Book: 300 Great Recipes You Can't Mess Up!The answer to today's question of "Hey Mom! What's for Supper?" is.....

Easy Ribs, Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Zucchini, Rolls, Baby Carrots

Doesn't it feel great to have an answer to the question that goes through our minds every day! Even better, isn't it great to be able to answer our kids when they ask (even at 10 o'clock in the morning)?

So, how do you make this supper and how to you make it EASY!

Prepare the ribs in the morning. Prep and cook the potatoes and zucchini while the sauce warms on the ribs!

Easy Ribs:
This week I have pork spare ribs (on sale at Publix for $1.99/pound)

Sprinkle ribs with salt and garlic powder
Stand ribs up in your crock pot or Magic Pot*
Cook on low all day (or at least 4 hours)
Drain the juices, pour on your favorite BBQ sauce and replace the lid
Let the sauce warm for about 30 minutes and serve

Smashed Potatoes
Buy a bag of red potatoes
Wash in cold water
place in a large pot and cover with water
boil on medium-high until you can easily stick a fork into the potatoes
Drain potatoes and place back in the pot
Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, put in about 4 tablespoons butter or spread, 2 tablespoons salt and 2 tablespoons dill weed
Smash all of this together until potatoes are chunky and covered with seasonings (taste and add more if needed)

Roasted Zucchini
Cut the ends off zucchini and wash - pat dry (Zucchini, on sale at Publix this week)
slice lengthwise into 4 spears
Rub with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt
place on sheet pan or stone bar pan*
Cook on 450 degrees for 30 minutes

Carrots
I serve raw carrots with ranch dressing because I know that my picky eaters will eat them. This is just a quick, no fuss add-on that I use. Use any one of your child's favorite fruits or veggies here to know that there is one thing that you can get down them if they decide to rebel on the reset of the meal :)

Rolls
For this meal I used King's Hawaiian Rolls. (also, on sale at Publix this week)

* The Magic Pot and Stone Bar Pan are two of the workhorses in my kitchen. Both are products of The Pampered Chef, ltd. To purchase these products, please contact your personal Pampered Chef Consultant. If you do not have one, please let me know.

Check out this AWESOME copycat cookbook!

2011-06-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

Save time and money by cooking restaurant food at home! Why go out to eat when you can make your favorites at home?? It's healthier and cheaper - not to mention faster! By the time my family gets their shoes on, gets in the car and decides where to go, I could have cooked at home!!!

AWESOME Restaurant Copy Cat Cookbook

In a Rut at 6 p.m.? The solution is here!

2011-06-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a mom who works at home or in an office, at 6 p.m. there's always someone yelling ... "Hey mom! What's for supper?" Well, help is here! I have started this blog to help women and men everywhere who are hungry and have no inspiration.

Each day, I will post ideas for supper. I'll let you know where the best deals are for the groceries you'll need, I'll post the recipes and the quickest way to get it on the table and then get it cleaned up.

The goal is to get your family around the table! The food is secondary - the time together is legendary!

From now on, you'll have an answer for "Hey mom! What's for Supper?"