It seems like this part of the year is just as hectic as the beginning of the school year, or even the holidays. There are meetings, sports, lessons,
gym time, and so on. It is also miserably cold in some parts of the country, which makes us irritable and we just want to snuggle up in a blanket on the couch after our busy days and let somebody else do the cooking! These are not the times to order take-out! It is expensive and not so good for us.
We just need some ideas for dinner that are not so difficult, but satisfying to our taste buds. I will share some of my “winter blues” recipes with you to get you through these times until the spring brings all of its color and freshness back to our kitchens.
Grilled Chicken Pasta
Serves 4
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg. whole wheat spaghetti or linguini
1 small can sliced, black olives
1 large can of Italian or garlic and herb diced tomatoes
1 small bottle fat-free or regular Italian salad dressing.
chopped Italian parsley
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
First, cut chicken into bite sized pieces and cook in a skillet sprayed with non-stick spray. Season to your liking with salt and pepper. While the chicken is cooking, bring pasta water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente stage, drain. Place chicken and pasta into a large bowl. Add the olives, drained, the tomatoes, undrained, chopped parsley, and 1/2 bottle of dressing. Give it a toss. You can add Parmesan to the entire recipe, or use it as a topping on each plate. Serve with garlic bread and a tossed salad. You can also add mushrooms to this. Use your imagination.
Mexican Roast Tortilla Wraps
These are so easy, it is a joke! My kids love these.
1 4-5 lb. beef roast
1 jar of green salsa
salt and pepper to taste
1 can beef broth
Place roast in crockpot. Salt and pepper well. Pour green salsa over roast. Pour broth in. Cook on low, 250 degrees or even lower, at least 4 hrs. or even ALL DAY if you have to. It should be so tender that it just falls apart when done. Shred the beef. Serve in warm tortillas garnished with more salsa, cheese, and sour cream. Spanish rice and a salad finish this meal off. That’s it! Enjoy!
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