Friday, January 22, 2010

Ramen Dinner



My kids have been getting some pretty pathetic dinners lately. Jon has been working really late hours, and when he doesn't come home for dinner, I just don't put as much effort into meals for some reason. I think it's because he REALLY appreciates my cooking (like once he literally fell off his chair when he tasted my lasagna... just to make me feel good I'm sure. ha ha! He's just like Bob from "What about Bob?" If anyone knows what I'm talking about). So I guess I feel more motivated to make special dinners for him.

But the kids don't really care much. They just want to hurry through dinner... whatever it is, so they can play a little before bedtime. So last night I hit rock bottom and made ramen noodles for dinner. (Hey, at least it was the low sodium kind, and I mixed frozen veggies in it!)
So I need to find some really easy kid-friendly meals to make on nights like these. Any suggestions?

7 comments:

Mamapierce said...

Crockpot recipes are fabulous because you normally have more energy in the morning - so you can put stuff in and let it cook all day! I have some recipes if you want them!

Mel said...

I usually resort to breakfast foods. Waffles, pancakes, french toast. My kids love it!

Katie said...

Um, if Sean isn't home we end up with cereal, mac n cheese, sandwiches,or something equally pathetic. And I don't feel too guilty about it since it doesn't happen too often. You're sllowed to take a break sometimes!

Dana said...

I'm so bad....I did Ramen TWICE in the last 2 weeks! I usually will jump on the breakfast for dinner bandwagon, but you can always do a "craft" dinner.

Make toast and let the kids "paint" it with a clean brush and milk with a bit of food coloring in it...then microwave two slices with a piece of cheese in the middle. Ta da. The kids get to "make" dinner and do a craft at the same time. You get cool points for letting them be so creative...and nobody suspects you were just out of ideas!

I do suggest making DOUBLE meals, then freeze 1/2. It works great for crock pot meals. Make one in the pot and one in a bag at the same time. The next time you need a brain-free meal...pop the frozen meal into the crockpot!

nicole said...

Thanks guys! These are all great suggestions. And Jill, I would LOVE some of your crock pot recipes... you're probably the best cook I know, so you know I wouldn't pass up that opportunity!! :)
And Dana, I love the painting toast idea! My kids would love that.

Julie Jardine said...

At Least you put the veggies in it!
I also will do breakfast stuff. Or cold Cereal with toast. Or Cheese, crackers, and ham...
But I don't have this problem to often. Luckily Jared is generally home for dinner! But I hear ya on the "what's the point" attitutude when you hubby isn't there to appreciate it. Good luck babe! Keep up the good work! You're an amazing mom and wife!

Erin Sahul said...

best crockpot recipe book is called "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook" I live by it. Especially since I work full time and can throw in a meal before work, and its done when I get home :) But we also have "smorgasbord" nights where the boys get to "make" their own meals, and I just pull out all the left overs. We'll each eat a bite of this and a bite of that.....

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