This summer, I’m Roy Kent. We’re here. We’re there. We’re every-f****ing-where.
One place I’m not? The grocery store. Another place? The kitchen. Logistically, taking three young kids to the grocery store isn’t ideal. Hard pass. My kids (and if I’m honest, myself) would rather be at the pool, learning to ride a bike, on a playground, or doing literally anything else.
But the trouble with dinner is it comes around every night. How rude?!
If only I could clone myself so someone else could cook dinner.
Here’s the next best thing. Quick, easy dinners, so grocery shopping is a summer breeze and cooking is equally breezy.
Because let’s not forget: it once took me three trips to the grocery store to make spinach and artichoke dip. I was missing the two ingredients in the recipe’s name.
Disclaimers:
- My recipes are like your grandma’s: a pinch of this, a spoonful of that, and so forth. I try to avoid needing measuring cups and spoons whenever possible.
- A quick PSA: Follow all instructions on packages of suggested food for success.
Shockingly, there’s not a frozen pizza or lasagna on the list below, although I did consider it.
My favorite thing to do now is say, “Jump to recipe” when someone is telling a long story or burying the lead. So, say it with me: “JUMP TO RECIPE.”
Woo Woo Salad: First you need the understanding that “woo woo” in my book means magical. It can lend itself to a Woo Woo Dress (think The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants—it fits anyone perfectly.)
A Woo Woo Salad is filled with sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, salted avocado, and corn (I usually do a drained can but you could do fresh corn). Side note: Putting salt directly on avocado is life changing. Pour on some balsamic glaze, squeeze some lime juice, and stir it all together. My family of five uses a small container of cherry tomatoes, 1 large cucumber, 2 avocados and 1 can of corn.
Bonus points: Tostitos Scoops are the perfect edible spoon for eating this fan-favorite.
I’ll serve cornbread (TJs’ idiot-proof mix) with it.
Charcuterie Board: A tale as old as time, picky toddlers will happily nosh on meats, cheeses, crackers, grapes, raisins, or anything else in your pantry or fridge. Go full smorgasbord and put it on a large cutting board for all to feast. Then grab yourself a glass of wine to cheers.
Make it Mediterranean: Naan, cut-up-peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or anything else you want to dip in hummus. Hummus is chickpea-based, so you’re basically sneaking in more nutrients than some kids get all week. It’s like the Greek version of fondue night. Speaking of which…
Fondue Night: Just kidding! I’m not touching those recipes with a ten-foot poker! I also prefer my walls with less Gruyère.
Breakfast for Dinner: I don’t make the rules, but pancakes or waffles for dinner are always a hit. Bonus points for anyone who makes a mean “silly waffle.”
Tacos: Simple yes. But kids love making their own, and I will happily LET THEM. You can test the waters with sliced fish sticks or tilapia or stick with beef or chicken standbys. I’ll usually handle the tricky (re: messy) items like sour cream or hot beef and let them have at the other classic toppings of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese. So. Much. Cheese.
Tip: If your kids are resistant to tacos (crazy, but it can happen), try reading Dragons Love Tacos or Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel by Adam Rubin. Your kids will hop on the taco-loving bandwagon ASAP.
Pizza Night: Confession, I do love a frozen DiGiorno for my family. Ready-made pizza dough, marinara sauce, pre-shredded mozzarella cheese can make you a hero to even the pickiest eater. I toss on diced peppers, onions, chopped tomatoes, or anything else healthy my kids will eat. No shame in keeping it cheese only.
Dump Pastas for the Win: Pinterest is filled with never-ending dump recipes. This Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Pasta from The magical slow cooker is a family favorite. There’s something about eating green pasta that is so fun! This reheats well for leftovers. For my youngest or pickiest kids, I’d set some plain pasta aside with butter and let them try a little of mine. It wasn’t long before all my kids only wanted green pasta!
SANDWICH NIGHT
If Joey Tribbiani had a food pyramid, sandwiches would have their own level. And for good reason.
Slice a watermelon, grab a few chips, or any other sides you want with these sandwiches.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Sandwiches: Grab yourself a bag of TJ’s frozen Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts, a bottle of Magnifisauce, brioche buns, and voilà—you’ve got a crowd-pleaser! Don’t forget the pickles! Dill Pickle Chips are my recommendation.
BALTs: BLTs get cranked up a notch by adding avocado. Toast the bread and add mayo for an extra chef’s kiss. My husband has perfected the layering order so you don’t get avocado in your lap: Lettuce, Bacon, Tomatoes, Bacon, and Avocado.
Yes, I may have had a cheat sheet with this order of LBTBA on my fridge…
Egg Salad: Boil 2 eggs per person eating. Add a little vinegar to the water to make peeling easier. Get the kids involved in peeling them—trust me, they’ll love it. Chop about 2 sticks of celery finely. Stir in 2-3 large spoonfuls of mayo. Add salt and pepper to taste. We serve it on potato rolls or sourdough bread. Sometimes I toss on salted avocado on top for an extra punch! Kids also love this Egg Salad on crackers.
In closing, work smarter, not harder. Hot girl summer is out. Lazy mom summer is so on.