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Five Fast Weeknight Meals

Five Fast Weeknight Meals

Weeknights are busy and dinner can be SO HARD. The coming up with new ideas, the grocery shopping, the execution, the cleaning! These five fast weeknight meals are guaranteed not to be boring or complicated, and they all come together in 30 minutes or less!

What had happened was…

I had every intention of sharing something new and delicious with you today. I’ve made it several times. Worked out the kinks. Sampled the results. Recipe is in great working order. But in order for you to want to EAT the food and MAKE the food, which is basically the whole entire point, you have to be able to SEE the food. And the weather is NOT cooperating with me and my needy camera lighting. The house is dark… it’s been so rainy that dank really seems a better word. All my photos have a weird bluish hue that I can’t seem to filter out because the truth of it is that there’s no substitute for sunshine.

So the new something delicious will have to wait until tomorrow.

For today I have five of my favorites from the past year that I decided to re-share (all updated with printer-friendly recipes thankyouverymuch). In case you’re stuck in a dinner rut. In case you’re new here (Hi!!!!). In case you’re like me and sometimes you get so wrapped up in new stuff you forget some of your most favorite things.

Chicken Gyros

… straight up street fair food. But it’s healthy! I’m not making that up I promise. Plus the sauce can be made ahead, as can the marinade, which means you can have food on the table in 30 minutes or less. I love you, too.

 

Southwest Black Bean Pizza

… is for those days when you can’t decide between pizza and tacos. So much color, so many pretty vegetables, and a black bean spread that would make a really awesome dip if you’re into that.

 Spaghetti Carbonara

… stick-to-your-ribs warm cozy pasta covered in parmesan cheese, bacon, and eggs. I almost always have everything to make this on hand, even when I am totally avoiding grocery shopping.

Chicken Satay Skewers with Stir-Fried Vegetables

… doesn’t necessarily have to be made on the grill. It works fine stove-top and can even be baked in the oven. Grill pans work, too. This one combines peanutty chicken, vegetables, and rice noodles. I flipping love this stuff.

 

 

free penny press

Wednesday 16th of January 2013

With my busy work schedule, these all look like meals I could actually accomplish and serve before 9pm at night.. thanks for these!! Yes, work on that cookbook ;-)

Heather

Wednesday 16th of January 2013

Haha- eventually a book, maybe?

These are really my favorite fall-back recipes. They are crazy simple and come together quickly, especially if you use a store-bought pitas, or pizza dough. And you know pasta is always quick! If you make the gyros or satay and are in a hurry either marinate them as soon as you get in the door before you're actually ready to cook or marinate them the night before. Thanks, Lynne!

hopefuladdict

Wednesday 16th of January 2013

I remember those!!! I really want some black bean pizza please...and thank you!! lol I'm a pizzaholic!!!!!!!! Those pitas look so fluffy and delicious...reminds me of a puffy taco recipe I saw on the Food Network once...those made me drool lol

Heather

Wednesday 16th of January 2013

I am a pizza-holic, too. I seriously put EVERYTHING on pizza. Love it. I made those pitas; it's really easy- pretty similar to making pizza dough. There's a whole wheat version, too!

Choc Chip Uru

Tuesday 15th of January 2013

They are very delicious looking and very simple - thank you!

Cheers Choc Chip Uru

thepinkrachael

Tuesday 15th of January 2013

Did you read my mind?! I totally need this to get me through reports AND keep me going with my goal to cook new stuff! Tonight is out, since I have run for the second day in a row, need to do reports and generally feel a bit worked/dated/exercised/frozen-colded out! But, chicken satay later in the week - I think so!

Heather

Wednesday 16th of January 2013

Yeah for chicken satay! I didn't read your mind but I'm glad this was helpful! I get so engrossed in finding new recipes that sometimes I forget all the stupid easy & delicious stuff that I already have to fall back on. Yay for running!

Hot Rod Cowgirl

Tuesday 15th of January 2013

They all look extremely good and yummy:) When is the cook book coming out:) Sending you a Tuesday Hug:)

Heather

Wednesday 16th of January 2013

Heyyyyy! Hope you've been well! Thank you!