What to Cook for Dinner . . . when you don't feel like cooking dinner!

I’ve been off of my game lately. One of the things that’s been off is my interest in my normal dinner prep routine. Last week I was too sick to make dinner for my boys for four nights straight. That has to be some kind of record over here. Even if I had felt like shuffling from my bed to the kitchen, The Germophobe Husband wouldn’t even allow me in the same vicinity as any food that would enter everyone else’s mouth. So I am simply chose to ignore the ramifications of whatever take out food that came their way last week.

Fast forward to this week and the thought of planning and preparing dinner just hasn’t excited me. This is not typical. If you’ve read this blog for any time you know that finding, testing, and making up recipes is something that I love. I’m one of those “service” people. I show love through “serving” or doing for others. And since they boys come through the door starving from football practice I typically love to feed them good food.

So, yesterday, when the Third Son walked through the door and asked his typical 365 day a year question, “What’s for dinner”? I admit I cringed. I told him I wasn’t quite sure as I hadn’t really planned it yet. Can I tell you how fast his head whipped around to stare at me? Then, he said something to the affect of “What do you mean? That’s your job. You don’t have anything else to do but make dinner!” Let’s just let that sit for a minute. If you are reading this I would like for you to acknowledge the fact that I did not raise my hand to give him that backhand that could have easily whipped from my body. I took a breath (yes, yoga does teach you some wonderful life skills!) and I merely agreed that it was my sole purpose and only job each and every day to ensure that he had a homemade, wholesome, yet also delicious meal, waiting for him every single evening. And, sadly, I guess in his mind maybe that is my one and only job. Until he wants those nasty football pants cleaned, or new ink for the printer at 11:30 pm for a project due the next day, or help finding his English book, or some game app for his phone, or to have five friends over at the last minute which also involves making homemade wings and brownies. . . .

Since I had not planned out dinner, I basically did one of my “make dinner from what we had on hand” nights and lo and behold the troops were fed, full and happy. So, if you find yourself cringing over what to prepare for dinner when the troops are waiting, here is an easy stir fry.

After rummaging through the refrigerator, here is what I had on hand:

Kitchen Dump Stir Fry

Red, Green and Yellow bell pepper rings (I had picked them up because they looked so pretty!), chopped

4 skinless chicken breasts (something we usually have on hand and I bet you do too!), cut into bite size pieces

Chicken sausage (also a staple), cut into bite size pieces

Garlic cloves, 3-4 minced

Olive Oil

Cooked Pasta or Spaghetti Squash

Directions:

In a large saute’ pan drizzle 2 T olive oil on medium heat and add garlic. Cook until garlic is golden and add chicken. Cook chicken until it begins to turn and add sausage. Meanwhile spray a small pan with olive oil spray and add peppers. Cook until browned. While meat and vegetables are cooking, boil water and cook pasta or prepare spaghetti squash.

When chicken and sausage are cooked through, add the peppers. Mix well and serve over the cooked pasta or spaghetti squash.

DONE. Filling, healthy, and tasty.

Here is the original photo I took when putting out my ingredients for dinner . . . see if you notice the difference.

That’s our little border terrier, Lu. I think she thinks if she looks pitiful enough she might get some scraps . . .

While writing this I got a call from a friend who is in the middle of end of year craziness. She has a graduate, another child, works as a teacher, so has so many balls in the air right now. I almost feel guilty that this year my May is not the super busy, emotional roller coaster that it can be. This May I can breath and save up until next year! However, it made me think of a post I wrote during one of my crazy months of May. And it even includes a great Summer Salad Recipe. So if you feel as if you are Dropping Balls, you aren’t alone and it is OKAY!

Ever get in your own “don’t feel like cooking” rut? How do you break it? What is your stand by? Are you having a crazy May this year?

Enjoy Your Day!