Working parents have it tough. I have no earthly idea how it's possible to work 40+ hours a week, run errands, go to PTA meetings, put Band-Aids on boo-boos and prepare dinner for hungry families. But mom and dad are superhuman - and manage to fit more activity into one day than seems remotely reasonable. So here are five quick, easy international recipes that will hopefully have everyone around the dinner table chewing and murmuring appreciatively at your culinary prowess. A tip of the hat to mom and dad.
After a long day at work, the last thing you want is a complex, time consuming and messy hour in the kitchen. These savory and hearty veggie-filled pork rolls are a total no-brainer. You'll have dinner on the table before SpongeBob SquarePants hits the second commercial break. Total Cooking Time: 17 Minutes GET THE RECIPE
It's tough to get the kids to voluntarily eat their veggies. But trust me when I tell you these zucchini cakes have a flavor and texture that borders on meaty indeed. Aside from the zucchini, some leftover spaghetti sauce and grated Parmesan are about all you need to whip up a post-swim-meet Italian crowd-pleaser. Total Cooking Time: 25 Minutes GET THE RECIPE
Yes - you could make a box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese for dinner (confession: sometimes I like a little taste from the 'blue box'). But it doesn't take much more time to whip up a macaroni dish that is intense, hearty and nuanced. And the addition of soy sauce might have your future honor-student asking what umami is while (hopefully not) sticking macaroni in their nose. Total Cooking Time: 27 Minutes GET THE RECIPE
Fish sticks get a bum rap. The school cafeteria version can only be made palatable if you drown them in enough ketchup or tartar sauce. These Thai fish sticks aren't breaded, but still turn out crunchy on the outside with an herbaceous, fluffy interior. A dunk in the punchy dipping sauce totally beats a ketchup packet! Total Cooking Time: 21 Minutes GET THE RECIPE
Sometimes the kids just need a hearty snack, and you're out of Lunchables. Japanese rice balls have been a favorite of mine since I was wearing Hello Kitty pajamas. And with savory chicken, rice, carrots and ginger - that's a whole lot of food groups wrapped up in one delectable bite. Total Cooking Time: 15 Minutes GET THE RECIPE
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Whether mom loves a cozy baked pasta or a creamy chicken dinner, or something a bit more on the fancy side like a lobster risotto or our steak au poivre soup, we've got plenty of recipe ideas sure to bring a happy tear to her eye.
On the simple end, omelets and a salad or grilled cheese and tomato soup are within the range of an experienced 8 year old. Roast chicken and veggies is reasonable for an average 12 year old, as is a basic stir-fry and rice.
With an adult supervising, a 10-year old should be able to scramble eggs, stir fry vegetables or flip a pancake on an electric stovetop (you may want to wait longer if you have a gas range). Safety tip: Be sure to teach them to tie back long hair and never wear loose clothing around the stove. Prepare a sandwich.
If you are grilling chicken for dinner, do a few extra pieces for chicken salads, wraps, or soups. Make extra spaghetti sauce and then do quick pizzas with english muffins or flatbreads and cheese. Boil extra potatoes and do a hash. If you have time one evening, do prep-work for the next day.
Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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