Scott told me to take a picture, but I was too busy stuffing my face
Whenever I cook dinner it feels like such an event it warrants a whole post. Scott took over the cooking three years ago when he returned to freelancing, and I have mightily enjoyed that arrangement. 🙂 But we’ve been talking about changing up our work schedules this summer, and one of the changes is that I’m going to take charge of three dinners a week. “Take charge” like one of those shrieky TV chefs, probably, haranguing my beleaguered sous chef—cooking does not bring out my gentle side. Okay, I may be exaggerating a little. Rose helped me put together a perfectly delectable meal yesterday and I don’t think I shrieked once.
We made this: Holy Yum Chicken. It lived up to the name. Even my picky ones were bewitched by the sauce. We served it with roasted broccoli and boiled new potatoes. Three different foods on the plate: I felt positively gourmet.
Of course then tonight rolled around and it, too, was supposed to be my night, and I was out of ideas—you failed me, Pinterest—so we’re ordering a pizza.
But NEXT WEEK. Next week I shall be a veritable Rachael Ray. Or Ina Garten. Or Betty Crocker. Or someone. As long as my sous chefs have plenty of ideas.
Sarah says:
If you need ideas, Jamie Oliver’s “Jamie’s Food Revolution” is a great cookbook to check out of the library. He does a great job creating flavorful, balanced, but quick dishes. Not a single one has failed us yet. Everyone in our house, toddlers and parents, loves them. His other cookbooks are great too, but the Food Revolution one is targeted toward families with busy evenings who still want to eat healthy, tasty, homemade food.
On July 18, 2014 at 4:19 pm
Sarah says:
(Bonus, the recipes are better tested than the average option from Pinterest. We’ve had a few Pinterest meal disasters 🙂 )
On July 18, 2014 at 4:20 pm
tanita says:
Tech Boy cooks, too — and let me tell you, even sans kids, it means sometimes I can finish a scene I didn’t think I’d get to, while I’m starving. It’s so nice when one’s partner can and will cook!
But, when I do finally get around to my own cooking, I can whip out a squash casserole, serve it with beets and feta and then some kind of meat main, and I feel gourmet as well.
And, yes, there’s a lot of pizza. And quiche. ☺ Here’s to the ladies who don’t do dinner!
On July 18, 2014 at 4:49 pm
sarah says:
Definitely trying the “holy yum chicken.” My favorite “new” recipe (using that term generously) is to take some (preferably locally made ) sliced French bread, put some tomato sauce–homemade or store-bought–on the bread, then add whatever toppings you have in the refrigerator with mozzarella cheese. I put in under the broiler for 3-4 minutes until the outside is crispy. Works great for my more picky palates–they just have cheese–and the more adventuresome ones can add veggies, fruit, whatever strikes their fancy. A favorite is fresh tomatoes and mushrooms. Make it a meal on it’s own or serve it Southern summer-style which for us means with corn-on-the cob and watermelon. I absolutely hate to spend my time cooking, so I’m always anxious to try quick, but healthy recipes.
On July 18, 2014 at 5:29 pm
Jamie says:
I clicked right through, because I still make the tortilla soup recipe you linked to ages ago (mine, however, does not include chai!). Alas, I’m not a mustard-eater. But I look forward to more posts about food!
On July 18, 2014 at 6:25 pm
Gretchen says:
Melissa,
I LOVED getting to “meet” you via The Read Aloud Revival podcast. Thanks so much for your cheerful encouragement and book recommendations. You’ve fanned my poetry flames as well. I’d like to make a cookbook recommendation for you in return for all of the enrichment you provided. The Mom 100 cookbook by Katie Workman is full of great family-friendly recipes that are so simple that I often ask my teens to prepare them for our family. The format of the book is especially appealing and so many of the recipes are in regular rotation in our home! Blessings and best wishes as you conquer your dinner shift!
On July 18, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Penny says:
I struggle in the cooking area too. It’s not that I *can’t*, it’s just that I’d rather read about someone else cooking than do it myself.
Looking forward to your meal inspirations – your potato soup is still a fave around here – so I’m sure everything you make will be just as good, even if it’s take-out! 😉
Checking into the Jamie Oliver book – thank you Sarah!
On July 19, 2014 at 3:13 am
Jen Lynch says:
Our “go-to-never-fail” cookbook is Jack Bishop’s “A Year in A Vegetarian Kitchen.” Every, single dish is a winner for the whole family, they are easy to prepare and as you read you can hear his geeky enthusiasm pouring out. We love him on “America’s test Kitchen.” Enjoy your cooking adventures!
http://www.amazon.com/Year-Vegetarian-Kitchen-Seasonal-Friends/dp/0618239979/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405769072&sr=8-1&keywords=year+in+a+vegetarian+kitchen
On July 19, 2014 at 3:25 am
Amy Corley says:
It is not so much the COOKING part that is hard, but the THINKING that comes beforehand…what to make?what to make? Please do share if your sous chefs come up with some great ideas!! I am always looking for new dinner ideas!
On July 19, 2014 at 3:49 am
Karen Edmisten says:
Oh, cooking, you bane of my existence.
Every summer, Atticus takes over all the cooking. Every summer, I am in heaven. Every mid-August (WHY must his school start up so early!?) I sink into culinary despair. That day will be here soon. I am filing Holy Yum Chicken away for the dark days ahead….
On July 19, 2014 at 5:17 am