Quick and Easy
Plan B Mom
Stay-at-home mom of three. Redefining perfect. Loves to plan and be organized.
Motto:" When things don't work out, you gotta have a Plan B."
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Last Minute Lady
Working, single mom of two. Crams as much as possible into a day and hopes it all works out.
Motto: "Take a deep breath, focus on the positive."
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For Mother's Day we went out to brunch, which I was nervous about because while my daughter will eat anything, my son will not and usually gets restless and disruptive. At some point, usually early on, he asks for my iphone so he can play games and watch videos, which of course will embarass me to no end. So I was resolved not to let him use my phone and instead brought a million other things for him to do. I also scoped out the menu in advance online so I knew what to order him. They both did great and we had a fun time!
Next up, Memorial Day. I am very excited to grill. Think I want to try this Grilled Shrimp Quesadilla recipe!
So how was your Mother's Day? My kids served me breakfast in bed - egg and bacon sandwich and coffee - with the paper and hand made cards. So sweet.
Salads! There are tons of good options on the Salads section on this site. The beet and walnut, bibb and radish, and spinach and mushroom all look delicious - put out one or two on the table with the rigatoni, some crusty bread and you are set. Don't forget lots of wine to encourage shopping:-).
I know this is a heavy sounding dish but talk about Quick and Easy, and it pleases a crowd. I love it, especially the lemon zest and mint! Am thinking of making it again this Friday as I am hosting my first Stella and Dot jewelry party for a friend who is a stylist. What else do you think I should serve?
As far as salads sitting out safely, olive oil is the key. Some of my faves are grilled veggies - room temp or even cold - drizzled with olive oil, topped with herbs, also sliced tomato, mozzarella and basil - sometimes I will roast the tomatoes first to deepen the flavor. Raw shaved aspargus with shaved parm, lemon juice, and olive oil is also good.
I know I know and your way is probably healthier for the environment, but I love the flavor of charcoal or wood. MMM. My only challenge is what sides to serve for outdoor cooking. What are your favorite salads that actually keep out in the sun and heat?
I am sorry but nothing beats the ease of the gas grill. I bottom line don't have the time - or patience - to deal with charcoal. I do love grilling and we grill all year round. My favorite summer meals are ones that can be done on the grill from start to finish - grilled chicken or burgers, grilled veggies, grilled bread or Naan. I put the platters out on the table and we all eat family style. Best part? No dishes!!
I'm getting excited for the summer grilling season. How do you avoid the carcinogens of grilling? Natural coals and wood. I am experimenting this season, how about you? Or is yours gas? I feel like nothing beats the flavor of coals!
I really want to get a juice extractor, which removes all of the fiber and pulp. I know it sounds like you are removing the best part of the fruit, but my feeling is that it has to be better than the store-bought stuff. I mean, why not give it a try? I am not sure which one to get but I have heart that the Breville is the best. Then of course, in my ultimate time constrained life, I wonder how I will ever find the time to clean that darned thing!
I used to regularly make smoothies - yogurt, fruit, juice, etc. - for my kids when they were little but not so much anymore. I am intrigued by juicing but I have no juicer - a decent blender but no juicer. Can you use a blender? What are some of your favorite juice combos?