Theme Nights
While many of us enjoy and desire a family dinner hour; the average American family only has dinner together once per week. Finding the hour for dinner is one thing, finding the time to plan and prepare is another. Theme Nights are a simple solution to reduce planning, simplify shopping and spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table.
As a family, choose a theme for each night of the week. Be creative! Here are some Rush Hour Theme Night favorites.
Finger Foods
This could be appetizer trays of fruit, vegetables, cheese and crackers, mini-sandwiches, hot dogs on sticks-anything that can be tackled by hand… literally!
Breakfast for Dinner
If your family is at all like mine, a leisurely breakfast of omelets, pancakes, and sausage is more often seen in the movies than at your busy breakfast table. Try these as a dinner dish when family has time to enjoy them.
Pasta Presto
You pick the type and the night for Pasta Presto. Perhaps it’s spaghetti, fettuccini, macaroni, lasagna-just pick a sauce and pasta and check a weeknight off your list.
Meat and Potatoes
The good ol’ American standby makes for a great meal. While these once took intense oven preparation, today’s technology offers other options.
Some Assembly Required
Whether its pizza, tacos or baked potatoes; this night features a main course that each family member can customize to their liking.
Kid’s Cook
(Or spouse cooks, or mailman cooks)-You get the picture-someone other than Mom gets to man the kitchen (and the dishes) for this night.
Soup & Sandwich
There is a reason almost every restaurant offers a soup and sandwich special-it’s a hearty, healthy and wholesome combo!
Make It and Bake It
When in a rush there is nothing like the beloved casserole. Choose your favorite, throw it together, and toss it in the oven for a 30-minute-bake. Don’t forget to double your recipe and reserve one for freezing.