Family Dinner on a Cold and Snowy Night....

Winter has begun....right on cue.  Though yesterday was warm and beautiful, we were warned that we would wake up to cold blowing snow.

While I don't like the cold, I do love having some good old fashioned comfort food on these types of days.  One of my favourite meals when I was young was roasted chicken and macaroni pie.  Tonite I did cheat a little and bought the "flattened and seasoned" chicken from Co-op (still had to cook it!).  But boy oh boy was it delicious!  And my macaroni pie.....soooo gooood, and so easy breezy!  I used a modification of my one pot mac and  cheese recipe (see below) and just added 2 eggs and milk and topped with crushed soda crackers.

Both kids had ice times today, and when they got home, they were greeted by the smell of roasted chicken, hot macaroni pie, baked tomatoes, peas, and raw carrots.  What a great Sunday meal!

One pot mac and cheese

2 cups of Macaroni
2 cups of water
1 cup milk
1 tbsp of butter

Add all the above to a pot and boil for 15 minutes.  Watch that it does not boil over (mine always does!).  Once all the liquid has boiled off, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar (more if you want!).  

**Macaroni Pie Variation...place the macaroni in a baking dish and add 2 eggs and 1 cup of milk (maybe more...i don't measure).  Mix well, and pour over top of the macaroni.  I also added some ricotta cheese as I had that in my refrigerator, and it was delicious!   Top with crushed crackers or Panko bread crumbs and bake.   

It really is comfort food at its best!

I know it is processed, but I need a BREAK!

Ok...so it is October.  We are almost 2 months into school, and I am already at the point where school lunches are giving me ulcers and acne.  Seriously!  My kids will prepare their own lunches sometimes, but there are days where there just isn't time.  Between a busy hockey and ringette schedule and the fact that the kids are getting later ice times and more homework due to their age, it just seems busy beyond belief.  

Today, I treated myself...no, not to a mani-pedi, not to a day at the spa...but to some convenient, semi healthy choices from Costco.  I truly believe that all foods can fit...everything from home-made to processed....it's really just how they fit into your life that makes the difference.  Of course it is better to prepare things from scratch, but at the same time, it can be emotionally healthier to give yourself a break and go with food that is easy and prepared.  And to NOT feel guilty about it!  So, today I bought 1 package of beef sausage rolls, and package of mini soft chicken taco's.  When I was loading up my cart with the lunch items, as well as a Costco fresh-made lasagne for dinner tonite, I did feel slightly guilty, and even ashamed of my cart, which is utterly ridiculous!  I even tried to justify my choices to the cashier to try and find some sort of affirmation! Ridiculous!  Don't worry....I got over that by the time I got to my car.

The end result today was a delicious, easy dinner (with leftovers), and no-think lunches that I know the kids will eat.  Kids were happy, hubby was happy....and all the guilt was gone.  I even had time to make the garlic bread!

Mushroom Barley Risotto

Tonight we had no activities (!) and I was craving something delicious (as usual).   I always try and meal plan either in the car on my way home from work, or if I am really good, I will at least decide on a "maybe" plan the day before and let the idea percolate in my head..."maybe we'll have salmon..."

The menu was simple, but not boring-simple.  Got home, did a quick check to see what I

Super easy and super delicious! 

had....barley...mushrooms, salmon, green beans.....all the makings of an easy and delicious dinner!

1.  Barley...rinse and put to boil.   Takes about 30 - 40 minutes, but do this first, and then you can work on everything else
2.  Chop up the 'shrooms, and sautee them in olive oil and a bit of sea salt and pepper. Can add a bit of white wine if you have some!
3.  Prep the salmon...easy...place on parchment, drizzle syrup and slice up a lemon to put on top.  Cover with foil and bake it up!
4.  Wash the green beans and steam or microwave them up.

By now, the salmon is almost done, and the barley is cooked (just about).  Once the barley is al dente, drain and add to your sauteed mushrooms....you will be amazed at how easy it is compared to real risotto (which I also love, but it is time consuming with all that mixing!).

And.....now, its time to eat!   All done in less than an hour.

Salmon, green beans and mushroom barley risotto