I’ve been struggling with finding the extra four to five hours that I’ve lost to distance learning and childcare. The kids (2nd and 5th grades) need me but how do I find time to nourish them with food? Out of necessity, I’ve generated a list of quick but kid-approved meals:

😋 The Influencer
😋 The Dump and Stir
😋 The Dump and Stir — and Dump and Bake
😋 No Boiling Required

Keto? Gluten-free? Substitute diced green beans, cauliflower, yellow squash, zucchini, etc.

The Influencer
Boil pasta until nearly done, about one minute less than the directions. Drain. Set aside. Cook up some sausage, ham, bacon or other tasty deli meat until brown. Feel free to add onions and other veggies and cook until tender. Stir in pasta. Add some salt and other seasonings. Add about a 1/4 cup water. Cover for a minute. Voila! Serve with parmesan cheese.

The Dump and Stir
Dump a can or two of chili in to the pasta. Stir. Heat. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

The Dump and Stir — and Dump and Bake
Dump a can or two of chili in to the pasta. Add shredded cheese. Dump into a greased dish. Top with shredded cheese. Cover with a tent of foil. Bake on middle rack for 20 min at 400 degrees. Take off foil. Broil until cheese is brown.

No Boiling Required
Don’t have time or energy to boil pasta? Try this recipe: No-boil baked penne with meatballs. Just stir together uncooked dry pasta along with a few other ingredients. Pop into the oven. Lunch or dinner is ready 40 minutes later.

#pandemic #pasta #distancelearning #quickmeals #pinchofyum