The question, “What’s for dinner?” seems simple enough, but let’s be real – it can feel like a monumental decision, especially when life is busy, and everyone’s got different tastes. I often find myself in awe of how my parents managed to pull off dinner every night after working a full day - and of course this was waaaay before the work from home phase we are in now.
I might not have little ones to feed, but I still face the same dinner dilemma for my husband and I that many of you do. Some days, I’m motivated to try a new recipe, and other days, the idea of deciding what we should eat feels like one more task on an already long to-do list. And I know for parents, especially, that decision carries a bit more weight.
Believe it or not, I do cook dinner almost every night but there’s something almost universal about the struggle to figure out dinner. We all want something that’s easy, satisfying, and if possible, healthy. But when you factor in everyone’s preferences, time constraints, and the sheer exhaustion at the end of the day, it can be a bit overwhelming. One thing I’ve learned though is the power of simplicity. It’s not about having a gourmet meal every night, although I can pull it together every once in awhile, but it’s about finding something that works for you and your family, something that doesn’t require a ton of effort but still hits the spot. Sometimes, that means reheating leftovers, ordering takeout, or throwing together something super basic. One of our favorite quick meals is Food Networks Aglio e Olio or Spaghetti with Oil and Garlic. Back in High School my best friend and I thought we were chefs and attempted this meal, but at the time did not understand the difference between a clove of garlic and a bulb of garlic....While it was tasty, it definitely did not call for a bulb of Garlic. I'm pretty sure we both went through several packs of gum! Back to today, the only important thing is that you’re taking care of yourself and your family and there is nothing wrong with a fun simple meal.
Every household has those go-to meals that everyone loves. Whether it’s tacos, pasta, or a simple stir-fry, these meals are lifesavers on nights when creativity is running low. In our house it's Taco Cups for Taco Tuesday (or Taco Wednesday, Thursday or Friday…I mean is there really a bad day for tacos?!) Then some nights, it’s all about combining a few simple elements – like grilled chicken, a salad, and some rice – into something that feels cohesive without requiring a lot of effort. Another favorite go to recipe is this Vegetable Fried Rice! So easy, quick and good! Because let's face it, decision fatigue is real. We all get tired of making decisions, and by dinner time, that fatigue is definitely real. That’s why I’ve started to appreciate the value of having a plan, even if it’s just a loose one. It takes some of the guesswork out of the equation and makes the whole process feel a little less daunting. On Sunday's plan out your meals for the week. It gives you one less thing to have to think about when you are done with work and just want to eat!
While I don’t face the exact challenges my parents did, I have a deep respect for those of you who manage to get dinner on the table night after night, even when it feels like just one more thing on a never-ending list. It’s no small feat, and I admire the creativity, resilience, and love that goes into it.
So, whether you’re planning meals for a family or just trying to figure out what you’re going to eat tonight, I’m right there with you in the dinner debate. Let’s keep sharing ideas and tips – because we all need a little inspiration now and then! P.S. Don't forget dessert! Our Cookie Skillet Sundae is definitely a topic for another time!
What are your go-to dinners when you’re feeling stuck? I’d love to hear what works for you!
Kaycee
XoXo
Comments