What’s for Dinner? 5 Tips to Get the Meal on the Table by Chef Kristen

​Parents are busy. And as a single mother of three kids, it’s a daily struggle for me to figure out how to get dinner on the table. 
 
Here are my 5 tips for making weeknight meals happen. 
 
Tip 1: Get organized- I’ve learned the easiest way to get organized is to plan out the meals for the week on the weekend. Get the grocery list ready and head to the store because…let’s face it…we don’t have time to shop during the week. 

​Tip 2: Keep it simple– There is no need to be Martha Stewart every night. You know best what you and your kids will eat so think quick and easy meals, 15 - 20-minutes. Plan to use your slow cooker, many of these meals require zero prep. 
 
Tip 3: Have a routine– For example, do tacos every Tuesday and burgers every Friday.  When you already know what you’re making on that day and you’ve already done your grocery shopping on the weekend, you are ready to rock n roll for the week. 
 
Tip 4: Double cook what you make– When making soups, sauces, etc., make enough to freeze for the following week so you just have to defrost and reheat.
 
Tip 5: Make meals ahead– Prep any dinners coming up for the week on the weekend. Whether it’s marinating meat, cooking rice, or chopping veggies, get it done on the weekend, so the actual days you eat meals are simple.
 
Getting a meal on the table every night doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it simple, plan ahead, prep on the weekend, and you won’t need to hit the drive-thru every night.