Before I became a parent, I often scoffed when the term “Fright Night” was used to describe a busy weeknight. I mean, get it together! How crazy could a random Tuesday or Wednesday evening actually be?
Friends, I humbly beg for forgiveness, for I have seen the light.
Our family’s dynamic has changed through the years. Whereas we used to enjoy casual, unhurried dinners (actually eaten at the dinner table), today our demanding jobs and activities pull us in different directions. My husband is in sales, so he’s often on the road or working late. My job has no set hours; I could be working at 5:30AM or 11:00PM, depending on the day. Ryder has karate twice a week, Reid has coding twice a week, and they both have skiing and skating once a week. And yet somehow, the expectation is that I’ll produce a delicious, healthy meal that the entire family will love.
So, what if I told you that I’ve found quick and delicious, fully cooked and, most importantly, KID FRIENDLY foods that are ready when I am?
Let me reintroduce you to Janes.
I know it’s hard to please everyone in my family, but I can get pretty close with Janes in my freezer. Janes chicken products are made from white meat chicken, and now that they’re fully cooked, there’s an extra layer of peace of mind when it comes to food safety. The boys love to enjoy Janes Pub Style Chicken Nuggets as part of a well-balanced dinner (they insist on fries, I insist on salad – so I serve both) and I have to admit, nothing beats the taste!
Janes Pub Style Chicken Nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and of course, deliciously dunkable!
The best part? They’re ready when I am. I often place Janes Pub Style Chicken Nuggets or Janes Pub Style Chicken Strips in the oven while I’m getting their uniforms/ skates/ skis/ you name it together. Having quick and delicious dinner options helps to keep us on schedule, especially on “Fright Night”.
Here are more tips for managing busy weeknights:
1) Stay organized. If you can plan and prepare your meals in advance, you’re more likely to avoid the lure of “dial-a-dinner” (translation: takeout). However, when you’re short on prep time, depending on Janes chicken and fish products is a great solution.
2) Keep it simple. A family meal on a busy weeknight can be still be healthy and delicious without taking long to prepare. Foods like pasta, tacos and wraps are all easy options. One of my sons’ favourite dinners is called “Four Things” – they simply choose a protein, complex carb, fruit and vegetable and enjoy!
3) Partial prep. While it’s ideal to prepare meals in advance when you’re on the go, sometimes partial prep – like chopping herbs, grilling steak or par-boiling vegetables – can help you save valuable time when you’re pressed for time.
4) Go slow – or fast! Slow cookers allow you to prepare dinner earlier in the day and because they’re a one-pot solution, you’ll have less dishes to clean after the meal. On the flip side, a pressure cooker will help you cook proteins like chicken, beef and pork in a flash.
5) Enjoy breakfast for dinner. When we’re really up against a deadline, good ol’ eggs are my staple standby. Boiled, fried, scrambled or poached, eggs are a quick source of energy and can be added to a variety of meals as added protein.
Of course, if you’re like me and have Janes chicken and fish products in your freezer, you’ll always be ready for “Fright Night”!
This post is sponsored by Janes Foods. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
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