Quick Meals for Busy Moms

with our busy lives as moms, cooking dinner can be some of the things in our day that can be hard to fit in. Between shuffling kids from here to there and homework and other things going on in the family.  Here are a few simple Ideas to help all those busy mommas out there <S>

1. COOK ONCE EAT TWICE OR THRICE

According to healthy lifestyle writer and food coach Beth Aldrich, CHC, AADP, moms can create more than one meal from their dedicated kitchen labors! If you cook extra rice for your evening meal, moms can use it as a base for a rice cereal in the morning. All moms have to do is reheat it, add some butter, cinnamon and raisins and then. Moms can also use some of the rice as a staple in an olive-oil based tossed rice and veggie salad.

2. CLEAN AS YOU GO

Clever time saving cooking tips, go hand-in-hand with a tidy cooking space. Rather than spend valuable time cleaning all evening after dinner, Ms. Aldrich suggests that moms keep a warm cloth nearby to wipe up spills and mess, as opposed to having to scrub dried-on cooking stains later on. Moms can also cut down on last minute cleaning by soaking dishes and utensils after use.

3. PUT YOUR APPLIANCES TO WORK

When chopping, prepping and steaming, moms can rely on time-saving appliances such as a food processor, slow cooker, rice cooker and crock pot, says Ms. Aldrich. These appliances do all of the work, while moms can indulge in their real passion; motherhood!

4. GET CREATIVE

According to Kuae Kelch Mattox, national board member for Mocha Moms, Inc: Moms can take the time-consuming guess work out of meal planning by creating theme dinners such as Meatless Monday, Wacky Wednesday or Fishy Friday.

5. PRE-CUT AND FREEZE

Moms can cut down on their prep time by pre-cutting, freezing and storing fresh fruits and vegetables, says Ms. Mattox. By having food prepared in advance, moms will not only cut down on the time it takes to prepare their meals but this method will also keep their food fresher, longer.

6. WHEN IN DOUBT, MAKE SOUP

Moms should always keep a stash of dried beans, bouillon cubes or canned stock on hand in the pantry says Ms. Mattox. Then they can simply toss in their frozen pre-cut vegetables, extra rice or pasta and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!