New Habits...

I have been thinking about this year and how am I going to make my year different. I have been making quite a few changes over the course of two weeks....aiming for 21 days.

I have been actually having "Family Dinner" for the first time. When I say family dinner, I mean sit down as a family at the dinner table (with the TV off). This is really the first time in 8 years that we have ever done this regularly. The kitchen table was only used for Sundays and Birthdays, but now we have been using it everyday.

I have been cooking full meals. Main Dish, Veggies, Bread, and Dessert (mostly for bribing reasons) My kids in the past have been so picky, but I have been really proud of them for trying all the new recipes.

I have found some really yummy recipes that I will share in case any of you want to try something new for your family. The most frustrating part for me was "What" to fix for dinner it. So here are some of our winner recipes...

 

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients

1 1/4lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, cut up into 1-inch pieces (I actually used left overs from a Rotisserie Chicken)

2 cups sliced fresh carrots

2 cups frozen southern-style diced hash brown potatoes

1 jar chicken gravy (12-150z) I made up  2 chicken gravy packets

1 cup frozen sweet peas

1 can (12oz) Pillsbury Golden layers or original flaky biscuits

1. In a non-stick skillet heat 1 tbs oil over medium-high heat. Add Chicken; sprinkle with salt, 1/2 tsp thyme, and pepper. Cook 5 minute, until chicken is browned

2. Move chicken to one side of the skillet and add carrots and potatoes; cook 5 minutes stirring frequently. Stir in gravy into chicken and vegetables. Heat to boiling, Reduce heat to low. Cover; simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add peas the last 5 minutes.

3. During the last 15 minutes of cooking heat oven to 400 degrees. Separate dough into  10 biscuits. Cut each in to quarters (triangles) sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and thyme. Place on ungreased cookie sheet

4. Bake 10-15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. Scatter over top of cooked chicken mixture before serving (I served them on the side for my kids)

 

another thumbs up was...

Mom's Skillet Goulash

2 2/3 cups uncooked rotini pasta (8oz)

1 lb lean ground beef

1 1/2 cups chopped celery

1 cup chopped onions

2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can tomato soup

salt and pepper

1. Cook and drain pasta

2. Meanwhile, in a non-stick skillet cook beef, celery, and onions over medium high heat stirring frequently. Drain

3. Stir in cooked pasta and remaining ingredients. Heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 

It has been a really nice change for our family. I have been planning our meals weekly and shopping for just the needed items. I have been saving money and finally using stuff from our freezer, by planning ahead. 

And everyone has been helping out on the cleaning up (which I always hated) Its really been nice.

 

Now the hard part is keeping it up....