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kojodesigns

ten tips for keeping it simply smart at dinner time and a $100 cooking.com GIVEAWAY

July 23, 2012

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


In our {kind of crazy} life, dinner time seems to be one of those crux times of the day; more often than not, when dinner goes well, the evening follows suit. However, it also seems like managing dinner time, and keeping a good system in place, can be quite the battle. With that in mind, and partially as a charge to myself as I try a new family schedule this month, Jordan and I compiled our best tips for keeping it simply smart at dinner time.

1. Menu plan! This has changed my life (and our budget), y’all. The months when I have my menu-planning act together are always less chaotic, cheaper months.
2. Grow a garden. There is nothing better than eating food that you grew in your backyard (or in your neighborhood plot, etc.). Also, I think they should make a candle called “Tomato Plant.” It’s the best smell ever.
3. Use seasonal produce. Not only is it yummy, it’s cheaper! Find out which fruits and veggies are in season and organize your menus accordingly.
4. Collect a few fabulous go-to, crowd-pleaser recipes that always work for your family (and for guests). Mine are grilled pizza and butternut squash and goat cheese pasta. I probably makes these dishes once a month and I almost always have the ingredients on hand for either one.
5. Use local produce. Not only are you supporting your local economy, you are using in-season produce, which is so much yummier than, say, off-season shipped-from-Chile pomegranates (although pomegranates are always delicious, so that’s a bad example). (Also, I don’t think they’re grown in Chile.)

6. Utilize your freezer! Whether you are making and freezing pesto, making freezer crockpot meals, or using fresh produce from a local farm to make and freeze soups for the winter, your freezer is your best friend.
7. Make your own pesto. This little gem is so useful that it gets its own point. Whenever you have access to fresh basil (I even add spinach to mine to cut the cost), make and freeze a batch of pesto. You’ll thank yourself later when all you have to do for dinner is make noodles and chicken, throw in some pesto and sundried tomatoes, and pair with a salad!
8. Have a few go-to sides that pair with everything and are easy to make. My favorite is a giant salad (the variations are endless), but we also have a couple of couscous recipes, a couple of rice recipes, and a few potato recipes to add to the mix.
9. Pull out that crockpot. Like your freezer, your crockpot offers all sorts of “Keep It Simply Smart” solutions. Not only can it be used to heat up your frozen crockpot meals and soups, there are all sorts of crockpot recipes just waiting to be tried. Bonus: a yummy meal for your family with minimal time spent cooking.
10. Use your grill. I might be saying this because it’s summer and we use our grill almost every night, but there is something beautifully simple about great seasonal produce and great meat on the grill. Simple. And fabulous.

How do you Keep It Simply Smart for family dinner time? Tell me about it in the comments for the chance to win a $100 Cooking.com gift card!

Gift Card Giveaway Rules:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. Winners will have 72 hours to claim the prize, or an alternative winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 7/23/12 – 8/23/12

Be sure to visit the Perdue Simply Smart Chicken brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Like the PERDUE® SIMPLY SMART® Facebook page where you’ll find product info, recipes, and other tips from bloggers.

food 73 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leigh Anne says

    July 23, 2012 at 8:29 am

    All of your pics are looking so yummy! Thanks for all the tips. Esp like the meal plan one….I gotta get better at that!

    Reply
  2. Rena says

    July 23, 2012 at 9:56 am

    I make a weekly menu at the beginning of every week so Im prepared as far as my grocery shopping and cooking. I also often make doubles and freeze half for a different night. We also always eat sit-down meals together so I dont have to serve a bunch of meals at different times!

    Reply
  3. Virginia says

    July 23, 2012 at 10:18 am

    We are big grillers here in the summer! =) Love not having to clean the pans!

    Reply
  4. Amy B. says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    Love your post! We grill several nights a week too ~which keeps the house cooler in this 100+ weather…..and make crockpot creations often to use leftovers. Love the idea of a tomato scented candle…. that is the true scent of summer:)

    Reply
  5. Amy B. says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    tweeted too. thanks for the chance!
    https://twitter.com/Amylynnbee22/status/227478994570846208

    Reply
  6. Rachael says

    July 23, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    I totally agree with you about the “tomato plant” candle. I bemoan my lack of gardening ability just for that one plant.

    Our dinnertimes are usually simple just because there’s only two of us in our home. However, I’m starting a new full time job, and my husband works full time and will be a full time student come September. I’m planning on making friends with my crock pot so that I don’t have to cook when I get home. That might mean buying a new one, because I have my mom’s 30 year old hand-me-down. 🙂

    Reply
  7. TRish G says

    July 23, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    Having a menu plan has been a life saver. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  8. Beth B says

    July 23, 2012 at 8:55 pm

    I agree with you on having a meal plan. It definitely keeps things simpler and easier for me. I also use my freezer a lot – SO thankful to have one! I just had our third little one this past May, so anything that helps with mealtimes is wonderful!

    Reply
  9. amy says

    July 24, 2012 at 5:11 am

    That grilled pizza looks amazing!

    Reply
  10. Jill says

    July 24, 2012 at 11:39 am

    The grill is a lifesaver during the summer, and so is menu planning. Thanks for the great post!

    Reply
  11. Sara says

    July 24, 2012 at 1:52 pm

    I meal plan, and after my shopping trip I prep my veggies so that I don’t have all that work to do every night.

    Reply
  12. Kathleen B says

    July 24, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    Thanks for a great giveaway!

    Reply
  13. Susan says

    July 24, 2012 at 7:25 pm

    Freezer cooking helps so much. I often make double and then freeze it for another meal in a few weeks.

    Reply
  14. Ana says

    July 24, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    Menu planning all the way!

    Reply
  15. Kristie says

    July 25, 2012 at 10:18 am

    I always brown my hamburger as soon as I get it. That way if the day gets away from me, we will at least be able to have dinner in 30 minutes instead of an hour.

    Reply
  16. arlene franks says

    July 25, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    I keep lots of vegies on hand (especially those good for salads) and grill all other food stuffs.! vegies – peppers, eggplant, potatoes, onions….all taste good grilled and so easy to make and clean up!

    Reply
    • arlene franks says

      July 26, 2012 at 2:23 pm

      but unfortunately I’m not a US citizen so don’t qualify for the give away…….but I can make that awesome meal!!
      hugs

      Reply
  17. Debbie B says

    July 26, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    i keep it simple by using my crock pot a lot and also by cooking
    enough for several days at a time when I’m grilling (i.e. steaks and maybe burgers for another meal

    Reply
  18. Debbie B says

    July 26, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    I tweeted here:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/228698380338089984

    Reply
  19. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

    July 27, 2012 at 8:53 am

    We enjoy going from the garden to the grill – zucchini, tomatoes, even plums! The food is fresh, gorgeous and right there in our backyard. Plus I love the easy clean up using a grill offers.

    Reply
  20. Amy @ A Little Nosh says

    July 27, 2012 at 9:38 am

    I menu-plan, and also prep ahead as much as I can.

    Reply
  21. Jessie C. says

    July 27, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    I do weekly meal plan and pre-cook some ingredients during weekend.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply
  22. Jessie C. says

    July 27, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/229077113125355520

    Reply
  23. tracey byram says

    July 28, 2012 at 4:55 am

    I make a weekly meal plan based on store ads and sales and coupons. I make a shopping list based on this. No extra trips to the store because I don’t have the ingredients that I need.

    Reply
  24. Tiffany Winner says

    July 28, 2012 at 1:33 pm

    i save time by buying pre-chopped onions since i use them all the time and hate cutting them anyway

    thismomwins@gmail.com

    “I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.”

    Reply
  25. Tiffany Winner says

    July 28, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    tweeted https://twitter.com/thismomwins/status/229297267499208705

    thismomwins@gmail.com

    “I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.”

    Reply
  26. steph says

    July 28, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    i meal plan too! i also try to plan meals that will use each other’s ingredients so i cut down on waste.

    Reply
  27. steph says

    July 28, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/229301837369602049

    Reply
  28. Tina M says

    July 31, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    Meal planning every week

    Reply
  29. Tina M says

    July 31, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/230457733999120384

    Reply
  30. Amy Tong says

    August 1, 2012 at 1:27 am

    I Keep It Simply Smart in the kitchen when it comes to dinner time by cooking ahead of time. When I make won ton, I double the recipe and freeze 1/2 of it for another day.
    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Reply
  31. Amy Tong says

    August 1, 2012 at 1:28 am

    tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/230565627977408512

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Reply
  32. cw says

    August 2, 2012 at 11:18 am

    I cook lots of meals ahead of time and freeze….we do this in a group (cooking night and come home with 8 meals) or when I cook, I make a large amount and freeze the rest for another day.

    Reply
  33. April V. says

    August 3, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    Make at least one meal a week that can be easily frozen and double it so you are taking the same amount of time for one meal and making it two.

    Reply
  34. Heather says

    August 4, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    We are also smart with our time by using our grill almost every night around here…well into Fall in fact. However, I really need to utilize my freezer more. That would help a lot on those days that you just don’t feel like making anything.

    Reply
  35. Karina Lee says

    August 8, 2012 at 4:09 pm

    I prep as much as i can beforehand

    Reply
  36. Karina Lee says

    August 8, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    https://twitter.com/karinaroselee/status/233324157545365504

    Reply
  37. Christina Tong says

    August 11, 2012 at 3:14 am

    I keep it Simply Smart for family dinner time by cooking ahead of time and double the recipe and freeze the half portion for a few days later use.

    ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

    I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.

    Reply
  38. Christina Tong says

    August 11, 2012 at 3:24 am

    I tweeted about this promotion: https://twitter.com/ctong2/status/234218218355564544

    ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

    Reply
  39. Kerry says

    August 11, 2012 at 11:21 am

    The crock pot is my biggest time saver – love crock pot dinners!

    Reply
  40. carmen says

    August 11, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    One way I keep things simple when it comes to making dinner is doing as much in advance (when I have more downtime) as possible. My afternoons are usually more empty, so I do a lot of prep work then.

    Reply
  41. sy says

    August 11, 2012 at 7:18 pm

    I put most used tools and ingredients in the most accessible place, do things in parallel, clean when food is cooking. Thanks for the tips and giveaway. I’m trying to grow a backyard garden too.
    songyueyu at gmail

    Reply
  42. sy says

    August 11, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/234458839263617024
    songyueyu at gmail

    Reply
  43. Jess McCarthy says

    August 13, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    We try to use as much seasonal produce as possible. We go out of our way to purchase local for as much as we can. Thanks for the giveaway!
    P.S. I love the new post on 14 meals in one afternoon for the freezer!

    Reply
  44. Brighid says

    August 13, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    Just found your blog from a link on MoneySavingMom.com! I love your great ideas and they’re just in time because crazy-busy season is about to start in our home.

    Reply
    • Kirstin says

      August 13, 2012 at 9:33 pm

      So glad you came over from there- we are headed into crazy-busy as well! 🙂

      Reply
  45. Amy says

    August 13, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Brown & freeze hamburger ahead of time. Cook chicken & shred ahead of time. Lots of casseroles & crockpot dinners.

    Reply
  46. Carolyn says

    August 14, 2012 at 6:02 am

    I can’t wait to try freezer cooking soon to help with back to school in September

    Reply
  47. CSeibel says

    August 14, 2012 at 9:27 am

    I would love to try the freezer crockpot meals. I have to do something because life is crazy with 4 kids and figuring out what is for dinner every night.

    Reply
  48. Kelly Massman says

    August 19, 2012 at 3:50 am

    I make it simple by having a protein and I try to incorporate fruits and veggies into every meal! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

    Reply
  49. Betty C says

    August 19, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    My crock pot is my go to time and money saver. I keep my favorite crock pot recipes in a binder and I always keep a supply of veggies in the freezer that will work for a variety of meals.

    Reply
  50. Betty C says

    August 19, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/237343064530759680

    Reply
  51. whitney says

    August 21, 2012 at 11:26 am

    It helps for me to keep it simple when I menu plan based on what is on sale at the grocery store. I look through ads every week and simplify my menu based on what I can get a good deal on

    Reply
  52. Erica Best says

    August 21, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    i love boiler fish now and quick and easy and make it

    Reply
  53. Erica Best says

    August 21, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/237934569708470272

    Reply
  54. angie lilly says

    August 22, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    I love to make soups in the winter. To save time, I buy my veggies pre-cut either canned or frozen so its just dump and season in my crock pot!!

    Reply
  55. cole says

    August 22, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    I effing love my crockpot. It makes everything easier.

    Reply
  56. angie lilly says

    August 22, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/238357611974651904

    Reply
  57. Amanda Sakovitz says

    August 22, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    All your pictures are making me so hungry! To be organized I plan dinners in the summer a week in advance so I’m not stressing out or rushing around at the last minute.

    Reply
  58. Amanda Sakovitz says

    August 22, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    https://twitter.com/aes529/status/238369346873872384

    Reply
  59. ewhatley says

    August 22, 2012 at 5:27 pm

    I’m obsessively organized so I make the most of my time in the kitchen by having everything organized, plan meals, do ahead/in bulk as much as possible and shop with a list at the grocery store.

    Reply
  60. Sarah L says

    August 22, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    I redid the contents of my cupboards & drawers so that I have the things I use most closest to where I use them.
    Thanks for the contest.
    “I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.”

    Reply
  61. Sarah L says

    August 22, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/08/win-100-cookingcom-gc-from-blogher-823.html

    “I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.”

    Reply
  62. LAMusing says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:53 pm

    I make double batches of a few meals each month so I have a few nights I can just pull one out of the freezer and re-heat 🙂

    Reply
  63. Norma says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:55 pm

    Meal planning saves time and money.

    Reply
  64. Carolsue says

    August 22, 2012 at 11:21 pm

    I freeze lots of items — pre-chopped and ready to go. It speeds up the cooking process a lot. Items such as green peppers freeze quite well.
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply
  65. Carolsue says

    August 22, 2012 at 11:24 pm

    I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/MsCarolsueA/status/238506840097423360
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply
  66. Denise L says

    August 23, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    I like to cook things that can do double duty. For instance I might make homemade Chinese one night and cook twice as much rice as I need. In the next few days, I’ll make the leftover rice into a pilaf or “green” rice or arancini. It’s nice not to have cook everything from scratch every night.
    I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for submitting this comment.

    Reply
  67. Denise L says

    August 23, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    Tweet
    https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/238698863987392512

    Reply
  68. Maria Cantu says

    August 23, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    I do the meal planning and the 30 minute meals.

    Reply
  69. anash says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    I do meal planning for every week so i get in and out of the kitchen! Thanks for a super giveaway!

    Reply
  70. anash says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/238822686917263360
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. the best of summer- how to make pizza on the grill | kojodesigns says:
    August 6, 2012 at 11:12 pm

    […] This is one of the ‘go-to’ recipes that I mentioned in Monday’s “Keeping it Simply Smart at Dinnertime” post. If you haven’t shared your tip (and entered the $100 cooking.com giveaway), you should head […]

    Reply

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