How can I cook on a strange schedule?

Since I tutor most evenings until 7 or 8, I have had the luxury of cooking dinner in the middle of the day while my husband has been unemployed. This has worked well for us, and it is also much healthier than eating a big meal after 8PM at night. Not to mention, I am exhausted when I get home from tutoring and don't want to start a meal at 7:30 or 8 PM.

So, what shall I do when hubby goes back to work and doesn't get home until 6 or 7? Planning is the key, or we will be resorting to fast food and eating out. Both of which are not healthy and too expensive for our budget. I am starting a collection of slow-cooker meals that cook in 5 hours or so. I don't mean the long cook ones for 8 hours. I would like to put them in the slow cooker at 2 or 3 in the afternoon and have them done when I get home. Also, I have been contemplating on cooking my way through one of Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Cookbooks. I will be blogging about it for sure.

Menu 1-21-2010 to 1-27-2010

Diane's Menu 1/21/2010 to 1/27/2010


Thursday - Pepperoni Orzo Pasta
Friday - Champagne, Prime Rib, Broccoli, Baked Potato, Caesar Salad, Creme Brulee
Saturday - BBQ Ribs, Carrots, Brown Rice
Sunday - Dinner at my sisters house - Roast Pork, Peach Melba Dessert
Monday - Out for Birthday
Tuesday - Ham and Beans in Slow Cooker
Wednesday - Ribs, Cheesy Broccoli Rice

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Cooking Around the Seasons

Last week, when I was ready to wake up the groups, I was also in the mood for cookie baking and making ham and turkey. WOW~ I said to myself, none of these groups really fit that bill. So, I created a new group. It is a group called Cooking Around the Seasons.

This is the group for sharing seasonal recipes. It also answers the questions: What to do with the turkey leftovers? How do I add variety to the Christmas ham? What do I do with the 20 gallons of apple cider I bought while apple picking? Join us and share..

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The variety of holiday and seasonal cooking seems endless. There are times of the year when all I want to do is talk about cookie baking. There are other times when the prices of strawberries make me buy far more that I can use at any given time. How about those dozens of hard boiled eggs at Easter. I also love hearing about cultural specialties by seasons. What about those extra boxes of matzah?

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Right now it is winter. The local fresh vegetables are few and far between here in the Northeast USA. I am focused on beans, meats, and tuber vegetables as well as soups and stews. What are you making in the winter? Do you have a favorite soup or stew? Do you cook butternut squash better than anyone you know? Share with us! Did you get a new appliance for the holidays? Want suggestions on how to use it? Do you have left over turkey or ham? Want new ideas on how to use it up? Ask questions and let us help you.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CookingAroundtheSeasons/

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Diane's Menu 12/22/2009 - 12/28/2009

Diane's Menu 12/22/2009 - 12/28/2009


Tuesday - Thai Chicken and Asparagus over Brown Rice
Wednesday - Prime Rib, String Beans, Carrots, Salad, Baked Potato
Thursday - Italian Antipasti and Appetizers for Dinner
Friday - Christmas Dinner at my sisters
Saturday - Ham, Home Fries, Broccoli
Sunday - Pasta Arrabiata, Salad
Monday - Bean, Butternut Squash, Wild Rice and Kielbasa Stew