Whether or not you call yourself a chef, the title of “mom” (or “parent”) inherently comes with the responsibility of feeding your kids. You don’t have to be a gourmet guru, but you do have to be able to come up with some basic recipes that will keep your kids (and partner too!) happy. While we can’t all be as lucky as the woman whose husband made and froze her one year’s worth of dinners (see that crazy story here), we can do ourselves a favor by having some go-to recipes perfected. While this list is certainly not exhaustive, I think most moms would agree that these are great recipes to have in your mom arsenal.
Source: @TheMarmot via Flickr
1. Mac n’ Cheese
Macaroni and cheese has been a staple in children’s diets since, well forever. It doesn’t have to be unhealthy anymore either! You can use whole grain noodles, add veggies like peas, and so much more. It doubles as a main meal or side dish, and can be baked or broiled. This is a crowd pleaser for the entire family. AllRecipes.com boasts 41 Mac n’ Cheese recipes, and I’m sure you can find one there that your family loves!
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Every mom wants a cookie that makes the kids come running, and your basic chocolate chip cookie is a must-have. Phoebe Bouffay’s grandmother was a bit of a liar when it came to the fanciness of her chocolate chip cookie recipe, but she got it right by using Nestle Tollhouse. No matter what recipe you use, a fabulous chocolate chip cookie should be in your repertoire. To make an even softer cookie, I’ll give you my secret weapon: decrease the flour by 1/4 cup and add a dry packet of Jello Vanilla pudding (the 4 serving size). Your guests won’t know what makes these cookies the best they’ve ever had, but YOU will!
Source: @ColleenGreen via Flickr
3. Chicken Soup
When anyone in the family is sick, nothing tastes and sounds better than a good chicken noodle soup. Sure, you can buy the condensed version at the store, but a hearty, homemade soup seems like it has healing powers. It’s easy to personalize with noodle shape and you can add whatever veggies you want. Betty Crocker has an absolutely fabulous slow cooker recipe here. I’ve made it several times and gotten rave reviews. I suggest doubling the broth suggestion to 2-32 oz cartons instead of the one, and you will be feeling better in no time!
4. Spaghetti Sauce
A tasty spaghetti sauce is not a hard concoction to make from scratch and it essential to your recipe box. You can make countless meals come together with a decent sauce, from basic spaghetti to a tasty lasagna or ziti. We have an amazing slow cooker sauce here and will reaffirm that you don’t need to buy sauce in a jar to have a great meal.
5. Mashed Potatoes
Much to your surprise, not everyone has mastered the art of the mashed potato. I experienced this first hand when my mother in law served “mashed potatoes” that had the consistency of gravy. Needless to say, it wasn’t a pretty sight. Having a good mashed potato recipe will go a long way, and not just during the holidays. They are great side dishes and just a great comfort food that can be served underneath a great chicken noodle soup. The Food Network has a great recipe that will make you a popular cookin’ mama!
Source: @MarjanLazarevski via Flickr
6. Roast Chicken
For some reason, roast chickens have always intimidated me. But the fact is, they are a great way to make a 1 “pot” meal and are virtually impossible to mess up if you just make sure you’ve cooked it long enough. You can garnish with tons of different seasonings, stuff with a nice citrus fruit and layer veggies in the bottom of the pan. Whole chickens are also very affordable and yield great leftovers. Cooking site Epicurious has over 874 roast chicken recipes, so I’m sure you will find one that works for you! At least you’ll have fun while trying!
Source: @EricPetruno via Flickr
7. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambling eggs correctly is also a bit of an art form. You probably wouldn’t think that until you have someone’s dry and flat eggs, and then realize there’s definitely a right and wrong way! Knowing how to make a great scrambled egg will come in handy not only to serve as a main breakfast dish, but also for burritos, scrambles and toppings on toast. You have to check out Gordon Ramsay’s delicious recipe from Food.com, and let me know how it is!
Source: @JPellgen via Flickr
8. Tacos
Whether it’s soft or hard shelled, fish or chicken, tacos are a recipe box staple. They are great for picky eaters, because you can create a taco bar and let your kids put whatever toppings they want. If you don’t want to fry up your own corn shells, you can take the soft taco route or buy pre made shells. Many families embrace “taco Tuesdays” and it’s not a bad idea because it’s one less dinner you have to plan for! Take the advice of an amazing cook and visit the Pioneer Woman’s site for her chicken taco recipe!
9. Chili
Chili is a great meal, no matter how hot the weather is. Its great for chilly days, but also casual summers where you can serve as a main dish or as a topping for hot dogs and hamburgers. Its also great because you can do it slow cooker style and minimize stress due to long hours spent in the kitchen with screeching hungry kids. One of my favorite authors, Jane Green, also moonlights as a chef and has an amazing turkey chili you can find here. You won’t regret it!
10. Stew
And finally, a must-have for all you mamas is a stew recipe. They are awesome for leftovers, don’t require much work if you use your slow cooker, and are perfect for warming cold and empty tummies. One of our very own here at LAM has a delicious beef stew recipe thats easy and you have to try. Bon Appetit!
Karly Wood
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Karly Wood
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