Solve that "What's For Dinner Question"

I don’t know about your circumstance, but it is just my husband and I eating dinner at home.  Whether you have kids who are grown or you are a couple with no kids, meal prep for 2 can be challenging.   In my case my husband is not fan of leftovers on a continual basis.   Yes, the struggle is real.

Over the years I have developed a few tricks.

1. If a recipe is for a protein entrée like chicken, beef, pork or fish, I will simply just use the amount of protein we will eat.  I then will have the rest of the ingredients.   For instance, if I am making stuffed chicken breast using our Artichoke and Spinach Warm Dip Mix, I will mix up the whole packet with the cream cheese, but will stuff the chicken breast.  The other half can be used as an appetizer for used the following week to make the recipe again.
2. With this Asparagus Stuffed Chicken, I simplified the recipe by taking an 8 X 8 dish and placed 10 asparagus spears across the bottom.  I then put two chicken breast halves over the asparagus.   To bring out the flavor, I sprinkled the chicken and the asparagus with TS Makin’ Magic Chicken.  I baked this combo for about 30 minutes.  I found it took longer than the recipe said.  While the chicken was baking I made up the Artichoke and Spinach/cream cheese combo, but saved half for later.  I then used half the milk and half the grated parmesan to make the sauce.  I put 2 slices of provolone over each breast, baked for 5 more minutes, poured the sauce over the chicken breasts and baked 5 more minutes.  No Left Overs!
3. I buy my chicken breasts in 2 packs or I buy a whole package and freeze 2 half breasts together.
4. For veggies, I buy frozen or fresh and use a microwave steamer for the amount we will eat.   A quick method to prepare is spray with olive oil and then sprinkle TS Seasoned Salt, TS Garlic Pepper, or TS Garlic Garlic on the veggies.  If frozen microwave for 3 minutes, if fresh microwave for 2.
5. When I make a casserole, I plan on us eating half and using the other half for another meal.  My husband will eat 2 servings.   If he was not as big an eater, I would do it in thirds and freeze 1/3, use 1/3 for another meal that week, and serve 1/3.
6. Did you know you can get salmon in individual frozen fillets?  I take two fillets, put them in a warm bowl of water while still in the packaging, let thaw for 1/2 hour or so.  Next I mix 2 TBSPs of TS Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, 1 TBSP TS Avocado Oil, 1 TBSP Citrus Herb and 1 TBSP Dijon Mustard.  Brush the salmon fillets with the mixture and Air Fry for 5 minutes at 400 degrees.  Flip the fillets and brush the other side with the marinade and air fry for 5 more minutes.    You can serve a veggie and a salad with this.  Note:  Be sure to spray your air fryer basket with olive oil and put a piece of foil on the bottom for easy clean up.
7. Mashed potatoes anyone?   I am low carb but my husband loves his mashed potatoes.  Don’t tell anyone but I use instant.   For 1 serving I microwave in a bowl 1/3 c water and 1 TBSP butter in a bowl for 3 minutes.  I then add 1/3 cup instant potatoes, 1 TBSP TS Classic Ranch Seasoning and 1/3 cup milk.  Stir.  Heat for 45 seconds before serving.  Note:  My microwaved veggies are usually heating while I am mixing up the potatoes.

I hope these suggestions make it easy on you and if you have any questions with a recipe, feel free to ask!