Go-To Family Favorites

MARCH 29, 2022  /  KELLI NAPOTNIK  / 

Go-To Family Favorites
There are definitely times when planning a meal does not come easily. Daylight savings time has offset our family's routine resulting in me feeling a little unprepared for meals by dinner time. I recently reached out to three close friends and asked them to send me their favorite go-to family recipes. I thought I'd share these recipes with you in case you need some inspiration too.
What is your favorite meal to make for your family and why? Here are the responses I received! Any of these recipes would be great to double to take to a friend in need.

Go-To Family Favorites

1. Make Your Own Chipotle
Friends are wonderful resources to reach out to when you are out of ideas. This sweet friend of mine makes her own version of a Chipotle burrito bowl! Here's what she recommends:
"I make seasoned steak bites, rice and beans, then serve them with corn, guacamole, salsa and shredded cheese. With dairy and gluten diet restrictions in our family, it is friendly for all of us. This meal is easy to throw together! Don't forget the fresh cilantro and lime sprinkled on top!"
If you want something written down to follow, I recommend this Chipolte Steak Rice Bowl recipe. I also think this Cafe Rio {Copycat} Cilantro Ranch Dressing recipe would be a great topping for this meal.

Go-To Family Favorites

2. Stir Fried Vegetables Over Rice
The next option is vegetarian and is easy to adapt! I asked why this meal was a favorite for my friend and she said , "Because it's easy and I'm not a very good kitchen person." Does that make you smile too? Even if you find you are a great kitchen person, we all have nights when we are not!
Stir fried vegetables are nutritious and the rice cooks in under 20 minutes. Season with liquid aminos for a healthier option to soy sauce and add in some fresh garlic and vegetable broth! I found this article on How To Stir Fry Vegetables very helpful. Read through to the end of the article for the recipe!

Go-To Family Favorites

3. Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
Another friend of mine recently sent me this recipe. She mentioned it is one she will often bring when taking a meal. The family she was bringing this meal to was one that had many different food restrictions and she said, "With chicken and potatoes, it was a meal everyone enjoyed and I didn't have to worry about avoiding any ingredients." The recipe was taken from Hope's Table: Everyday Recipes from a Mennonite Kitchen. I highly recommend this cookbook!
The Recipe:
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, cut into chunks
1 sweet potato, cut into chunks
3 red potatoes, cut into chunks
Sauce:
1/4 cup butter
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/8-1/4tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
Lay chicken and vegetables in a greased large skillet or a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Make sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter and add garlic, brown sugar, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, cayenne pepper and parsley. Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables. Toss well with your hands to make sure the sauce is coated evenly. Bake at 350F for 1 1/2 hour.
We are always happy to share our ideas with you! If you have any you'd like to share with us, please leave your ideas in the comments below! As the weather warms up we will all be looking for fresh inspiration.

Read other recent articles by Kelli Napotnik:


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Adina & Maureen
Adina & Maureen

Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you.

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