If you are one busy parent, student, or civilian, you know it can be a bit difficult finding time to cook a healthy, delicious, homemade dinner. Yes, sometimes it is easier to just eat Chinese take-out for dinner, but that gets old fast and can hurt your wallet and figure. It's time to be smart about dinner-time and realize how simple and healthy several recipes are.

Some of these recipes only need a couple ingredients, so you won't be spending a ton of money. Plus, leftovers make the best lunch! Three ways to start cooking dinner:

 

 

  1.  Find time to go to the grocery store and shop wisely. Don't go up and down every aisle throwing items into your buggy that look good. Only buy what you need.
  2. Make a plan. If you know you are going to have a hectic day, prepare a simple meal the night before, so all you have to do is pop it into your oven or microwave. Also, crock-pot meals are the best. In the morning before work or school, throw all your ingredients into the crock-pot and by the time you get home dinner is ready. Voila!
  3. Research simple, money-saving meals on the internet. You know how useful the internet is- find some awesome recipes that make your mouth water. Also, cooking with friends is always fun, and you won't be doing the dishes all by yourself.

I love finding recipes on the FoodNetwork, Epicurious, and Cooking Light. Great recipes always inspire me to get in the kitchen and cook. My top four, go-to dishes are:  Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, Lemon Chicken with Artichoke Hearts, Salmon with Lentils and Mustard-Herb Butter, and Chicken-Ham Lasagna. Give these recipes a try, y'all!

 

 

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