Easy meals

One of the questions the Dairy Star asks Women in Jeans is about ideas for making life easier for women who farm. One thing that makes my life a lot easier is a quick supper. When chores run late, time for meal preparation is usually short. Here are two of my favorite quick, easy meals.

When I have no time: Deluxe Frozen Pizza and Oven Veggies

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of frozen vegetables (any variety)
• 1 cheap, frozen pizza (make sure it's 100% real cheese; some frozen pizzas use fake cheese; ewww!)
• shredded mozzarella cheese
• oregano or Italian seasoning
• grated or shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven according to pizza directions. Spread frozen vegetables in a single layer in a glass baking dish. Top pizza with a handful or so of mozzarella cheese. Shake on some oregano or Italian seasoning. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Put pan of veggies and pizza in oven together. Bake topped pizza according to directions or until edges start to brown. Stir veggies half-way through baking time. Veggies should be done about the same time as the pizza.


When I have a little time: One Pan Pasta Pleaser

Everyone loves this easy Italian dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef, thawed
• 1 26 oz. jar marinara (Spaghetti) sauce
• 2 cups whole wheat penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups water
• shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Brown ground beef in a large non-stick skillet or non-stick 3-quart pot. Drain beef, if desired. Add marinara sauce, pasta and water to beef in pan. Stir well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes or so until pasta is tender. When pasta is done, remove from heat, sprinkle cheese over dish and cover until cheese melts. This dish is just as good the next day.