Create some freezer meals. Not the freezer meals like my mom used to make where everything was cooked which was basically a pan of leftovers – no offense mom. The meals I put up are partially prepped and frozen. Once thawed fresh components can be added to finish off the dish.
What I have found is that there are quite a few benefits to having these “treasure” meals like the one above stored away:
1. I am able to capture ingredients on sale which is helpful to my food budget…
2. I have a full time job outside the home so these meals are very appreciated on workdays…
3. They allow me to have more time to play and enjoy the people in my life.
Gather your ingredients and get ready to roll.
Here is how this recipe provided time to enjoy a special moment as a grandparent. The thawed meal is planned for dinner one night and we receive a request to watch our grandson, Caden, so our daughter can get to an unexpected appointment. My husband is so excited and runs to Home Depot to purchase eye bolts to install a surprise for our special little guy. Our backyard was soon accessorized with a bright blue and red swing just waiting for memories to be made.
So what does a Chicken Fajita recipe have to do with a baby swing? I guess my point is that I wasn’t in the kitchen prepping dinner once that new toy was installed – I was swinging a happy baby and delighting in the sweet sound of his happy little voice.
And dinner? Well – it was delicious. We chose to serve on large romaine leaves and skip the tortillas. I’ve listed the recipe at the end of this post – maybe you’d like to give it a try. By the way Caden also enjoyed his dinner of blended organic zucchini and teething biscuits – swinging gave him quite the appetite.
NOW About the recipe – I love how the marinade for this dish contains fresh lemons, lime and oranges and the versatility of eating now or later. This salsa works well with this recipe – http://www.deliciouslyinspired.com/2012/09/the-best-salsa-ever/
- 2 Tbsp Tamari Sauce or soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried ginger
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
- Pinch of chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
- 1/2 orange, thinly sliced
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 lime, thinly sliced
- 4 skinned boneless chicken breasts (preferably range chicken) - fat trimmed
- Spelt, corn, wheat tortillas or large romaine lettuce leaves
- Salsa
- Avocado or Guacamole
- Grilled Onions and Peppers
- Cheddar Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Combine marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl and combine well.
- Place chicken in gallon Ziplock bag with marinade - coat chicken and seal bag.
- Marinade at least 2 hours or the Ziplock bag can be frozen*.
- Prepare grill. Lift breasts from marinade and grill until done.
- Slice cooked chicken into thin slices and serve with the options listed above.
- *If frozen - take out of freezer a day or two before and place in the refrigerator to thaw. If it still a bit frozen place in a large bowl of cold water for a few minutes to complete thawing.
your post is filled with happy. and delicious too. I love that your hubby went out to get this sweet swing for you lovely grandson, Hugs
Thank you Katherine. Being a grandparent is an amazing adventure. I enjoy your blog very much and I’m hopefully going to to see if I can create a couple of tea towels using one of your ideas. If it turns out – I’ll post a picture of them and include the link back to your website. Thanks for inspiring me.
Hi Debbie
Awesome looking meal and beautiful grandson. What a blessing.
Best
Angel
fajitas used to be my only Mexican food. I would order this when ever I go to a mexican restaurant. I have been wanting some lately, your recipe sounds delicious.
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for stopping by to visit. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite for your family as well. Let me know if you have any questions.
Debbie
Hello, I really like the look and feel of your site, great work!
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for stopping by and your sweet compliment. I hope you find one or two things to inspire you.
Debbie
Hi Debbie!! So pleased you are hosting the blog hop. The Chicken Fajita recipe is just so perfect for moms like me who are always running around like a headless chicken!!
Hi Emma,
You made me giggle. I remember those days and it was recipes like this made me look like a rock star when it was dinner time. A little prep work ahead of time made the evening move smoother.
Debbie
I love it and will definitely add to my list of recipes because chicken is a staple in our house! Have a wonderfu
Hi Antionette,
There are so many ways to prepare chicken. Hope when you make the recipe – it receives a TWO THUMBS UP.
Debbie
“wonderful weekend!”
looks delicious….just mouthwatering!
Hi Kalyan,
I do like to drink my water like this and in fact when the family comes over for dinner this is usually the go to drink. I appreciate you leaving a comment. Have a wonderful day.