“Mom, what’s for dinner?” We’ve all heard it probably at least a thousand times in our motherhood lifetime. And we’ll likely hear it a thousand more. I don’t mind dinnertime. Now had you asked me that when my 3 kids were all under the age of 4, my answer would have been different. My children could have been nicely playing on the floor together (could have been is the optimal phrase there), but come 5:00pm when I think I have a window to get dinner started, my middle daughter would pinch her younger sister, just to hear her scream and her older brother would be yelling the play by play to me from the other room. For those of you who are still there, don’t worry, I promise it gets better.
Because I have been there, and am still that mom who is searching for a repertoire of recipes that 5 out of 5 people will eat, I am going to share with you a staple in our house. Its cheap, its yummy, and it can be used a multitude of ways for those ever-so-picky eaters. Are you ready? It’s a big ole pot of pinto beans. After a week long vacation, it’s on the dinner menu tonight at our house in fact! And because most people rarely agree in a family as to what should be for dinner, you have a few ways to serve these up. You can make refried beans, bean burritos, beans and corn bread, tostadas, nachos – limitless I tell you! And the best thing is, you put it on the stove midafternoon, and just run in to give it a few stirs every 30 minutes or so. Go ahead and cry everyone at 5pm. I’ve already got dinner done. Score one for mom.
Big ole pot of beans
1 bag of pinto beans
salt to taste
garlic, if you like it
optional ingredients:
tortillas (for burritos)
shredded cheese
corn chips
tomatoes
sour cream
seriously anything you want
The night before, if you think ahead that far, pour the bag of beans into a large bowl. Sift through to remove any small rocks. Cover bowl with water covering at least an inch and let sit out overnight.
Around lunchtime the next day, drain the beans, put them in a large dutch oven or pot, cover again with water and bring to a boil. Simmer until beans are tender or about two hours. Add salt and press fresh garlic cloves to your family’s liking and enjoy!
What are some recipes that are staples in your family?
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Amy Shirola – I am an OKC naitive, where three little people call me mom on a daily basis. I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for 17 years. I retired from my career as an accountant last year to focus on my family and have more fun. Most of the time you can either find me outside going for a run, in the kitchen cooking, or chauffeuring my kids to their many interests and activities. I do almost all of that with a good cup of coffee in hand. I’d call it a good day if the weather was in the high 60’s, I got to eat my breakfast on the back patio, and the schedule was, there is no schedule. You can catch up with me at www.justfinishstrong.blogspot.com!
