Cheater's Dinner

My mom always figured out a way to put these amazing dinners on the table. Dinner time was sacred - it was a time that we all sat down together to discuss the day that we had. To connect with each other and to ensure that we were being a bit healthy. My mom always made sure that each meal was well-rounded with the appropriate protein, starch and vegetable. 

I have found that either I am or my life is a bit more frenetic than my mom's (although I really can't figure out how - because my mom worked full time as well). Anyway, I find these really great ways to make what I've termed "cheater's dinners." 

Recently we found Progresso Frozen sauces and pastas at our nearby Albertson's store. (That said - YES I do regularly shop in the frozen food aisles - and YES, you can get healthy meals there.)  The same company that brings you amazIng soups now does frozen Specialty Sauces and Pasta. The Progresso Meal Starters come in yummy flavors that I could never really make on my own. Stuff like white wine sauce and marsala. They are delicious and make it appear to my kids that I too am making great dinners for them.

The other thing we love to do at our house is "buy a party".  Buying a party consists of buying the items that would be put out at a party. Crackers, cheese, vegetable tray, olives, and meats. My kids love this as we create our own party (along with music and dancing) - which has become a fun Friday night tradition at our house. I have recently discovered Private Selection offering at our local King Soopers. They are these really gourmet sounding stuff at a way lower cost. I recently got stuffed olives (jalapeno and blue cheese). Water crackers, buffalo cheddar cheese and yummy Marabita sauce (it's a tasty spaghetti sauce) that we used for our meatballs. Plus, I got all this stuff for free from BzzAgent. If you are looking for a way to get some free food to try every once in a while. Try it.