Putting on Our Aprons

We've been using a meal delivery service for the last month or so.  For us, it's cheaper and better food than we would get from take-out, which becomes our go-to in times of busy-ness and stress. And it's been great.  The meals are tasty and easy to prepare; and the kids even like most of them.  They are sometimes high in calorie, but there are lower-calorie options too.  And we're trying new things--I ate fish and Mama had fruit in her food, neither of which is our usual fare.

And we're even learning some new techniques. 

• chicken breasts and pork can be cooked at 450F for about 30 minutes (instead of our usual 350F for closer to an hour; and they don't dry out!)
• veggies can be roasted at 450F also, for about 15 minutes
• always add an acid at the end--vinegar, wine, lemon
• stir in creaminess at the end--creme fraiche, cream
• garlic grated into yogurt is a great sauce
• stuff cheese in pizza dough rolls--yum!
• garlic or miso paste in mashed potatoes is good
• hoisin and ketchup makes a good glaze
• small sweet peppers are even better than big bell peppers