Episode 167 Get Out of a Dinner Rut

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January is often a time when we want to freshen things up in our home and lives. It is also a time where we can feel like we are in a “dinner rut.” This podcast has four tips to get you out of a dinner rut and freshen up your weekly meal plans.

Tip 1 – It’s Okay to be Boring

Episode 90 is all about how there are seasons of life when it is okay to be boring. You may want to freshen up dinner, but if you are in a season of “survival mode” do not feel like you are failing if you have very simple meals over and over again. 

Tip 2 – Make Small Tweaks to Your Regular Meals

Small changes can make meals feel fresh and new.

• Swap chicken for beef in your favorite taco meat,
• Change up the shape of the pasta.
• Mix pasta and sauce and put it in a casserole dish and bake for a twist on spaghetti.
• Add some cream to broth based soups.
• Swap sausage for beef in your favorite recipe.
• Swap dumplings or tortellini for the pasta or rice in your favorite soup.

You don’t have to make all new recipes to freshen up dinner in your home.

Tip 3 – Try a New Recipe

I know this may sound obvious, but hear me out. The hardest part of making a new recipe is finding a recipe that meets your family’s set of preferences.  Episode 146 is all about how to pick a recipe your family will eat.

When you look at a recipe ask yourself two questions:

• What about this recipe is familiar?
• What about this recipe is new?

Aim for recipes that have a little familiar and a little new for your best chance at your family liking the new dish.

Tip 4 – (My best tip for getting out of a dinner rut) Go to a New Grocery Store

There is something about seeing foods in a different environment that can spark creativity in the kitchen. 

• Give yourself some time to slowly walk through the store (this is not a 15 minute grocery run)
• Give yourself a little extra money (even $10-20) to buy something new or unique.

You will likely see an ingredient that reminds you of a recipe you made a long time ago or you will find a new product to try. It might be a new veggie or cut of meat or fish or you may find a new convenience item that inspires you. 

When you try new ideas or recipes put them in your recipe index.

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Marie Fiebach is a married mother of four active teens. She helps busy families plan and execute weeknight dinner so they can recapture a little calm in the crazy. Check out her YouTube Channel or listen to the Feed Your Family Tonight Podcast.

For a transcript click here.

This podcast was sponsored by Yummy Crate. Get 50% off your first month and free shipping with code FYFT.