Kyle typically makes dinner for himself on school nights because our schedules rarely overlap at dinner time. Sad, but true. Good thing the boy can cook. But when we are both around on weekends, I enjoy being a good wifey (and making my husband a good meal). That said, sometimes we are super busy and making a home cooked meal is a low priority. It’s times like these that I turn to the pantry. However, just because I choose to take a more simple route, doesn’t mean it has to be a crappy meal. Annie’s Organic is pretty much the anti-out-of-a-box meal (even though it does come in a box).
As far as processed foods go, this is the creme-de-la-creme.
Organic ingredients, simple fool proof steps…
and it’s ready in under 10 minutes.
Shells ‘n Real Aged Cheddar
I mean sure, I would obviously prefer whole foods to packaged powder, but in the grand scheme of things, there are far worse packaged products. Annie’s is a definite go-to when time is not on my side.
Ready, set, grub!
I added frozen corn to give the Shells ‘n Cheese extra oomph…no complaints from Kyle.
I stuck with seitan and quinoa (both were already in the fridge), which was perfectly simple and deliciously filling (and allowed me to focus my efforts on my make-up, hair, and outfit for the evening). Home girl needs to put some effort in every once in a while, ya know?
The following night we were still lacking on time (plus our fridge was on the more barren side). What to do, what to do? Whole Foods!!
As we perused the prepared foods section, Kyle eyed some mac & cheese balls.
Our conversation went something like this:
Me: But you had mac and cheese last night!?
Kyle: Uh, Elise, I don’t judge you when you have hummus 5 nights in a row…
Me: Touché. Get the balls.
And so he did.
What’s your go-to quick and easy meal? Staple pantry item?
Mine, as you may well have guessed, is hummus. In terms of pantry staples, though, I’m definitely a cereal/granola girl for a quick option (although I always always always have enough oats stocked for an army, too).
I knew there was a reason Kyle and the girls got along so well. How does he feel about stickers? 🙂
Annie’s mac n cheese is a great quick meal; love that the ingredients in it aren’t crazy! My go-to meal is brown rice, broccoli and tofu, sounds boring but I love it!
“Touché. Get the balls.” hahah so funny..loved that convo 🙂 Lately I have been relying heavily on Trader Joes Meatless Meatballs as a quick way to add protein to whatever Im eating (salad or sandwich). They are delicious!
not so big on stickers. those wet-on tattoos however….
I confess that the powdered cheese looks fabulous and reminds me of afterschool childhood snacktime 🙂
Mac n Cheese balls? Only a man…
I think I get to into “food ruts” to have a go to meal. But probably an easy sandwich or smashed avocado on toast!
the fiancé insisted on making a recipe for deep fried mac n cheese balls one night (a paula deen recipe.. surprised?). on that night, i was definitely eating hummus.
Haha…love his response. I remember Annie’s a lot growing up, too.
Sometimes I will go days having a sweet potato as a side to whatever else I’m planning for dinner. I guess it’s not quick in that it doesn’t take long, but it’s quick in that I can get them ready and while they’re baking for 45 minutes I can work on other stuff. Or maybe that’s just my rationalizing having sweet potatoes on a near-daily basis 😛
Hah, he got you! I have to have hummus as well…I actually ran out last night and I went into mini panic mode. In addition, I need to always have cereal and sweet potatoes. nom nom nom. My go-to meal is a panini of sorts. Soo easy but still delicious.
i love annie’s products!!! i’ve had the vegan mac’n cheese…and i think i’ve also had the alfredo…so good!!
love the little conversation you two had before the balls were purchased…
i would say my go to quick and easy meal would be hummus and crackers…or hummus and baby carrots…and my palms are turning orange…so…yah, i guess baby carrots and other veggies and hummus!
=)
Annie (and Amy’s) is a go-to fast food for us too! : )
haha that’s awesome! I’ve had similar conversations with Tom and his pizza. 🙂
Hummus is a huge staple for me. Brown rice/steamed broccoli/TJ’s savory tofu (with soy sauce and toasted sunflower seeds) is also a go-to meal at the moment. Simple, but good.
And I always have peanut butter pretzels in my pantry!
I love Amy’s products when I’m tight on time whether it be soups or frozen burritos!
Love it!! These look so good!!
I love this post because I’m pretty sure my husband would eat nothing but mac & cheese and/or pizza for all meals if he could. And he pretty much does.
Haha! Love his response! No arguing that one, huh? My pantry staple for quick meals is a package of Trader Joe’s whole wheat tortillas. I make them into just about anything…wrap, quesadilla, chips, whatever! They’re the best tortillas I’ve been able to find: good fiber content, low sodium, great taste, and limited ingredients! And of course they make excellent vessels for transporting hummus and nut butter!
I dunno…have you tried Alvarado Street??? They are THE BEST!!!! (I agree on the tortilla being a food savior though)
boys are so silly
hahahaha. judger.
those are some of the best lookin balls i’ve ever seen!! i need to make a trip to whole foods sometime soon. 🙂