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Wearing an apron... but leaving on the heels!

Last week, after breakfast, I baked a chocolate cake. After the measuring, pouring, and mixing were finished, I put it in the oven, set the timer, and looked at the clock on my kitchen wall.

"Oh, no! Kids! We have to leave RIGHT NOW for swimming lessons!"

I took the cake out of the oven, threw it away, and drove off to the Athletic Club with my family for Sunday swimming lessons. Almost every time I try to bake, or cook, something will go wrong. Without fail.

I'm not very domestic. I don't beat myself up over this, though—there are other things I excel at.

Although I'm no Martha Stewart in the kitchen, I do very much love food. That's the first step, right?

In my quest to become a better cook, I happily accepted the role of being a Life Made Delicious connector with General Mills. As soon as I heard the words 'easy recipes' I was on-board! Also, there are tons of healthy and easy-to-cook recipes for kids on their site, too.

In working with General Mills, I'm able to try out new and easy recipes my entire family can enjoy. A few days ago, I came home from work and was greeted with an amazing box of goodies from General Mills, filled with all sorts of food. My boys quickly dove in, picking their 'favourite' items, and started eating. Cheerios, Betty Crocker cake mix and icing, Green Giant veggies, Nature Valley granola bars, (my absolute favourite!) Old El Paso salsa and tortillas, and Fibre One bars and cereal—our pantry was stocked!




During the week, I'm fortunate, because although I'm stuck in an office all day, (okay, there are some perks to this—lunch dates with friends, hair appointments, and shopping trips over the lunch hour) my family takes care of my children. My parents, grandparents, and in-laws baby-sit, and since we're Greek, my children eat healthy, home-cooked meals five days a week.

On the weekend, though, I like to cook for my boys. I don't want them to have no memory of their mom in the kitchen, you know?

This weekend, I'm going to try the Garden Fresh Lasagna. Apparently, it can be ready in 30 minutes. That's less time than it takes to get a blow-dry!




The steps to prepare this meal didn't make me run away screaming from my computer, like some recipes do.

Let me speak 'cooking' to you. All you need is:

A package of lean (or extra lean) ground beef
2 1/2 cups hot water
1/2 cup milk
1 box Hamburger Helper Lasagna
1/2 tsp of dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tomato—chop, chop chop!
1 bell pepper, 1 zucchini—chop, chop, chop!
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Easy so far, right? Now, in a 10-inch skillet (I just call it a frying pan thingy) cook the beef until it's well, cooked. You know. Drain. Next! Stir in hot water, milk, uncooked pasta and sauce mix (from the Hamburger Helper box), oregano and garlic powder. Heat to boiling, while stirring. Then, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes, and keep stirring occasionally. Pop in your veggies and cheese! Cover, simmer, and remove from heat. Stir it up and... voila!

"KIDS! DINNER IS READY!"

Besides great dinner ideas, I'm excited to try baking some adorable Easter cupcakes.






There is no way I can screw these up. And I promise to post lots of pictures of the results!

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Comments

Chantal said…
LOL Loukia you are so cute "Let me speak cooking to you" LOL

I love one pot meals. with working full time they are my favourite. Easy to do and easy to clean up after!
Lady Mama said…
Good luck! I do think loving food is the first step to becoming a good cook. Those Easter cupcakes are adorable - might have to try those too.
I don't know girl...maybe this would convince me, but maybe not!!
Evander Hollyfield said…
Mike Tyson is an excellent recent past endorser of Wheaties!
Stephanie said…
LOL Can't wait to see the results of your cupcakes! You can do it!
Shell said…
Oh, I would have been so upset to have to throw out the cake!

But, what a fun thing to get to do!
Tiffany said…
Do you know if they have Life Made Delicious Connectors in the United States? It sounds like something I would be interested in.