As promised, I’ve pulled together an explanation of what I would prepare for a meal on a day where I need something super simple but good. It requires a few minutes 2 hours before dinner and 1 hour before dinner, and maybe 10 minutes at dinner to serve, but it works well when I’m around the house (even in-and-out) but busy with other things. I generally keep everything needed on hand except the sweet potatoes.

Entree

This is a family favorite from when I was a teenager and now a favorite in our home. You need chicken or pork chops, oil and seasoned breadcrumbs.

• Take chicken pieces (boned or boneless) or pork chops, as many as you need and a baking dish as large as you need to fit (or multiple, if that works better).
• Coat the bottom of the dish with oil — not deep, but covered completely.
• Lightly sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top of the oil
• Place meat in pan.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of meat to coat.
• Cover with foil.
• Place in oven at 325 for 1.5-2 hours (depending on how much meat you are baking). When the bread crumbs on the edges of the pan are crispy brown, your meat is done.

Sides

Baked sweet potatoes & steamed vegetables

Coat the sweet potatoes with oil — pour a teaspoon on your hand and rub it in to the potato. Place on a cookie sheet and into the oven 45 minutes to an hour before dinner (longer if your oven is full, less if just 3 potatoes). Serve with butter and brown sugar and/or cinnamon.

Pull a steamer bag of vegetables out of the freezer before dinner and prepare in the microwave according to directions. Season and serve.

Enjoy!

My hope is that you enjoy this as is or adjust as needed to your preferences. Either way, remember to keep your eye on your priorities and take advantage of simple meals when you need to.