Stress Center Peer Support

I know this may seem insignificant, but I've just begun to function again. I'm am trying to have dinner ready for my husband when he gets home. It makes me feel good and like I'm contributing and starting to do my part at home. I stay home with our daughter and have time, but am overwhelmed when I open a cookbook. I just can't seem to get it together without making a huge mess or burning something. It creates tremendous anxiety for me, but it's also important to me to do it. I think it's one fear I can conquer.
Anyway, I know this sounds trivial and I apologize if it's offense to anyone, but I was hoping maybe one or two of you might have and be willing to share a recipe that's easy and simple to get me started and help me build some confidence in that area. It would really mean a lot to me to be able to do this for my husband after he's been at work all day.
I know there are more important issues out there, and Lord knows I've got a lot of them, but I'm trying to take baby steps here and would appreciate any help or suggestions. Bev

Hi there, I love cooking Maybe you should try some crockpot recipes at first. They are always tasty and straight-forward! My favorite cookbook is Fix it and Forget it Lightly. The best thing to do is pick out a recipe then try to relax taking it one step at a time. And if it tastes bad its okay No one is perfect!! At least you are trying to do something for your family

I also love to cook but there are days when i just don't wanna be bothered too much. Here's a nothing-to-it recipe from Food Network called <A HREF="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes ... 47,00.html" TARGET=_blank>Loosemeat Sandwiches</A>. Very easy and quick, especially when you serve it with deli potato salad and canned baked beans. There are lots of easy recipes on the Food Network website so look around. I was trying to think of a fast, healthy meal I make but sadly, I don't have one, lol. Ground beef seems to be what I turn to when I don't want to fuss. Chili recipes can be easy and fast too. I've adapted one from a Betty Crocker kid's cookbook to suit the family's taste and they love it.

Here's a <A HREF="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes ... 29,00.html" TARGET=_blank>Beef Pot Roast</A> that goes in the slow cooker if you have one of those. I've not tried this recipe yet but it looks good.

One other website I'm in love with is CDKitchen.com. They have what they call copy cat recipes and they're from people who try to copy a restaurant's dish. Something fun to try at home when you're feeling more adventurous. Good luck with your cooking!

I love cooking too! I agree with Racheal--crockpot is soooo easy. In fact, mine is on now cooking some chicken that I will use later for school sandwiches and tonight's enchilada casserole.

You might want to head to your local library or cruise the internet and check out recipes designed for kids. I still love looking at cookbooks designed for children because they simplify a recipe and then it gives me other ideas.

We eat a lot of beans at our house too and those are easy to prepare in the crockpot as well. I can use those for burritos, dip, spreaks, etc. I have a smaller crockpot so I use about 1 lb. of beans (Yesterday I made pinto). Wash them and sort out the bad ones and rocks. Put them in the crockpot with water about an inch or so from the top. Don't add salt yet as it makes them tough. Turn it on high (cooks in about 4 hours). YOu beans are ready for seasoning! Add what ever flavors you like. For mexican beans I add garlic, salt, cumin, and if I have it cilantro.

Now you can warm some flour tortillas, lay our some cheddar cheese, picante sauce and that's a good easy breakfast or addition to a taco meal.

I would start a little notebook of easy meals ideas. That's what I did and still pull it out when I need a little inspiration!

I wish you peace and good cooking on THIS day!

Thanks guys! Those are awesome ideas! I'm really excited and will start gathering some recipes right away. My husband will be so proud. Thanks for helping me in this. Bev

I completely get what you are saying. Sometimes thinking about making dinner causes me to get a 'blast' of depression. It's exactly what you've said - something so insignifficant, yet for whatever reason it causes an upset in me. I acknowledge it, remind myself that it isn't reality and that it will pass, check to see if there is a bigger issue 'floating' around up in my head and then move on the best I can.

For easy dinners, I do a lot of fish and chicken. I find roasting a chicken is easy since there is very little prep work (just put a bit of oil on it and some salt, pepper and spices) before popping it in the oven for about 1 - 2 hours (depending on how big it is) at 350.

To keep meals easy, we have a lot of salads (salad in bag is a life-saver as it is pre-washed and torn!) and then perhaps a roasted squash or something like that. Easy and healthy!

I love cooking too, but when there is no time, these quick things are the way to go!


Ronda