🌟MAKE WEEKNIGHT DINNERS EASY! // BACK-TO-SCHOOL🍎 EASY MEALS

[@jent2262]

I am a part time nurse for 26 years and homeschooled 3 girls. youngest daughter graduated 2 years ago. all have gone on to college. and I STILL have issues getting supper ideas! My husbands solution is CEREAL! LOL.

[@SeeMindyMom]

My mom ate cereal for dinner many a summer night while I was growing up! :)

[@angelam5103]

He sounds like a keeper. My difficulty is I am not picky, but my fiancé is.

[@annswann1941]

My daughter’s favorite saying is ‘if you wait long enough to start dinner they’ll eat cereal’ 🤣🤣 Her problem is two growing boys who think a big bowl of cereal is just an appetizer!

[@monicas2461]

I can have toast and scrambled eggs for all meals!

[@karenhankerson330]

Mindy I enjoy your videos. They have been very helpful. I have a chronic illness and not always able to get things ready., you help me to think outside of the box. My mom always says that sometimes it is good to allow accept. She said don't steal someone ones joy. I've had to learn that. Make someone else happy because you accepted their help. Good to see them happy too. 🌻❣🤗 thank you for sharing and caring.

[@annswann1941]

This might seem off topic but the chicken pot pie & church dinner made me think of this … when I worked as a church receptionist a task I dreaded was making calls looking for volunteers. I felt uncomfortable asking for things in general. But the office manager was a wonderful lady who told me to think of it as giving people an opportunity to use their gifts and be a blessing. It was easy for me to adjust my thinking because I know that I feel great when asked to bring a dish for a funeral luncheon or other event. And your family enjoying the provided meal on Wednesdays is the same thing! My gift is serving so seeing people enjoy what I cooked and cleaning up after the meal really makes me feel great! Don’t deny the church cooks that satisfaction 😀

[@SeeMindyMom]

That’s a great way of looking at it, Ann!

[@krembry08kentucky]

Sometimes it’s a blessing to others to say yes to their help! 💜 think of that good feeling you get from helping others.. that’s what your giving them when you accept their help! It is a win-win!

[@monicas2461]

That’s such a nice way of seeing it! Thank you ❤

[@jilly8372]

It’s a blessing for the other people when we allow them to give to us

[@SeeMindyMom]

You're right, I need to remember this and get better about accepting help when it's offered. :)

[@ItsLauraBoss]

Our go-to quick meal is sheet pan fajitas (in fact I'm making them tonight while I pack for a trip)! I just slice up peppers and onions, toss two chicken breasts in fajita seasoning and throw it all on the pan with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve in tortillas w/ chips and salsa. It's ready to go in under 30 mins and saves me some sanity!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great idea!

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

Yum! I want to try this 🥰

[@lifewithk_yt]

One of my favorites!

[@paulandsarahpemberton6671]

It always blesses me HUGELY when I can help someone and it makes me smile. It’s one of my love languages although it’s giving. So if someone offers to help you, take it, because it’s blessing them as much as you.

[@Nursing1988]

I agree with this. I do some cooking as a side hustle when I can. Having a peanut allergy makes eating out challenging and dangerous. . I try to keep something I cooked in freezer for these times. But when someone offers I always say yes. Just like feeding my widow and widower friends. I try to make sure they are looked after

[@anitaholmes6824]

Altho my kids are grown and flown I still love watching your channel and getting ideas for dinner! It's the ideas that are so hard to come up with so thank you!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm so glad I can be helpful! :)

[@bridgetmarden7224]

I am handicap and am so very glad and thankful for all of your knowledge, videos, and suggestions 🙏 🙌 ❤ 😊 you are awesome. Please keep them coming

[@erinkitts1757]

Looooooved this vlog style video. As a working mom of 2 the dinner question is just stressful sometimes so these ideas were so helpful!!

[@distantthunder800]

God Bless you folks in Tulsa.. every time you get in a vehicle, its like taking your life in your own hands. Last time down there we started playing “Name that car part” on the shoulder of Broken Arrow Expressway. Love & Blessings from your Kansas followers.. you are an inspiration!

[@blushingbearhere]

I don’t have kids but I am a teacher and it gets manic for us when we have to throw dinner together between marking and planning!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Yes, for sure! I remember the days. 😊

[@TaraannBudgetsandSelf-Care]

You are living up to that mission. I love your channel. It has helped so much.

[@auntrowdy]

Life advice by Mindy, “Always say yes to a homemade pot pie”. That’s some life advice I can live by!

[@SeeMindyMom]

haha! for sure!

[@kathyk9519]

Oh I would never say no to any meal offered to me! They are a God send. I love all your recipes and ideas too.

[@pattywilliams788]

Hey there, Mindy! I’m loving the lazy girl/person chicken salad idea with the pre-made dips. That sounds so good. I’m not a mom or have a family, but I get so uninspired cooking just for me. I usually go for something that is not healthy or filling that leads to snacking. However, I love chicken salad and your tip will be so helpful for me. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful and easy recipes and hacks.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Hi, Patty! Glad I could help! :)

[@melissadykman1145]

We ALWAYS eat at church on Wednesdays! Love it

[@juliemaymcdougal7515]

I also used to ride my bike up to the elementary school waiting for the class lists to be posted on the front office door. It was the most exciting thing, right up there with getting my new school supplies!

[@caitlinwhisenhunt1341]

Always appreciate your ideas! I don't have kids but my husband and I both work full time and sometimes we just don't have time or energy to cook elaborate meals. These ideas are great!

[@Kristemamber81]

Where have you been been all my life?! This is totally my speed and so needed. I have four sons at home, multiple sports, and we are always driving. These ideas are awesome bc my kids are tired of my old standby's 😅. Thank you so much for putting this out there!

[@aimeedouglas1584]

I’m from that era! I couldn’t ride my bike to school (it was just a bit too far), but man I couldn’t wait until open house the week before school started and we would look at the list posted on the front door and see which friends were in our class, etc. Good memories 🥰

[@Dmh06178]

Absolutely - would head to the school to see who are teacher was and who was in our class!

[@racheladams5299]

I love to cook and have gotten many compliments on the food I prepare. When I offer food to someone and they decline it makes me feel like my food is not good enough for them. I know you graciously declined her offer but in the future also think about the hard work that individual put into their offer to you. I love all your videos thank you for taking the time out of your day to share your life with us.

[@renoki4540]

You are right! I love to cook and go out of my way to share homemade food with loved ones. But I agree sometimes we need a break too and need to allow others to help us! its ok. Thanks for that reminder. I sometimes feel bad if i shortcut something for dinner rather then making something from scratch but not everyday goes smoothly and we need to give ourselves a break sometimes. God bless you and your channel and your beautiful family!

[@melodycox9276]

I really like all of these ideas. It's just the two of us on most nights so I can control the amount volume and not have a lot of waste. Thank you for all the thought that you put into these videos. I really appreciate your sit. God Bless You and your Family🙏🌷🌹

[@shannonperez1984]

Love these !!! Definitely needed some new quick school evening meals !! With 4 kids in school (1 a junior in high school, 1 an 8th grader in middle school and a 3rd grader and 1st grader in elementary… then add a 6 month old) evenings get very busy, rushed and sometimes the time just flys!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Wow! Yes, of all the meals, dinner still seems to be the most challenging in these first few weeks. So many new routines!

[@SauerPatchGardening]

Growing up, we always ate dinner at church on Wednesday night. My dad was in the choir, we had youth group and the mothers had ladies auxiliary. And then dinner! As we got older youth group helped with serving and clean up. It was fun

[@angelbmann3531]

You always give me ideas. I can’t really follow them because I am extremely allergic to dairy and gluten. But I adapt the ideas…. And sometimes I just do for my family and I’ll eat a salat.lol anyways you have the same style of way of cooking, look at what I have and go from there.

[@jujube2407]

Aldi dilly dip in leftover chicken was sooooo good! Such a dumb simple idea...but soooooo flipping amazing! Thankyou!!

[@Jessxlen]

I love vlog style videos!

[@brandyh3536]

School has started back for us too. And for the first time, i have one kid in marching band, and one in football. So all the practices, games, and such, it is definitely an adjustment. Dinner and housework have both suffered. Thank you for the ideas, but also thank you for the pep talk about giving ourselves grace.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I have one just starting out in MS band! We're heading into those hectic (but fun) secondary years, so I'm right there with you! :)

[@brandyh3536]

@@SeeMindyMom it is exciting for sure. But for someone who is used to juggling it all by themselves, it is going to take some getting used to, and some nights i tell myself its ok if we have microwaved burritos occasionally!

[@rheahawko7179]

My kids started school today. WooHoo

[@jennyt7612]

Thanks for this helpful video. I thought you may like this easy way of doing a cheese sauce which I just found on a recipe website: no need for butter at all. Just mix 1 cup of grated tasty cheese in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of corn flour- I think you call it cornstarch. Stir till thoroughly combined. Meanwhile gently heat 1 cup of milk in medium pan & when warm tip in cheese mixture. Stir until cheese melted & sauce thick as you need. Add more milk if it's too thick. Season with salt and pepper. I looked for this alternative one day when I was very low on butter & found it worked well. Best wishes from Sydney, Australia

[@MindyourMatters]

Thanks mindy always the best visit here on your channel!

[@meeganjae72]

Another option for when using shake and bake, drained and rinse canned round potatoes and place in shake and bake crumbs, bake along side your chicken. So delicious and crispy. This was my go to dinner to make for my family when I was a teenager. Now, I would roast some veggies along side as well.

[@elinamor4638]

Great video! Lots of great meal ideas for busy week nights!

[@clschaan]

I have to tell you i am looking at the food in my house in a whole new way! I tried the drink mix to flavour greek yogurt, wow mind blown! Im really so inspired to actually cook now.

[@shylahbalkcom3770]

And for people not super busy but don't wanna spend all night cooking ☺️

[@SeeMindyMom]

For sure!

[@soksmao6070]

I love the spicy ramen recipe! I'm so glad I found you! I have made more recipes from your channel than any other person I subscribe to!!!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I am glad that you are giving yourself credit!! You have two very tough jobs!

[@JoAnnCarpenter815]

Thanks Mindy for the ideas, as always they are appreciated!!

[@TaraannBudgetsandSelf-Care]

We start on September 6th. I can't wait.

[@cathy.peterson9756]

I used to ride my bike to the school anxiously awaiting who was going to be my teacher too! Gosh…I forgot all about that!

[@MT-US]

Who would have thought of gnocchi that way? Amazing! I hope to try this out! Thank you 😊

[@tenthousanddaysofgratitude]

Shake and bake gnocchi. I never would have thought of that.

[@amandagabaldon3366]

Thanks Mindy!

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

Great meals! I need to some of those sheet pan meals. I never thought of tortellini as a sheet pan item. I will try that one first. Thank you so much!

[@gabriellafranchi7764]

Hi Mindy!! I love the great ideas you gave for dinner sometimes it's so hard on a school night for what to make for dinner can't wait to try them all so happy i found your channel 🙂 all your videos are so helpful thanks for making a moms job easier 😀

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

I never knew you could bake gnocci or tortellini! Cool 🥰

[@amysheffield9583]

First I must say I love your kitchen. Nexty, your recipes and channel is awesome!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks so much, Amy!

[@bessiefaircloth6147]

I totally understand, I am a person who did not want any help because I was able to do everything. I had to have Achilles tendon surgery last week and CANNOT do much of anything, so I have HAD to accept help from other people. It's hard when you are the one helping. Delicious meals from friends and family and easy freezer foods my husband and son can make are what's for dinner for a while. And I've accepted that!!🌞

[@SeeMindyMom]

Bessie, my husband had tendon reconstruction (not achilles, a different tendon), so I understand how frustrating that can be! Take it easy! :)

[@bessiefaircloth6147]

@@SeeMindyMom thank you!

[@kateholland2773]

My go to is kfc bowls - instant potatoes or frozen homemade potatoes defrosted, frozen breaded chicken tenders/bites/nuggets, shredded cheese and a gravy packet. Easy and tasty.

[@sherrydaugherty6144]

Mindy and family have a great week have fun thanks from Oklahoma

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, Sherry!

[@deannaladd5710]

YES ! Going up to the door to see who you got for teacher and in your class

[@SeeMindyMom]

haha! Glad I'm not alone!

[@annielumm7370]

Ut oh you just showed me a short cut, I didn't know existed! I'm so looking for that next trip to Walmart 🤣🤣 I see home made with Walmart assistant chicken nuggets or stir fry in my future.🥳🥳 Thank you!!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

No problem! Glad I could offer a tip! :)

[@kimbedgood2125]

Great idea’s ❤

[@pandapoof8798]

I've used the 2 ingredient chicken salad, added mixed veggies and put mixture in crescent rolls to make a quick version of chicken squares. It also tastes great thinned out a little baked in a pie crust for a quick pot pie.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Those are great ideas!

[@lisaremy4817]

I’m excited to try the Spicy Ramen noodle recipe tonight for dinner. It’s really hot today I’m So Cal and I’m feeling very sluggish so it sounds like a quick yummy dinner. I’m going to use ground pork from my butcher box. I hope my Husband and Son like it. 😀

[@NothinbutLove]

I love the dip tip! Definitely going to utilize that! I'm looking for more pasta recipes if you have more ideas for those. Also now that I know you can sing I really want to hear you! You should post a video of you singing!

[@asweetnspicyginger2443]

Thanks for being realistic. Def need to try the ramen recipe.

[@melodylewis1354]

Great ideas and information

[@HookedandRooted]

Love sheet pan meals!! Thanks for the inspiration Mindy!

[@jessicazalewski2321]

we just went today to the school and they posted the classes on the window everyone was happy with the results

[@kippytx]

Excellent ideas. Thanks for sharing

[@lydiahubbard7511]

I'm a homeschool mom of 4, but between school, coops, and sports, I feel so overwhelmed when it comes for dinners.

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

Happy back to school! That crockpot Alfredo looks so good 😊

[@SeeMindyMom]

It was good, I’m eating the leftovers today. 😊

[@AliciasKitchen7]

I don't know why I never thought to do shake and bake chicken nuggets those looked so good 🙂 everything looked really good and easy

[@Idkimblonde]

Love this!

[@amandat.8694]

Love all of these ideas!!

[@ja5034]

Thank you so much this has been so beneficial to my house I have two kiddos but we have stuff you know what I mean sports family time dinner is last and I don’t wanna grab fast food

[@SeeMindyMom]

I’m with you! 😊

[@Knitnana]

Mindy, you make my days (and evenings) with your videos. Such good ideas - I'm heading to a town with a Trader Joe's in a couple of weeks so everything I can get there that's gluten free is on my list! Gonna snap up that veggie fried rice! :)

[@laurenj.5312]

I believe the pumpkin gf sandwich cookies may be there in a couple weeks!

[@Knitnana]

@@laurenj.5312 YUMMY! Thank you!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I want to go by there when they get their fall stuff out because last year they had a maple oat milk that was so delicious in coffee!

[@Knitnana]

@@SeeMindyMom Good to know!

[@jamiepittsley8555]

My daughter is 8 and her school posts the class lists on the cafeteria door 😊

[@deniseb7370]

We tried your crockpot jalapeño popper chicken recipe this week & loved it!!!!! So easy & versatile - thank you! 😀

[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm so glad you liked it! That one is from Lazy Day Cooking Club. :)

[@susanjones5107]

Need to hear the part about grace and accepting help! Thank you

[@nicolewagner25]

First day of school here in MA for my daughter 😁

[@annroberts4593]

Most days I make dinner before lunch. I just am not home and don’t have time at dinner time

[@SeeMindyMom]

Haha! That happens here, too!

[@rhondaadams2468]

Love all ur recipes and tips. I'd seen u mention the 1/2 pound frozen chicken pieces before but could never find them due to pandemic I'm guessing...I bought fresh tenders and while preparing for freezer I cut up about half the tenders and made my own 1/2 - 1 pound bags. Cheaper and not frustrated I can't find.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great tip!

[@nancycarney]

Love your easy videos. Oh my! I amde that exact recipe of your for dinner Mon. August 29. Delicious. We also like fish tacos or sandwiches from Mrs. Paul's or Gorton's Fish sticks or Battered fish filets. Quick & easy.

[@SeeMindyMom]

So glad you liked it! I need to remember fish filets because my kids actually like those, too.

[@rosemarydoran9907]

In elementary school, our final report card at the end of the year, there was a space at the bottom that said your new teacher's name and grade. In junior high and high school, those were computerized so that didn't work. I don't honestly remember once I was in the upper grades how I found out my schedule. In these grades there were options with classes you could take, so I believe you chose your classes and then the computer magically did the scheduling. Once I got to college, and keep in mind this was the fall of 1980, the field house was opened up with a huge room full of tables with these little individual cards that were a place in a class. Starting with the seniors and then going down so by the time I was a freshman, it was a real challenge to walk around and try to put together a schedule that worked where you could get the classes you needed and yet weren't on campus from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. everyday. It was a real challenge! As time progressed in the computer age advanced, that all became automated which made things a whole lot easier plus I was in a higher class level credit hour wise so I got to schedule earlier than the lower classmen did. Now I'm sure everything is automated even for elementary school I'm sure. I guess I'm really feeling old, Mindy!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Oh that is so interesting on the scheduling! I remember scheduling being a giant chore for whatever administrator was in charge of it at the high schools where I taught. It was a tangled web!

[@martinanolan6715]

You might have made her day if you said thank you so much and accepted the pie, it's more fun to give than recieve, sometimes we have to let others feel good too

[@SeeMindyMom]

So true!

[@aheartysliceofmommylife4949]

I liked this video and the style you did it. How is the texture Of the gnocchi when you bake them ?

[@SeeMindyMom]

I liked them! They're still soft, and the bread crumb coating gave them a nice flavor. :)

[@aheartysliceofmommylife4949]

@@SeeMindyMom okay thanks! I did a search on you tube and couldn’t find your video on sheet pan meals.

[@mrohde2067]

Thank you Mindy for the inspo! I'm planning on heading into the classroom for the first time as a substitute teacher, so these easy meal plans are appreciated! The ramen beef broccoli looks like it will be famous around here! Any teacher tips as a sub are appreciated :)

[@SeeMindyMom]

Marianne, thank you for your important work! We have a huge shortage of substitutes here for years, and it's so hard on the teachers, too. It depends on what age you plan to sub, but when I subbed the little ones (k-6), I always brought books, and a few other activities I could do in case we had extra time or the lesson plan wasn't ready. Little games we could play. Since I was a music teacher, I had several singing games that the littler ones enjoyed. Just some ideas.

[@mrohde2067]

@@SeeMindyMom thank you , that’s great advice ❤️

[@christinainmichigan6726]

Thank you Marianne for putting yourself in a way of a teacher. Most of my aunts and uncles were teachers, my sister is a jr high math teacher and my daughter is teaching 2nd grade this year. I never made it through to become a teacher I ended getting married then had to work. Teachers are very hard working people who put others before themselves and never get a proper thank you. So THNK-YOU Marianne.

[@mrohde2067]

@@christinainmichigan6726 thank you 🙏

[@beverlyschroeder5573]

Great ideas...

[@katyfisher995]

Can you recommend a thermometer? I’m ready to buy an instant read one and there are so many to choose from!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

We have a thermopen. My husband got it as a Christmas gift about 5 years ago, maybe longer. It has been so fantastic! Kind of pricey, but we haven’t even changed the battery in it. Since then, a lot of similar products have come out that are a little less expensive, so not sure what we would buy today.

[@ralphwestphal1914]

What about using beef flavored ramen then using some of the flavor packet to help enhance the flavor?

[@silverbeowulf5601]

This was nice...im working on extending what little money we have for food. Not very busy(im not able to drive). Making my own tortillas, refried beans for burritos. I think(hope) it cheaper then the now $2 large ones husband likes at walmart...im now think if making tortellini or gnocchi would be worth it...or just stressful.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I"m not sure how to make tortellini, I think it would be pretty time consuming. I've been told gnocchi isn't too bad, but I haven't tried it. A package at Walmart is $1.88. I have used my Crockpot to make pinto beans, and then turn into refried beans. I freeze them in small portions in little ziplock bags. Really good!

[@nikkicox3314]

I would love to see you on this new show called Big Bad Budget Battle on Food Network. I love that show and id love to see what you'd come up with! 😁

[@SeeMindyMom]

OOOH, that sounds interesting! I'll have to check it out!

[@melindalachapell4478]

I wanted to make your chicken salad so bad for our camping trip! I couldn't Find a ranch style dip in our store.

[@whittneyjade]

I want to try this ramen recipe so badly! We have an alpha Gal kid in the house so I can't use beef or pork in any way. What would you suggest? Ground turkey is O.K. but it's literally not my favorite by any means.

[@BlessYourCoupons]

Great video!

[@brendagordon7812]

Hey Mindy, could you explain how long on low to cook a 6 lb whole chicken in the crockpot? I think I cooked my last one too long, a bit dry but we got 6 meals from it.@ 1.99 per pound. It was a 'never any' from Aldi.

[@barbarasutherland8000]

Just bought some ramen noodles like ramen recipes can you do some more ramen recipes.💯👍💯☘️💯✌️💯😋💯🥰💯🥧🧄🥗🍖🍛🍗🧅🧀🍝🍚🥪💯👏💯

[@lillierussell8558]

Where did you get your earrings that you wore on Wednesday the green pair

[@SeeMindyMom]

They're from Kendra Scott. I usually get a pack for my birthday and Christmas. :) I've been collecting them for years.

[@informaticsnursebev1538]

❤️

[@AWordofHope]

Lol I have a hard time accepting help from others. I'm so used to giving out not receiving. I have to learn how to receive. 🥴

[@mrs.n.7314]

👍🏼

[@geraldinelucas3143]

No worry what class you were in when I attended grade school. Grades 1-4 in one room and grades 5-8 in the other room. My mother attended the same school after growing up the school which was still being used washed down the river in a flood.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That was the case in my mom’s school, except 7-8 were in the attic! She actually chose to go “into town” for school at 7th grade on up (this was a tiny farm town in Kansas). 😊

[@HeatherB81]

What was that recipe that you showed at 13:59 ?! 🤤

[@SeeMindyMom]

Those were jalapeño chicken popper sandwiches and they were delicious! The recipe came from Lazy Day Cooking Club, I featured those in a video from last week.

[@melcha7352]

Do you have any entertainment crockpot meals or brunch meals to share for a Ladies Day?

[@Debbienezfan]

When I went to Elementary school, my next year's room would always be on my last report card of the previous grade.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That would have saved me a few miles on my bike every day in august as a kid! 😂