free dinner nights

My husband works at a golf course and about 3 times a week he closes.  Which, in the summer time, means he isn't home till about 8:30-9 p.m.  I have considered these nights to be free dinner nights for the kids and me.  My kids are easy to please and we have some standard and easy dinners for these free nights.

1. Nachos- my oldest could eat these every meal.
Spread tortilla chips, cheese, and black beans on a baking pan and cook at 350 for about 10 minutes.  We add pico-de-gallo, avocado, sour cream, black olives, and sometimes cilantro- if we have it on hand.

2. Quinoa pasta with marinara and steamed broccoli- I don't know what it is about this pasta but my 5 year old can never get enough of it.
Cook pasta according to directions.  Warm up marinara -I blend mine a bit before cooking because we have some with texture issues. This would also be a good time to add some pureed veggies.- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or simple salad.

3. Quesadillas
Whole wheat tortillas and any kind of cheese.  Warm up tortilla sprinkle on cheese.  Fold over and cook till cheese is melted.  Sides are the same as the Nachos

4. Eggs
Anyway you like them- they make a great fast dinner and eggs are just plain good for you.  We try to eat them everyday.

5. Black beans and cottage cheese
Just that simple- messy, but easy and it is a favorite for my kids since they were all babies.  You can add some cooked rice to- for more mess and nutrition. :)  We usually will have a side of fruit with this.