2 great marinades

Ive used both of these marinades a few times over the past couple of weeks. They are really flavorful and most likely you have the ingredients in your pantry already (well, maybe except the cilantro).

Both of these are perfect to keep in your back pocket for those nights when you want to throw something together fast and easy.

Lime marinade for chicken

Juice of 1 lime
1 tbs honey
2 tbs olive oil
1 small can diced green chili's
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp salt & black pepper

* I like to add extra lime but thats just me

Zesty marinade for beef or chicken

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tbs chopped cilantro
1-2 tbs chipotle chili sauce (from can)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder

* If you want more spice add a little extra chipotle

Whisk all ingredients together and pour in a Ziploc bag then add your meat. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20-30 min.

I know you wont be disappointed!

Dinner idea: quick fix freezer meals

Since im having a baby in November I have been planning on making some freezer meals ahead of time so we don't have to cook once the little bundle arrives. I can imagine that making dinner + newborn = crazyville!

My friends Nicole and Tim (hey guys!!) just had a baby last week so I decided it was a great time to test out some recipes and also give my friends a break during the first few days of parenthood. To be honest...it was kind of an evil plan. I had never tested these recipes so I wasn't sure if they would work out. I had my fingers crossed that they wouldn't disown me for making them cruddy food during their moment of weakness. The good news is that I heard from Nicole today and she said the food has been great. A real lifesaver. PHEW!!!!



My new cookbook Robin Rescues Dinner has some great make ahead meal ideas. I decided on the artichoke manicotti with pesto cream sauce, mojito chicken, 3-onion soup and also threw in my own recipe for meat lasagna.

I purchased some oven safe food containers from the dollar store (3 pack for $1) to package the food and make them super easy to store. The foil containers can just be popped in the oven and the plastic soup ones are microwave safe.

All in all it took me a tad over 2 hours to make 2 weeks worth of dinners. I gave 10 to my friends and kept a few for myself. Not bad! Once cool I threw them in the freezer. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

In the next few posts i'll spell out the recipes. Hope you will try them! I love the idea of stocking up the freezer. Even the most passionate cook wants the day off every once in a while.