The Military Wife Jan 2010 | Page 4

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Even though you're doing fine with your spouse being away on training again, this whole thing is getting tiring. Meal time is a constant fight since all the kids want to eat are chips and ice cream. Going to the grocery store isn't an option yet, since you haven't got any clean track pants and your roots are in desperate need of a touch-up. If the other wives saw you... well. Going shopping is just NOT an option.

Here are a few easy to prepare, kid friendly meals that take 20 minutes or less to pull together. Most of the ingredients are probably in your cupboards and you can always make substitutions. Suddenly, you have more time to hide the dirty dishes in the oven you’ve never used and shop online for a new pair of leggings for the baby.

•Missed Her Noodles: Ramen noodles aren’t just for college students anymore. Cook them either with soup stock or not, add your choice of frozen, canned or even dehydrated vegetables, a touch of garlic and a can of mystery meat, and VOILA! Kid friendly, square meal.

•Pleasey Mac: Add a can of whatever kind of “cream of” soup instead of the cheese powder, slices of smoked sausages or wieners, and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with cracker crumbs and parmesan cheese.

BONUS: Use the package of cheese powder on popcorn as a seasoning for Friday’s family movie night!