So I see that I am 2 weeks behind on this blog challenge–kinda figured that would happen when I agreed to participate, because life is rather unpredictable around here. This is unfortunate when you live with many people who would greatly benefit from routine that is set in stone. Hmm, looks like I just figured out what to write about next….

So–recipes that use 5 ingredients or less. People who write 3 ingredients or less cookbooks are my people, but we will go with the 5-ingredients or less criteria to give ourselves a little wiggle room. Half the time the 3-ingredient ones are lying anyway when you get halfway through the recipe and they say “add salt and pepper”–THOSE ARE INGREDIENTS.

I spent a good chunk of the past couple decades wrangling 4 kids and sometimes their friends while juggling multiple sports schedules and numerous health crises. Meals and other edible necessities needed to be simple and fast.

Need an edible holiday treat to hand out to special people in your life?

PEANUT CLUSTERS

1 jar SALTED and ROASTED peanuts

1 package chocolate-flavored almond bark

No, no, no–put that double boiler nonsense away and get a microwaveable bowl. Microwave the almond bark in 30 second increments until it melts (usually around 2.5 minutes). Stir in the peanuts and drop in blobs on waxed paper and let them cool. Done.

Need an easy baked good?

PEACH COBBLER

1 large can peaches (don’t you dare drain them)

1 box yellow cake mix

1 stick butter

Dump the peaches and juice/syrup in a 9×13 baking dish. Cover that with the DRY cake mix. Drop pats of butter all over the cake mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. You can eat it hot or cold–pairs great with vanilla ice cream.

Craving pumpkin spice something?

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS (or cookies, you do you)

1 can pumpkin filling

1/2 bag chocolate chips

1 box spice cake mix

Mix the 3 ingredients together and either drop them in mini muffin tins or plop them on cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Yum.

Too heavy on the desserts? Fine, let’s throw in a savory–

NO PEEK DINNER

1-2 lbs beef stew meat chunks

1 packet onion soup mix

1 large can cream of mushroom soup

Throw the ingredients in a crockpot and stir them together. Cook on low 6-8 hours. It’s done when the beef is fork tender.

Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Keep it simple in the kitchen and spend time enjoying your family. ❤