Who's hungry? Who's tired? Who doesn't have a personal chef?

I was recently given a copy of Debbie Koenigs new book, PARENTS NEED TO EAT TOO. We are a family of five here—and it’s rare that all five will eat the same items.

We do the whole family dinner thing pretty much everyday. We’re just not all eating the same thing. I have one REALLY picky eater (please, don’t offer me any advice on this issue. It’s been 15 years and I’ve learned to just deal). One of my kids is kind of picky. He will likely eat whatever I make—he just wants to inspect it first. Mom, what’s this green stuff? (It’s parsley dear—the same stuff that’s on the garlic bread you devour.) My youngest is a little gourmond and loves food.

It’s really easy to get in a rut when you have so much opposition at dinner time. Who wants to cook more than one meal a night? Not me. I admit it—my mother was a better mother. She cooked dinner. We ate it. Done.

But like I said, it’s been too long now and I will not fight at dinner time. I just want the kids to eat and be healthy. But I really want to have something that the mister and I will enjoy too. You know, because Parents Need to Eat Too.  What a concept!

So I received Debbie Koenig’s book and started flipping the pages. This book is substantial. There are a TON of recipes in there and the thing is that it’s premise is making delicious and healthy food even though you’re a sleep-deprived and busy parent!

I started with chicken (since that’s one versatile meat in this house) and found several recipes we could (and did) enjoy. The first recipe I made was Sweet & Sour Chicken. It was INHALED. My husband, between gulps, said “you can put this one on the heavy rotation list.” 

The next one I tried was, “Slightly-Less-Lazy Italian Chicken.” I’ll admit.. the word “lazy” is what drew my attention. The second thing that caught my eye was that it was made in the crock pot. Third? SPINACH was involved. (LOVE spinach). This dish was also a hit. I love the idea of crock pot cooking but it’s often difficult to find something that doesn’t result in a big pot of mush. This dish really hits the mark. Delicious, tastes like it was baked in the oven, and the spinach winds up only lightly steamed since it’s added at the end. Finally, over the weekend, I made a brisket.

Okay. True confession. I’ve never made or eaten brisket. I wasn’t really sure what it was—I was pretty sure it was beef. When I called my butcher I asked him, “How does it come? Can I order whatever size I want?'” We were on the phone, but I’m pretty sure I could hear his eyes roll.

Saturdays are a really hectic day in my household. Three kids, multiple activities, and two parents. You can imagine the driving. On top of it—this past Saturday I was teaching a jewelry-making class at a local library in the middle of all of it. Before I whipped my daughter's hair in a high-bun and headed for dance class, I made the Barbequed Brisket in the crockpot. I’m including the link for you to see the recipe, print, and try it. Seriously? You could make this for company and they would be totally impressed. But can I tell you something? It’s SO EASY TO MAKE. Oh my god. I’m so glad I made this Saturday. (And if you don’t have a crockpot, you can also make it in the oven. Directions are there).

While I was teaching I received a text from my husband. He had made a pit-stop at home, “Oh my god—the kitchen smells amazing.”  When I got home I could not be happier. The meat falls apart with the slightest pressure from your fork. The sauce was amazing. I served it on a bed of rice (I just love rice with sauce on it. I don’t know why. It just works) and a side of corn. I had bought a large brisket (the butcher said it would shrink and I should order 1lb per person). Tonight the leftovers will be served as an open faced sandwich with fresh coleslaw on the side. I love when you can have leftovers but now it’s transformed into a second meal. Don’t you?

Ok. So here’s what I’m going to do—I’m giving away a copy of Debbie’s book. It’s really easy to win a copy. Get a video camera. Do a backflip and send me a video of you doing it while yelling “I need this book.” OR, you could just make a comment below and you’ll be entered to win. A name will be chosen at random by March 1. Isn’t that easy? And, if you don’t want to wait or you don’t win, just order it on Amazon. You’ll have it in no time.