It’s OKAY to think INSIDE the box!

So many friends feel as though they are going to disappoint me when they confess that they “use the box mix”. I am hear to tell you that IT IS OKAY! In fact, I feel it is an excellent way of becoming even more comfortable in your kitchen. By this I mean “OWN IT! Know what works and what TASTES GOOD and use it! Let’s face it, when we invest our time into one thing…another thing takes our time. Time is valuable and there is always a trade-off for it. Some dishes are worth the extra effort to prepare homemade and others may not be worthy…. On days when 6pm creeps upon us way too quickly, that is when making a completely homemade meal might not be the best choice for us. Ladies….drop the guilt, it is okay to use the box when you are pleased with the product.

Here are some “boxes” I love (and I am not too proud to say, I use!) Please share yours too!

GFS has the BEST frozen Pulled pork! I put this in the crockpot  when I throw parties or entertain a large crowd. I get so many rants and raves! It really is sooo delicious!  
Krusteaz is an amazing brand- I especially love their Crumb Cake!

Couscous is a grain-based side dish that tastes/looks like a noodle in rice form. That is certainly not a definition from wikipedia, but that is the best way I can describe it!  I love adding this as a side to grilled chicken, veggie  kabobs, or pork chops. 

I hope that I relieved some of you with this post. For those of you who are surprised…I am so sorry! However, the last thing I want to be is an idol. I LOVE to cook and I LOVE homemade, but it’s OKAY to think INSIDE the box sometimes…

Bless you,
Janelle



(Phil 4:5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

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Comments

  1. Okay, I just love box brownies. And I do like the Pillsbury Dough Boy–did a blog post on it too:-)

    http://blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/2010/02/kitchen-confessionsi-do-like-pillsbury.html

  2. Janelle Nehrenz says:

    Suzanne- I love it, great post! This topic makes me think of (Phil 4:5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Bless you!

  3. Courtney (Women Living Well) says:

    This is what I love about you Janelle – so down to earth!!! Thanks for your honesty!!! Keepem' coming!!!
    Courtney

  4. Janelle-I am so thankful to know that. I am not a very good cook and my family always looks forward to meals at my mother-n-laws (so do i). I don't suppose you could give me some easy wonderful tasting recipes or ideas for holidays? I have a good corn casserole recipe but that is the only dish anyone asks for. Can you help a girl out? My husband is a meat and potato and bread guy. You can't get too fancy with him and it can be kind of hard cooking for him without cooking the same ole thing! I would appreciate any ideas! Have a blessed day!

  5. Hi Janelle – we have a delivery company for frozen goods here in Germany and I do love their spring rolls, their salami-baguettes and their frozen bircher-müsli that you only have to defrost in the morning. Yummy!!!

  6. Janelle Nehrenz says:

    Thanks Courtney! Steph- I would love to help you! I would recommend bringing something simple like Party Potatoes, appetizer , or dessert to a family function.(I can supply you with a recipe) I will be blogging 2 Thanksgiving ideas on http://www.womenlivingwell.org this month as well. Let me know which you would like my help with! I too have a hubby who likes meat/potatoes..so stay tuned for more ideas on both blogs! If there is particular recipe I can help you with, just let me know!

  7. Janelle Nehrenz says:

    Katja, that sounds wonderful! And why not…we go to restaurants and get pre-made/pre-packaged foods and pay a fortune…it is very rare to get a homemade meal out nowadays! Obviously, I love to make homemade meals..but I don't feel guilty at all when I want to supplement with something quick and easy! Thanks for sharing!

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