Southwest Behavioral and Health Services News

One of the most common household questions: “What’s for dinner?”

And it’s a tough one. Between busy schedules, not enough time and picky eaters, you have a problem that stumps many families. But don't let that stop your family from spending this critical time together and catching up on the day.

Since we are talking about the importance of family meals and including your kids in meal planning on Facebook this week, the DrugFreeAz.org team got to thinking about our quick go-to meals. Not only did we learn some great new ideas from each other, but we also wanted to share them with you. Now there’s no excuse for drive-through dinners or not having yummy lunch leftovers!

The bonus: These ideas are quick, easy and customizable for the many palates in your family. That makes your job easier and everyone in your family leaves the table happy after enjoying a meal together.

Dinner Ideas:

Kid-Licious Calzones

Shelly Mowrey, Sr. Director Programs & Communications

Shelly says: “At our house every Friday is Pizza Friday. A few months ago, I tried this really fun recipe on Pizza Friday and the family rated it a hit. These calzones are just like a folded over pizza. You have the delicious crust all the way around, and in the center are the delectable cheese, sauce, and other fillings of your choice. These delicious calzones can be a meat lover's dream, or a vegetarian's delight. It’s fun, easy and oh-so-yummy!”

Ingredients:

Batch of pizza dough (use premade batches found in bakery section of supermarket)
Ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese (1 cup each)
Pizza sauce of your choice
Pepperoni, vegetables or any toppings that you like on pizza

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 425°.

2. Portion dough into 4 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat each ball into a 6- to 6 1/2-inch-diameter circle.

3. Place pepperoni, veggies and cheese filling on one half of each of the dough circles, keeping a 1-inch border free.

4. Dampen the dough edges with water. Fold the dough semicircle over the filling and seal the edges by pinching them together. Place the completed calzones on an ungreased baking sheet.

5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden.

6. Heat the sauce for about 10 minutes in a pan until bubbly. Place the calzones on individual plates and ladle Simple Sauce over each. Serves 4.

Pasta with Steamed Veggies

Kim Obert, Program Manager

Kim says: “This recipe is so easy—it’s ridiculous! Serve it alongside a salad or with some bread, and you’re set. The secret is that the pasta actually steams the veggies for you.”

Ingredients:

Angel hair or Linguini pasta
Vegetables (Ideas: zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, yellow squash, leeks, or any other veggie you have that you need to use up!)
Olive oil (good quality)
Fresh grated Parma or Romano cheese

Directions: While waiting for the water to boil for the pasta, chop all of the vegetables into very, very fine small pieces (about ¼ or smaller). Finish cooking the pasta, drain it and put it into a serving bowl. Add the raw veggies immediately (the steam from the pasta will cook the small pieces of veggies perfectly). Finish by tossing with olive oil and sprinkling with grated parmesan cheese.

Chili On-the-Go

Leslie Bloom, CEO

Leslie says: “I love this chili on its own and with the ground turkey, so as long as you have the chili on-hand, it’s a win!”

To enjoy:

Brown ground turkey
Add it to a can of Trader Joe’s organic vegetarian chili
Serve with salad or brown rice, and you’re done

Ready-for-the-Week Chicken

Ann McClain, Manager, Administration
Ann says: “Buy a rotisserie chicken over the weekend, cut up into small pieces. That way you have chicken ready all week.”

Add your chicken to:

Salads
Quesadillas
Casseroles
The possibilities are endless!

Build Your Own Foil Packets

Anna Ebert, Community Outreach Coordinator
Anna says: “This is a great way to use up odds and ends, while still giving your family the opportunity to customize their own dinner!”