I am a foodee. But I'm not a food snob. Let me explain. I am a working mother. I get up at 5 a.m., leave for work by 6:30 and return home no earlier than 4:30 on a good day. I don't have time to produce fantastic meals daily. In fact, I'd say that out of a 7 day week, I cook a decent meal no more than twice. Of course, I try to incorporate the basic food groups, try to give my family colorful vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and try to provide a variety. That might just mean that we order pizza with veggies on a Tuesday night or make sure that my homemade mac and cheese has peas and ham in it. I'd love to say that I am a gourmet cook, but that just isn't realistic.

So, here's tonight's musings...pre-packaged foods. Yup. I buy them. Yup. I cook with them, and yup, I'm not ashamed to admit it. However, I do have some stipulations when buying pre-packaged. For example, the ingredients must be as all-natural or organic as possible. There should also be a level of quality about the food. Sure, I buy Spaghettios with the best of them, and who hasn't had a deliciously buttery grilled cheese paired with Spaghetios? But, if I am going to make a dinner out of pre-packaged food, there needs to be substance. Tonight's dinner was made up of a yummy salad topped with fresh mushrooms, but I also served pre-made ravioli. Now this ravioli wasn't your typical Chef Boyardee. Instead, it was packed with chicken, proscuitto, ricotta cheese, and spinach. And it was super. I saved a few minutes to spend with my boys (or blog, whatever), and I can feel good knowing that we had a healthy meal. Enough said.