the perfect valentine's meal for busy people

  The table is decorated, the gift bags are placed at the table.  Now, it is time to make the meal. I am busy, let's face it.  I work full time as a Systems/Business Manager for a General Contractor who specializes in Restaurant Construction.  The construction business is fast moving when you deal with Restaurant Construction and owner's are wanting to get the restaurant open to ring up those sales.

This meal is easy to make and delicious to eat.  It doesn't require a whole lot of "hovering over the stove."   It's simple lemon pepper chicken, beautiful french green beans (from my recipe, "the best darn green beans,") and good 'ole southern mac & cheese.  This is a simple, comfort food.   This works great for one, two, or if you are having a party.  This whole meal didn't take 30 minutes to make.

French Green Beans - pre-soak them with Lowry's Garlic Pepper & Avoaco Oil.  Put them in a pan on low and let simmer in the oil, throw in a little butter and top more with the Lowry's Garlic Pepper.  This makes a delicious garlic butter sauce.

Lemon Pepper Chicken - I soak the chicken in a little extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and then put on the grill pan (or gas stove skillet) top with the Lowry's garlic pepper, salt/pepper & sprinkle a 1/2 teaspoon of the lemon extract.  Simmer in this until not pink in the middle.   If you want add in your green beans to get some of the lemon flavor to the entire dish.

​Mac & Cheese -  I do it simple and it comes out great each time.   Bring salted water and 1/4 stick of margarine to a bowl.  Drop in your elbow macaroni (about 1 cup) and bowl to it rises and is tender.   Drain, put back in pan and add 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 stick of margarine and stir together.  Add in 2 slices of medium colby cheese and 1/4 cup of Kraft Sharp Cheddar Shredded cheese.   If you want it creamer, just add a little more  milk.    It is delicious and comes out pretty (like pictured below.)

As you can see, this is an easy dinner and perfect for Valentine's Day or just to have a good comfort meal for supper.

Aren't my yellow pots & pans so cute?  I love these new ceramic pans.  They are tilted so it is easy to drain them.  They are so easy to clean.  The big #win is that the handles don't get hot.  It is easy to grab them without the need for a pot holder.

I found these on #Amazon as well.   I love being an #amazonaffiliate and #amazoninflunencerpartner.  I get to share all these great deals with you.  The beautiful blue Dutch Oven that I keep on the stove top is from CrockPot.  I love the color so much, I like to keep it on the stove all the time.

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