Friday Night "Cheater" Minestrone Soup

No matter what, I always feel like we're in a hurry during the school year, even on a Friday night.  We get home from school/work and are starving, want to eat good, but don't want to wait forever to eat.  I know there are a ton of people in the same situation so when I find something good that even the kids love, I have to share it, even if it's NOT homemade ; ). 

 

 

 

 

 

One Friday night I thought we'd try a packaged Minstrone soup mix; Cugino's Mama's Minstrone.  I was unsure, but was pleasantly surprised.  The soup prep is pretty simple:  You only have to add water, tomato sauce, and some browned ground meat.  It cooks for about 25 mins. and while it was cooking I also added a bag of frozen mixed veggies.  I seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. 

 

 

I topped the soup with some shaved parmesan cheese and served it with grilled cheese.  And of course, another time saver, leftovers for lunch to take to work during the week! 

 

<3grilledcheeseandsoup.

 

Sausage and sticky rice with soy sauce

 

I really don't know why I LOVE this so much, but you should definitely try it!- Just amazing flavor.  I actually think my significant other created this one night when he was left to make dinner for the kiddos because I was working late!  I was pleasantly surprised with a simple, super delicious meal...

 

When I recreated his "creation," I used Hillshire Farm Smoke Sausage, sticky rice (shown in the picture below and YES it IS a 50 lb. bag of sticky rice!), and soy sauce.

 

Simply slice and cut the smoked sausage and cook in a pan.

While sausage is cooking, cook sticky rice as directed.  (any brand I'm sure will do)

Fluff rice in a bowl and top with smoked sausage.

Douse in soy sauce!