Well, I didn't expect to get so many emails so fast!! So I will answer a couple of them today.

Jill asked...

Dana, My children love Hamburger Helper, the quick junk food that comes in a box. I'm a working mom and I truly know it is not the best thing in the world to feed them but it seems to be semi-nutritious and it is quick and easy. Do you know of any way to replace this boxed product with something better?

Thanks, 

Jill

Why yes I do Jill. It is almost just as fast and way better for the kids AND you. You can even modify it to suit dietary needs.

1- lb Hamburger (calories go down  if you use lean)

1- 8 oz container sour cream (low fat brings it down lower)

1 pkg egg noodles (NoYolks style brings down the carbs)

1 or 2 pkgs instant brown gravy mix

Fresh parsley (dried is just fine)

pinch of pepper

No salt needed as the gravy mix will cover that. However, tastes are different on everyone so adjust to your liking.

Simplicity at its best...

Brown and drain hamburger and place on the side to remove excess fat.

boil and drain noodles

in a small sauce pan boil 1-2 cups of water (depending on how many packages of gravy mix you use) and make gravy according to package instructions.

Now grab yourself a large bowl or be lazy and put the noodles, hamburger and half of your gravy mixture, 1/2 the sour cream in said bowl and mix away. Now again to preference, add more gravy and or sour cream to your liking. Last, toss in a nice handful of fresh parsely or a tablespoon of dried.

Tah-Dah!! Hamburger helper that YOU customized. Simple as the box, no additives, trans fats and trust me... your family will love it!

Not enough? Add 1 cup of string beans to make it a complete meal. Fresh is best but if you are in a hurry add a drained can of no salt string beans.

Hope this helped Jill and I hope your family loves it!!

-Dana