Guest Post: Attack of the Whiny Monster

Meet Amanda:
So, before we get started, I have to say this blog thing is weird to me. I’ve never done it before, so thanks to Jen for helping me to get started! A little background on me: I’m married to the best man ever, and I have two great kids, aged 8 and 5. I work as a call center trainer, and I usually work around 50 hours a week or so, plus driving time, which is about an hour each way.





This is my usual evening: I pick up the kids, and I’m immediately attacked by the Whiny Monster of I’m Hungry. The Monster attacks every night, and while I can sense his presence, I’ve not yet found a way to silence him in the car. We get in the house, where Whiny Monster is distracted by the TV (thank God) so I can cook. I know my time is limited, because once Whiny Monster comes back….he’s back with a vengeance.

So what’s a Mom to do? Well, I have a go-to list of foods I make that take about 15-20 minutes to make. And I have to confess, they use convenience foods. There is no reason to avoid them, unless you have a food allergy. God bless green can Parmesan cheese and pre-made tortillas.

If you have a Whiny Monster at home, or just a regular hungry person, here are some ideas for you.

Cheese quesadillas with salsa and sliced oranges. You can add refried beans to the quesadillas unless Whiny Monster will morph into Picky Monster.

Egg and Cheese quesadillas with fruit: Make eggs to your preference. Heat a skillet and add one tortilla. Top with cooked egg and cheese of your choice. Top with tortilla. Flip when brown.

Breaded Tilapia with potato cubes: Take thawed tilapia filets and sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, dried basil, and parmesan cheese. Cut potato into medium sized cubes. Sprinkle with the same mixture and spritz with cooking spray.  Put potatoes into a 400 degree oven first, then add fish 15 minutes later. Bake until both are lightly browned. Serve with some sort of vegetable that they won’t eat anyway but makes you feel better as a mom.

 Photo by David Stephensen

Cold cereal- Hey, it has vitamins. And minerals. And they eat it.



Turkey smoked sausage with macaroni and corn. Turkey smoked sausage is better for you, and it’s usually cheaper too.

Parmesan Crusted Fried Chicken, noodle-y things from a bag, and veggie:
Four chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 egg

Beat egg and dip chicken pieces into it. Dredge in Parmesan cheese mixed with garlic powder. Take 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it in a skillet. When hot, add breaded chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. Don’t turn the chicken until it lifts easily from the pan.

Hope this helps you be prepared for when your own Whiny Monster of I’m Hungry attacks! Thanks for letting me visit, Jen.