by Macki Feb 12th, 2011 // Swell Suppers

Swell Supper: Fun to Make and Fun to Eat!

It’s just me and the kids this week while Matthew (the baby daddy) is working in New York.  Which means I need something manageable to cook that will also keep the little ones entertained. So I thought what could be more fun than skewering cubes of steak, cutting green beans, or digging out the insides of an apple? This week’s swell supper we’re cooking Grilled Lemon Basil Steak Skewers (but we’re using an oven instead), Cheesy Orzo, Green Bean & Bacon Succotash, and Inside Out Apple Crisp for dessert.

The steak for the skewers needs to marinate for at least three hours, so first thing in the morning before you head out the door prep the marinade with the steak and refrigerate. That evening when you’re ready to cook dinner put your bamboo skewers in water to soak and start boiling the water for the cheesy orzo and cook it according to the package (I use half chicken broth half water to give it a richer flavor). Prepare the inside out apple crisp according to the recipe, but do not put it in the oven yet (I use store bought granola if I’m out of homemade). Tip: use a melon baller to scoop out the core.

Now prep your veggies for the green bean & bacon succotash. We started to shuck the corn (two ears of corn are plenty for two kids and one adult) but we didn’t get very far because the kids each grabbed an ear and began eating it raw.  Too cute. So for our succotash we ended up using frozen corn. Good thing I had some in the freezer! While the veggies are sautéing skewer the steak cubes and balance the skewers across a 13×9 baking pan so the meat is not touching the bottom and place it in a 400 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how you like it cooked. Prepare the cheese sauce for the orzo and combine with the cooked orzo. Cook the bacon for the succotash and mix in the vegetables.

When the steak skewers are ready lower the oven to 350 degrees and bake the prepared inside out apple crisp. While your family eats dinner the inviting smell of the baking apple will encourage them through this delicious meal. Now doesn’t that sound swell?

Here’s Sylvie dressed for dinner in her party dress and pearls. Notice the empty skewer on her plate (she eats it like corn on the cob) and the look of pure joy on her face. Successful dinner! PS the apple crisp is so good we made some for breakfast too!