The kids are back in school and the schedules and time crunch is back!

We need meals that are nourishing and delicious, but also hassle-free. That’s why I LOVE these easy back-to-school night meals. You literally heat, then serve them!

Here are 5 easy ways to make weeknight dinnertime a wonderful experience:

1. Brisket with twice-baked potatoes. The meat is already sliced and sauced. Put it in the oven (the potatoes, too) and voila!
2. Hickory-smoked ham and mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms. Delicious and different. This meal is a hit!
3. Chicken Spiedini. A new twist on a mealtime favorite – chicken! This Italian dish is so savory your family will devour it. Serve with your favorite noodles.
4. Cold Water Lobster Tails. Did they ace the test? Break out this seafood favorite! You can grill, bake or boil them. Whichever way you choose, it’s simple! Try with creamed spinach.
5. Beef Wellington. Put it in the oven and you have a gourmet meal that is rich and flavorful. Green beans in a mushroom cream sauce are an excellent accompaniment!

May all your school nights be stress free – or at least the ones when you take it easy on yourself and serve these meals!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

I came across a blog post entitled simply, “I made a delicious steak today.”

I like the simplicity of it. So matter-of-fact.

The recipe was simple, too. But the outcome? Well, that was extraordinaire!

Just look at that thick, hearty steak! Divine.

And a cast iron pan always adds an extra OOMPH. Really seals in the flavor.

Check it out here and then try it for yourself!

Photo courtesy of Evanalyze.com.

Spiral sliced ham.  Twice baked potatoes. Dessert!

If those words are music to your ears, here’s your chance to indulge your taste buds with the ultimate Easter dinner.

The Kansas City Steak Company is giving away five (5) Easter dinner packages with a 7-8 lb. ham as the star of the show.

Just think, all the mouth-watering goodness of a first-class holiday meal without all the fuss!

Where do I sign up?

Well, here’s how to enter:

1)   Sign up at KansasCitySteaks.com or the Kansas City Steak Company Facebook page (one entry per person, per week).

2)   Get additional entries by spreading the word.  Tell your friends, family, co-workers, mailman about the launch of the Kansas City Steak Company Easter Dinner Giveaway via Twitter, Facebook and/or a blog post.   You can only use each way once, but go ahead – use each option for multiple chances to win!

3)   Come back and leave a comment.  Include the link to your Tweet, Facebook or blog post about the Easter Dinner Giveaway.

Need some inspiration?  Here’s a suggested Tweet/update (but feel free to add your own personal touch to it):

KansasCitySteaks.com is giving away 5 yummy Easter Dinner Packages! Enter to win: www.kansascitysteaks.com/contest-contest

But don’t wait too long – this Easter Dinner Giveaway is only through April, 13, 2011!  Check out the official rules here.