I feel like I’ve been a bad, bad, mom. This is nothing new.  Generally, I feel guilty about something.

Today that something is the little dimples that seem to be developing around everyone’s waist as we try and navigate our way through the sun and fun of summer.

And it’s my fault, I know it is, cause you know, the world revolves around me and my choices.  I went on vacation and then I went to visit my dad, and my kiddos have been showered with treats, and sweets, and everything yummy to eat as they have navigated life without their mommy. Boo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo.

Well, no use crying over spilled milk, I’ve got to hold my head up high, because TODAY THERE IS A NEW WORLD ORDER. . . . MAMA IS BACK IN TOWN.

No more fizzy drinks, or syrupy slushes.  Don’t even try to ask me for a piece of candy, because I will laugh in your little tearful face and offer you turnip stew.  BBBWWWWAAAAAHHHHHAAAAHHHHAAAAA!!!!!!

Okay, enough of the dramatics.  Children, you don’t need to cower in corner shaking madly, I promise this won’t hurt a bit.  We are going to adamantly watch what we eat for the remainder of the summer, but I promise you’ll love every minute of it.

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First up for dinner Chicken and Broccoli Couscous with Lemon – A Huge Hit in our House. It’s loaded with vegetables, protein, and whole grains, and it’s so good the kids won’t look up from their plates until it’s gone.

Last night Shelbi and Bella had 3 servings, Soledad 2, and the Baby wolfed it down like a pig at a Ho-Down.  And, IT ONLY TAKES  15 MINUTES TO PREPARE!  Enough said.

The below serving feeds our entire family, sometimes with leftovers, other times with none.  Last night after a busy day, not a crumb was left in the pot.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups water
2 TB olive oil
5 cups Frozen Broccoli Florets
2 Packages of Near East Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Couscous Mix (can usually be found near the box rice mixes or in the International Foods section)
2 cups chicken, cooked and chopped into bite size pieces
6 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice (I use Minute Maid 100% lemon juice found in the freezer section)

Directions:

1. In a medium sized pot with a lid, bring water, oil, broccoli and seasoning packets to boil.
2. Once boiling, add lemon juice, chicken, and couscous, in that order. Stir until incorporated.
3. Remove pot from heat, cover, and let sit 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve.

This tastes great, hot, room temperature, or cold from the fridge.  Enjoy!