Off the menu + meal idea

Between back-to-back weekends spent out of town and a general apathy toward cooking, my menu-planning skills have taken a nose-dive.

I sort of roam the grocery looking for items on manager special that can go into the slow cooker and premade veggie/meat patties on sale that can be paired with mac and cheese or steam-bag veggies. I get super fancy when I make pasta with a quick sauce. Anything requiring more effort is replaced with something easier or even more convenient, take out.

But last night, I think I finally got us on the right track. And it was so, so easy.

I made this recipe for flatbread, which I was able to put together before a family bike ride and cook after, and topped it with a bunch of things I had on hand.

• Garlic and Herb Laughing Cow wedges
• Spinach
• Portobello mushrooms
• Onion
• Grape tomatoes 
• Mozzarella cheese

After assembling the flatbread, I baked it at 425 until the cheese was melted. With a quick mixed green salad, dressed with white wine vinegar and olive oil, it was dinner. Done and done.

Bonus: I made 10 flatbreads out of the recipe, giving me the chance to freeze seven. I placed each piece between wax paper and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. I would have preferred a freezer bag but apparently I don't make it down that aisle when I'm participating in my own version of "Supermarket Sweep."

Let me tell you, I'm looking forward to using them when I know I should cook but I don't want to. Here's a few of the ideas swirling in my head:

Southwest: Laughing Cow Chipotle and Queso Fresco with black beans, corn, tomatoes and Cheddar cheese. Guacamole on the side.

Reuben: Laughing Cow Swiss, sauerkraut, Corned beef or marinated tofu, sprinkling of caraway seeds and a drizzle of 1000 Island dressing. More cheese, shredded swiss, if desired.

Gourmet: Laughing Cow Blue Cheese, sliced pears, red onion and arugula. Drizzle with olive oil.

Breakfast: Laughing Cow Smooth Sensations Cinnamon cream cheese, sliced Honeycrisp apples and walnuts.

Of course, there's always just warm flatbread and Nutella ... which I may or may not have tried as I was cooking.