The weather outside surely is frightful, but having time to spend in the kitchen is delightful. Especially during this time of year.

While the temperature drops along with soft flakes of snow, I'm fine with staying in and preparing a healthful meal for my family.

Nothing is better for them than a warm, hearty meal at the end of the day. And nothing says hearty to me like a good ol' meat-and-potatoes meal. The simple protein, veggie, starch approach to the end-of-the day meal is a good one to follow if you are eating gluten-free. An economical way to end the day, fill your freezer with chicken breast, beef cuts and pork tenderloin for a quick go-to during weeknights in.

Potatoes, rice and quinoa are great gf starch staples and meat dishes are easy to prepare. Steam or roast your favorite veggies and you have a no muss, no fuss meal to eat as you stare out at the winter wonderland.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Beef Stroganoff
1 teaspoon olive oil
1-2 pound cut of beef (such as sirloin or tenderloin) cut into thin strips
1/2 sweet onion, chopped into large pieces
A 32 ounce box chicken or beef broth (such as Kitchen Basics)
salt, pepper to taste
3 tablespoons dried mustard
1 small can tomato paste
1 small package of mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Sour cream for topping (optional)

Cut and season beef. In large skillet, brown meat in oil. Drain and add onions and mushrooms. Saute for a few minutes, then add broth and mustard. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until beef is tender. Stir in tomato paste with large spoon, scraping the bottom of the pan. Return to a simmer for 5 minutes, stir and remove heat. Add sour cream if desired and serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.

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Another meal that's quick, easy and filling on a cold winter day can start with a whole chicken breast. I sliced mine into two pieces one night and simply covered them with sauce in a casserole dish. San-J offers a variety of sauces, marinades and dressings that make meat-and-potato meals a snap. I baked my pork in San-J's gluten-free Sweet and Tangy sauce next to a few sweet potatoes. I simply steamed some broccoli and mashed the potatoes with some applesauce to go with it and we were all pleased with the results.

Saucy Chicken (photo at top)
1 whole chicken breast chopped into two pieces
1 teaspoon oil
One 10 ounce bottle of cooking sauce (check out San-J's list here), reserve 3 tablespoons for drizzling

Place chicken in casserole dish and cover with sauce. Cook at 350 for 30-40 minutes. Slice and top with reserved sauce.

Here is another recipe for pork using Sweet and Tangy sauce. Also try out San-J's gluten-free soy and tamari sauces! I was pleased to find these existed gluten-free and found both at the Royal Oak Kroger.

Stay warm and eat well.