This time of year is fun, yet a busy time for families. Gorgeous spring weather has returned and baseball season is in full swing for your kids. In the midst of practices and games, it's hard for you to feed your own family, much less take a meal to someone.

Our family is also in the throes of baseball season right now, so I understand your struggle to get everyone fed quickly and easily. If you are striking out in the kitchen, I have four "go to" meals that will help you. They happen to also be great meals for taking to friends after life slows down a bit, but right now, they will be perfect for your own busy family.

At the bottom of this post, I'm giving you a printable grocery list that will make it easy for you to be ready for your next 4 game nights. You probably already have many of the ingredients on hand. I'll also let you know how I make fast, tasty rice.

1. Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe is so easy and delicious! You can make it any time during the day. It needs to cook for 2 1/2 hours in the crock pot. I will sometimes mix in some cut up ham lunch meat from Trader Joe's, but the recipe is just fine as written. This dinner will be a pre-game home run!

2. Honey Curry Chicken - This recipe was given to me by my sweet friend, Heather, after she brought us a meal and we raved over it.

I cannot say enough good things about this recipe. I wish I had a photo, but you can trust me when I say your family will love it!

Mix first five ingredients in the bottom of a 9x13 pan to make the sauce. Place chicken in pan and make sure to spoon a little sauce on top of each piece. Bake chicken breasts at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or chicken thighs for 30 minutes. You can flip the chicken halfway through cooking, if desired.

Serve over rice or quinoa.

3. Chicken Tacos

Your family will enjoy these tacos and four hours after throwing a few ingredients in the crock pot, you're done. You can even assemble the tacos and wrap them in foil to take along to the game.

4. Easy Crock Pot Mexican Chicken

3 ingredients! That's all that you need to put in your crock pot with your chicken and you will wow your family on a baseball night! Serve your Mexican Chicken over rice with a side of tortilla chips. Definitely a home run!

Here's the shopping list that will have you all set for the next four game nights.

To cook Jasmine rice, put 2 cups rice and 4 cups water in a glass, microwave safe bowl with a lid. If you don't have a lid, put a dinner plater over your bowl. Microwave the rice for 5 minutes on full power then for 10 minutes at 50% power. Let rest in microwave for 5 more minutes and it's done.

Enjoy!

Adina