Anonymous
03/10/2012 12:17
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
I like stuff that you can prep and throw together. One we had this week: Butternut Squash soup.
The evening before, I cut 2 butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds, then I coat the exposed flesh with melted butter. I also poke holes in one or two sweet potatoes and put it all on a (foil-lined for easy clean-up) baking sheet and bake at 425 until nice and soft--the sweet potatoes take about 45 minutes, the squash about 30.
This takes 5 minutes to prep before putting in the oven, and I let it bake while I play with the kids. Let it all cool until after bedtime, then remove the skin from the potatoes and the squash, and put the cooked squash and potatoes into the fridge, usually setting some aside my snack or lunch the next day.
When I get home the next day, I dump the squash and sweet potatoes, along with a can of pumpkin, into a big pot, and smush them with a potato masher. Then I add a container of vegetable broth (I think it's the 32 oz. size) and stir over medium as it warms up. After a few minutes of stirring, I blend the whole thing with a stick blender, add a pint of cream and season with salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of chipotle pepper. It may need to heat a little longer, but it's ready in 15 minutes every time.
The evening before, I cut 2 butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds, then I coat the exposed flesh with melted butter. I also poke holes in one or two sweet potatoes and put it all on a (foil-lined for easy clean-up) baking sheet and bake at 425 until nice and soft--the sweet potatoes take about 45 minutes, the squash about 30.
This takes 5 minutes to prep before putting in the oven, and I let it bake while I play with the kids. Let it all cool until after bedtime, then remove the skin from the potatoes and the squash, and put the cooked squash and potatoes into the fridge, usually setting some aside my snack or lunch the next day.
When I get home the next day, I dump the squash and sweet potatoes, along with a can of pumpkin, into a big pot, and smush them with a potato masher. Then I add a container of vegetable broth (I think it's the 32 oz. size) and stir over medium as it warms up. After a few minutes of stirring, I blend the whole thing with a stick blender, add a pint of cream and season with salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of chipotle pepper. It may need to heat a little longer, but it's ready in 15 minutes every time.
Anonymous
03/10/2012 11:06
Subject: Re:Super quick dinners for weak days
I like to make chicken chili. I buy a cooked chicken at Safeway on Friday's ($5) and add navy beans and diced tomatoes. I use the McCormick's chicken chili packets for flavor.
Anonymous
03/08/2012 16:16
Subject: Re:Super quick dinners for weak days
Tons of crockpot recipes you can do that take 10 minutes or so of prep time and then you just let the crock pot cook.
Also you can do black beans and rice: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/black-beans-and-rice/
I like simple soups too: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/quick-and-easy-vegetable-soup/
I use frozen corn and peas, fresh carrots and celery.
I do a simple spinach and mushroom quiche or simple spinach lasagna sometimes - I make ahead for the next night or you can do it in the morning. Takes about 15 minutes or so to whip up and then you just bake it.
Quesadillas are easy and if I'm really motivated I do a simple guacamole to go with it.
My 3 year old loves "oatmeal delux" (raisins, banana, honey, milk) with eggs and fruit. We don't have time for all that in the morning usually so it makes a good dinner sometimes.
Also you can do black beans and rice: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/black-beans-and-rice/
I like simple soups too: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/quick-and-easy-vegetable-soup/
I use frozen corn and peas, fresh carrots and celery.
I do a simple spinach and mushroom quiche or simple spinach lasagna sometimes - I make ahead for the next night or you can do it in the morning. Takes about 15 minutes or so to whip up and then you just bake it.
Quesadillas are easy and if I'm really motivated I do a simple guacamole to go with it.
My 3 year old loves "oatmeal delux" (raisins, banana, honey, milk) with eggs and fruit. We don't have time for all that in the morning usually so it makes a good dinner sometimes.
Anonymous
03/07/2012 18:14
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
Go to the rice aisle where the packaged McCormick seasonings are- get the chili packet. The "recipe" on it is foolproof and honestly tastes delicious even if it only simmers for 15 minutes. One pound ground beef or turkey, browned. Throw in one can of tomato sauce, one can of diced tomatoes, one can of chili beans or kidney beans, and the packet of seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes while you shred cheese. Takes all of 20 minutes and my DH and kids eat it without complaint every time.
I also make a really quick meal of what I call "sausage spaghetti." Thick spaghetti noodles, boiled. In a pan, brown a package of hot breakfast sausage. When it's brown, drain it and add a jar of Classico Sun Dried Tomato alfredo sauce. Let it warm through and add the pasta. Another family favorite. Takes only about 15 minutes- long enough for the water to come to a boil and cook the spaghetti.
I also make a really quick meal of what I call "sausage spaghetti." Thick spaghetti noodles, boiled. In a pan, brown a package of hot breakfast sausage. When it's brown, drain it and add a jar of Classico Sun Dried Tomato alfredo sauce. Let it warm through and add the pasta. Another family favorite. Takes only about 15 minutes- long enough for the water to come to a boil and cook the spaghetti.
Anonymous
03/07/2012 15:21
Subject: Re:Super quick dinners for weak days
I tried this recently and while the chicken was not that visually appealing, it was very tender.
http://www.thekitchn.com/super-kitchen-m-36891
Probably I needed the butter a bit hotter at first or more flour to make the color nice. At any rate we made sandwiches with it later in the week and it was very good!
http://www.thekitchn.com/super-kitchen-m-36891
Probably I needed the butter a bit hotter at first or more flour to make the color nice. At any rate we made sandwiches with it later in the week and it was very good!
Anonymous
03/07/2012 14:31
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
11:00 -do you have any sauce on the chicken or is marinating enough? My grilled chicken always comes out dry.
Anonymous
03/07/2012 11:00
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
For the rice person, get a rice cooker. To me, way tastier than frozen and reheated. Ours has a timer.
last night's dinner: before leaving for work, I sliced two chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, semi frozen) in half. Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice (from a bottle), kosher salt, italian seasoning, garlic powder. When I got home, I took the chicken out of the fridge to warm up while I chopped some broccoli, which I then tossed with olive oil and salt. Roast the broccoli at 400 for 15 minutes. As soon as the broccoli goes in, start the grill. Get DH to grill the chicken. DD really likes chicken cooked this way and it is pretty healthy. Prep: 5 minutes in the AM, 10 minutes to chop broccoli, 15 minutes to cook. Dinner can be on the table in 30 minutes from walking in the door. And there is still time to change into jeans while it is cooking.
Variations on the theme: flanks steak (marinate the night before) on the grill, green beans in the microwave. Italian sausage on the grill, saute onion and peppers (or roast).
last night's dinner: before leaving for work, I sliced two chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, semi frozen) in half. Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice (from a bottle), kosher salt, italian seasoning, garlic powder. When I got home, I took the chicken out of the fridge to warm up while I chopped some broccoli, which I then tossed with olive oil and salt. Roast the broccoli at 400 for 15 minutes. As soon as the broccoli goes in, start the grill. Get DH to grill the chicken. DD really likes chicken cooked this way and it is pretty healthy. Prep: 5 minutes in the AM, 10 minutes to chop broccoli, 15 minutes to cook. Dinner can be on the table in 30 minutes from walking in the door. And there is still time to change into jeans while it is cooking.
Variations on the theme: flanks steak (marinate the night before) on the grill, green beans in the microwave. Italian sausage on the grill, saute onion and peppers (or roast).
Anonymous
03/07/2012 09:46
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
Anonymous wrote:DH made dinner tonight of ... Pasta shells, left over chicken satay (without the sauce) and a packet of frozen broccoli in cheese sauce. Dumped it all together and, voila, cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta!
I want to hear more about the chicken satay. Anyone?
Anonymous
03/07/2012 09:44
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
To the cold dinner poster...I do that too and call it "tapas night." Olives, veggie plate, cheese and cracker plate, and warmed up leftovers that aren't enough for a full dinner. Viola!
Anonymous
03/07/2012 00:07
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
DH made dinner tonight of ... Pasta shells, left over chicken satay (without the sauce) and a packet of frozen broccoli in cheese sauce. Dumped it all together and, voila, cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta!
Anonymous
03/06/2012 23:36
Subject: Re:Super quick dinners for weak days
Cheese steaks from six o clock scramble cookbook. Sauté sliced onion. Cut deli roast beef into strips and sauté (in same pan) a few minutes until browned. Toast sub rolls, then put onions and browned roast beef into rolls with a slice of provolone cheese, and heat until cheese melts.
Anonymous
03/06/2012 22:11
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
Baked potatoes in the microwave topped with broccoli and shredded cheese. I like mine with salsa. And don't tell my MIL but sometimes we eat a cold dinner-cut up veggies, fruit, cheese and cold cuts.
Anonymous
03/06/2012 10:21
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
For really weak nights I do pancakes. I throw "surprises" into the batter. Finely shredded carrot, pumpkin puree, applesauce all work well. I can put pretty much anything in there, and as long as I put on a few chocolate chips for eyes and nose my kid will eat it and think it is a fantastic treat.
Anonymous
03/05/2012 14:05
Subject: Super quick dinners for weak days
i'm asian and so it is my personal belief that without rice, a meal is incomplete. but rice can take some time to cook.
so what i do is make a big batch at once, then portion them out into dinner-friendly servings, wrap in saran wrap, then freeze. when i need rice for a side, i just unwrap the frozen rice and microwave for a few minutes. it's like fresh.
if you remember to thaw frozen fish filets the night/morning before you need it, it's super easy to pan fry. easiest tastiest way to prepare is to stick it on a hot pan and sprinkle liberally with goya adobo seasoning. it's salt-heavy but no msg.
and my easiest stand-by veg is either prewashed bagged salad or frozen peas (microwave just a couple minutes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper).
also, if you shop at wegmans, try their basting oil. it goes excellently on veggies or any meat, but especially veggies. no other seasoning required.
so what i do is make a big batch at once, then portion them out into dinner-friendly servings, wrap in saran wrap, then freeze. when i need rice for a side, i just unwrap the frozen rice and microwave for a few minutes. it's like fresh.
if you remember to thaw frozen fish filets the night/morning before you need it, it's super easy to pan fry. easiest tastiest way to prepare is to stick it on a hot pan and sprinkle liberally with goya adobo seasoning. it's salt-heavy but no msg.
and my easiest stand-by veg is either prewashed bagged salad or frozen peas (microwave just a couple minutes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper).
also, if you shop at wegmans, try their basting oil. it goes excellently on veggies or any meat, but especially veggies. no other seasoning required.
Anonymous
03/05/2012 11:49
Subject: Re:Super quick dinners for weak days
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I will pass along a tip I do all the time. I program my oven (using delay start) to preheat. For recipes like this (or any recipe you pre-assemble and stuff into your fridge), it really accelerates things for oven to be ready to go...
That is a great idea! I wonder if my oven has a delay...?
bean and cheese burritos - can of refried beans or can of pinto beans + chili powder, shredded cheese, some leftover peppers/onions if you're lucky... roll it up and you're good to go.
pitas or flatbreads make homemade pizza even easier and can be GRILLED (yum)
stirfry: sliced meat of choice + veg of choice + some soy and spices. Easily done in 20 esp if there's not a lot of chopping, but you can chop a bit while meat cooks. Rice in the microwave (~10-15 mins) or the noodles you only soak, and you're good to go.
I make batches of buttermilk biscuits and freeze them individually (not baked). When all else fails we can have egg and cheese biscuits... the biscuits just make it feel more legit.