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What’s your favorite easy thing to cook?

Started by Daniel Gibbons · 9 months ago

Dinner is served…

Carrie says: Where is the hip crock pot queen? I would love to find something that has moved beyond the 1970s. In the meantime, I am the queen of 20-minute dinners, open the fridge and go! One of my favorites is gourmet veggie hot dogs: toasted bun, Y ... Continue reading »

131 comments

  • Caroline

    10 months ago

    As part of our "renaissance group" (kind of a book group but instead of books we do any stuff we're good at - wine, music, fashion, food, languages) I did a night on food you can get on the table in 20 minutes (actually technically within 30 minutes after walking in the door, allowing for taking off shoes, patting dog, pouring wine). Stir-frys, omelettes, cold salads, hot salads, soup (yes from scratch), baked chicken breasts, butterflied lamb, pizzas, pasta, grilled fish, it is really endless so long as you have a basic couple of techniques and some sharp knives. And some food.

    Food and the kitchen and the heart and warmth there is such a great thing - if you haven't fully embraced it, surely there's nothing to lose by trying.

    And before you ask, I don't have masses of time myself - a full time career with my own firm, the normal pressures of family, friends, a house, travel. But the time I take to cook is worth it.
    reply
  • bene

    10 months ago

    I love to bake and especially scones at the moment. It only takes one minute to make them, and I do it every morning. I eat them with clotted cream and raspberry jam. Can there be anything more delicious first thing in the morning?? mmmm...
    reply
  • Marissa

    10 months ago

    Kraft Mac & Cheese is a comfort food from childhood and is still a favorite treat. Simple, fast, cheap, and so tasty. (Throw in some frozen veggies for mac-and-veggies-and-cheese, and then you've got some nutritional value too!)
    reply
  • katieh

    10 months ago

    Rubber chicken!

    lol, that sounds so bad. :)

    But it's a great recipe and it feeds my hb and I for three main meals from one decent free-range chicken, which means the extra cost of shopping ethically doesn't bite into the food budget.

    Basically i roast the chicken, but don't carve it - just pull off the thighs, and have them with potatoes and veg. (They are better when they're just cooked anyways, imho, since they're very tender and juicy, but can get a bit slimy when they're cold.)

    Then after the meal i strip the chicken, and W makes stock from the left over gravy and bones, (since he's stock!man in our house.)

    This stock and all the smaller stringy bits of meat will become a risotto - either on day 2 or 3, depending on how i feel.

    Then all that is left is two good sized roast chicken breasts - which can be used in hundreds of different ways.

    so yeah, a roast, a risotto, and the choice of hundreds of other recipes for the third meal. all from an ethical chicken that cost - yesterday - £7.
    reply
  • Crys

    10 months ago

    to cook or eat? Let's see looks like cook, so, spagetti with salad and bread, yes from scratch - it's even easier with a bread machine, a glass of Merlot... I also like eggs and toast with juice or grapefruit 1/2. pasta of all kinds - short answer is the easier and less time I HAVE to spend cooking and standing over something and the less dishes to wash the better. BUT ALWAYS fresh.
    reply
  • Tara

    10 months ago

    Pasta, definitely! I've always got fresh herbs & spinach in the garden, so I can use those and a tin of tomato or a tub of ricotta and whip up something really yummy. And bannana cake - the kids mash up the over ripe bananas for me, and we can get one in the oven in less than 10 minutes.
    reply
  • Tara

    10 months ago

    We had free range chicken risotto for dinner tonight! I tell my kids we're eating "happy chicken".
    reply
  • Liz

    10 months ago

    Egg-fired Veg
    Fry garlic, ginger and a few crushed dried red chillies, shred cabbage, carrots, sweetcorn basically whatever delicious crunchy veg you have around and fry fast on a high heat. Add good quality soy sauce and the last minute a beaten egg. Stir till the scrambled-soy and-garlicy egg is just set and serve. Fast, healthy and flippin delicious. Some frozen prawns bunged in ups the protein quota.

    I really dislike most pasta, it's dull and it makes me fill lethargic but there are lots of asian based dishes that are incredibly quick and easy. Sometimes i have sushi cravings but can't be bothered with all the rolling so i just cook and season the rice (15 mins max) then crumble up the nori (seaweed) sheets, grate in some carrot and advocado, tear up some smoked salmon or snip up smoked makeral fillets and stir in half a jar of pickled ginger. Sushi salad is delicious with wasabi and soy on the side and makes you feel virtuous.
    reply
  • Kristin

    10 months ago

    Kraft Mac and Cheese is one of the foods I miss most from America! (and, of course, proper Mexican food.)
    reply
  • Kristin

    10 months ago

    Garlic and onions in a pan with olive oil. Add courgettes, broccoli, tomatoes, whatever other veg you fancy, then some sliced-up salmon and spices. Great on its own or with rice, pasta or couscous. I'm a novice chef, but it seems that the quality of food and creative use of spices are biggest helps (or hindrances) to a good meal.
    reply
  • Marissa

    10 months ago

    That sounds so good. It's only 630AM here but that already sounds so good! I'm adding that to my list of dinner ideas...
    reply
  • Julia

    10 months ago

    Linguine with pesto shrimp and chopped tomatoes, topped off with shaved parmesean cheese! Yummy and elegant!
    reply
  • Girl-Woman

    10 months ago

    Dinner reservations! LOL. Seriously.
    reply
  • Nancy

    10 months ago

    Roasted Beets & Goat Cheese

    This is my favorite fast, easy, healthy & delicious meal! Peel & cut up beets into bite sized pieces, lightly coat them with oil, toss them into a baking dish and roast them in the oven with some spices...that's it. When they are done, sprinkle the top with goat cheese & a little extra fresh green herbs for a beautiful aesthetic appearance & extra scrumptious taste! People will think you are amazing!
    reply
  • Brenda

    10 months ago

    Got to be broiled salmon, rice and salad. Effortless.
    reply
  • Debbie R

    10 months ago

    Let's talk REALLY simple, not just quick. Poached eggs on toast is on the top of my list.
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  • Jamie

    10 months ago

    I'm with you on that one, sister!
    reply
  • Jamie

    10 months ago

    The Ridler family staple since I was in grade 8 'melted cheese on bread.'TM.
    reply
  • Joanna Hughes

    10 months ago

    Both my husband and I work crazy hours - and in Asia, that's CRAZY. So when we finally end the day, it's often over ravioli or tortellini cooked in organic free range chicken broth or vegetable broth, with a side of organic greens topped with a fab Japanese sesame seed oil dressing. Ten minutes, start to finish, easy clean up. The broth is available in UHT packaging, the pasta is freezer-friendly and the greens come ready washed. Oh, and don't forget the red wine and a nibble of organic chocolates (purely for the anti-oxidants!) to finish.
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  • Joannie

    10 months ago

    I dreamt I was in England last night. I was walking with an old boyfriend's mother though we were both the same age! (Aren't dreams wonderful.) I was curious if they liked my Canadian accent. They did. We were walking along cobbled streets with old houses. Each house had garden beds filled with wildflowers. We were walking to my old boyfriend's mother's home. She was very tired. We were both hungry and looking forward to having dinner. Perhaps it would have been home made soup which is my favourite food to make. What I love is chopping all the vegetables!
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  • Joannie

    10 months ago

    That sounds really good! What kind of cheese and how do you melt it?
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  • Kirsty

    10 months ago

    Nancy...I made something similar a couple of weekends ago...an extra addition: a handful of roasted green pumpkin seeds!
    reply
  • Kirsty

    10 months ago

    Me too: I love poached eggs. I'm having one one an English muffin and spinach right now.
    reply
  • Traci

    10 months ago

    I'm married to the most fantastic man who also happens to be preparing for culinary school. I eat well and dinner's usually ready when I get home. He's incredible.
    reply
  • Jamie

    10 months ago

    Any cheese you like and under the broiler. Toaster ovens are ideal. In my lifetime it's ranged from cheddar on white to Havarti on 12-grain. All good.

    I still remember the confused look on my now-husband's face the first time my sister offered him "melted cheese on bread."
    reply
  • Amy Guth

    10 months ago

    Working for my Dad in his restaurant for years, I've gotten pretty good at keeping a few staples around that elevate any meal and pulling it all together quickly. I like cooking; it's simple and zenlike to me, so 25 or 20 minutes getting it all together is a nice break in the day for me.

    That said, when I feel vulnerable, Spaghettios are a delicious treat.
    reply
  • textimage

    10 months ago

    a boursin omlete, fresh baguette and a green salad. sometimes i trick out the baguette for french fries. yum, i'm hungry already!
    reply
  • Tammy

    10 months ago

    I am so lucky that I married a man who cooks! He is amazing, and fast. I manage to put together some tasty food, but it stresses me out and my kids are always nipping at my heels. But our best, quickest, and easiest meals come from my husband throwing some kind of meat on the grille (which cooks real fast) while I steam some veggies. There's very little clean up afterwards too. And I've also learned that the quickest way to get your meal started at the end of a long day is to be diligent about defrosting your food early. Get it out of the freezer before you leave the house. Nothing has killed a decent meal opportunity more than realizing that all your food is still frozen at 6 or 7 pm. That's when we make pasta. :-)
    reply
  • Xai Vicente Charles

    10 months ago

    The easiest thing for me to cook is rice. I make it a million ways. Coconut rice, spicy rice with beans, rice with veggies, rice pudding. If I can dream it up I'll make it happen with some rice. My grandmother used to say "if you have rice, you'll never go hungry." : )
    reply
  • Diane

    10 months ago

    I love my melted cheese on an English muffin. Gets all in the nooks and crannies. Yum.
    reply
  • amylou

    10 months ago

    favourite easy thing to cook is ratatouille! yummo!
    reply
  • Diane

    10 months ago

    A favorite simple dish my mother used to make: shrimp in pink cream sauce over rice.
    Not quite as healthy as some of the other suggestions here, but for me, very much a comfort food. Regular cream sauce (made with 1% milk, butter and flour, salt and pepper). Throw in some spicy cocktail sauce for flavor and the pink color. When the cream sauce is done, put in cooked shrimp for just a few minutes to heat. Voila. Serve over rice. Super easy, one pot and very yummy.
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  • Diane

    10 months ago

    oh, forgot. steamed broccoli on the side. :)
    reply
  • Candis

    10 months ago

    Ok it isn't ACTUALLY cooking but it does the trick.
    Cheese and crackers.
    reply
  • JoeM

    10 months ago

    Grilled fish. Usually on a gas grill and it tastes like it was done in the best fish place on the planet. Add a lite salad, and a good white wine, a few candles, low lights,and in eight minutes or less - dinner.
    reply
  • Emily

    10 months ago

    one of my favorite meals that doesn't involve cooking is 3/4 c low fat cottage cheese topped with 1 cup of fresh berries, some chopped almonds, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. It is oh-so-yummy, healthy, and very quick!
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  • weezie

    10 months ago

    I notice the question says "to cook" so I'll leave out sandwiches and salads, which we are always happy to have. Our new favorite this summer: grilled romaine (only takes a few secs) with pre-cooked frozen shrimp (thawed, of course), avocado, black beans and a quick dressing made of mayo, sour cream, lime juice, & chipotle to taste. No clean-up except the plates and the bowl for mixing the dressing.
    reply
  • Shelly

    10 months ago

    That sounds so good - a healthy egg sandwich! Eggs are easy and there's lots of variations to keep it interesting too.
    reply
  • JSuz

    10 months ago

    Clay pot cookery. Soak the pot, throw anything you want into it, put it in a cold stove, crank to 480. Takes longer to cook -- but you don't have to DO anything, so it's a great catch up on the sunset with a glass of wine, or a leisurely dog walk or a telephone chat. Then you sit down, relaxed and ready to savor and digest. (Rushed eating will give you a stomach ache -- or worse, you won't chew and the food won't digest!) Most recent hit: lentils on the bottom, chicken pieces, Indian spices, chopped veggies and handful of garlic cloves. 50 minutes later, divine!
    And fast but fantastic? Poached eggs on roasted romaine with a little balsamic and grated cheese. Ten minutes, including the water boil!
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  • Cecile

    10 months ago

    I am with you 100% I loooove the kitchen! I can find true relaxation and creativity at its best in front of the countertop and stove... I happen to have a well equipped kitchen because my late husband loved to cook.

    If truth be known, my favorite, easy thing to cook is eggs. In any way shape or form. But the easiest, best is Spanish omelette. Instead of frying the papas, potatoes, pomme de terre... I bake them. Cube them. One madium potatoe per each 2-egg omellete, finely chopped onion, just a bit goes a long way, salt, white pepper, and parsley. Maybe a chorizo crumbled, if you aren't a vegetarian, will add a lot of flavor (my grandmother cooked it in the fat the chorizo came packed!!! WOW!!) and then you just drop the mixture in a skillet coated with butter and olive oil. A little bit of both. This should take no more than half hour. The best part? It can be dinner, lunch or breakfast!!! Voila! With coffee and a breakfast meat, be fish like in New England or thick bacon like in Virginia, it will be delicious Serve with a salad, crusty roll, some cheese, and a crisp, well chilled white wine or a light Beaujolais and, voila!, it's lunch or dinner...

    That mes amis is one versatile little dish!!!

    Bon Appetite!!!

    Cécile
    reply
  • Nia

    10 months ago

    Tacos. Ummmmmmmmmmmm, now I will crave them for the rest of the day. LOL.
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  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    Hello fellow 20 minute cook. Whats your favorite recipe?
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  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    I am adding your Spanish omlette to my list. I love having breakfast for dinner!
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  • MoJo

    10 months ago

    Edamame beans in shell with some sea salt sprinkled on top - microwave for 2m. - my daughter loves picking them out to eat them (and it keeps her busy while I get the rest done. Then sliced chicken breast in the pan, add some peanut sauce (from a bottle) at the end to warm up. Nuke a bag of Uncle Ben's basmati for 2 mins. Serve it up! I really resent cooking most of the time, so the more true answer is: pick up the phone and order something in ;-)
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  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    One of my favorite meals was scones and clotted cream in a charming tea room in Wales. What brand of clotted cream?
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  • Cindy

    10 months ago

    I am in total agreement with Danielle. Cooking + Cindy = Doesn't Mix I even have two cookbooks that are 5 ingredients or less for when I get ambitious and actually want to cook at meal at home (I can't stand meals with a lot of ingredients because I always feel like by the time I get finished buying all of that stuff and preparing, I could have just gone out to eat). Cindy
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  • Cecile

    10 months ago

    Clotted cream.....that sounds tres Anglais... may I please have the recipe!? Suddenly I want to have clotted cream and fig preserves... My granddaughter is a blotter. She will adore this whole scone-cream-preserve breakfast...
    Cécile
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  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    Love these Liz, adding to my 20 min recipes!
    reply
  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    I am so impressed with everyone's creativity. I am getting hungry!!
    reply
  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    Danielle's husband is the cook in her family. I often overhear her saying on the phone " yea Babe, chili tonight would be great"
    great hubbies you girls got!!!
    reply
  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    Weezie, wow, love this!
    reply
  • Dena

    10 months ago

    Pizza - dial the phone, wait 30 minutes, and voila, there it is - done! Actually I have one pizza place I order from who does thin crust and has lots of unusual toppings - artichoke, eggplant, etc.!
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  • Cecile

    10 months ago

    How marvelous is that!!! And how "green"!! I absolutely love it!! Yes, I have to pass this along and test it myself... Thank you!

    Cécile
    reply
  • Frances

    10 months ago

    I am the crockpot queen!

    I throw stew beef into the crock pot with my secret ingredient - a can of herbed, diced tomatoes. Then the kids and I go explore the ocean floor at low tide. When we get back hours later all I have to do is cook noodles and slice up some fresh veg.

    I take that basic recipe and can turn it into world cooking by adding, say chillis, cocoa powder and rice for Mexican. Or paprika, onion and pepper with sour cream at the last minute over egg noodles for Eastern European. Or potatoes, carrots, bay leaf for basic stew. Or cinnamon, onion and couscous for North African.

    Life in the slow lane. Take any flavourful, yet tough meat and after an afternoon's fun it will be fall-apart tender and mouth-watering delicious.
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  • Krystl

    10 months ago

    The very easiest would have to be the roast chicken and tomatoes thing. You take four chicken breasts (bone in, skin on), rub them with olive oil and salt and pepper, set them on top of sprigs of rosemary on a foil-lined baking sheet with a rim. Then you take two pints of grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes, or both), mix them in a bowl with some more olive oil, a bit of salt and chopped fresh rosemary, red pepper flakes to taste (I like a lot!). Pour the tomatoes right over the chicken, so it is like islands of chicken in a sea of tomatoes. Put the whole mess in a fairly hot oven (I like 450 to start, for about 15 minutes, then 425 for the rest of the time), until the chicken skin is brown and crispy and tomatoes are soft and splitting. Delicious!!
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  • Emily Cline

    10 months ago

    how long do you roast them and at what temp? Sounds yummmy!!
    reply
  • Cathy

    10 months ago

    I use Amanda Hesser's recipe for oven fry chicken, although I don't do the prep she does (she soaks the chicken in ice water for 12 hours or longer beforehand... I did it once, didn't make that huge a difference.) Basically, you just dump about 2TB of butter in a roasting pan and pop it in a 400 degree oven until it melts. In the meantime, coat chicken thighs (this is great if you're on a budget!) with flour, salt, pepper, and maybe parmesan cheese (just throw flour and stuff in a gallon ziplock baggie and dump thighs in 2 at a time.) Then put the chicken skin side down in the melted butter and toss the whole thing in the oven for 40 min, then turn over and cook another 40 min. Not the quickest meal, but I've done it millions of times and every single time it's delicious.
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  • Emily Cline

    10 months ago

    so what are your top ten staples?
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  • Emily Cline

    10 months ago

    Grilled skirt steak, marinated in balsamic vinegar, rosemary, garlic, brown sugar, s&p. Served with (premade) garlic bread and red wine! Done! (Great for dinner parties too.)
    reply
  • Amy Guth

    10 months ago

    Pesto, fresh herbs, goat cheese, good wine, thick balsamic, good olive oil, spinach, pistachio or pine nuts, course grained mustard and champagne vinegar. Sometimes arugula, too. I know that's eleven.
    reply
  • Ruth S.

    10 months ago

    I have been looking for a recipe with beets. Thanks.
    What spices do you suggest?
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  • Emily Cline

    10 months ago

    Thanks! Sounds easy enough. Can I come over for dinner? ;)
    reply
  • Shannon

    10 months ago

    Melted cheese on bread ftw!
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  • Shannon

    10 months ago

    Spaghetti noodles with butter & parmesean. It ain't really healthy but it's quick and pretty cheap!
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  • Ngonzi Truth Crushshon

    10 months ago

    It's as simple as 1.2.3. (and believe me I hate cooking). Buy the meat. Wash & season the meat. Put chicken in the crock pot...oxtails & blackeyed peas in the crock pot...and VOILA!!!! It's magic...and it tastes like you slaved over the kitchen stove. Turn the crockpot on low that evening and in the morning your whole house smells wonderful!!!
    reply
  • Natasha L

    10 months ago

    MOM'S SENSATIONAL PRAWNS
    This isn't my mom's recipe but it was passed on to me and it's so fantastic! Don't be put off by de-shelling and de-veining prawns, just buy them ready to go if you want - but fresh.
    Chop up an onion and a garlic clove and saute in olive oil til soft.
    Add a tsp of cumin, garam masala and half a tsp of tumeric.
    Add raw prawns and cook until pink.
    Add a big dollop (or however much you want) of plain yoghurt and mix well.
    Toss in some sea salt, a squeeze of lemon and some cilantro.
    A presto! A hot, tasty, (and healthy!) dinner for one or however many, just adjust quantities. Very satisfying and quick.
    Extra nice with...a green salad, baguette, rice, and of course a glass of Chardonnay, Vhino Verde...
    ENJOY!
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  • stella tinglin

    10 months ago

    Fried rice with whatever veggies I have in the fridge. Yummy.
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  • Brenda

    10 months ago

    One of my favorite and easy things to cook is my chicken tortilla soup. I use an already roasted chicken which saves so much time. I do love to cook and I find it therapeutic in a way but with a little one running around trying to get into everything I find that I need to take lots of shortcuts.
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  • Katie Kay

    10 months ago

    I love to cook! Well kind of...I love to cook because it usually means I am eating with someone else that night. My family is in a current state of flux...anywho! My simple, fast go to meal to cook is Fajita's. Everybody loves em here and I always have plenty if the kids show up with their posse. I use grilled chicken torn up, I saute green pepper and onion on high to get it really scorched. Lettuce, tomato, green chiles, cheese, black olives, green onion, refried beans, 90 second spanish rice, flour tortillia's, hard taco shells, sour cream and gauc of course and Voila! I lay it all out on the kitchen counter and everybody serves themselves. Margarita's or Sangria optional. YUM!
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  • Katie Kay

    10 months ago

    Yum! I am certainly going to try this, thank you Natasha. Cool name girl!
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  • Danielle LaPorte

    10 months ago

    Jamie Oliver has a great beet recipe. marjoram and rock salt, topped off with a bit of balsamic vinegar. yummers.
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  • Katie Kay

    10 months ago

    Shannon, this is what got me through college! And popcorn of course...
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  • Tina

    10 months ago

    I always have a herb/garlic BOURSIN cheese in the fridge (not lo cal but tasty and versatile) For easy schmeasy but delish I sautee up ANY veggie I have - peppers, onions, asparagus?? then toss in the boursin with hot pasta - delish delish.

    If I'm out and about, I get a specialty roast chicken and shred in the chicken too!
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  • Vanessa Rae

    10 months ago

    A favorite:
    01. Brown rice
    02. Add frozen vegetables (or fresh if you have the time to slice and dice)
    03. Cut up a Kielbasa sausage and add it to the stir-fry mix
    = fast & delicious!
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  • Ruth S.

    10 months ago

    Schnitzel: Take veal or, my favorite, chicken breast (I guess, pork works, too). Wash meat, prepare three plates, one each with flour, egg and breadcrumbs (in that order). Coat meat thoroughly in each and fry in pan with butter. On high heat first to give it color and then on low to make sure it is cooked. Only turn once, otherwise the coating will come off. Season with salt and pepper. The secret: use lots of butter when frying (not a diet food). Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.
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  • Stephanie

    10 months ago

    I fry chicken and vegetables (usually carrots and peppers) in lots of butter, then add coconut milk and just about any flavour of Sharwoods sauce for a butter chicken kind of thing.
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  • Avril

    10 months ago

    Grill a single steak, chicken breast or cut up and saute firm tofu. Slice it thin, and put in whole-wheat tortillas. Top with grated cheese, salsa, sour cream, lettuce and any other salad vegetable you want. Wrap it up and eat with your hands. This is fast, nutritious and a good way to stretch a small piece of meat. My husband, toddler and I eat this at least once a week.
    reply
  • Kat the Drumming Diva

    10 months ago

    i think you should call her (your old boyfriend's mother) and tell her about this dream... maybe some part of you misses her, or you need to connect with each other

    i love dreams
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  • Kat the Drumming Diva

    10 months ago

    ditto!
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  • Keiko Lee-Hem

    10 months ago

    A veggie curry using quick cooking mushrooms, onions, red peppers, a couple glugs of coconut milk and loads of cilantro at the end (so it's still green and fresh). Roll it up in a wrap with some rice (usually jasmine cuz brown just rice takes too long if I'm hungry and want it now!), maybe some plain yogurt for extra yum. It's oh so good. There's usually some left over for the next day's lunch which is a bonus!
    reply
  • Keiko Lee-Hem

    10 months ago

    I hear you Dena! Sometimes there ain't no better feeling that calling the pizza guy!
    reply
  • SRead

    10 months ago

    I don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but love to eat healthy so Roasted Veggies are my favourite quick thing to cook. Current favourites are Garlic Roasted Asparagus ( olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar and tarragon) and Curried Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, lightly coated in your favourite curry paste)...so good and nutritious!
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  • Kat the Drumming Diva

    10 months ago

    best ever & reminds me of summers on the farm when i was a kid-let:
    toasted tomato sandwiches.
    toast some bread and butter it
    add slices of tomatoes
    salt and pepper
    done.
    yum.
    yum.
    yum.
    reply
  • Kristin

    10 months ago

    Sounds lovely! Mmmm...vinho verde...
    reply
  • SRead

    10 months ago

    We have a local cheese maker that makes an Italian Havarti. This on good bread and melted in the George Foreman Grill is amazing...and we found this to be something we could make on road trips with the kids (yes, swim & soccer parents take appliances on road trips).
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  • Keiko Lee-Hem

    10 months ago

    My guy loves to cook too, and I totally appreciate when he does, but boy-oh-boy, he's got some crazy ideas in the kitchen. I'm totally having to learn to open up my ideas of what "goes together". Case in point, yesterday he made guacamole with a touch of coconut milk. Or cilantro in spaghetti sauce! Don't get me wrong, usually it turns out yummy (in a different sort of way), but I guess I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to my palette.
    reply
  • Susie Hutchinson

    10 months ago

    Thick bread with butter and honey, all I can do really.
    reply
  • Daniel Gibbons

    10 months ago

    Well it's really my 13-month-old daughter's favorite thing. Even though I say so myself, I make the best macaroni and cheese. The not-so-secret secret is a proper roux as the basis for the bechamel sauce, to which I add a tablespoon's worth of hot mustard, gruyere, a good aged cheddar and parmigiano reggiano cheese, in about equal parts. I then pour it over al dente rigatoni and bake for about 25 minutes with a topping of coarse breadcrumbs and some of the cheeses.
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  • Linda Borland-Fitzgerald

    10 months ago

    Anything someone else cooks! But, seriously after 40 years of planning for, shopping for and cooking, I've pretty much had it. However, I have a couple of things to share that you can all do and will love.
    Fresh Tomato Sauce over pasta: Chop and remove the seeds from several tomatoes (any kind). Add olive oil and heat, add minced garlic and fresh, chopped rosemary to pan and saute on low for a few minutes then add tomatoes and heat through until flavours are absorbed. Spoon over cooked pasta. Add a fresh salad with vinaigrette and this (rave reviews will follow). Buy a fresh baguette. Chop finely, several stalks of fresh rosemary, and combine with sea salt (Fleur de Sol is good). Spritz the baguette with a fine spray of water, all over and roll in the rosemary/salt mixture. Bake in 400 oven for 10 minutes and serve sliced with good butter or balsamic and oil for dipping. Oh my...Easy and so fast you won't believe it. I've served this at my dinner parties.. never fails to get ooohs and awwws. Perfect for a vegetarian too.
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  • Dolly Hopkins

    10 months ago

    Cook !!!! how about prepare - I love cut up vegies ( peppers, cucumber, onion, green beens, cooked beets,..... throw into a bowl with either feta goat cheese or Italian tuna in olive oil. Served on the side with a glass of good red wine. Or cooked on the Barbie -vegies on a skewer - with a little piece of lamb in musterd sause.
    Okay now I am getting hungary
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  • Uncle Beefy

    10 months ago

    Well, I love to cook...but not always. And I've found some amazingly easy recipes via Gourmet magazine. Top favorites are; Fettuccine with Sausage and Kale (I recommend using turkey italian sausage), Alsatian Cheese Tart, and Oven Crespella with Nutella Sauce (fresh strawberries kick this baby up a serious notch)! All are easy and quite impressive really.

    Here are the links to the recipes if you wanna copy and paste! :)

    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/FE...

    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/AL...

    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/OV...
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  • colette

    10 months ago

    Chinese buffet
    reply
  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    I buy frozen whole wheat pizza dough for a couple of dollars, roll out, douse with olive oil, add cherry tomatoes, basil and goat cheese (any cheese will do). Under $10 in about 20 min!
    reply
  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    Any spices?
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  • Luciaf

    10 months ago

    yummy!
    reply
  • marn

    10 months ago

    Quesadillas!
    Chop up chicken (roasted from the night before works great).
    Saute it with red & green cut up peppers, onions and a few Tbsp of Salsa.
    Grab a couple wraps or tortillas & put in a pre-heated oven (350) on the rack for a minute or 2 to get HOT. Pull out & put on a cookie sheet.
    Grate cheese on one side of the wrap. Put the chicken mixture on top. Cover with some more cheese and then cover with the other hot wrap. (so it is like a round sandwich with a cheese & chicken filling).
    Put it back in the oven until it starts to melt & get crispy, flip, & put back in until the other side does the same.
    Put on a cutting board and cut into quarters.
    Serve with homemade guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.... and a salad on the side!
    VOILA! :-)
    You can put ANYTHING in these! Goat cheese & spinach, chicken, beef, seafood, etc.... sooooooooooooooooo easy! My kids like them with just cheese in them.
    YUMMY! :-P
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  • marn

    10 months ago

    Ditto! And some mac & cheese! LOL! Staples!
    reply
  • lynn

    10 months ago

    OK, this all sounds so good. Now how do we make it into a cookbook that we can all use? Are people willing to submit actual recipes so that we can get started cooking these yummy-sounding creations? What to call it?

    Here's my family's favorite comfort food - very high calorie - sounds weird but tastes great.

    Angel's on Horseback
    While cooking bacon strips in microwave, mix up a bechemel sauce:
    2T butter and 2T flour whisked together over medium heat for 2 minutes while it bubbles. Slowly add 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly until mixture thickens. Toast bread, spread with peanut butter, add bacon slices and pour sauce over all. Yum! Don't knock it 'til you try it!

    Now back to the cookbook.....
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  • Luciaf

    10 months ago

    my favorite that I'm doing tonight: I fry a pork tenderloin with olive oil, garlic, sea salt and Montreal steak spice in a cast iron pan. I serve with a side of mint sauce (make ahead, lasts for weeks - so easy - sugar, boiling water, fresh chopped mint! let infuse) I serve with baguette and a large mixed green salad with peaches, toasted almonds, cucumbers, raddicchio. Pop open a jar of roasted red peppers, julienne a heap beside your pork. Done. Great colour spectrum, fairly lean, looks pretty. Really, twenty minutes. xo L
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  • weezie

    10 months ago

    Reminds me of another old-time Southern favorite: the very best fresh tomatoes (only at this time of year) on white bread with home-made mayonnaise. Mmmmmmm.
    reply
  • Misty

    10 months ago

    I have lots of go-to meals; but when I am in a real bind and want something filling and comforting, I make my favorite take on a BLT. Yummy, crusty bakery bread toasted and slathered with spicy brown mustard. Layer it with bacon, spinach leaves, tomato, avocado, and red onion. Sometimes I use peppered bacon and I always have to cook my husbands tomato since he is allergic to fresh fruits and veggies. I always keep a frozen bag of sweet potato fries, so I pop those in the oven and in a few minutes I have a great version of a favorite childhood meal.
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  • Ellen

    10 months ago

    capellini with shrimp and creamy tomato sauce
    Gourmet | April 2008
    by Paul Grimes

    Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 15 min
    Servings: Makes 4 servings

    Ingredients
    3 tablespoons olive oil
    1 pound peeled large shrimp
    3 large garlic cloves, forced through a garlic press
    1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
    1/2 cup sweet (red) vermouth
    1 (14- to 15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
    3/4 cup heavy cream
    1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    1/2 pound capellini

    Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then cook shrimp and garlic with oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, turning once, until golden, about 2 minutes total. Stir in vermouth and tomatoes, scraping up any brown bits from bottom of skillet. Add cream and briskly simmer until sauce has thickened slightly, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice.
    Meanwhile, cook capellini in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta-cooking water, then drain pasta.
    Serve immediately, topped with shrimp and sauce. Thin with some of reserved water if necessary.
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  • Ella

    10 months ago

    Aglio e olio. Any kind of pasta. Yum. It is bliss.

    With romano cheese, even though that's apparently not very Italian of me.
    reply
  • jennb

    10 months ago

    My easiest meal is: "hey tommy (my fiance) can you make me a grilled cheese please."
    reply
  • Aestival

    10 months ago

    Hole in ones!
    Whether pressed for time or out camping, an egg nested in my toast is always comforting.
    reply
  • Ngonzi Truth Crushshon

    10 months ago

    Yes, the spices that you use to flavor the oxtails and blackeyed peas OR the chicken (which makes it so tender it falls off the bone) are: meat tenderizer, seasoning salt, onion powder/salt whichever you prefer, and italian seasoning (these are all spices that come in the bottle).
    reply
  • Liz

    10 months ago

    Weezie,

    This does sound great! I tend to be drawn to a raw food lifestyle and we always wrap our dinner in leaves! Guacamole wrapped in a giant romaine or collard leaf with onions, red peppers, hemp seeds and hot sauce! Its amazingly fresh and filling. And easy. Smush avocados and wrap them in lettuce. Ten minutes max!

    On a shrimp craving day, I think I will have to try your creation though! Sounds delicious:)
    reply
  • Uncle Beefy

    10 months ago

    Oh, Kat! That takes me back...big comfort food for me. Perhaps the only difference in my recipe would be to "bread" your "butter" ;) Love a good lettuce sandwich, to boot! Such a sweet memory...made me smile! That helped my day...thanks :)
    reply
  • Uncle Beefy

    10 months ago

    What time shall we be over? Shall I bring the wine?

    YUM!
    reply
  • Kat the Drumming Diva

    10 months ago

    Right on! Simple is almost always the best!
    reply
  • Lily

    10 months ago

    There is a nice new crock pot book. It is called "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook" by Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufmann. I like their instructions for a whole chicken. Just throw it in the pot in the morning and then in the evening it is like a delicious roasted chicken.

    Someone was looking for a recipe with beets. I think this one is amazing. It is from "Madhur Jaffrey's Quick & Easy Indian Cooking."

    2 Pounds beets without stems or leaves
    3 tablespoons vegetable oil
    1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    1 bay leaf
    1 cup canned chopped tomatoes or lightly drained, canned whole tomatoes
    1 teaspoon ground cumin
    1 teaspoon ground coriander
    1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
    1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    3/4 teaspoon salt
    1 and 1/2 cup water

    Instructions:
    Wash and peel the beets and cut them into 1-inch chunks.

    Put the oil in a wide medium sized pan an set over high heat. When the oil is hot put in the cumin seeds and bay leaf. As soon as the bay leaf darkens slightly (this takes just seconds), put in the tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cayenne, beets, salt, and the water. Stir and bring to a boil. Cover, turn the heat to low, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the beets are tender.

    serves 4 5o 6
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  • Carrie McCarthy

    10 months ago

    Thanks Lily. Now that autumn is around the corner time to bring out the old crock pot!
    reply
  • Luciaf

    10 months ago

    lol, sure, a lovely red would be divine!
    reply
  • Caroline

    10 months ago

    Grilled swordfish (or marlin, etc, anything) on hot infused vegetables. Actually I am happy with the vegetables alone! And they're great with just about anything....

    2 capsicum, seeded and thickly sliced
    2 zucchini, sliced lengthways
    1 red onion, thickly sliced
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    2 cloves garlic, crushed
    8 kalamata olives
    2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
    1 tablespoon chopped parsley
    ¼ cup torn basil
    juice ½ lemon

    Toss vegetables in half the oil, and char grill or fry. Mix the remaining ingredients together, then toss the hot vegetables in and cover bowl with plastic wrap to allow the flavours to infuse for a few minutes.
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  • Kristen

    10 months ago

    Gotta be married to a firefighter....THEY know how to make something amazing from nothing!!!
    reply
  • Mary

    10 months ago

    Sounds great, and an even easier one is very similar, but no ccoking the sauce. While the pasta is cooking, chop fresh tomatoes (giardini are good), mince a clove of garlic (or more if you like), cut up some fresh basil and chives, put it together in a bowl with some olive oil, pine nuts, and some goat cheese if you like. Mix it and pour on the hot pasta. Fresh parmesean on top and you are done.
    reply
  • Lori

    10 months ago

    yep, I am with you that is my favorite 20 min meal for sure! Now that I have hired someone to help clean house I am going to attempt to manifest a chef of sorts as well!!
    reply
  • Ruth S.

    10 months ago

    That was me. Thanks for the recipe, Lily.
    reply
  • Shirley Ann Hallee

    10 months ago

    I like veggies, and while I don't cook it...I do make a dip that
    makes vegetable eating seem sinful. I simply take two green onions
    and chop them, tops and all (after washing, of course) then put those
    bits into my blender with about 1/2 cup of low cal Kraft Miracle Whip - or something similar. I blend this until it has a smooth
    light green colour. I then dip pieces of carrot, celery, broccoli,
    cauliflower, green - yellow - or orange pepper, cucumber...or
    whatever, and enjoy.
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  • Linda Borland-Fitzgerald

    10 months ago

    Oh yum Mary, that's one I will try for sure. I forgot to say add slivers of parmesan to mine. I make a great pesto too, speaking of pine nuts. If you'd like that recipe let me know. It's one of two recipes that I have lists of people asking for. The other is my whipped shortbread cookies, which I save for Christmas.
    reply
  • Marie Leona

    10 months ago

    Couscous. Really, add water to electric kettle, boil. Pour over couscous and let stand x 5 minutes. Add dried apricots, raisins, and onions and your favorite spices and m-m-m yummie yum dinner in a flash!!!
    reply
  • Danette

    10 months ago

    If you want to get a little fancy with your cheese on bread, thinly slice granny smith apples to lay over your melted white cheddar. On rye. yum.

    I don't recommend cooking the apples, it's all about the crispy zing.

    I'm so hungry right now. We just got home and ordered Thai. :)
    reply
  • Keiko

    10 months ago

    Feel free to bring leftovers to work Dan!
    reply
  • laurie_matthews

    10 months ago

    toast with butter and jam
    reply
  • Kim

    10 months ago

    Quesadillas. There's always something in the fridge and pantry that can be chopped and thrown inside a tortilla and it's quicker than ordering a pizza.
    reply
  • Nancy

    10 months ago

    Yes, i thought of that as soon as I hit send! I was also thinking of almonds or pistachios
    reply
  • Joannie

    10 months ago

    I can't get your post out of my mind and want to try it. How long do you cook the stewing beef? I have two temps on my crock pot - low and high. How long on each; i.e. an hour on high and four or more on low?

    I'm going to try it tomorrow! Thanks, Frances
    reply
  • Frances

    10 months ago

    I'm the wrong person to ask about time. I just don't feel time. I put it on low at about lunch time. I rarely use the high setting - usually only if I realize it's not ready and we're getting hungry.

    If I want extra flavour (and I have time), I sometimes brown the meat first and/or carmelize some onions before I put them in the crock pot.
    reply
  • Kim Theaker

    10 months ago

    I like to cook marcaroni and cheese. It is without a doubt my comfort food. My recipe is made with one saucepan and the blender and can be ready in about 20 minutes. It has been my favourite since I was a child.
    reply
  • Nancy

    9 months ago

    English Muffin Pizzas.
    I just get as many english muffins as I want. Slice them down the center. Spread on a touch of olive oil. Some garlic. Then some spaghetti sauce, cheese and whatever toppings I have on hand. (Fresh mushrooms are my fave topping.) Then I bake just long enough for the cheese to melt. YUM! I am making myself hungry!
    reply
  • Nancy

    9 months ago

    Ohhh, I love veggies too. I am going to try this. It sounds fab! :)
    reply

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